OFFICIAL VISITOR’S GUIDE 2017
Discoverthe Ridgway - Think Discover Switzerland of Outside America RidgwayColorado.com • 1-800-220-4959 • 2017 • Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide – 1
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Ridgway-Ouray Lodge & Suites is near the intersection of Highways 550 (The Magnificent San Juan Skyway) & 62 at 373 Palomino Trail
970-626-5444 or 800-368-5444 P.O. Box 608 • Ridgway, Colorado 81432 • Fax 970-626-5898 www.RidgwayLodgeAndSuites.com • Reservations@RidgwayLodgeAndSuites.com
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Table of Contents
Ridgway is nestled in the picturesque Uncompahgre Valley and surrounded by the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Cimarrons and San Juans, some of the most photographed mountains in the world. The town is located at the northern entrance of the San Juan Scenic
Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce 150 Racecourse Road Ridgway, CO 81432 (800) 220-4959 (800) 626-5181 RidgwayColorado.com This publication was produced by Ballantine Communications, Inc./The Durango Herald Chief Executive Officer, Douglas Bennett Chief Financial Officer, Bob Ganley Vice President of Sales, David Habratt Creative Services Manager, Todd Bartz Senior Layout & Design Specialist, Jim Dodson Advertising Sales, Bart Collins Special Sections Editor, Hunter Harrell Content Editor, Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce Photo credits
Cover: ©Jack Brauer – Cimarron Sunset Bottom left: RIGS Fly Shop - Paco Trout Bottom left-center: Anthony Gegauff – Ridgway Concert Series Bottom right-center: Deja Sue Photography – Ouray County Rodeo Bottom right: Classic Visions Photography - Biking This page: Kathryn Lair – Last Dollar Road
and Historic Byway, one of America’s most spectacular highways. With nearly 300 glorious days of sunshine, it is the perfect town to enjoy and explore a broad spectrum of outdoor activities and year-round cultural events.
City of Ridgway - Mayor’s Welcome........................ 4 Welcome to Ridgway..............................................5-6 Visitor’s Guidepost..................................................... 7 Calendar of Events..................................................... 9 Activities & Adventures.....................................11-23 Arts & Culture.....................................................24-27 History & Heritage..............................................27-29 Ouray County Adventures...................................... 31 Scenic Drives & Day Trips..........................33-35 Ouray County’s Rich Heritage....................36-39 Weddings & Celebrations................................ 41 A Treasure Trove of Family Fun...................... 42 Ski Without The Crowds.................................. 43 Ridgway City Map................................................... 46 Ouray City Map....................................................... 47 Regional Recreation Map...................................48-49 Plan Your Perfect Stay............................................. 53 Business Listings Places to Stay................................................55-57 Recreation & Guides ...................................57-58 Dining...........................................................59-60 Retail Shopping............................................61-62 Local Services...............................................63-67 RidgwayColorado.com • 1-800-220-4959 • 2017 • Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide – 3
Welcome to Ridgway
A Welcome from The Mayor
KATHRYN LAIR – LAST DOLLAR ROAD
have u enjoy your stay. We yo pe ho I ! wn to le litt r unique e to welcome you to ou lik d I’ , or ay m s y’ wa dg As Ri onth. ried e with each passing m or m — er notch shopping and va off pto to , h uc 00 m 1,0 of wn to a Colorado Creative s you’ll ever find in ed nt ifi ra rt au ce st a re is y st be wa e dg th Ri do next. With some of es of “Alley Art”; you ll be deciding what to ec wi pi e r ng fo le t al ou ch e ly ey on an e p th tion nightlife, y turn (kee ralleled outdoor recrea ts of all stripes at ever pa tis un ar r d ou fin e ll nc u’ rie yo pe so ex t, Distric rn up). Be sure to mountain biking or tu be ll it wi e ill W on r e. he or ot pl ex an e n es you ca , never know wher t no limit to the activiti 30 minutes from town os an m th al ss is e Le er g? Th in o. oe to , sh the ng or snow opportunities to experience some of paddle boarding, fishi rn up tu dre an en st th or y, g tr iin un sk co e high allenge hunting, ldflower splendor in th y Thursday in July. I ch wi er e ev bl s, ra rie pa Se m t co er in nc d Co fin y you’ll ary or al Ridgwa way, whether it is culin anywhere at our annu dg d Ri fin in ll r u’ vo yo sa ic u us yo m r st vo be ery fla we don’t offer! And ev you to find something . you teed to be world-class ty want to make sure un co d an wn experiential, is guaran to r ou utside” tizens of We take our “Think O re here, the friendly ci e. u’ siz yo r ile ou wh ity do un u m yo m at co l In all th ity, but in a rura u didn’t think possible in our creative commun s yo rie rm da fo a un in bo d e m an so it, y sh enjo me. Pu d urge you to do the sa . slogan seriously here an come see us again soon to re su be d An y. jo en above all, Welcome! John Clark y Mayor, City of Ridgwa
