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Well Worth the Trip from Any Direction

Highway 550 South to Ouray – Kane Scheidegger

Planning your Ridgway vacation is easy whether you’re driving or flying. Montrose Regional Airport, the closest local airport, also happens to be the largest in southwestern Colorado. The airports in Grand Junction, Telluride, Durango, and Gunnison are also easily accessible. Out-of-state guests often fly into Denver International Airport and then drive or take a shuttle to Ridgway, taking advantage of other Colorado attractions on the way here; the ever-changing scenery alone makes the drive well worth it.

In the wintertime, be sure to check local road reports and be prepared for inclement weather. Visit the Colorado Department of Transportation travel website for the most up-to-date travel reports at www.cotrip.org or call 511 or 877-315-7623.

Regional Airports

  • Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ): 249.3203; www.montroseairport.com
  • Telluride Regional Airport (TEX): 728.8600; www.tellurideairport.com
  • Durango La Plata County Airport (DRO): 382.6050; www.flydurango.com
  • Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT): 244.9100; www.gjairport.com
  • Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC): 641.2304; www.gunnisoncounty.org/Airport


Ground Transportation

  • Automobile rental agencies and local shuttle services have offices at all of the regional airports. Check airport websites for information.
  • Shuttle services offering local and regional transportation include Western Slope Rides (www.gowsr.com), which also offers concierge services, connecting travelers with local guides and other amenities such as ski rentals and grocery shopping.
  • All Points Transit offers transportation options from Montrose at www.allpointstransit.com.
  • Bustang (www.ridebustang.com), operated by the Colorado Department of Transportation, serves the Ridgway area with bus service through the Bustang Outrider Routes.

Ridgway’s Travel Services

Our reputation as a premier outdoor recreation destination means we have key amenities for adventurers. Businesses and community resources to keep you going include:

  • Gas stations
  • Vehicle repair
  • Bike repair and parts
  • Public restrooms
  • Picnic areas
  • Transportation
  • Concierge
  • Scenic tours
  • Recreation guiding
  • Outfitters
  • Water sports rentals
  • Churches that welcome visitors
Additional resources

In the Guide

How to Enjoy Ridgway Like a Local

Residents and businesses take great pride in our community and surrounding open spaces. We invite visitors to consider ways to minimize impacts and maximize local benefits. Traveling responsibly means educating yourself on outdoor recreation best practices, local ethics and community expectations.
  • Know Before You Go
    Be prepared and be informed about your destination.
  • Stick to the Trails
    Protect our natural land￾scapes by staying on the trails and roads.
  • Trash the Trash
    If you pack it in, pack it out.
  • Leave It as You Find It
    Camp in designated areas only.
  • Be Careful with Fire
    Follow seasonal restrictions, and keep campfires small and manageable.
  • Keep Wildlife Wild
    Leash your dogs, pack out waste, and don’t feed wildlife.
  • Share Our Parks & Trails
    Try out the lesser-known paths and sites, and minimize noise.

Be Prepared for Adventure

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.

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