Ridgway

When it comes to must-do activities and landmark attractions in Ridgway, the Last Dollar Road ought to land on the top of your list. This bumpy, colorful and vast stretch of dirt road remains largely hidden from out of town visitors, and yet it’s also one of the places that offers the most stunning of rewards for those who are willing to seek it out. Last Dollar Road is perfect for the adventurous and exudes the best of ranching country’s culture and history as it winds in and through low valleys as well as jagged peaks. For the best experience of this infamous dirt road, get in touch with one of the numerous Jeep and ATV operators in the area.

Last Dollar Road, Ridgway, CO

Home to over 3,000 acres of beautiful natural landscape, the Ridgway State Park is Colorado’s westernmost state park and was established in 1989. The park is home to a range of facilities for the use of the public such as picnicking areas, camping grounds, as well as cabins and yurts that can be rented out per night. The park is also home to a beautiful lake and is equipped with a marina for long term stays, boat docs, and even has a swimming beach for those who want to cool off during the summer. Other recreational activities that can be enjoyed in the park include hiking, nature treks, fishing, and, on occasion, hunting.

Ridgway, Ouray County, Colorado

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

If you’re looking for a place to get away, reflect and relax, the Dennis Weaver Memorial Park is a great option in Ridgeway. Made in memory of actor and environmentalist, Dennis Weaver, the park features 60 acres of land, all of which are dedicated to the preservation of wildlife. Visitors to the park are welcome to explore several hiking and biking trails that wind around the area. Each trail offers incredible views of the mountain and the river and are relatively easy to navigate. A picnic area is available down by the river along with public-use restrooms and benches.

Riversage River, Ridgway, Colorado 81432, Phone: 970-626-5308

Known for being the filming locations of films like True Grit and How the West Was Won, the Owl Creek Pass and Silver Jack Reservoir boast of breathtaking beauty and sheer magnificence. Both routes wind through areas of national forest as well as river basin country, so those visiting and passing through are bound to enjoy amazing views of the Courthouse Mountain and Chimney Rock. Originally at cattle-drive trail, the Owl Creek Pass and Silver Jack Reservoir are great options for hiking and backpacking adventures, but are also gateways to some of the most exciting four-wheel drive roads in Colorado.

Owl Creek Pass, Ridgway, Colorado, 81230, (website link)

One of the awesome things about Ridgway is its railroad history. Ridgway has long been known for being the birthplace of the Rio Grande Southern Railroad, and it is the Ridgway Railroad Museum that is dedicated to preserving and sharing that history with all those who visit. The museum chronicles the railroad history of the entire Ouray County, as well as the surrounding areas, through photographs, artifacts, books and preserved railroad equipment. During the summer months, the museum hosts workshops in which visitors can try their hand at various restoration projects, which is great for people who are eager for a hands-on learning experience.

CO-62 & US-550, Ridgway, Colorado 81432

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

Fondly referred to as the “Sherb” by locals, Sherbino Theater is the anchor of Ridgway’s identity. Located in the heart of the town’s downtown area, the Sherbino Theater isn’t just a place to catch some movies. It’s also a place for the community to come and gather, spend time with each other and foster community values. The theater, which is full of character, hosts a variety of high quality and diverse programming. For example, visitors can catch live music, listen to poetry readings, watch plays and even skits. The Sherbino Theater also regularly hosts special events like their Sherb Talks which cover a range of topics from Empowerment Through Skateboarding to the Psychology of Meditation.

604 Clinton Street, Ridgway, Colorado 81432, Phone: 970-318-0892

Go on an adventure in the back country of Ridgway without having to deal with the cumbersome weight of camping equipment with the San Juan Hut Systems. Specializing in mountain bike trips, ski tours and hiking adventures, San Juan Huts can help you plan your ideal adventure from maps, trails and terrain requirements, down to food and hut needs. The San Juan Hut systems stretch from the high mountains around Ouray, Durango and Telluride County all the way down to Moab, Utah. Whatever your Rocky Mountain outdoor sports needs are, you can bet your bottom dollar that the San Juan Hut System can help you plane very single detail out.

Ridgway, Colorado 81432, Phone: 970-626-3033

Orvis Hot Springs is a favorite spot among locals, offering multiple outdoor pools for people to soak in that all provide amazing views of the nearby scenic San Juan Mountains. The hot springs also feature two private tubs and an indoor pool. Four different outdoor pools are all fed by natural lithium hot springs. The largest of the outdoor pools is The Pond at 5 feet deep and 40 feet across. The Island Pond features a waterfall feeding pure crater water into the hot springs. There is also The Lobster Pot, which is the hottest of the pools, and the Smoker’s Pond.

1585 County Rd, Ridgway, CO 81432, 970-626-5324

Discover all of the grandeur that the Gunnison Gorge has to offer on a premier trout fly fishing tour or an exciting white water river rafting trip with the RIGS Fly Shop and Guide Service. Founded in 2001, RIGS leads trips in various streams and rivers such as the Uncompahgre, the Gunnison, the San Miguel, Cimarron and more. With a headquarters located in the heart of the gorgeous San Juan Mountains, RIGS knows everything there is to know about fly fishing and white water rafting, which is what makes their tours and trips extra enjoyable. From group tours to private tours, there’s no doubt that you’ll get your money’s worth.

1075 Sherman Street, Unit 101, Ridgway, Colorado 81432, Phone: 970-626-4460