4 – Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide • 2017 • 1-800-220-4959 • RidgwayColorado.com
Welcome to Ridgway
Discover Ridgway’s Colorful Downtown A quiet, western town with charismatic energy; Ridgway is a way of life. The town was founded in 1890 as the headquarters of the world famous Rio Grande Southern narrow gauge railroad serving the area’s rich silver and gold mines, ranches and farms. Today the railroad is gone, but its memories remain at the acclaimed Ridgway Railroad Museum. The ranches still dot the valley, preserving open space so special to the area. There is also an amazing wildlife presence throughout the region. Most famous are the bald eagles which nest in the cottonwoods along the Uncompahgre River. Ridgway, as a designated Creative Arts District, is also known for its vigorous arts community. The town boasts a new concert stage in Hartwell Park, which is home to the outdoor summer concert series. In addition, the newly restored Sherbino Theater offers music, movies and much more. Several studios, galleries and sculptures are here to discover. Dozens of one of a kind, family-owned shops and several award-winning restaurants plus a local brewery and a distillery make this an exciting place to settle in and spend some time. A town’s main street says a lot about the community— bringing to life the heritage and authenticity of a town inspires creative energy and pride. Ridgway was awarded 2015 Colorado Main Street of the Year, particularly for the planning of its downtown revitalization and beautification efforts, which were underway in 2016 and slated to finish in 2017. Colorado Main Street is a program founded by the National Main Street Center,
DEJA SUE PHOTOGRAPHY – LABOR DAY PARADE
which is committed to historic preservation-based community revitalization. The Colorado program uses the national model to assist communities as they preserve and rejuvenate their downtown and commercial districts within the context of historic preservation. Colorado Main Street is part of a powerful, grassroots network consisting of 45 coordinating programs and more than 1,600 neighborhoods and communities across the country committed to creating high-quality places and stronger communities. Ridgway is one of the few towns in the State to be both a Certified Creative District and a Designated Main Street Community. Explore Ridgway’s downtown with its unique businesses, excellent restaurants, and fantastic views.
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RidgwayColorado.com • 1-800-220-4959 • 2017 • Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide – 5
Welcome to Ridgway
Discover Ridgway’s Colorful Downtown Ridgway iPhone App
Check out the Ridgway iPhone app for quick and easy information about the spectacular Ridgway area. (Search iTunes for Ridgway, CO.) Explore Ridgway’s rich western history of railroading and ranching. Find the places where the original True Grit movie was filmed. From the poems that decorate Ridgway’s alleys to the sculptures in its parks, share in the celebration of art and beauty in this wonderful little town. Quickly and easily navigate through an interactive and informative app to find beautiful sights, parks, restaurants, hiking, biking, hot springs, and many other amenities in a snap.
One Ridgway
One Ridgway is an initiative to encourage and reward local purchases. Participants are celebrated for connecting with businesses in new and increased ways, and then sharing their experience on Facebook and through online reviews. There are monthly prizes and local specials. 6 – Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide • 2017 • 1-800-220-4959 • RidgwayColorado.com
BOX CANYON BLOG (MARK JOHNSON) – RIDGWAY FIRE HOUSE
RAMP Up Ridgway!
RAMP Up Ridgway! is a partnership between the Town of Ridgway, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to improve the State Highway 62 corridor through town and revitalize the Downtown Historic Business District to the north. This $13.8M construction project began in the spring of 2016 and is anticipated to complete in mid-2017. Downtown improvements include: Asphalt Streets, Concrete Sidewalks, Colored Concrete Crosswalks, ADA Parking and Access, Decorative Lighting, Public Art, Custom Furnishings, Street Trees and Tree Grates, Shrub Areas and Planters, Storm Water Drainage Construction phases 1 and 2 in 2016 involved removing decommissioned tennis courts at Hartwell Park to create additional parking, major street work in the north portions of the Historic Business District, and major work along Highway 62. In 2017, Construction phase 3 will finish Highway 62 and install downtown streetscape elements (landscaping, artwork, benches, etc.). Information on this project can be found at: www.codot.gov/projects/sh62rampupridgway
Visitor’s Guidepost
Basecamp Ridgway Valleys and open space with epic views of the Cimarron and San Juan ranges define Ridgway. Explore alluvial rivers, high mountain lakes and magnificent reservoirs, soothing natural hot springs, abundant trails and roaming wildlife. Ridgway is the ideal base camp for outdoor adventures; where spectacular outdoor activities await everyone! Biking and hiking can reach as far as the San Juan Mountains, the Mt. Sneffels and Cimarron Wilderness, the Uncompahgre
What to do?
