Location: Ridgway
Top Things to do in Ridgway
Top 10 Things to do in Ridgway, United States
The Town of Ridgway, coined Gateway to the San Juans, is a Home Rule Municipality in Ouray County, in the southwestern portion of the U.S. State of Colorado. The town is a former railroad stop on the Uncompaghre River in the northern San Juan Mountains. The town population was 713 at the 2000 census and 924 according to the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Ridgway
1. Last Dollar Road
Overall Ratings
5 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By RockJumpers - Denver, Colorado
This scenic drive between the Ridgway area and Telluride is wonderful regardless of the season. Early summer brings wildflowers galore, fall it is awash with vibrant color, and wildlife like deer, elk and even bear year around. As a photographer many of my most valued works have come from this road over the last 35+ years.
2. Ridgway State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 164 reviews
Park that has a little bit of everything, from camping and boating to hiking and fishing.
Reviewed By slimline7 - Kennewick, Washington
Probably the best state park we have been to in a long time. $33 for RV with towed Jeep. Bathrooms were super clean. All amenities but no RV dump at the site as well as shared water, so just 4 stars. Pretty good shade from the hot summer Colorado sun. Great views of the mountains. The guys that work the entrance are the friendliest around. Geoff from Texas is extremely knowledgeable and friendly. I recommend getting reservations. The weekend fills fast and you might get stuck like I did without reservations on the weekend and have to go to Centennial RV park (which I did separate review) or Jellystone (I have no idea about this one). This place is very quiet and far from the road.
3. Orvis Hot Springs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 210 reviews
Reviewed By Mark M - Fort Collins, Colorado, United States
There are pools for all types here at Orvis, my favorites are the lobster pot and the cold dip. The grounds are amazing, something out of a Better Homes and Gardens "Best Of" edition, flowers grow here that look more suited for a tropical climate. The staff are friendly and always hard at work on improving the property, and willing to stop and answer questions you may have. We camped 3 nights and met several new people/ couples from all over the country, just a really cool vibe. We will be back!
4. Dennis Weaver Memorial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By Rita B
This is a spectacularly lovely spot and well worth pulling off the road for the short trip to the park.
The statue of the eagle is inspiring and massive. The prayer rocks and circles are peaceful and the views of the mountains are just humbling.
This is free and a great place to picnic as well
5. RIGS Adventure CO Fly Shop and Guide Service
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
RIGS Adventure CO. features Western Colorado’s finest Fly Shop & Fish Report, Gold Medal Fly Fishing Guide Service (Walk Wade & Float Fishing trips in Drift Boats), family White Water River Rafting and Kayak Trips, Photo Tours and River Expeditions. RIGS is conveniently located in the picturesque Uncompahgre River Valley, minutes from both Ouray and Ridgway State Park, nestled below the majestic San Juan Mountains in Ridgway Colorado - between Telluride, Ouray, Montrose, Silverton and Durango Colorado. Guide Trips ranging from 2 hours to 5 days in length on Southwest Colorado premier rivers including: Gunnison River: Gunnison Gorge/Black Canyon, Uncompahgre River, San Miguel River, Cimarron River and Exclusive Private Water River Access - beginner to experienced ability levels welcome. The best of Southwest Colorado Adventure in the prettiest part of the state!
Reviewed By eacla - San Antonio, Texas
I took the Deluxe Gunnison Gorge float trip with 5 friends. Exceeded my expectations in every way! The 4 guides were congenial and competent, and they waited on us hand and foot. When we boarded the rafts each morning, they handed us our rods, fully rigged with flies, and we floated and fished all day. All you need to take is clothes and a hat; everything else was provided and was good quality. I felt like Teddy Roosevelt on safari! Excellent food (even ice cream and cheesecake!). And the fishing? The river is loaded. I caught at least 40 brown trout from 10 to 20 inches, and even the first-time flyfishers had good luck. I could go on...but this experience was worth every penny. Just get a friend or two and do it!
6. Chipeta Spa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Inspired by the Ute Indians who inhabited this valley of healing hot springs and pristine mountains, we’ve combined the natural elements of earth, air, fire, and water and created a Resort Retreat in the Colorado Rockies for your pleasure and personal growth.
Reviewed By dthompsonarg - Denver, Colorado
My husband and I enjoyed an excellent 50' Couples Massage with Dar & Joanna. Each used the perfect combination of therapeutic and relaxation techniques and were very knowledgeable. The therapists offered water after our session (standard procedure) but also suggested and even demonstrated stretches that would be beneficial for each of us. Comfortable, clean and a real treat!
