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
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
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
28555 Highway 550
Ridgway, CO 81432
United States
Navigate to:
Ouray County: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions -
Building, maintaining, attending, or using an open fire, campfire, or open flame outdoors is PROHIBITED, including in developed campgrounds and picnic areas. This includes charcoal grills, BBQs, coal, and wood-burning stoves. For more restrictions, see ouraycountyco.gov. For more fire-related information on the Western Slope, visit http://www.westslopefireinfo.com/.
Couple Hiking at Ridgway State Park with mountain and trees in distance
Activities and Trails
What to Do at Ridgway
Uncover the endless possibilities at Ridgway State Park, a year-round outdoor paradise nestled against the breathtaking San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado. This vibrant destination invites every adventurer to discover its array of activities: from exhilarating boating, fishing, paddleboarding, and swimming on the picturesque reservoir, to exploring 15.6 miles of diverse hiking and biking trails within the park, and access to over 40 miles of additional trails via the adjacent Ridgway Area Trail (RAT) system and Dennis Weaver Trail systems. In winter, enjoy snowshoeing on designated trails, offering a serene way to experience the park's snowy beauty. Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled by opportunities to spot diverse animals in their natural habitat throughout the year. Extend your unforgettable escape by choosing from nearly 300 campsites across three campgrounds (Elk Ridge, Dakota Terraces, and Pa-Co-Chu-Puk), offering versatile options no matter your camping style, including cozy heated yurts for winter comfort. Ridgway State Park's prime location also makes it the ultimate base for exploring nearby treasures like the charming towns of Ridgway and Ouray, the majestic Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, the historic Mesa Verde National Park, and world-class off-road trails, ensuring an unparalleled Colorado adventure.
Activities
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Education Programs
- Fishing
- Geocaching
- Group Picnicking
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Kayaking
- Paddle Boarding
- Playground
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Rock Climbing
- Sailing
- Self-guided Nature Walks
- Swimming
- Volleyball
- Water Skiing
- Whitewater Rafting
- Wildlife Viewing
- Yurts
Best of Ridgway
Camping & Yurts
Head to Ridgway State Park for amazing expanses of clear skies over incredible mountain views, and experience the ultimate camping getaway. The park offers nearly 300 campsites across three campgrounds, accommodating tents, trailers and RVs with various amenities. For a unique experience, yurts are also available. Both campsites and yurts are available year-round, but reservations and a valid park pass are required for all stays.
Picnicking
Explore the beauty of Ridgway and retire to a picturesque setting for a leisurely picnic. There are 87 picnicking sites located throughout the park, including some near the swim beach and playgrounds. Additionally, Ridgway State Park offers designated group picnic areas and venues for larger gatherings. Many picnicking sites are universally accessible and offer the comforts of shade shelters, BBQ grills, restrooms, and nearby drinking-water hydrants.
Hiking & Biking
Ridgway State Park is a haven for both biking and hiking enthusiasts. Bikers can explore 14 miles of trails within the park, with seamless access to the extensive Ridgway Area Trails (RAT) system to the east, and a self-service bike repair station is conveniently located at the Dutch Charlie Visitor Center. For hikers, the park offers 15.2 miles of diverse trails catering to all skill levels, including numerous options perfect for family hiking, ensuring everyone can enjoy the stunning natural beauty and fresh air.
Nature & History
Discover the rich natural and historical tapestry of the park, where stunning scenery meets abundant wildlife. Ridgway's dramatic landscape, featuring views of Mt. Sneffels to the south in the San Juan Range and the Cimarron Mountain Range to the east, is a testament to its unique geological past and its rich cultural legacy. Here, diverse habitats support a variety of wildlife, from deer, marmots, and black bears to winter visitors like elk, mountain lions, and bald eagles. Educational programs on the area's natural and cultural resources are available from Memorial Day-Labor Day or upon special request.
Upcoming Events
Aug
22
All About Bugs!
Friday, Aug 22
Ridgway State Park
Explore the fascinating world of insects with area entomologist Melissa Schreiner. Discover the hidden lives of these tiny...
Aug
22
All About Bugs!
