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Whether you call it hiking, trekking, walkabout, or rambling, putting your feet into motion and heading into the hills is a wonderful way to experience the Ridgway area. The San Juan and Cimarron Wilderness Areas, Uncompahgre National Forest, and abundant public lands offer not only hundreds of miles of trails, thanks to the Utes, explorers, surveyors and miners, but also the highest concentration of 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado.
Dirt trails, gravel roads, and paved paths provide walking, hiking, and running opportunities for all ages and experience levels, ranging from easy and short to longer and more challenging terrain. Whichever route you decide to follow, each is sure to provide postcardperfect backdrops and awe-inspiring views.
From day trips to overnight backpacking, many choices are available. Many of the lower elevation trails are accessible on foot yearround. Warmer, turdy footwear and layering of clothes is the key to enjoying uncrowded trails from October to April.
For a totally unique experience, the San Juan Hut Systems has fully stocked huts, strategically located on dirt roads and singletrack trails from high alpine areas to canyon country
Know Before You Go: Be sure to pick up the excellent Ouray Trail Group map from local bookstores and visitor centers for descriptions, distances, difficulty, and topographic information. Information on the status of many trails, with some maps and pictures, is also available at www.ouraytrails.org
The San Juan Mountains are a rugged, steep mountain range rising to just over 14,000 feet. These beautiful public lands offer adventures year round. If you are interested in exploring the San Juans, be prepared for challenging terrain that sometimes requires technical expertise and knowledge of the area.
Come prepared by doing research online to find maps, rules and helpful guidance from public agencies and user-generated websites. Utilize local expertise when you get into town by stopping in at our local gear stores. We highly recommend working with our local guide services that employ experts who can help you achieve your goals for world-class recreation. You can also take a course in: backcountry skiing, avalanche safety, rock climbing, ice climbing, and other valuable outdoor skills.
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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