Ridgway Colorado

The town of Ridgway Colorado lies at the northern entrance of the scenic San Juan Skyway, a crossroad for commerce, transportation, history and scenery. It is in the picturesque Uncompahgre Valley and surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks of the Cimarron and San Juan Mountains, and so Ridgway is called the “Gateway to the San Juans.” Established in 1891 by a railroad man for the Rio Grande Southern Railroad which serviced nearby mining towns of Ouray and Telluride, Ridgway now has a wonderful historic Railroad Museum to enjoy.

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People around the world have an image of the Old West, and Ridgway is one of the most beautiful reflections of that Old West style and charm. Ridgway Town Park and local surroundings were even used as locations for the movies “True Grit”, “Tribute to a Bad Man” and “How the West Was Won”. Ridgway is also the home to Orvis Hot Springs. Orvis was the historic, sacred hot springs of the Ute Indians who lived in this area for centuries before the settlers came. The great Chief Ouray and his wife Chipita were among those who allowed settlers to acquire some of this land by treaty with the Railroad companies.

Another local and regional favorite area is Ridgway State Park and Reservoir where you may enjoy year-round camping; yurts available for rent; a swim beach and marina. Deer, elk and bald eagles in the tree tops are a common sight along the reservoir and the Uncompahgre River feeding into it. Entrance to the park is just 9 miles north of Ridgway on Hwy 550 and is disability accessible throughout. Recreational opportunities are everywhere and the weather is just right. Come see all that Ridgway has to offer – visit the “Gateway to the San Juans” – Ridgway, Colorado!

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