Welcome to Ridgway – Be our guest
Recreating responsibly has always been at the forefront of our identity in Ridgway.
Black Canyon
“No other canyon in North America combines the depth, narrowness, sheerness, and somber countenance of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison,” Wallace Hansen wrote after studying the geology of the region for several years.
Self-guided tours offer a glimpse into Ridgway’s storied past
Ridgway offers something for every history buff, from easy access to ghost towns to scenic ranches and world-class museums.
Read more: Self-guided tours offer a glimpse into Ridgway’s storied past
Ridgway is the Colorado vacation you need this winter
Come winter, the mountains near the cozy community of Ridgway are covered in snow and call to nature-loving outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, interests and abilities. Whether you prefer adrenaline-packed, off-piste powder chutes or a family-friendly nature walk along the river, Ridgway is the quintessential Colorado winter destination.
Read more: Ridgway is the Colorado vacation you need this winter
Ridgway State Park
This beautiful park, created with the Ridgway Reservoir at its heart, offers breathtaking scenery, three campgrounds with modern amenities, three cozy yurts for overnight stays, playgrounds, and group event facilities.
True Grit Walking Tours
The Ridgway Chamber offers a one-hour True Grit Movie Walking Tour, which departs every Friday at 11 a.m. from the Ridway Visitors Center (May through October). For reservations, call 970.626.5181. The fee is $10 for adults and free for children under 12.
Fall for Foliage in Ridgway
Fall Foliage around Ridgway provides a great backdrop to any type of vacation. The aspens, cottonwoods and scrub oaks are the stars of the show during fall in the Ridgway area. The slow-motion fireworks of changing leaf colors make a sublime backdrop for outdoor activities and a perfect focal point for photos.
Channel your inner artist this winter
Ridgway is one of 26 Certified Colorado Creative Districts and you’ll find creativity on display around every corner.
Workshops & Lectures
The tight-knit community of Ridgway is full of interesting people with unusual and fascinating backgrounds, as well as historians with deep knowledge of a variety of people and places. From top international athletes to prominent scientists and artists, we have a large pool of experts who are happy to share their stories, insights and knowledge through presentations, films and discussions.
Hiking in the Ridgway Area
Whether you are a fair-weather, once-in-a-blue-moon hiker or a die-hard, long-distance hiker, heading out on the trails is a wonderful way to experience the Ridgway area.
Colorado Creative Corridor
Ridgway is proud to be a part of the Colorado Creative Corridor. The Creative Corridor travels 331 miles through a handful of state-certified Creative District destinations, connecting Ridgway to four towns for a collective cultural experience. Our unique event programming and activities are featured alongside mountain town eclecticism, majestic vistas, outdoor recreation, and authentic Colorado mountain culture.
Regional Museums
From our well-known Railroad Museum to the growing Ouray County Ranch History Museum, Ridgway has a lot of history packed into our little town. Within short drives to neighboring towns, you can also learn about mining, the Utes and other local history including movies filmed here like True Grit.
World-Class Ice Climbing
From mid-December through mid-March, Ouray is full of climbing activity and good cheer, with “Have an Ice Day” greeting you from almost every open merchant and lodger’s window.
Community Theater
Community theater is an important part of our culture in Ridgway and Ouray County with many venues offering a variety of performances. The Wright Opera House and the Sherbino Theater host a number of musical, performing arts and theater events throughout the year as well as weekly independent films and melodrama.
On The Big Screen
The captivating beauty of Ridgway, Ouray and surrounding areas has attracted a number of production companies making movies, documentaries and commercials. More than 100 films have been made in southwestern Colorado.
Hot Air Ballooning
Nowhere on earth is there a more beautiful place to experience the “gentle adventure” of hot air ballooning than Ridgway. Experience Ouray County the way you’ve always wanted to, from the air.
A hot air balloon flight is one of life’s very special treats and worth doing with San Juan Balloon Adventures!
Poetry, Lectures & Films
Whatever your interest or passion, local theaters are sure to present a performance or film to match it! The Sherbino Theater, Wright Opera House, coffee houses and other performance spaces around Ridgway provide year-round programming for diverse artistic, intellectual and entertainment tastes.
Ranching Heritage
Ridgway, home of the Rio Grande Southern Railroad, had its beginning as a railroad town in 1890. Otto Mears, known as the Pathfinder of the San Juans for his network of toll roads, and his fellow investors founded the town to be the headquarters of their Rio Grande Southern Railroad (R.G.S.).
Year-Round Fishing
Colorado is home to miles of trout streams, so it should not be a surprise that many excellent fishing opportunities are located within a short distance from Ridgway. Whether you are a veteran or novice, a stay in charming Ridgway will allow you to experience great year-round fishing, as well as float fishing trips, walk and wade guided fly fishing trips and instructional clinics.
Workshops & Classes
Ridgway and Ouray County hav rich, year-round cultural scenes that are sure to stimulate the mind, touch the heart and excite the senses. There is a plethora of nonprofits that offer classes and workshops for every age or ability.
Relaxed, rested and ready for more in Ridgway
Ridgway’s peaceful vibe and spectacular scenery provide what so many of us are seeking these days.
4WD, ATV, Dirtbiking
From tough singletrack to scenic off-road byways crossing the San Juan Mountains, 4-wheel drive roads and trails abound for every level of driver or rider. Go it alone or with guides who love to share their knowledge of the San Juans’ geology, flora, fauna, and colorful stories.
Amazing Music Scene
The Ridgway Concert Series is the newest FREE outdoor concert series on the Western Slope. Each Thursday in July, Ridgway features awesome live music, along with great food, non-alcoholic beverages, and beer and wine for purchase. Each concert is a multi-faceted, family-friendly affair, with great kids’ entertainment to go along with the music.
Eternal Hot Springs
After a long day of adventures, there’s no better way to end your day than soaking in natural hot springs. Orvis Hot Springs is located just one mile south of Ridgway and offers seven soaking areas, a sauna and natural landscaping to give you the ultimate relaxation experience.
Golfing
Ouray County’s 300+ days of sunshine make it an ideal location for golfing. The award-winning Divide Golf Club is located only four miles from Ridgway and features an 18-hole course with incredible views and 7,039 yards of challenging play. Complete with pro shop, restaurant and event services, the Divide meets all your golfing needs!
Ridgway Creative District
A town’s main street says a lot about the community — bringing to life the heritage and authenticity of the area and inspiring creative energy and pride. Filled with unique businesses, excellent restaurants and fantastic views, Ridgway’s downtown is one of the few in Colorado to be both a state-certified Creative District and a Designated Main Street Community.
Who’s hungry (and thirsty!)?
Ridgway has been recognized as a top foodie destination in the state with six places taking top billing.
Biking, Hiking, Running
There are plenty of trails within a few minutes drive from Ridgway within the San Juan Mountains, including Mt. Sneffles and Cimarron Wilderness and surrounding BLM lands. Ridgway Area Trails (RAT) are a series of interconnected trails in and around the town of Ridgway.