Ridgway is a town in the northern San Juan Mountains of Colorado. It is a former railroad town and is located on the Uncompahgre River. As of the 2010 census, its population was 924. Ridgway has many attractions for visitors, including Top of the Pines and the Chipeta Solar Springs Resort.
Top of the Pines
Top of the Pines is a 175-acre recreation area just up County Road 5 from Ridgway. Open all year round, TOP offers hiking trails, scenic vistas, and camping in rustic cabins. The park is also a great place for environmental education and special events.
The course was designed by landscape architect Ned Bosworth, who has been creating courses for over 35 years. He found that this project gave him more pleasure than anything else in his career. Another board member, Brad Wallis, is a local builder who is a big supporter of the organization.
In addition to being an outdoor recreational destination, Top of the Pines is also a popular wedding location. It has been certified as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). The designation requires compliance with international dark-sky best practices and requires careful monitoring of light pollution. The park also aims to educate visitors about the benefits of dark skies and how to protect them.
Located at the foot of the Sneffels Range, Top of the Pines in Ridgy is a beautiful place to enjoy outdoor activities, including Nordic skiing and flat-track skiing. The park also offers a scenic nature preserve, a new snowshoe trail, and an educational base camp. The park is open from dawn to dusk. There is also a rustic warming hut at the campground area.
Ridgway State Park
Ridgway State Park is located in Ouray County, Colorado. It is about 21 miles southeast of Montrose and 14 miles northeast of Ouray. Ridgway is located about 4 miles north of the town of Ridgway. From Denver, it takes about 312 miles. Wildlife is abundant here, including deer, mountain lions, and rabbits.
Ridgway State Park has a large reservoir that attracts many water birds. It is one of the few resting spots for these birds in the San Juan Mountains. You can see a variety of ducks, shorebirds, and other birds in the spring and fall. Occasionally, you can even see Great Blue Herons and White-faced Ibis. Fall is also a good time to spot a Bald Eagle soaring over the water. There is also a nesting place for American Dippers under a bridge over a small creek.
Ridgway State Park features over 14 miles of hiking trails. During winter, the trails are also open to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. You can choose a trail according to the difficulty of your hike. The trails are not always accessible, so check the conditions before heading out.
Ridgway State Park is a recreation area located 17 miles southeast of Montrose. It offers camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing, along with breathtaking views of the Ridgway Reservoir. There are also several opportunities for boating and fishing. However, if you’re planning on taking a boat out, make sure to obtain all necessary state and local licenses first.
Ridgway State Park is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. The park features 14 miles of hiking trails and a large reservoir for swimming. It also has a number of campgrounds and heated cabins.
Chipeta Solar Springs Resort
If you’re looking for a relaxing fall vacation, the Chipeta Solar Springs Resort in Ridgway, Colorado, is the perfect place to stay. This charming resort offers beautiful views, great food, and a variety of spa services. Plus, you can enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains from the cozy Four Corners Restaurant.
Ridgway is located in central Colorado between Telluride and Montrose. You can reach Ridgway from either town in about 15 minutes. From Ridgway, you can also visit Ouray and other towns located along the San Juan Skyway. In addition, if you want to visit nearby national parks, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is just a three-hour drive away.
During fall, the area is full of colorful leaves that add a touch of magic to the town. You can enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding in the surrounding hills and valleys. You can also take in the stunning views of the San Juan Mountains from a distance.
Ridgway Railcar Museum
In the heart of the San Juan Mountains, the Ridgway Railroad Museum offers a unique glimpse into the history of railroads in the West. The museum houses restored locomotives and countless artifacts. It offers educational programs and self-guided tours to visitors. The museum also has a reference library with information on railroad history. The museum also preserves historic photos and railroad equipment, as well as shares its collection with other historical groups.
The Ridgway Railroad Museum attracts railroad enthusiasts from around the world. It’s located in the historic Ridgway Railroad Depot, which served the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad from 1891 until the early 1960s. It shares its building with the Ouray County Ranch History Museum, which opened in 2006. The Ridgway Depot is currently under renovations, and the Museum plans to build a new museum on an adjacent 10-acre site. Both museums have unique history, and the railroad and ranching heritage of the area make a fascinating combination.
The museum’s grounds feature a restored depot building and water tank. There are also model railroads on display and a railroad library. The museum also has a replica of a wooden trestle bridge, which was constructed with techniques from the late 19th century. It also offers special events and educational programs to help visitors learn more about railroad history.
The museum has a number of ex-DRGW rolling stock. This equipment includes the DRGW caboose, a work car, a drop bottom gondola, a box car and a stock car. Besides the equipment, the museum also has a diorama that shows a model of the Pleasant Valley Trestle. The model is able to run, so visitors can experience a glimpse into the past of railroading.
Orvis Hot Springs
For an unforgettable spa experience, visit Orvis Hot Springs, a natural hot spring resort with several pools and ponds. The area was once a sacred site for the Tabeguache tribe, who would soak in the waters for its curative and calming effects. This hot spring is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ridgway. You can enjoy the healing water and the view of the San Juan Mountain Ranges while you relax and unwind.
Orvis Hot Springs offers RV and tent camping for its guests. Guests can stay in a cabin, tent, or RV for $10 per night. Campers are not permitted to bring pets or smoke in their camping area. RVs and tents must be less than 30 feet in length.
The area also features Ridgway State Park, which has become a popular camping location for tourists. The park is located near Orvis Hot Springs, and it features several camping facilities and essential amenities. The Ridgway State Park offers varied landscapes, including the mighty Uncompahgre River, multiple blue lakes with a variety of wildlife, and a natural hot spring.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing spa experience, or are simply looking for a scenic view of the Colorado mountains, Orvis Hot Springs is one of the most popular places in Ridgway. It’s open all year round, but it’s usually more crowded during the winter months.
Ridgway is an ideal destination for vacationers who love the outdoors. You can visit several historic hot springs and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. If you’re traveling from Grand Junction, you can take I-70 State Highway to Montrose. Then, take the 29th Road Ramp, which is located four miles east of Grand Junction. You can also take US 550 State Highway, which is 27.5 miles south of Montrose. From there, you’ll find the Orvis Hot Springs Resort on Colorado road 3.