Friday, Aug 22
Ridgway State Park
Explore the fascinating world of insects with area entomologist Melissa Schreiner. Discover the hidden lives of these tiny...
Aug
23
Nature Detectives: Bats!
Saturday, Aug 23
Ridgway State Park
Calling all young adventurers! Join us for "Nature Detectives: Bats!" and uncover the mysterious world of these fascinating...
Aug
23
Nature Detectives: Bats!
Saturday, Aug 23
Ridgway State Park
Calling all young adventurers! Join us for "Nature Detectives: Bats!" and uncover the mysterious world of these fascinating...
Aug
23
Star Party
Saturday, Aug 23
Ridgway State Park
Journey into the cosmos at Ridgway State Park's "Star Party" and witness distant stars and planets through powerful telescopes...
Aug
23
Star Party
Saturday, Aug 23
Ridgway State Park
Journey into the cosmos at Ridgway State Park's "Star Party" and witness distant stars and planets through powerful telescopes...
Aug
22
All About Bugs!
Friday, Aug 22
Ridgway State Park
Explore the fascinating world of insects with area entomologist Melissa Schreiner. Discover the hidden lives of these tiny...
Aug
22
All About Bugs!
Friday, Aug 22
Ridgway State Park
Explore the fascinating world of insects with area entomologist Melissa Schreiner. Discover the hidden lives of these tiny...
Aug
23
Nature Detectives: Bats!
Saturday, Aug 23
Ridgway State Park
Calling all young adventurers! Join us for "Nature Detectives: Bats!" and uncover the mysterious world of these fascinating...
Aug
23
Nature Detectives: Bats!
Saturday, Aug 23
Ridgway State Park
Calling all young adventurers! Join us for "Nature Detectives: Bats!" and uncover the mysterious world of these fascinating...
Aug
23
Star Party
Saturday, Aug 23
Ridgway State Park
Journey into the cosmos at Ridgway State Park's "Star Party" and witness distant stars and planets through powerful telescopes...
Aug
23
Star Party
Saturday, Aug 23
Ridgway State Park
Journey into the cosmos at Ridgway State Park's "Star Party" and witness distant stars and planets through powerful telescopes...
ACCESSIBILITY
Land Activities for Visitors with Disabilities
At Ridgway, we believe everyone should have the chance to experience the beauty of nature. Visitors of all abilities can easily enjoy the beautiful surroundings with accessible facilities and equipment that can be borrowed for land and water access. Some of the facilities include: accessible viewing scopes, ADA accessible campsites and yurts, accessible restrooms, paved surfaces and walkways, ramps, showers, picnic tables, and BBQs. There are universally picnic sites with accessible with amenities such as shade shelters, picnic tables, BBQ grills, paved surfaces, parking spots, restrooms, and nearby drinking-water hydrants. Equipment is available such as Trackchairs and a Grit Freedom Chair, designed to help visitors with mobility impairments explore the trails and enjoy the reservoir.
For more Water-based Activities, see the Visitors with Disabilities section of the Park Highlights page.
Ridgway State Park offers designated ADA accessible campsites, including RV sites and walk-in campsites, across all three sections of the park: Elk Ridge, Dakota Terraces, and Pa-Co-Chu-Puk. Additionally, two of the park's yurts are accessible. Accessible camping and yurts are equipped with features like accessible restrooms, paved surfaces and walkways, ramps, showers, picnic tables, and BBQs. Reservations for these accessible campsites and yurts can only be made by calling 1-800-244-5613. Please note that a valid handicap placard must be displayed, and the placard owner must be present during the stay. For more information check out our park Camping & Lodging page.
Explore the beauty of Ridgway State Park and enjoy a leisurely picnic in one of the 87 picnicking sites located throughout the park, including some near the swim beach and playgrounds. These sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring there's a perfect spot for everyone. Many are universally accessible with amenities such as shade shelters, picnic tables, BBQ grills, paved surfaces, parking spots, restrooms, and nearby drinking-water hydrants. The park also offers universally accessible group picnic areas, group campgrounds, and venues for larger gatherings. For more information, see the Group and Event Space page.