• River Play – raft, kayak, tube, stand-up-paddleboard or just play in the river • Hot Air Ballooning – see the region from new heights • Fishing – quality river fishing and high mountain lakes abound • Lake Fun – swimming, stand-up-paddleboarding (SUP), windsurfing, sailing, water skiing and more • Biking – mountain or road biking is waiting for all experience levels • Hike or Backpack – from town trails to high terrain • Camp – stay at local Ridgway State Park, BLM and USFS sites • Scenic Drives – explore the San Juan Skyway • Play Golf –the San Juan Mountain Range is your backdrop
DAN NOVAKOSKI – WILD IRIS & MT. SNEFFELS
National Forest, the surrounding BLM lands or just into Ridgway State Park. There are trails for all experience levels, ranging from easy shorter walks/rides to longer and more challenging terrain. Ridgway also boasts amazing proximity to six quality trout rivers and streams, as well as numerous lakes to get you fishing. If it’s outdoors, it’s here. Experience why Ridgway’s slogan is Think Outside!
• Hot Springs – soak after a day of fun • Skateboard – drop into a bowl with a mountain view • Look for Wildlife or Birds – resident elk herds, mountain lion prides and nesting eagles • Horseback Riding – high country range rides • Elk Hunting – great units abound • Cross Country Ski & Snowshoe – explore Top of the Pines and the Cimarron Mountains • Photography – north, south, east or west; pick a direction and find beauty • Ski and Snowboard – just a short drive to Telluride, Silverton or Durango • 4X4 Fun – Jeep, ATV & dirt bike in the Cimarrons and the Sneffels Range RidgwayColorado.com • 1-800-220-4959 • 2017 • Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide – 7
Come Fly With Us! San Juan Balloon Adventures www.sanjuanballoon.com
970-626-5495 7
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8 – Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide • 2017 • 1-800-220-4959 • RidgwayColorado.com
Please, no dogs & no outside alcohol
Calendar of Events
Endless Activites All Year Round Year-Round Events:
Art Bar’s Dance & Fitness Classes Fly-fishing & Sport Demonstrations Gallery Openings and Exhibitions Historic Tours & Museums Exhibitions Ignite! Events Live Music Living Room Lounge Concerts Open Bard Poetry Readings Ridgway Moonwalks SherbNerds Trivia Nights Sherb Sunday Cinema Screenings Sherb Talks Lecture Series True Grit Walking Tour Visual & Performing Arts Workshops
Spring
Wine & Whiskers Benefit for Second Chance Humane Society Love Your Valley Festival Ridgway Area Trails Festival
Summer
Friday Ridgway Farmers’ Market Townie Tuesdays Outdoor Movies Michael McCullough’s Annual Amateur Sculpting Contest Ridgway State Park Environmental Lecture Series Movie Nights at the State Park Huck Finn Fishing Days Trail Town 10-Miler San Juan Huts 200 Mountain Bike Race Ridgway Rendezvous Arts & Crafts Festival Ridgway RiverFest San Juan Chamber Music Festival Ouray County Fork Fest Mt. Sneffels Education Foundation Marathon & Half-Marathon Run/Walk
SCOTTY KENTON PHOTOGRAPHY – RIDGWAY CONCERT SERIES
Fall
Friday Ridgway Farmers’ Market Ouray County 4-H Fair & Rodeo Ouray County Railroad Days Sneffels Fiber Festival Ridgway Area Chamber Golf Scramble Fall Photography Workshops Halloween Parties
Winter
Santa Paws Fundraiser Nonprofit Holiday Bazaar Ridgway Noel Night Ouray County Chorus Holiday Concert Fly-tying Workshops New Year’s Eve Celebrations MountainFilm Festival San Juan Skijoring San Juan Half Loop Backcountry Nordic Race
We Make Wedding Dreams Come True Our Mission
Saving animals and promoting the human-animal bond. We have been uniting homeless pets with forever families since 1994. As a non-profit animal shelter & resource center we serve the counties of Quray, San Miguel, Montrose and beyond.
