Ridgway is best known as a jumping-off point to all the San Juan Mountains adventure you can have in nearby Telluride and Ouray. But it’s also a glorious peak-strewn destination unto itself. Visitors love this quirky community for its vibrant creative district, Ridgway FUSE, and quick access to Mother Nature. Make Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa your home base, and you’ll find yourself wishing you could stay a bit longer.
At this boutique, adobe-style resort, Southwestern-rustic charm greets you around every corner with colorful tile accents, custom metal detailing and knotty, exposed wooden beams. For your stay, take your pick of one-of-a-kind guest rooms offering a variety of styles, sizes and features. Kitchenettes and full kitchens make cooking family meals easy, while gas fireplaces create a snuggly atmosphere on chilly nights. Or how about a private deck with your own hot tub for a romantic evening?
Seeking a getaway with a few extra perks? Slip into the year-round heated pool, relax in the outdoor hot tubs with the glow of a nearby firepit or enjoy moments of quiet bliss in the solar-heated soaking pools. The resort’s renovated Chipeta Lodge Spa by ISUN is a delight with rejuvenating massages, facials and body treatments. And nothing says “bonus” quite like a session in the cedar sauna and toasty steam room. When evening rolls in, head to the White Buffalo Restaurant + Bar, where rooftop views make every cocktail taste a little more magical.
It’s, for sure, the resort’s seamless mix of luxury amenities and natural serenity. With its quiet location in Ridgway, surrounded by aspen and pine trees, grassy fields and rugged peaks, you can truly unwind without the city’s hustle and bustle. Plus, with the overload of sweet amenities, there’s no sacrifice on comfort — just never-ending ways to pamper yourself (we highly recommend the spa and soaking pools!) and reconnect with nature.
In Colorado, no matter the season, we can’t get enough outdoor activities — from hiking, shooting hoops, volleying a birdie, skiing, mountain biking, we love it all! Feel the same energetic vibe at Chipeta when you swim freestyle in the heated outdoor pool, rent a mountain bike to tear up singletrack or enjoy a friendly cornhole tournament on the lawn. There’s also a skatepark and courts for basketball, tennis and pickleball across the road — part of the Ridgway Athletic Park. Or head to the nearby mountains for treks on the Enchanted Mesa, Miller Mesa or Cutler Creek trails and all the schussing at Telluride Ski Resort you could want.
All said, the White Buffalo Restaurant + Bar is pretty awesome. Sip craft cocktails or local beers from the rooftop terrace and watch the evening sky glow with brilliant shades of orange, pink and purple. Feeling hungry? Savor the views from inside the restaurant along with decadent dishes like fire-roasted Chili Relleno Bites, Ouray Birria Tacos with slow-braised beef and short ribs or a cast-iron-cooked s’mores cookie topped with homemade vanilla ice cream.
Our favorite amenity — and soon yours, too — is a secluded hot tub on a private balcony. Imagine waking up for a morning dip with panoramas of the Cimarron and San Juan mountains and endless blue skies. How about rounding out your evening with tension-soothing water jets and the glittering stars of Ridgway’s DarkSky Community?
It’s important to note that not all rooms come with this oh-so-wonderful addition. When you book your stay, request a room with a balcony and hot tub. We recommend the LoCha Suites.
Book an afternoon or even a full day of indulgent services at the renovated Chipeta Lodge Spa by ISUN for that ultimate “ahhh” of relaxation. Imagine skilled hands melting tense and tired muscles with herb-infused oils, energy-balancing gemstones and calming aromatherapy blends. Feel revitalized and refreshed with a skin-nourishing honey-avocado body mask or a Celestial facial using antioxidant- and Vitamin C-rich berries, herbs and wild Australian Kakadu plums.
“The best getaway weekend! We had everything stocked in the kitchen for easy cooking, the rooms and beds were clean and cozy. I highly recommend staying here. The breakfast burritos provided were delicious and such an added treat. Also, while you are there, book a facial with Candace and Jacque — they were phenomenal, seriously, the best facials my friend and I have ever had.” — Sarah F., Google
Tour the Ridgway FUSE, which includes artist studios, jewelers, galleries and a historical theater lovingly nicknamed “The Sherb.” The artsy town also hosts monthly First Friday art walks — watch for tie-dyed flags at participating locations. Here are more fun ideas for three days in Ridgway.
Just under an hour away by car, Telluride makes for a fun day trip. No matter the time of year, there’s something to do in this historic silver-mining town known for wintertime skiing and summertime music festivals.
Or hop in the car for a quick 15-minute drive and you’ll find yourself in Ouray, another silver-boom town loved for its challenging ice-climbing routes. You don’t need to wield a pick and ice axe to enjoy Ouray’s offerings, however. You’ll feel amazing while luxuriating in a toasty pool at either Orvis Hot Springs or Ouray Hot Springs.
Photos courtesy of Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa
