Ridgway ColoradoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ridgway, Colorado.
1. Last Dollar Road
SCENIC MOUNTAIN DRIVE
Last Dollar Road is one of the top attractions in Ridgway, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains. Visitors can enjoy a scenic drive through aspen groves and mountain passes, especially spectacular during fall foliage season. The road provides numerous photo opportunities with its panoramic vistas of the Colorado landscape.
2. Ridgway State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Ridgway State Park encompasses a 1,000-acre reservoir just 2 miles north of town, offering year-round recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy camping, boating, picnicking, hiking and fishing in this natural playground. The park's visitor center provides nature programs and guidance for exploring this beautiful area.
3. Dennis Weaver Memorial Park
NATURE AND ART COMBINED
Dennis Weaver Memorial Park honors the legacy of the famous actor while providing a serene natural setting for visitors. The park features walking trails and artistic installations set against the backdrop of the San Juan Mountains. Visitors can enjoy peaceful contemplation while taking in the natural beauty of the Uncompahgre Valley.
4. Orvis Hot Springs
NATURAL SOAKING EXPERIENCE
Orvis Hot Springs offers visitors a choice of several soaking pools in both natural outdoor and indoor settings. The springs feature solar-heated waters that provide a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for visitors. Orvis has become a popular destination for those seeking the therapeutic benefits of Colorado's natural hot springs.
5. Ouray County Ranch History Museum
PRESERVING RANCHING HERITAGE
The Ouray County Ranch History Museum seeks to preserve and protect the area's rich ranching history. Exhibits showcase the agricultural traditions and ranching lifestyle that helped shape the Ridgway region. Visitors can learn about the important role ranching played in the development of western Colorado.
6. Sherbino Theater
CULTURAL HUB DOWNTOWN
The Sherbino Theater, affectionately called 'the Sherb' by locals, serves as a highly-energized cultural anchor in the heart of historic downtown Ridgway. The venue offers over 100 live events each year, including music performances, film showings, and other cultural fare. This historic theater plays a vital role in Ridgway's designation as a Certified Colorado Creative District.
7. Cimarron Art Glass
EXQUISITE GLASS GALLERY
Cimarron Art Glass offers visitors a surprising find in this small mountain town - a gallery with a large selection of high-quality glass artwork. The gallery showcases the talents of local and regional glass artists with unique pieces that capture the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can browse and purchase one-of-a-kind treasures to remember their Ridgway experience.
8. Ridgway Visitors Center and Railroad Museum
HISTORIC RAILROAD HERITAGE
The Ridgway Visitors Center and Railroad Museum preserves the town's important role as headquarters for the Rio Grande Southern Narrow Gauge Railroad. Visitors can explore free exhibits featuring historic trains of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad that once serviced the area's gold and silver mines. During summer months, the museum offers rides that bring the region's railroad history to life.
9. Ridgway Area Trails
MOUNTAIN BIKING HAVEN
Ridgway Area Trails offers dozens of miles of intermediate single-track mountain biking paths through stunning Colorado terrain. The trails are accessible from a convenient parking lot with facilities just off the main road. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy exploring the natural beauty of the San Juan Mountains on these well-maintained paths.
10. Divide Ranch & Club Golf Course
AFFORDABLE MOUNTAIN GOLFING
Divide Ranch & Club Golf Course provides an affordable golfing option in an area known for its premium resort prices. The course offers beautiful mountain views that enhance the golfing experience in this picturesque setting. Golfers of various skill levels can enjoy a challenging round while taking in the spectacular San Juan Mountain scenery.
11. True Grit Cafe
FAMOUS FILM HERITAGE
The True Grit Cafe honors the 1969 film of the same name that was filmed in and around Ridgway. The restaurant was opened in tribute to the classic Western that earned John Wayne an Academy Award for his portrayal of Rooster Cogburn. Visitors can enjoy hearty meals surrounded by memorabilia celebrating the town's connection to this iconic film.
12. Chipeta Solar Springs Resort
BOUTIQUE MOUNTAIN RETREAT
Chipeta Solar Springs Resort offers a boutique lodging experience with its own solar-heated soaking pools. The resort provides a luxurious base for exploring Ridgway and the surrounding San Juan Mountain region. Guests can unwind and rejuvenate while enjoying the natural beauty and outdoor activities that make this area special.
13. Owl Creek Pass
STUNNING MOUNTAIN SCENERY
Owl Creek Pass offers some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the Ridgway area, attracting nature lovers and photographers. The pass winds through aspen forests and alpine meadows with dramatic views of the surrounding peaks. This area was also used as a filming location for several scenes in the movie True Grit, adding historical interest to its natural beauty.
14. Telluride Helitrax
ULTIMATE HELICOPTER SKIING
Telluride Helitrax provides Colorado's ultimate helicopter skiing and snowboarding experience near Ridgway. The service offers access to over 200 square miles of pristine and untracked terrain for adventure seekers. Winter sports enthusiasts can experience the thrill of fresh powder in remote mountain locations accessible only by helicopter.
15. Ridgway Creative District
ARTISTIC COMMUNITY HUB
The Ridgway Creative District, formerly known as Ridgway FUSE, is one of Colorado's first Certified Creative Districts. The district encompasses galleries, studios, and cultural venues that showcase the work of local artists, sculptors, potters, woodworkers, jewelry makers, photographers, and weavers. Visitors can explore this vibrant artistic community during regular hours or special full-moon arts outings.