Get your fill of adventure, relaxation and seclusion in this historic mountain town, surrounded by the San Juan and Cimarron mountains.
Volunteers can help support The Sherbino, a historic theater in Ridgway that puts on nearly 200 events each year. Find ways to get involved or donate.
Be sure to use the animal-resistant garbage and recycling cans around town to throw away your trash, so bears and other wildlife are not attracted to the downtown area. Making trash accessible to wildlife leads to dangerous encounters, and may end with the wildlife being killed to ensure public safety.
Cooler temperatures mean enjoying trails. From downtown Ridgway, hike or bike along the historic railroad bed of the former Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad corridor. This well-maintained concrete trail is 5.1 miles one way, so it will be a 10.2-mile round trip (about 3.5 hours by foot or 70 minutes by bike). You will cross over a picturesque, restored railroad trestle (bridge), follow the scenic Uncompahgre River through typical high-desert landscapes and travel through Dennis Weaver Memorial Park (60 acres of permanent wildlife preserve with a picnic area and sculptures).
Book a room so after enjoying Chipeta's full-service spa and soaking in the thermal pools, you can return after dinner for an overnight stay at this resort retreat.
For hikers, drive up to Loghill to enjoy the wonderful valley, mountain and wildlife viewing on the Escarpment Trail (2.5 miles). This is a very easy hike suitable for small children but well worth it for all ages due to the photo opportunities. You will feel like an explorer as you wind your way through pine, scrub oak and cactus, while discovering local wildlife. A small parking area is found at the trailhead; a larger parking area is available at the Log Hill Firehouse, which you'll pass on your way into the development.
