Ridgway
Ouray
Silverton
Durango
Pagosa Springs
 
 
 
 
 

Story by Kathryn Retzler

Ridgway got its start as a railroad town, serving the nearby mining towns of Telluride and Ouray with the Rio Grande Southern narrow gauge railroad. It has always been, and still is, a supply point for the nearby ranches. Much of old history remains, showcased by  the railroad museum, a soon-to-be ranching museum and the Ridgway Library's special collections. Many of the buildings along the town's old main street, one north block of the highway have been lovingly kept in good repair, the homes occupied, the shops open for business. Historical buildings are designated by a purple ribbon. Stop by the Chamber for a walking tour guide. Some of the “old” buildings were actually built for the movie “True Grit,” starring John Wayne. Others, such as the picturesque old firehouse (now a sculptor’s studio), have been here a long time, but were “improved” a bit by Hollywood for the several movies filmed in this location. You will find a number of excellent restaurants and shops in Ridgway, and if you're into antiquing or unique home decor, plan to make a day of it. What you'll find is the genuine article—most of it collected from local homes and ranches. (Related Stories, San Juan Silver Stage, Ridgway.)

Recreation. The Ridgway Reservoir is a popular attraction, offering year-round activity, campsites, boat slips and hiking trails, swimming, boating, and fishing. Fishing, here, and in nearby streams and rivers is world class, as is the hiking. mountain biking. But, perhaps the greatest draw of all is the mountains. Head west, over the Dallas Divide, and leave plenty of time for the "ah" factor. You'll find turnouts, for photo ops or just plain staring at the majesty of the Sneffles range. The name sounds like a sneeze, but the beauty is awe-inspiring. Try a drive north east  up toward Chimney Rock and a enjoy a leisurely picnic at Silver Jack Lake. This has been a wet winter (2004-05), so the lakes and streams are full. It will be a good summer for water-related recreation. When the snows fall, usually starting in late September October, come back for the winter sports. While local lodging offers "half price lift tickets" to Telluride for their guests, visitors don't need to travel to enjoy cross country skiing, snomobiling and snowshoeing. Rental gear is available in town., in case you don't have your own. 

Events & Activities. If you haven't seen live rodeo, see it here. The Labor Day celebration, complete with broncs, bulls and barrel races takes place at the Ouray County Fairgrounds, intersection of Highway 62 and 550. Here, too, is the Ridgway Railroad Museum, host of Ouray County Railroad Days and a fascinating resource for learning more about the area's rich railroad history. The Town Park, shaded by century-old oak trees, hosts the annual "Love your Valley Brewfest,  Ridgway Rendezvous Arts and Crafts Festival, summer concerts and a winter holiday "Yule Night" replete with bonfire, Santa and Christmas carols. Ridgway loves a parade, too, and puts one on at the drop of a (cowboy)hat. Especially colorful is the one preceding the opening of the annual rodeo. For current calendar of events, check the San Juan Silver Stage Event Calendar.

How to get there. Ridgway, Colorado is located at the intersection of US Highway 550 and Colorado 62, approximately 80 miles north of Durango, 36 miles south of Montrose, 60 miles south of Grand Junction and 37 auto miles east of Telluride. All provide air and car rental service to the area.