Cast your line and reel in memories at Ridgway State Park's three fantastic fishing piers! Enjoy accessible, year-round angling opportunities at all three piers, including two excellent spots within Pa-Co-Chu-Puk — one along the picturesque Uncompahgre River just off the paved River Walk Trail and another at the serene Pericles fishing pond. The third pier is conveniently located near the boat ramp on the Fish Tale Trail. All three piers offer wheelchair accessible access, making them perfect for anglers of all abilities, offering a relaxing and rewarding experience amidst the stunning natural beauty of the park.
Ridgway State Park is proud to announce the addition of two accessible viewing scopes, designed to enhance the park experience for all visitors, especially those with color blindness. Located at the Visitor Center Overlook and the start of the Forest Discovery trail, these innovative viewers are wheelchair accessible and equipped with patented EnChroma lens technology. This groundbreaking technology enables individuals with red-green color blindness to perceive a broader and more vivid spectrum of colors in the natural landscape, transforming their appreciation of the park's stunning scenery. Immerse yourself in the vibrant hues of Ridgway State Park, from lush meadows to changing foliage, creating truly unforgettable and colorful memories.
Welcome to Ridgway State Park, a destination dedicated to ensuring everyone can experience the wonders of the outdoors! We are delighted to offer a range of accessibility equipment, including Trackchairs and a Grit Freedom Chair designed to help visitors with mobility impairments explore our beautiful trails and enjoy the reservoir.
We believe everyone should have the chance to experience the beauty of nature. That's why we offer "The Lakefront Lending Locker," our accessible equipment loaner program. Think of it like a library for outdoor gear designed to help people with mobility impairments enjoy the park to the fullest. We loan out specialized equipment, making adventures that might otherwise be challenging, easy and fun.
Grit Freedom Chair: If you're looking to explore beyond paved paths, the Grit Freedom Chair is a tough, all-terrain wheelchair built for adventure. This chair is ready to take you almost anywhere, from trails and grassy parks to the beach, allowing you to enjoy independence and quality time outdoors.
Action Trackchairs: To provide even greater access to our beautiful trails, the park offers Trackchair excursions. These motorized, all-terrain wheelchairs allow visitors with limited mobility to explore designated trails year-round. We have two Trackchairs that can take you on a guided hike along four scenic trails: the Forest Discovery trail, the Visitor Center Overlook, through Mears Bay, and Wapiti to the Sunset Ridge Overlook. Reservations for Trackchairs are highly recommended and can be made in advance for two-hour time blocks, though summer weekend availability can be limited.
You can reserve equipment through the Lakefront Lending Locker by using the Trackchair/Mobi-Chair Reservation Form or by calling the Blue Heron Marina directly at 970-318-9689.
Ridgway State Park offers a special mobility-impaired deer hunt during the second and third deer rifle seasons. This limited opportunity is designed for hunters with a valid Game Management Unit (GMU) 62 buck or doe tag and a Colorado Parks & Wildlife mobility-impaired accommodation permit that allows shooting from a vehicle. To further assist hunters, a Trackchair with a shooting rest is available for use. Park rangers accompany hunters at all times, and hunters are required to bring someone to assist with cleaning and processing harvested animals. Applications for this hunt are accepted by the park, and in cases of more than two qualified applicants per season, a drawing is held to select participants. For more information or to request an application, please contact the park at (970) 626-5822 or by email at [email protected].
Hiking, Biking and Horseback Riding
Trails
You can also inquire about a loaner Grit Chair and make reservations for Track Chair excursions, both available year-round, to further enhance your park exploration. For more information, see the "Accessibility Equipment and Lakefront Lending Locker" accordion within the Land Activities for Visitors with Disabilities section above.
Learn How to Coexist
At Ridgway State Park, you may encounter many forms of wildlife, including black bears and mountain lions. While encounters with bears and mountain lions are rare, they can occur. As more people visit Colorado's beautiful outdoor spaces, it's important to remember that these animals are wild. Always be aware of your surroundings and follow the Crossing Paths with Wildlife tips. The safest approach is to give them space and never try to feed or approach them. By respecting their natural behavior and keeping your distance, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and the park's amazing wildlife.