Services
· Low Cost spay/neuter clinics · Community education & outreach · Dog for a day/cat for a cuddle · Volunteer Programs
177 Cty Rd 10 · Ridgway Open Tues - Sun · 11AM-5PM 970.626.2273 www.adobtmountainpets.org
Check out our Thrift Store in Ridgway
Willowcreek Floral ~ www.willowcreekfloral.net
Serving Ridgway, Ouray, Telluride & surrounding areas.
309 Sherman St · Ridgway 970.626.3233 Mon - Sat: 10 - 5pm Sun: 12 - 5pm 243079
Visit us at 145 North Cora, Ridgway, CO .5 mi West of Hwys 62 & 550
(888) 900-2525 toll free (970) 626-5216 Ridgway (970) 728-5723 Telluride
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10 – Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide • 2017 • 1-800-220-4959 • RidgwayColorado.com
Activities & Adventures
Places Not to Miss Around Town • Rollans Park, an easy 0.2 mile stretch on either side of the Uncompahgre footbridge offers a refreshing river escape. • The Ridgway River Trail starts from Ridgway Town Park to end at the Ridgway State Park at CR24. This lovely trail is paved and about 2.5 miles one-way. It crosses the Uncompahgre River on a trestle bridge, offers several picnic areas along the way and a BLM riparian. • “Watchable Wildlife” area where you may observe the bald eagles nesting in the cottonwoods. At 1.2 miles is the Dennis Weaver Memorial Park. • Fishing from Rollans Park to the Dennis Weaver Memorial on the Uncompahgre River is a quick way to get your fix within walking distance from town.
• Skateboarding right in town. Experience a skate park designed and created by national recognized Grindline Skateparks in collaboration with Ridgway High School students in 2006. The park is 5,000 square feet with a bowl section as well as an open area to practice jumps. Drop in with the beautiful San Juan Mountains in the background. • Hot Air Ballooning over the town offers expansive views of the region’s amazing landscape and mountain ranges. Personalized service, with no more than four passengers per balloon will get you in the air with San Juan Balloon. • Horseback Riding in the high country introduces a true Western experience. Ride one of the many horse-friendly trails that surround Ridgway and Ouray on your own horse or with one Ouray County’s experienced outfitters. Don’t miss out on the miles of riding opportunity.
Ouray County
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DAVID HUDDLESTON – UNCOMPAHGRE RIVER TRAIL
• Hot Springs are abundant in Ouray County, with five developed facilities for your soaking pleasure. The naturally landscaped pools at Orvis Hot Springs in Ridgway are just one mile south of downtown Ridgway and open to the public year-round. • Golfing in Ouray County’s 300+ days of sunshine make is ideal. The award-winning Divide Golf Club is located only four miles from Ridgway and features an 18-hole course with incredible views and 7,039 yards of challenging play. Complete with pro shop, restaurant and event services, the Divide meets all your golfing needs! • Stagecoach Hill (1.4 miles round-trip) starts from the Dennis Weaver Memorial. This easy hike will reward you with great Sneffels views.
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RidgwayColorado.com • 1-800-220-4959 • 2017 • Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide – 11
Activities & Adventures
Ridgway Area Trails Mountain and Road Biking: Find your Pace Whether you are looking for an easy bike path or a more extreme off-road experience through the San Juan Mountains, you can access a wide variety of back roads and trails from Ridgway or enjoy a few spectacular rides on paved roads.
Classic Scenic Rides
Ridgway’s Uncompahgre River Trail begins downtown and travels gently towards Ridgway State Park’s Dallas Creek area. The paved trail runs primarily on the former Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad corridor and features a restored railroad trestle just north of town. Back roads can offer a scenic ride of rolling ranchland that is a bit longer; follow CR 23, CR17 and Oak Street to Ouray (approximately 25 miles round trip on gravel road).
