Ridgway State Park
State Park in Ridgway, CO
Hours:
Park: Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Visitor Center/Office: Daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10-$15
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
28555 Highway 550
Ridgway, CO 81432
United States
Ridgway State Park
State Park in Ridgway, CO
Hours:
Park: Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Visitor Center/Office: Daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10-$15
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
28555 Highway 550
Ridgway, CO 81432
United States
Navigate to:
Gold Mountain Fire Update
We are actively monitoring the Gold Mountain Fire currently burning north of Ouray.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE: There is NO current threat to Ridgway State Park, and our campgrounds, swim beach, day use areas, or marina. All are safe and remain safe and open. Park staff are continuously monitoring the situation to ensure our visitors remain safe.
For more details and information on how how to keep up on fire-related alerts, read more under Closures & Conditions.
Ouray County: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions -
In effect until further notice, including Ridgway State Park, due to extreme fire danger, high temperatures and worsening dry conditions. Read a list of prohibited and allowed activities, penalties for violations and how to keep up on fire-related information.
Ridgway reservoir with San Juan Mountain Range in distance and yellow flowers in foreground
Welcome to Ridgway State Park
Ridgway State Park is a splendid natural treasure nestled at the foot of the majestic San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado. This year-round haven for outdoor enthusiasts spans nearly five miles through the Uncompahgre River Valley, inviting adventurers of all kinds to explore the picturesque reservoir, the park's three unique areas, 15.6 miles of diverse trails and convenient facilities. For those seeking to extend their stay, the park offers nearly 300 campsites across three campgrounds (Elk Ridge, Dakota Terraces, and Pa-Co-Chu-Puk), accommodating tents, trailers, and RVs with various amenities, as well as three year-round yurts. Ridgway State Park is dedicated to accessibility, featuring accessible restrooms, showers, campsites, fishing piers, beach access, and trails, ensuring everyone can enjoy its natural beauty. Beyond the park, visitors can explore the charming town of Ridgway, the historic town of Ouray, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, and world-class off-road trails, making this park an ideal base for discovering the best of Southwest Colorado and creating lasting memories.
3,301
acres
282
campsites
87
picnic sites
15.6
miles of trails
Accessing the Park
Directions
Arriving from the North: Take U.S. Highway 550 south from Montrose for 22 miles to any of the three park entrances (Pa-Co-Chu-Puk, Dutch Charlie, and Dallas Creek).
Arriving from the South: Take U.S. Highway 550 north of Ridgway for 4 miles to any of the three park entrances (Pa-Co-Chu-Puk, Dutch Charlie, and Dallas Creek).
Typing Ridgway State Park Visitor Center into most mapping programs will provide directions to the park Visitor Center where more information about the park, facilities, amenities and activities may be found.
At the Ridgway Visitors Center, located in the Dutch Charlie section of the park, you can explore the rich natural history of the park and Southwest Colorado through stunning vistas, a collection of wildlife displays, and informative exhibits. The on-site bookstore and gift shop provide a variety of options to help remember your stay, including nature books for all ages, t-shirts, maps, souvenirs, firewood, and ice. Refreshments are available, with a selection of drinks and snacks to quench your needs. Don't miss the short walk to the Overlook, which offers stunning views of Ridgway Reservoir and the San Juan Mountain Range—a must-see attraction during your visit.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The visitor Center is closed state holidays and some federal holidays.
For more information please call (970) 626-5822. Press 0 to be connected to the front desk.
Motorized boats must launch and use the four-lane boat ramp in Dutch Charlie. This ramp is suitable for most recreational boat sizes.
For more information on Ridgway's boat ramps, including seasonal openings and mandatory boat inspections, see the Park Highlights page. For more statewide boating information visit the CPW Statewide Boating page.
Closures & Conditions
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions - Ouray County will implement stage 2 fire restrictions for all unincorporated areas of the county effective immediately, Sunday, June 28, 2026.
Under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions:
- NO OPEN FIRES
- No campfires, charcoal grills, wood-burning stoves, chimineas, tiki torches, or any open flames, even at private homes or campgrounds.
- Gas grills or fire pits are allowed if they can be turned on and off and only in areas cleared of flammable materials. *No smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
- No chainsaw, or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine, unless it has a working spark arresting device.
- No welding or torches unless in a cleared area at least 10 feet wide and a pressurized fire extinguisher must be on hand.
- No off-road driving or parking: vehicles must stay on established roads, trails or parking areas unless there is no vegetation within 10 feet of the parking area.
- No explosives or fireworks .
Violations of these restrictions can be reported to the Ouray County Sheriff's Office at 970-325-7272 or by calling WestCo Dispatch at 970-249-9110.
