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Park Office
28555 Highway 550
Ridgway, CO   81432

Office Hours
8 AM - 4:30 PM daily except State Holidays
Park Hours
24 hrs/day for approved activities.

Phone   970-626-5822

Link to parks map
Ridgway  Activities Printer friendly versionPrinter friendly version

Biking - 5/16/2009
All trails are open for hiking or biking as weather permits. Obtain trail map at visitor center.
Birding - 12/14/2008
Birding opportunities abound at Ridgway State Park throughout the year. Over 140 species of migratory and resident birds have been identified in the park, including many species of waterfowl and shorebirds such as Sandhill Cranes, American Avocets, Great Blue Herons, Western Grebes and White-faced Ibises, which are attracted to the open water of the reservoir and its three in-flowing streams. In the winter enjoy observing Mountain Chickadees, Black-capped Chickadees, Common Ravens, Black-billed Magpies, Red-breasted Nuthatches, White-breasted Nuthatches, Dark-eyed Juncos, Western Scrub-Jays and Great Horned Owls. Confirmed summer breeders in the park include American Dippers, Black-chinned Hummingbirds, Western Meadowlarks, Red-naped Sapsuckers, Mountain Bluebirds, Western Bluebirds, Violet-green Swallows, White-throated Swifts, Red-tailed Hawks, Golden Eagles and many others. Common raptors include Northern Harriers, Ospreys, American Kestrels, Northern Goshawks, Peregrine Falcons and Bald Eagles.
Boating - 11/9/2009
The BOAT RAMP IS CLOSED until March 15, 2010. Only non-motorized,non-trailered small hand launching will be allowed between November 1st and March 15th at Dallas Creek shoreline. This closure is an effort to prevent the introduction of Aquatic Nuisance Species including zebra mussels. Boating is NOT allowed in the ponds or the river below the dam.
Cabins and Yurts - 1/3/2009
Three comfy Yurts are open and reservable year-round. Each has amenities including heat, electricity, microwave, fridge, and sleeps up to six. Water hydrants are outside, as are the flush and vault restrooms. Showers are available during the summer.
Camping - 10/27/2009
A Loop in Dakota Terraces is open year-round with electricity, shared water and a heated flush restroom. G loop walk-in tent loop is also available year-round with a vault restroom. Heated Yurts are also available on a first-come first serve basis or through reservations.
Cross-country Skiing - 10/27/2009
As the snowfall increases, there is 14 miles of trails plus meadows provide a wonderful venue for cross-country skiing in the park.
Education Programs - 12/3/2009
Our formal interpretive and environmental education programs are concluded for 2009. Special programs can be accommodated during this time of year as staffing allows. Our formal 2010 interpretive and environmental education programs will begin in late April for the schools and Memorial Day weekend for park visitors.
Fishing - 8/21/2009
The reservoir is open for fishing, and has been stocked for the season with 17,000 rainbows, 4,700 McConahay's, and 9,000 splake. Come try your luck - and skill - from the bank or by boat. Browns are best on lures in deep water. Please refer to the Colorado Division of Wildlife fishing regulations. HUCK FINN DAYs for kids (third Saturday of June, July, and August) are over for the year. In general, the best fishing is in the spring and fall or during early mornings and late evenings in the summer.
Geocaching - 1/8/2007
Ridgway State Park hosts 4 or more geocaching sites. Information can be found at geocaching.com.
Gold Panning - 8/21/2009
Gold panning areas near to the park. Contact the Ouray Chamber of Commerce at www.ouraycolorado.com for more information.
Golfing - 12/21/2007
Golf courses in area. Divide Ranch and Club Golf Course only 7 miles away.
Group Camping - 10/11/2008
While there are no group camping areas, there are three Group Eating Areas where campers can gather when the campground is open. These areas can ONLY be reserved by campers because there are no parking spaces. (Check the fees page for more information.) Two are in C-Loop in the Dakota Terraces Campground in the Dutch Charlie area and one in G-Loop, in the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Campground. The C-Loop sites can accommodate up to 50 people and feature a concrete pad, large barbecue grill, four picnic tables and a water hydrant. The G-Loop site can accommodate up to 75 people and has a shade shelter, concrete pad, fire ring, large barbecue grill, six picnic tables and a water hydrant.