7. San Juan Hut Systems
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
San Juan Hut Systems is a series of backcountry huts that lead you through spectacular Southwestern terrain and provides skiers, bikers, snowshoers, hikers, trail runners, boaters, horse packers and hunters with an experience of a lifetime. The Colorado huts allow for lightweight travel while maintaining a self reliant adventure.Our winter ski hut system offers over 60 miles of nordic trails and access to phenomenal remote backcountry turns. You are unlikely to cross another’s tracks. The San Juan Mountains present tremendous snow quality and first descent possibilities.Our two 215 mile mountain bike routes through Colorado and Utah provide a premium minimalist experience for the do it yourself adventurer. Whether you are looking for technical single track or scenic dirt roads we have an option for you. With the only destination hut-to-hut based system in the US, we take the weight out of bike touring by offering fully stocked huts and minimal route finding challenges.Our destination huts are our newest addition and offer adventures for hikers, bikers, trail runners, boaters, horse packers and hunters and can be used in a variety of ways. These can be excellent options for families and those confined to shorter trips.
Reviewed By Kris P
Great hike and huts but if you want to communicate with the people in the office while booking your trip, do not expect getting any useful info from Kristin (I believe that's her name) who answers the phone and more importantly, don't expect a reply from Kelly through email. Their website says that a shuttle is included in the package. It is not explained as it should on the website. From what I gathered, they don't have a working shuttle. A shuttle is absolutely necessary for this hike, unless you have two cars in the area. It wasn't until 5 days before our trip were any of the costs explained. We booked this trip about 6 months in advance, mind you. After asking questions about the shuttle, the reply was 'I don't know,' 'our website must be wrong' and 'sorry that this wasn't explained earlier.' After asking follow up questions, looking to pay the extra $150 to book the shuttle, my email was ignored. Frustrated with the lack of communication, I found an outside shuttle service whose communication skills were through the roof compared to the San Juan hut system employees. While expressing our troubles with other hikers on our hike, the other party had the same issues, only a bit worse because they showed up to office expecting a shuttle. We even ran into an ex-employee in the area who admitted that the lack of organization is the reason they could no longer work with the company.
The hiking/trail directions they give you were often too complicated and would get you lost if you followed them. The same thoughts were shared with other hikers' journal entries in each hut.
The things that the company has nothing to do with (hike, views, laughter and good times along the way) were amazing. Kudos to the San Juan mountains! The things that the company had a direct effect with (booking, information, basic office work, communicating with their customers, shuttle service) were horrible. They basically chose to ignore their job. Good thing the mountain range is so beautiful because, once on the trail, it kind of made me forget how troubling the booking process was. In the future, I will definitely find a trail on my own and tent camp for free.
8. San Juan Balloon Adventures
Overall Ratings
5 based on 18 reviews
Celebrating our 28th year in business! Our specialty is "personalized" scenic Hot Air Balloon flights over the beautiful Ridgway Valley and experience the gentle adventure of hot air ballooning. As we rise with the sun surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the San Juan Mountains, nowhere is there a more beautiful place to experience your very own balloon adventure, just minutes from Telluride, Montrose & Ouray.Reservations required. Call Today!
Reviewed By 29kennethk - Ridgway, Colorado
Had a wonderful experience on my wife's birthday! Had always seen these majestic aircraft and wondered what the experience would be like! The flight was extremely smooth and breathtaking! The landing was so soft,I don't think it would have cracked an egg! Our pilot Gary, has nearly three decades of experience which calmed any anxiety! Very professional, and a champagne brunch that followed, awesome!!
Ken and Maggie Koppenaal
9. Owl Creek Pass and Silver Jack Reservoir
Overall Ratings
5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Pixelpanderer - Chicago
Allow yourself an hour to go one way. The road is not difficult and offers a variety of open vistas and close-ups of the forests. the only disappointment was that the reservoir level was WAY down when we were there. Call a ranger station ahead of time to check the status.
10. Ridgway Railroad Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By Oliver S - New York City, New York
Actually, it's in the process of being slowly and meticulously restored, that's why it's not on display right now. No matter. There is so much more to see at this free museum: photos, models, documents, actual RR cars, the jail wagon from True Grit and more! There is even a rare photograph of the Rockies' Pathfinder: Otto Mears, of toll roads and railroads fame. Highly recommended. And, if I might suggest, don't forget that they accept donations. The Visitors Center, located on the premises, organizes also a True Grit tour, every Friday, at a nominal cost.
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