Ridgway: Explore, Restore & Recreate Away From the Crowds

3
 days
Share:

Get your fill of adventure, relaxation and seclusion in this historic mountain town, surrounded by the San Juan and Cimarron mountains.

Sustainability Activity
Support The Sherbino

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.

Insider's Tip
Trash Your Trash

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.

Day
1
south ridgway elk by sue husch photo
Activity
Ridgway FUSE
Home to the filming of John Wayne's "True Grit," the GRAMMY Awards, a Certified Creative District and part of the Colorado Creative Corridor,…
Lunch
Taco Del Gnar Ridgway
An “elevated fast food restaurant” with the mantra that a tortilla is solely a vessel to sail fresh thought-provoking cuisine with amazing flavors to…
Dinner
Colorado Boy Pub & Brewery
A wee humble pub in a wonderful 1915 brick building in the old section of downtown Ridgway. The brewery is in full view from the antique oak bar,…
Activity
The Sherbino
The Sherbino is owned and operated by the Ridgway Chautauqua Society.  Our venue has connected minds, hearts, and community for over a century…
Lodging
Ridgway Lodge & Star Saloon
Quintessential mountain lodge located in the heart of Ridgway, Colorado at the base of the San Juans. Enjoy the onsite restaurant, the Star Saloon…
Day
2
Breakfast
Kate's Place
Cuisine with heart and soul, freshly prepared using the highest quality ingredients (local when feasible).
Activity
Bike or Hike Along the Historic Railroad Bed

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).

Lunch
Thai Paradise
Authentic Thai cuisine for lunch and dinner. Great for families, outdoor seating, walk-ins welcome.
Activity
Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa
Relaxation meets adventure at Chipeta Lodge. Explore the region's offerings, like Jeeping, hiking, mine tours, shopping, snowshoeing and skiing…
Insider's Tip
Spa Stay

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.

Dinner
Four Corners Cafe
Four Corners Cafe and Sky Bar at Chipeta Solar Springs Resort is the perfect place to dine al fresco with incredible views from the Sky Bar on our…
Activity
Cafe Ridgway a la Mode
Ice cream in the mountains! Sundaes, shakes, floats, cones, hot chocolate, fine teas, Italian sodas, brownies, homemade pretzels, and much more!
Lodging
Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa
Relaxation meets adventure at Chipeta Lodge. Explore the region's offerings, like Jeeping, hiking, mine tours, shopping, snowshoeing and skiing…
Day
3
Breakfast
Kate's Place
Cuisine with heart and soul, freshly prepared using the highest quality ingredients (local when feasible).
Activity
Ridgway Railroad Museum
Ridgway, Colorado, long known as the birthplace of the Rio Grande Southern Railroad, is the home of a museum dedicated to the preservation of the…
Lunch
True Grit Cafe
We take a lot of pride in our homemade fare including the best dang chicken fried steak this side of the Rocky Mountains. 
Activity
Take a Hike With Stellar Views

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.

Dinner
Eatery 66
Please join us for some old time favorites, delicious seasonal specials, craft beers and kombucha on tap, and delicious cocktails and drinks. We can…
Activity
Orvis Hot Springs
Orvis Hot Springs is a clothing-optional natural hot springs resort. Our natural lithium water, never heated nor treated in any way, enhances …
Lodging
Brown Bear Cabins, LLC
Available is a fully furnished cabin on a four-acre parcel, Koda cabin (3 bedrooms, two full bathrooms) is for short-term or monthly rent.We also…