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Locals'
Adventure Guide

Montrose | Ouray | Ridgway
A Colorado adventure wouldn't be complete without taking a few days to experience western Colorado - what locals would say is the best side of the state. But even locals can forget the abundance of day-trip excursions and opportunities to refresh and recharge right in their own 'back yard.'

Spend a day in...

Instead of languishing at home or planning a trip afar to points unknown, consider a few suggestions to fill three days with a satisfying blend of activities in Montrose, Ridgway, and Ouray. Each of these places has something special to enjoy, both closer to town and farther afield in the scenic areas that surround them.

Recreate Responsibly

Maintaining and protecting our health is a priority during the on-going pandemic. Wherever your travel plans take you, please be a responsible traveler and avoid exposing yourself or others to unnecessary health or safety risks.

  • Keep your distance

    Distance makes the heart grow fonder when you’re using it to help everyone stay healthy and well. Stay about six feet from other people to prevent spreading germs — or catching them yourself.

  • Wear a mask

    There is a statewide mandatory mask order in all public indoor spaces. Always keep a bandana or mask in your pocket so you can wear it if you’re out in public or around others.

  • Keep it clean

    Regularly use hand sanitizer and wash your hands for 20 seconds. When paying for goods or services, make cashless payments whenever possible. And do your best to avoid touching things others may have come into contact with, like counters, railings, and gas pumps.

  • We welcome your visit but stay home if you’re sick

    You'll enjoy your visit more when you're feeling up-to-par and not exposing others to germs can make a huge difference in stopping the spread of illness in our communities.

  • Prepare for your adventure

    Weather, health concerns, and other natural events can all affect how places in Colorado are able to welcome visitors. Check websites or social media before you leave so you’re aware of the latest travel advice and are following local guidelines. This includes restroom closures in parks or natural areas. It’s also smart to carry TP, hand sanitizer, and towels with you on your journeys. (And make sure you know what to do when answering the call of nature on a trail.)

  • Have a backup plan

    Have a Plan B in case your intended travel plans turn out to be a little less than ideal. Use resources like AllTrails, COTREX, and Google reviews to curate a list of less-trafficked trails and locations you’d like to explore. A little preparation can go a long way in making sure you get the most out of those coveted weekends and vacation days.

Care for Colorado

Western Colorado and it's wild and pristine landscapes are something we treasure. Help keep it that way by considering some things that you can do while recreating:

  • Stay back from the pack

    Find your way to less-visited and off-peak destinations to minimize downtime and maximize your connection with special places.

  • Stick To Trails

    With 39,000 marked trails and 13,000 designated campsites in Colorado, there’s no need to create new ones. Stick to established trails and campsites and camp at least 200 feet from lakes, rivers, and streams. Resist the temptation to create shortcuts or stray from designated trails. Doing so will protect plants and the homes of the true wilderness 'locals.'

  • Trash the Trash

    It's simple - if you pack it in, please pack it out. Better yet, leave places you visit cleaner than you found them. Even food waste is litter so be sure to place it in the nearest waste/recycling bin. Wash yourself, pets, and dishes at least 200 feet from waterways and use biodegradable soap.

  • Leave It As You Find It

    Leave plants, rocks, and historical items as you find them so others experience the joy of discovery. Any of our 750 different species of wildflowers will live forever in a photo. Snap away, but only with a camera. Colorado is beautiful all on its own. Building structures or campsites on public land isn’t cool. Treat all living things with respect. Carving or hacking plants and trees may kill or disfigure them.

  • Be Careful With Fire

    Colorado’s low humidity has its perks but can create dry, dangerous conditions. Always check for local fire restrictions and keep campfires small and manageable to avoid sparking wildfires. When putting out a fire, water it until you can handle the embers. Never let a fire burn unattended. Use care when smoking in Colorado’s dry climate. Always put cigarettes out completely and don’t leave your butts behind.

  • Keep Wildlife Wild

    Keep yourself and wildlife safe by keeping your distance. Feeding wildlife is a bad idea because it can alter natural behaviors and expose wildlife to predators or even euthanasia. Keep your furry buddies leashed when enjoying dog-friendly trails and pack out their waste.

  • Share Our Trails & Parks

    Part of the beauty of nature is its calming silence. So be sure to silence your cell phone before stepping into nature and speak softly without using the speaker function. Be considerate when passing others on the trails and yield to the uphill hiker and biker – they need the momentum.
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