For more fire-related information on Colorado’s Western Slope please visit West Slope Fire Info: http://www.westslopefireinfo.com/ Community members and visitors are encouraged to sign-up for Emergency Notifications through Ouray County Alerts: https://ouraycountyco.gov/434/Emergency-Notifications
Gold Mountain Fire Update -
We are actively monitoring the Gold Mountain Fire currently burning north of Ouray.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE: There is NO current threat to Ridgway State Park, and our campgrounds, swim beach, day use areas, or marina. All are safe and remain safe and open. Park staff are continuously monitoring the situation to ensure our visitors remain safe.
TRAFFIC & DETOUR NOTICE: Please be aware that Highway 550 has experienced closures and detours north of the City of Ouray due to the fire. If you are traveling to or from the park from the south, expect detours via County Road 17 and use extreme caution. If possible, avoid the area completely. UPDATE: Highway 550 detours for local traffic only. If you plan on traveling north plan on using Lizzardhead pass and Hwy 62 to get to Ridgway.
Where to get Official Updates
Because conditions can change quickly, please do not rely on social media comments for safety information. Check these official sources for real-time updates on containment, evacuations, and road closures:
- Official Web Updates: Visit ouraycountyco.gov (Check the Alert Center).
- Public Information Hotline: Call 970-626-5484 for the latest recorded fire information.
- Emergency Alerts: Follow the Ouray County Sheriff’s Office official social media pages.
Fees and Passes
Pass |
Description |
Duration |
Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Daily Vehicle Pass |
Single vehicle and its occupants with Colorado license plate |
1 Day |
$10-$12 |
|
Daily Vehicle Pass |
Single vehicle and its occupants with out-of-state license plate |
1 Day |
$15-$17 |
|
Individual Daily Pass |
For individual entry on foot, bicycle, horseback, etc at select parks |
1 Day |
$4 |
|
DMV vehicle registration renewal option for Colorado residents |
12 Months |
$29 |
|
|
Annual Vehicle Pass (Affixed) |
Pass for a single vehicle and its occupants |
12 Months |
$80 |
|
Family Annual Pass (Hang Tag) |
Members of the same household |
12 Months |
$120 |
|
Aspen Leaf Annual Pass |
Colorado residents 64+ |
12 Months |
$70 |
|
Centennial Pass |
Income-eligible Colorado residents |
12 Months |
$14 |
|
Columbine Pass |
Colorado residents with disabilities |
12 Months |
$14 |
|
Veterans License Plate |
Colorado resident DMV vehicle registration renewal option for military veterans (disabled veterans or purple heart plates) |
Lifetime |
Free |
|
Independence Lifetime Pass |
Colorado resident veterans with disabilities |
Lifetime |
Free |
|
Blue Spruce Pass |
Colorado resident first responders with disabilities |
Lifetime |
$10 |
Nature and Wildlife
Ridgway State Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, marmots, badgers, ospreys, and black bears. Winter attracts elk, red fox, coyotes, mountain lions, and bald eagles. Bird watching is a popular activity, and varied habitats offer a chance to observe a variety of bird species. Maintain a safe distance from animals and keep campsites clean.
The park's striking scenery is shaped by its geological history, featuring Mt. Sneffels and surrounded by the San Juan and Cimarron Mountain Ranges. The Uncompahgre Plateau stretches nearly 100 miles North West. Vegetation varies with pinyon-juniper at Dutch Charlie and mountain shrublands and riparian river bottoms in Pa-Co-Chu-Puk.
Bird, plant and wildlife guides are available at the park book store or on Ridgway State Park's iNaturalist app observations for Android and iPhone. iNaturalist is a free online social network and citizen science platform that allows users to record and share observations of biodiversity. By uploading photos or sounds of wild organisms, you can get help identifying species from a global community of naturalists and even an automated identification tool. Using iNaturalist helps you learn about local nature, connect with other enthusiasts, and most importantly, contribute valuable scientific data to biodiversity research and conservation efforts worldwide.
Educational programs on the area's natural and cultural resources are available from Memorial Day through Labor Day, or upon special request. For more information, see the Upcoming Events below or call the park at 970-626-5822.
Be on the Lookout for Birds
Can you spot all the resident and visiting bird species? Download the Bird List Brochure (PDF).
Birds You Might Find
- Turkey vulture
- Osprey
- Great horned owl
- Western bluebird
- Turkey
- Great blue heron
- Belted kingfisher
- American kestrel
Birding Tips
- Always view birds and other wildlife from a safe distance.
- Use binoculars or a spotting scope for a closer view.
- Protect young by avoiding nests or dens.
- Help protect birds by using your senses to find them, not recorded calls.
- To see more birds, keep voices and other sounds low.
