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 1 Fire Restrictions -
Campfires are only allowed within an agency provided fire grate at developed recreation sites. Devices using gas, petroleum jelly, or pressurized liquid fuel are permitted. Fire pans and rock campfire rings are not acceptable. No fires of any type, including charcoal, outside of developed areas. For more restrictions, see Ouray County. For more fire-related information on the Western Slope, visit West Slope Fire Info.
Get Involved
Whether you're an avid outdoors enthusiast or just looking to enjoy Colorado’s fresh air and sunshine, Ridgway State Park offers countless ways to connect with nature and play a vital role in preserving it. Explore the opportunities below to find your way to get involved at Ridgway State Park and contribute to the mission of Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Seasonal employee providing families angler education
Jobs
Want to spend your season surrounded by the stunning beauty of Ridgway State Park? We hire for a variety of seasonal roles where you can make a real impact! Join our team and help us assist visitors, maintain the beautiful trails and facilities, educate the public on nature, or even protect the reservoir from invasive species. Whether you're interested in park operations, visitor services, or protecting and preserving the resources, a rewarding seasonal adventure awaits you at Ridgway State Park!
Every year we hire:
- Aquatic Invasive Species (ANS) Inspectors
- Interpretive Naturalists
- Limited-Commissioned Law Enforcement Personnel
- Maintenance Workers
- Marina Services Staff
- Park Entrance Attendants
- Trail Maintenance Crew
- Youth Intern Program (YIP) personnel
Consider joining the Ridgway State Park team or explore other Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) opportunities. You can find current full time and seasonal openings by visiting the State of Colorado Job Opportunities website.
Volunteering
You can directly contribute to sustaining and maintaining the park by volunteering as a campground host, assisting with wildlife and natural resource monitoring, citizen science programs, providing administrative support, working at entrance gates, maintaining trails, helping with maintenance, supporting marina services, assisting with boating programs, aiding in educational programs, or contributing and helping with general park projects or programs.
Do you have a unique skill or a passion for the outdoors? If you have a specific way you'd like to contribute, we encourage you to contact the park directly with your ideas!
Visit CPW Connect to see all volunteer opportunities at Ridgway State Park and within Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Volunteer Highlights
Accessibility Volunteer
Colorado Parks and Wildlife values the right of every visitor to experience our state's natural beauty. For visitors with accessibility needs, Ridgway State Park offers the use of the Action Track-Chair, a grit chair, floating wheelchairs, and an inflatable wheelchair paddle board, which allows visitors to adventure and explore both land and water areas within the park.
Citizen Science
Ridgway State Park values data collection to understand and manage our diverse flora and fauna populations. We conduct butterfly monitoring to track migrating species, participate in raptor monitoring to observe our majestic birds of prey, and engage in bluebird box monitoring to support these vibrant native birds. These ongoing efforts as well as others help us understand and ensure the health of the park's ecosystems.
Marina Services
As a Marina Services Volunteer at the Blue Heron Marina, you'll be at the heart of the action, providing exceptional customer service while assisting with rentals of pontoon boats, paddleboards, kayaks, and pedal boats. You'll also help manage marina slips and buoys, and contribute to the overall upkeep of the facilities, including working in the marina store. It's a fantastic opportunity to be part of the team, meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts, and help visitors create unforgettable memories on the water.
Naturalist
Put your passion for interpretation and environmental education to use by helping kids of all ages become more aware of the world around them while encouraging them to become active stewards of our precious resources. Naturalist/Education volunteers assist the park interpreter with assigned programs and projects.
Friends of Ridgway State Park event booth
Friends of Ridgway State Park
The Friends of Ridgway State Park (FRSP) is a 501-C-3 non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to supporting Ridgway State Park by advancing community involvement and fostering proper stewardship of natural resources. Through fundraising, primarily from the sale of firewood and ice, and volunteer efforts, the FRSP assists park personnel with environmental education, capital improvement projects, equipment purchases, community outreach, hosting groups, and general maintenance, enhancing visitor experiences beyond what state funding and staff alone can provide.
The Friends of Ridgway State Park also contribute by:
- Tree planting
- Trail maintenance
- Tent pad construction
- Fundraising through booths at local venues
- Helping monitor flora and fauna
- Offering scholarships
- Assisting with purchasing campsite shelters, bike racks and benches
- Maintaining flower beds
- Highway clean up and more
For more information or to join, visit the Friends of Ridgway State Park Website, or visit CPWConnect and search for the Friends of Ridgway State Park volunteer opportunity under Ridgway State Park.