Group Picnicking - 11/26/2008
The park offers two picnic shelters along the river near the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Campground as well as three group eating areas for campers in the Dakota Terraces and Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Campgrounds while these campgrounds are open. Please refer to the Group Facilities page or the Group Activity Areas Brochure for more information.
Hiking - 12/21/2007
Fourteen miles of a variety of trails are available. Please contact the park office for a trail map (970)626-5822 or ridgway.park@state.co.us. Please keep pets on a leash at all times on the trails at Ridgway State Park.
Horseback Riding - 7/19/2009
Horses are permitted only on road shoulders and in the meadows. Horses are prohibited on all gravel trails, concrete and asphalt surfaces.
Hot-Air Ballooning - 12/21/2007
To land/launch balloons please contact park office. Balloon rides may be available in the park by contacting sanjuanballoon.com or (970)626-5495.
Hunting - 12/21/2007
Due to limited backcountry areas and the proximity of recreation facilities at Ridgway State Park, hunting is extremely limited. Hunters should check with the park office for specific closures and regulations.
OHV Riding - 12/21/2007
No OHV Riding permitted in the park, however, excellent OHV/Jeep trails are located 15 minutes away near Ouray Colorado. Contact Park Office for more information at (970)626-5822 or the Ouray Chamber of Commerce at www.ouraycolorado.com
Picnicking - 12/21/2007
87 picnicking sites are located throughout the park, including near the swim beach and playgrounds. Explore the beauty of Ridgway and retire to a picturesque setting for a picnic. Many picnicking sites are universally accessible and offer the comforts of shelters, restrooms and nearby drinking water hydrants.
Rock Climbing - 12/21/2007
Limited, check with park staff.
Sailboarding - 12/14/2008
Wind surfing is popular during the summer, and most launch from the Dallas Creek shoreline. Watch for floating driftwood during times of rapid runoff.
Sledding - 1/7/2008
Small sledding hill available in the upper boat ramp parking lot, as well as in other areas of the park, conditions permitting.
Snowmobiling - 8/31/2008
Snowmobiling is not permitted in the park, however, there are several excellent riding areas within 20 min to 2 hours drive - when conditions are right! Contact the park office at (970)626-5822 for more information.
Snowshoeing - 12/14/2008
Good snowshoeing areas are located in and around the park, conditions permitting!
Swimming - 8/27/2009
Our beach is now CLOSED FOR SWIMMING or wading. However, you can still enjoy the beach area. Please be sure that, while on the beach, volleyball court, or in the playground near the beach, children 12 years or younger are accompanied by an adult. NOTE: Dogs are not allowed on the beach.
Volleyball - 12/21/2007
Volley ball courts are located at the Swim beach, group picnic area, Pa-Co-Chu-Puk day use area.
Water Skiing - 7/11/2009
Good conditions April thru October. The reservoir is about 5 miles long with 1,030 surface-acres of water at an elevation of 6,871 feet. NOTE: Watch for floating driftwood during times of rapid runoff.
Whitewater rafting - 12/14/2008
On the Uncompahgre River, south of the park - as conditions allow. Recommended for small rafts and kayaks only. Rafting guides available at www.fishrigs.com, small crafts are available for rent at the Ridgway Outdoor Experience.
Wildlife Viewing - 12/21/2007
One of the featured activities at Ridgway State Park. Good sightings of mule deer are available year-round. Several small mammal species including chipmunk, mink, marmot, and skunk. In addition, other large mammals in the area include Elk, bob cat, mountain lion, big horn and black bear. Several species of bird including bald eagles (Nov-April).
Winter Activities - 1/8/2008
Combine visits to local winter recreation spots and area hot springs with comfortable stays - in a yurt or in your own RV - for a welcome change of pace. Winter visitors include ice climbers visiting the world-class Ice Park in nearby Ouray and alpine skiers headed to the powdery slopes of Telluride or Silverton.
Winter Camping - 12/14/2008
One campground loop with electric and shared water is open year-round, with a shared all-weather restroom during the winter. Three cozy Yurts (cabin-like) are open and reservable year-round.

Last Updated: 12/3/2009