- Protect plants and wildlife by staying on trails and respecting closures.
- Keep dogs leashed and under control at all times.
- For the best viewing experience, leave pets at home.
- Human food can hurt wildlife - please keep their diets wild.
- Take nothing but pictures - leave what you find for others to enjoy.
Mammals You Might Find
- Black bear
- Cottontail rabbit
- Coyote
- Elk
- Mule deer
- Red fox
- Yellow-bellied marmot
Learn How to Coexist
View a short video and tips on watching wildlife safely and find important information on crossing paths with wildlife.
Reptiles and Amphibians You Might Find
- Bull snake
- Collared lizard
- Plateau fence lizard
- Plateau striped whiptail
- Western terrestrial garter snake
YOU Can Help!
The park is lacking vital data on amphibian and reptile populations. By logging your reptile and amphibian observations into Ridgway State Park's iNaturalist app, you'll help us collect data that's essential for protecting and preserving the Park's natural resources.
Geology at This Park
The Northern San Juan Mountains, a haven for geologists, boast a rich history of mineral mining, yielding gold, silver, copper, lead and zinc over the past 130 years. The region's rock formations, some dating back over 1.5 billion years to Precambrian times, reveal a geological tapestry. Just 30 miles north, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison impresses with its 2,300-foot-deep gorge, cut through hard schist, gneiss and granite formations, reaching nearly twice the height of the Empire State Building at Painted Wall.
Moving to the south, the San Juan Mountains near Ridgway State Park tell a tale of fire and ice. Volcanic eruptions, more than 35 million years ago, deposited a thick layer of igneous rock. As the ice ages unfolded around 5 million years ago, colossal glaciers sculpted the landscape, carving awe-inspiring valleys and peaks, including the majestic Mount Sneffels. Within Ridgway State Park, geological treasures predate the volcanic era, featuring Upper Jurassic sandstones, Lower Cretaceous sedimentary rocks, and deposits of Upper Cretaceous Mancos shale. The park also showcases the Morrison Formation, a world-renowned dinosaur-bone-bearing geological formation, capturing a snapshot of life from 145–155 million years ago.
Habitats and Plants at This Park
Ridgway State Park boasts a rich tapestry of habitats, including expansive pinyon-juniper woodlands, vibrant montane shrublands and critical riparian areas. A central feature of the park is Ridgway Reservoir, which further diversifies the landscape by supporting extensive wetland and riparian vegetation.
Pinyon pine and juniper woodlands ecosystems are characterized by the dominance of pinyon pines and junipers, forming a distinct woodland habitat. Within this environment, you are likely to encounter a variety of shrubs such as sagebrush, snowberry, serviceberry, Gambel oak, bitterbrush, chokecherry, and rabbitbrush, which thrive in the uplands. These plant communities collectively create a unique and resilient ecosystem.
Montane shrublands, like those found in the uplands of Ridgway State Park, are characterized by a variety of hardy shrubs adapted to dry, rocky conditions. You can expect to see plants such as sagebrush, snowberry, serviceberry, Gambel oak, bitterbrush, chokecherry, and rabbitbrush, which collectively form a resilient ecosystem providing food and shelter for wildlife.
Riparian ecosystems within Ridgway State Park are found along the Uncompahgre River and around Ridgway Reservoir, creating a critical habitat for diverse plant and animal life. Common riparian plants include cottonwood, willow, and local grasses and vegetation. Plants are commonly characterized as vegetation that thrives in moist conditions and contributes to the park's overall biodiversity.
Ridgway Reservoir is a significant aquatic ecosystem, spanning 1000 surface-acres and attracting a variety of life forms. The reservoir and its shorelines support diverse wetland and riparian plant communities. This environment is a draw for over 140 species of birds and the reservoir's waters are home to a range of fish species.
Upcoming Events
Jul
10
Secrets in the Stone: Rocks and Gems of the Uncompahgre Valley
Jul 10, 2026 · 6:00pm - Jul 10, 2026 · 7:30pm
Ridgway State Park
Ready to discover the hidden treasures buried right beneath your feet? Join guest speaker Don Rodarte and the Uncompahgre...
Jul
10
Secrets in the Stone: Rocks and Gems of the Uncompahgre Valley
Jul 10, 2026 · 6:00pm - Jul 10, 2026 · 7:30pm
Ridgway State Park
Ready to discover the hidden treasures buried right beneath your feet? Join guest speaker Don Rodarte and the Uncompahgre...
Jul
11
Grip it & Rip it: Raptor Talons and Tails
Jul 11, 2026 · 9:00am - Jul 11, 2026 · 11:00am
Ridgway State Park
Ever wonder how a hawk survives a 100 mph dive or why an owl can snatch a mouse in total silence? Join the Black Canyon Audubon...
