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Southwest Colorado is synonymous with outdoor wonderland. Exploring the backcountry or hanging out around Ridgway just after dawn or at dusk, the scenery and wildlife astound and inspire you to discover more. Recreational opportunities abound for young and old alike to enjoy in this grand landscape in all four seasons.
Photography: Amateur and professional photographers can easily capture amazing scenery throughout the year, with snowcapped mountains, stunning sunrises and sunsets, spectacular night skies, dazzling waterfalls, and fantastic fall leaves. The San Juans are the most photographed mountains in Colorado, and Owl Creek Pass is one of our favorites for access to amazing landscapes and wildlife.
Wildlife Viewing: Most notable of the indigenous wildlife in and around Ridgway are mountain lions, badgers, deer, elk, moose, bears, coyotes, lynx, wild turkeys, porcupines, and bald eagles. Birding opportunities also abound, with more than 140 species of migratory and resident birds in the area.
Hunting: As summer ends and temperatures cool, thousands of elk and deer come down to lower elevations. Ridgway is surrounded by the Uncompahgre National Forest, which boasts prime elk management units and excellent hunting grounds for big and small game.
Golf & Disc Golf: The award-winning 18- hole golf course at the Divide Ranch & Club is located amid the rugged Ponderosa pine beauty, and features 7,039 yards of challenging play. For golfers of another kind, Top of the Pines’ disc golf course is expanding to 18 holes in 2023, offering a great way to enjoy the forest with friends.
“Ridgway is right at a transition point in terms of climate. I live on the north edge of town where cactus grows and I can see storms roll in and blanket the mountains with snow. Weather and temperatures can change quickly and be very different in a relatively close area.”
Skyward Mountaineering 970.325.3305
Voyager Youth Program (summer & school breaks only) 970.626.4279
RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service 970.626.4460
San Juan Hut Systems, Inc 970.626.3033
Know Before You Go: All forms of climbing are technical sports that require knowledge and experience to ensure safety. Check with one of our local guide services who can teach you the ropes safely. You can also learn a lot by participating in the Ouray Canyoning Festival, OuRock! Festival, and Ouray Ice Festival (see events page for dates).
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
Copyright 2023 Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce. View sitemap