Ridgway isn’t just a gateway to the San Juan Mountains — it’s also a piece of Hollywood history. The iconic 1969 Western True Grit, starring John Wayne, was filmed in and around Ridgway. Today, you can visit these memorable locations through guided walking tours or on your own with a self-guided itinerary.
Free True Grit Walking Tours (Summer Only)
Join the Ridgway Western Heritage Society for a one-hour guided tour through downtown Ridgway. Visit seven original filming locations and hear behind-the-scenes stories from the classic film.
Tour Schedule:
- June, July & August: Fridays at 3:00 p.m.
- July only: Also offered Mondays at 10:00 a.m. and Wednesdays at 3:00 p.m.
- Meeting Point: Gazebo at Hartwell Park (off Hwy 62/Sherman Street)
- Cost: Free
Private True Grit Walking Tours (Year-Round)
Private True Grit tours are available year-round for groups of four or more with advance notice. Email Eve Becker-Doyle or Ed Bovy or call 469-682-9710 to schedule.
- Cost: $10 per person
Free Self-Guided True Grit Tour (Year-Round)
Pick up a copy of Ridgway’s Western Movies: A Guide to Filming Locations at the Ridgway Visitor Center and create your own True Grit tour. In addition to the nine filming locations in Ridgway and Ouray, map here, you can visit those farther afield — which are reached via some of the area’s most scenic drives.
- Mattie Ross’ Ranch (Last Dollar Road): Mattie Ross’ ranch is just 20 minutes west of Ridgway.
- Katie’s Meadow (Deb’s Meadow): Located 45 minutes east of town near Owl Creek Pass, this aspen-filled valley was the setting for one of the film’s most dramatic scenes.
- Ouray County Courthouse (Ouray): Just 15 minutes south of Ridgway, in the working courthouse, is where the interior courtroom scenes were filmed.
- Outlaw Restaurant (Ouray): While the restaurant itself doesn't appear in the movie, it was a frequent gathering spot for the cast and crew of the film, including John Wayne.
For the full rundown on Ridgway’s role in the film, purchase the book, True Grit: A 50-Year Tribute, at the Ouray County Ranch History Museum or Timber Creek Gallery in Ridgway.