Jul
11
Grip it & Rip it: Raptor Talons and Tails
Jul 11, 2026 · 9:00am - Jul 11, 2026 · 11:00am
Ridgway State Park
Ever wonder how a hawk survives a 100 mph dive or why an owl can snatch a mouse in total silence? Join the Black Canyon Audubon...
Jul
11
Untamed: Mustangs in Spring Creek Basin
Jul 11, 2026 · 7:00pm - Jul 11, 2026 · 8:30pm
Ridgway State Park
Ready to hear the thunder of hooves and meet the true icons of the American West? Dust off your boots and join author and wild...
Jul
11
Untamed: Mustangs in Spring Creek Basin
Jul 11, 2026 · 7:00pm - Jul 11, 2026 · 8:30pm
Ridgway State Park
Ready to hear the thunder of hooves and meet the true icons of the American West? Dust off your boots and join author and wild...
Jul
10
Secrets in the Stone: Rocks and Gems of the Uncompahgre Valley
Jul 10, 2026 · 6:00pm - Jul 10, 2026 · 7:30pm
Ridgway State Park
Ready to discover the hidden treasures buried right beneath your feet? Join guest speaker Don Rodarte and the Uncompahgre...
Jul
10
Secrets in the Stone: Rocks and Gems of the Uncompahgre Valley
Jul 10, 2026 · 6:00pm - Jul 10, 2026 · 7:30pm
Ridgway State Park
Ready to discover the hidden treasures buried right beneath your feet? Join guest speaker Don Rodarte and the Uncompahgre...
Jul
11
Grip it & Rip it: Raptor Talons and Tails
Jul 11, 2026 · 9:00am - Jul 11, 2026 · 11:00am
Ridgway State Park
Ever wonder how a hawk survives a 100 mph dive or why an owl can snatch a mouse in total silence? Join the Black Canyon Audubon...
Jul
11
Grip it & Rip it: Raptor Talons and Tails
Jul 11, 2026 · 9:00am - Jul 11, 2026 · 11:00am
Ridgway State Park
Ever wonder how a hawk survives a 100 mph dive or why an owl can snatch a mouse in total silence? Join the Black Canyon Audubon...
Jul
11
Untamed: Mustangs in Spring Creek Basin
Jul 11, 2026 · 7:00pm - Jul 11, 2026 · 8:30pm
Ridgway State Park
Ready to hear the thunder of hooves and meet the true icons of the American West? Dust off your boots and join author and wild...
Jul
11
Untamed: Mustangs in Spring Creek Basin
Jul 11, 2026 · 7:00pm - Jul 11, 2026 · 8:30pm
Ridgway State Park
Ready to hear the thunder of hooves and meet the true icons of the American West? Dust off your boots and join author and wild...
History
The Ute people historically inhabited this region, living a nomadic lifestyle that included hunting and gathering according to the seasons. However, with the arrival of settlers, especially during the Colorado mining boom of the 1880s, the Utes ceded their lands.
Following the settlement of the valley, local farmers and ranchers recognized the necessity of supplementing the river’s flow with a reliable source of irrigation water. In the 1940s, interest arose in storing the spring and summer snowmelt from the upper Uncompahgre River for future irrigation purposes. In 1956, the Colorado River Storage Project, one of the world’s most intricate and extensive river developments, came to fruition. Consequently, the Dallas Creek Project, known as the Ridgway Reservoir, was authorized in 1968. Completed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation in 1987, Ridgway Dam marked a significant achievement.
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s role extended beyond the dam's completion. Federal funding continued for eight years, completely financing the recreational development within the park. Today, this remarkable project is a collaborative endeavor involving the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the property owner, Tri-County Water Conservancy District, responsible for managing water distribution, and Colorado Parks & Wildlife, which manages the recreation facilities.
Dutch Charlie
The Dutch Charlie site opened to the public in August 1989 and is named after a pioneer who operated a boarding house, blacksmith shop, and livery barn near the present-day swim beach. Bullwhackers and their oxen teams traveling through the area often spent the night, fed their livestock, and had repairs made at Dutch Charlie's operation before traveling over present-day Red Mountain Pass.
Dallas Creek
Inaugurated in May 1992, the Dallas Creek area is renowned for its diverse daytime recreational activities. As a designated day-use area only, it is named after the small tributary stream called Dallas Creek at the park's southern boundary.
Pa-Co-Chu-Puk
Bearing a name that encapsulates the rich and varied history of the region, Pa-Co-Chu-Puk derives its name from the Ute term for "cow standing in water," in reference to Cow Creek that intersects the Uncompahgre River in this section of the park. Situated below Ridgway Dam, this site opened to the public in July 1994.