Mountain scenery mingles with magnificent campgrounds at Ridgway State Park. Modern, universally-accessible recreation areas and the five-mile long reservoir make memorable days and nights.
Biking
Over 14 miles of marked, well- maintained trails meander through a variety of natural settings from open grasslands to pinyon/juniper forests and along the rivers.
In addition, the property east of highway 550 hosts approximately 10 miles of RAT single-track trails weaving through pinyon/juniper forests and connecting with nearby BLM property. Please stop by the Visitor Center for trail maps.
Birding
Birding opportunities abound at Ridgway State Park throughout the year. Over 140 species of migratory and resident birds have been identified in the park.
Many species of waterfowl and shorebirds including: Goldeneyes, Hooded Mergansers, Canada Geese, Sandhill Cranes, American Avocets, Great Blue Herons, Western Grebes and White-faced Ibises. These birds 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, Bald Eagles 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
Boat Ramp Hours are currently 7-9 7days/week. No launching will be allowed outside of the hours. All boats must be inspected prior to launch.
Cabins and Yurts
Three yurts can be reserved year-round, offering a great opportunity for winter camping! Each Yurt 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
There are electric, full hook up and tent sites available for real time reservations NOW. Please call 800-244-5613
Dog-friendly
Dogs are welcome in the park! Please be aware that not all activities are a good fit for your dog. We ask that your dog be attended at all times; please don't leave them alone at your camp site, or put them in a hot vehicle while you are enjoying activities elsewhere.
Dogs are not allowed at the Swim Beach, they must be on a 6 foot leash at all times, and their waste must be picked up and disposed of properly.
Yurts 12 & 14 are both pet friendly.
Fishing
For CPW fishing reports call park office 8-4:30pm at (970)626-5822x0 for information.
Golfing
There are golf courses in area, the closest being the Divide Ranch and Club Golf Course, only 7 miles away.
Group Camping
While there are no group camping areas, there are three Group Eating Areas in the campgrounds. These areas can ONLY be reserved by campers due to limited parking.
Two are located in the C-Loop of the Dakota Terraces Campground in the Dutch Charlie area. 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 third one is located in the G-Loop, in the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Campground. 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
Group Event Facilities are in the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk area of the park. Shelter A accommodates 150 people; shelter B accommodates 100 people. Both are next to the Uncompahgre River offering an ideal setting to celebrate weddings, family reunions, company picnics and parties of all kinds. You can rent one or both for an event.
Hiking
Over 14 miles of trail are available, and vary by length, terrain, and ecosystem. Most trails are good options for winter recreation as well; try x-country skiing or snowshoeing your favorite trail!
Trail maps are available at our Visitor Center.
Horseback Riding
Horses are prohibited in the park, but are allowed east of the Dutch Charlie entrance across highway 550 at the San Juan Overlook. Please call 1-970-626-5822 for more specific details.
Hunting
Due to limited backcountry areas and the proximity of recreation facilities hunting is limited.
Due to year-round visitation to the park by a variety of recreation user groups hunters can contact the Park Visitor Center for specific and updated information on hunting at Ridgway State Park.
OHV Riding
There is 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
Paddle Boarding
Ridgway's gorgeous reservoir is the ideal paddle boarding destination! Take in the park's stunning mountain views as you engage in a fun, full-body workout.
Take safety seriously. Remember to have one life jacket (PFD) on board per person, as well as a sound-producing device, like a whistle. PFDs are required! Children under the age of 13 must wear a proper fitting life jacket at all times. The combination of high-mountain winds, cold waters and potential exhaustion creates a high level of risk and an absolute necessity for safety precautions.
There will be rental paddle boats on site starting May 18, 20
Picnicking
There are 87 picnicking sites located throughout the park, including some 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.
Sailboarding
Wind surfing is popular during the summer, and most launch from the Dallas Creek shoreline. Watch for floating driftwood during times of rapid runoff.
Swimming
The Swim Beach at Dutch Charlie is closed to swimming. Water levels are coming up but still too low to open this designated beach. Scheduled opening date is 6/6/2019 If water levels allow. Dogs, glass containers, hard-sided paddle craft, and fishing are not allowed in the Dutch Charlie Swim beach.
Volleyball
Volleyball courts are located at the swim beach, Pa-Co-Chu-Puk group event facility and day use area May thru September.
Water Skiing
The warm weather during the summer season, makes the reservoir extremely attractive for water skiers and wakeboarders alike. The reservoir is about 5 miles long with 1,030 surface-acres of water at an elevation of 6,871 feet.
Please be aware that all paddle boards must have a life jacket on board for each person. Children under the age of 13 must wear a life jacket at all times.
Whitewater rafting
Is available on the Uncompahgre River south of the park (as conditions allow). Recommended for small rafts and kayaks only. No boats are allowed in Pa Co Chu Puk on the river below the dam.
Wildlife Viewing
Great opportunities for wildlife viewing are available at Ridgway State Park, stop by the Visitor Center for a "Watchable Wildlife" Brochure and more information.
Mule deer can be seen fairly close year-round. Several small mammal species including chipmunk, mink, marmot, rabbit and skunk can also be seen. In addition, large mammals including elk, bobcat, mountain lion, big horn sheep and black bear, and now moose can be spotted throughout Ouray County and the surrounding area, and OCCASIONALLY on the park.
Winter Activities
When snow conditions allow, the recreational activities on the park include 3+ miles of packed cross-country trails. Ice fishing, camping, hiking, and photography are some of the winter activities available within the park. As well, visitors can use our park as a base camp, in order to engage many activities locally; including skiing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice climbing.
Winter Camping
A loop electric sites, H loop walk-in tent sites, and the Yurts are all available over the winter by reservation. Not all sites are cleared of snow, contact the park for more information at 970-626-5822x 0 for more information.
