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As the birthplace and early headquarters of the famed Rio Grande Southern Railroad, the town of Ridgway is a center point for discovering the West’s rail history. Located on the northern edge of the rugged San Juan Mountains, the town and the surrounding area relied on trains including the Denver & Rio Grande and Silverton Railroads for the development of mining, ranching and agriculture. Local historians and train enthusiasts have preserved this important heritage, and invite visitors to travel back into our rich past.
Open everyday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fresh, healthy cuisine with heart and soul. Voted Best Breakfast & Lunch. Summer outdoor dining.
615 W. Clinton St., Ridgway; 970-626-9800, www.katesplaceridgway.com
Check out the Ouray County Ranch History Museum in the historic Railroad Depot. Visitors can see the interior and exterior of the depot, built in 1890 by the Rio Grande Southern railroad, and featured in the 1961 movie, "How the West Was Won".
Step out back of the museum to the pasture where you can explore several historic train cars including the famous Galloping Goose, one of seven motor railcars made by the Rio Grande Southern Railroad for small passenger and cargo loads. Groups can schedule guided tours and ride the Galloping Goose (Motor Car 1) on a half-mile loop of demonstration rail (weather permitting) almost anytime of year by appointment.
Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. ''Where Comfort Food Meets True West''. Serving locals and visitors for over 30 years. Known for our local beef and pork!
123 North Lena St., Ridgway; 970-626-8739; www.truegritcafe.com
...along the historic railroad bed of the former Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad corridor. This well-maintained concrete trail is 5.1 miles one way so will be a 10.2 mile round trip (about 3.5 hours by foot or 70 minutes by bike). You will cross over a picturesque, restored railroad trestle (bridge), follow the scenic Uncompahgre River through typical high desert landscape with sagebrush, juniper and pinon trees, and cross through Dennis Weaver Memorial Park, 60 acres of permanent wildlife preserve with a picnic area and sculptures. North of the park, the route is open sagebrush with a stunning mountain backdrop along U.S Highway 550 and ends in Ridgway State Park's Dallas Creek area with more trails, the Ridgway Reservoir, picnic areas and prime fishing spots.
Local crafted ales, wine, salads and artisan pizzas. Growlers and kegs to go.
602 Clinton St., Ridgway; 970-626-5333; www.coloradoboy.com
Evenings at the Sherbino are always fun and interesting, from musicals and plays to concerts, documentaries and even game night, you’ll be entertained and inspired.
Boutique Hotel Suites offer luxurious mountain contemporary lodging with full kitchens for couples and families. Only hotel-style accommodations in the historic district.
Contact: 630 Sherman St./Hwy. 62, Ridgway; 970-729-2366; www.ridgwaylofts.com
See several landmarks from the late 1800s and early 1900s when trains transported people and cargo around the San Juan Mountains.
Visit another one of the Galloping Geese in Telluride, and travel along several roads that paralleled the defunct Rio Grande Southern Railroad tracks, though rail ties and other remnants are long gone.
Many opportunities for great photos of high alpine scenery and possibly even some wildlife such as deer, elk, eagles, hawks, and more.
From Ridgway, you will take a 39 minute (51-mile) drive to Telluride to see the Galloping Goose downtown next to the San Miguel County Courthouse. Then, head back out of town and drive toward Telluride Mountain Village, passing the turnoff and continuing to Trout Lake, where you can see the road where the old railroad bed ran with the old water tower still standing on the edge. A short, 1.5-mile drive on the dirt road also leads to the railroad trestle. Then, you can return to Ridgway for the evening. The whole trip is a 2.5-hour drive (106 miles) but will take longer with your stops at each landmark.
The Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce promotes business and community development in the Town of Ridgway and the surrounding area. The Ridgway Visitor Center, located at 150 Racecourse Road, Ridgway, Colorado 81432 (across from Citizens Bank off of HWY 62), The visitor center is closed as of October 1st and will reopen Memorial Day weekend.
P.O. Box 544
Ridgway, Colorado 81432
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