Also find important information on how to protect wildlife, your campsite, pets and more, on the Living with Wildlife pages.
Dallas Creek Nature Trail
1 mile
Marmot Run Trail
1.8 miles
Cookie Tree Trail
0.9 miles
Dallas Creek Nature Trail
1 mile
Marmot Run Trail
1.8 miles
Cookie Tree Trail
0.9 miles
Forest Discover Trail
0.6 miles
Scenic Overlook Trail
0.1 miles
Wapiti Trail
0.6 miles
Sunset Ridge Trail
0.7 miles
Skyline Loop Trails
0.3 miles
Twin Fawn Trail
0.7 miles
Secret Spot Trail
0.2 miles
Pinyon Park Trails
0.6 miles
Mule Deer Meadow
0.5 miles
Porcupine Patch Trail
0.1 miles
Mear's Bay
1.0 miles
Forest Discover Trail
0.6 miles
Scenic Overlook Trail
0.1 miles
Wapiti Trail
0.6 miles
Sunset Ridge Trail
0.7 miles
Skyline Loop Trails
0.3 miles
Twin Fawn Trail
0.7 miles
Secret Spot Trail
0.2 miles
Pinyon Park Trails
0.6 miles
Mule Deer Meadow
0.5 miles
Porcupine Patch Trail
0.1 miles
Mear's Bay
1.0 miles
Enchanted Mesa Trail
2.5 miles
River Walk Trail
0.2 miles
Oak Leaf Trail
1 mile
Enchanted Mesa Trail
2.5 miles
River Walk Trail
0.2 miles
Oak Leaf Trail
1 mile
Borrow Equipment
Forget your gear? Borrow ours! The visitor center, Dallas Creek entrance station, boat ramp and marina office all have gear you can borrow while you're at the park.
Family Activity Backpack
Enhance your family's park adventure with our free Family Activity Backpacks, available for checkout at the park visitor center. Each interactive pack is filled with tools like bug boxes, magnifiers, guide books, binoculars, and a nature journal. These resources are perfect for inspiring imaginative play or guiding structured exploration of Ridgway State Park's natural wonders.
Learn MoreLoner Snowshoes in Winter
Explore Ridgway State Park's winter wonderland with our free snowshoe loaner program! Visitors are welcome to stop by the park visitor center and borrow a pair of snowshoes for use within the park. This program makes it easy to enjoy nature and get a unique perspective on the park's trails during the snowy months. It's a fantastic opportunity to experience the tranquility and beauty of the winter landscape.
Camping Equipment
Planning a camping trip to Ridgway State Park but don't have all the gear? Thanks to a generous grant from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), we offer free loaner camping equipment to make your outdoor adventure a reality. Our "Camping Lending Locker" provides a variety of essential items, ranging from tents and camping chairs to camp stoves and coolers. This program ensures that everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy of camping at Ridgway State Park, even if you're just starting out or forgot something at home. Simply inquire at the park visitor center to see what's available and get ready for a memorable stay.
Lakefront Lending Locker
We believe everyone should have the chance to experience the beauty of nature. That's why we offer "The Lakefront Lending Locker," our accessible equipment loaner program. Think of it like a library for outdoor gear designed to help people with mobility impairments enjoy the park to the fullest. We loan out specialized equipment, making adventures that might otherwise be challenging, easy and fun.
Learn More
Mobility-Impaired
Special Deer Hunt
Ridgway State Park offers a special mobility-impaired deer hunt during the second and third deer rifle seasons. This limited opportunity is designed for hunters with a valid Game Management Unit (GMU) 62 buck or doe tag and a Colorado Parks & Wildlife mobility-impaired accommodation permit that allows shooting from a vehicle.
To further assist hunters, a Trackchair with a shooting rest is available for use. Park rangers accompany hunters at all times, and hunters are required to bring someone to assist with cleaning and processing harvested animals.
Applications for this hunt are accepted by the park, and in cases of more than two qualified applicants per season, a drawing is held to select participants. For more information or to request an application, please contact the park at (970) 626-5822 or by email at [email protected].