Road Biking Can Take You Further with a Breathtaking Ride
From Highway 62 in Ridgway to Placerville, this segment was once part of the Ride the Rockies route and remains one of the highlights of the annual Bicycle Tour of Colorado. The highway provides a small but adequate shoulder, peaks on Dallas Divide at 8,970 feet and rewards the strenuous climbs with tremendous views of the Sneffels range. 12 – Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide • 2017 • 1-800-220-4959 • RidgwayColorado.com
RIDGWAY AREA TRAILS – UNCOMPAHGRE RIVER SINGLETRACK
The Ridgway Area Trails Group is the Sneffels Chapter of the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Association (COPMOBA) and is responsible for creating a wonderful multi-use trail system with fantastic mountain bike terrain. From the RAT trails surrounding Ridgway and beyond, to high Alpine trails such as the Dallas Trail, there are over 40 miles of single track in what many refer to as some of the most beautiful and scenic trails in the country. Discover the RAT just north of town. The Dallas trail is one of our most challenging single track with breathtaking views (and climbs). This trail is not for the faint of heart as it includes a very technical descent into Ouray. This approximately 30-mile classic can be done as a shuttle or loop right from the center of Ridgway. For a shorter version of the ride, plan to travel from the Blue Lakes trailhead to Box Factory and back, on the West end of the Dallas trail. The San Jan Hut Systems, based in Ridgway, can help you plan your next mountain bike trip. The fully stocked huts, strategically located on dirt roads and single-track trails from the high alpine tundra of the San Juan Mountains to the canyon country of Utah, allow for exciting biking/touring multi-day adventures without the weight of supplies and gear. Bike Rentals in Ridgway offer a way to get you out on the trails this summer when you don’t want to bring your gear. If you need more help outfitting your biking adventure, refer to our local business listings starting on page 35.
RidgwayColorado.com • 1-800-220-4959 • 2017 • Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide – 13
239693
14 – Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide • 2017 • 1-800-220-4959 • RidgwayColorado.com
Activities & Adventures
Ridgway State Park and Reservoir History
Located about six miles north of the town of Ridgway, the reservoir was controversially planned in a location that would have inundated the town site. It was eventually relocated north of town and spared the Ridgway community from inundation but forced the rerouting of U.S. Highway 550 to the east and the abandonment of the Ridgway Branch of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. Construction of the Dam began in 1978 and was completed in 1987. The lake was first filled in 1990 as an aid to irrigation of the Uncompahgre Valley and flood control.
Amenities
• The 1,000-surface-acre body of water allows for boating, fishing, waterskiing, sailing, paddleboarding and windsurfing. • The Park offers popular campgrounds, a marina, picnic and playground areas, as well as nearly 14 miles of developed trails meandering through the park.
RIDGWAY STATE PARK – RIDGWAY RESERVOIR
Park Entrances
• Pa-Co-Chu-Puk, meaning “Cow Creek” for the Ute Indians, is located below the Ridgway Dam and also offers campsites, a large group event pavilion, pond and river trout fishing and access to several miles of hiking and biking trails. • The Dutch Charlie site was named after a pioneer who ran a boarding house near the present day-swim beach. It includes most of the major facilities and the Park’s Visitors Center. Swimmers can enjoy a beautiful beach located at the Dutch Charlie site and boats can find harbor in the marina. • The Dallas Creek site, closest to Ridgway, provides daytime activities and picnic sites. In addition, the confluence of the Uncompahgre River and Dallas Creek is a perfect place for viewing wildlife.
• Ridgway State Park offers year-round camping. During the high season (mid-May to mid-September), 258 campsites for RVs, trailers, campers and motor homes are available, as well as 25 walk-in tent sites for a more remote experience. Three yurts at the Dutch Charlie area provide a fun alternative to RV and tent camping. • Daily Park Pass: $7; Camping fees: $29-$37; Yurt fees: $87 • For information, maps and reservations go to cpw.state.co.us RidgwayColorado.com • 1-800-220-4959 • 2017 • Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide – 15
Activities & Adventures
DAN NOVAKOSKI – CRYSTAL LAKE CASTING
Hiking: Exploring the Region and Ranges
Hiking is not to be taken lightly here in Colorado. Be prepared before heading into the high country and get specific information about your hike, location of the trail head, difficulty level, length and elevation gain. Many trails will lead you to high altitude destinations and it is helpful to get acclimated on easier hikes before venturing on more strenuous ones. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the high country so start early and be prepared for unpredictable weather. Stop by the Visitor’s Center or a local bookstore to pick up a good hiking book or a map. The Ouray Trail Group has information and updates on the status of the trails, with some maps and pictures of various trails at ouraytrails.org. Wear sunscreen, drink lots of water and be prepared for sudden & extreme weather changes. Consider getting a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) card from the Department of Local Affairs. By purchasing a CORSAR card you are contributing to Colorado’s Search and Rescue fund, which reimburses teams for the costs they incur to provide help. (This is not an insurance card – search and rescue teams will always come to your aid.)
Our Favorite Local Hikes:
Stagecoach Hill (1.4 miles round-trip). Starts from the
Dennis Weaver Memorial. This easy hike will reward you with great Sneffels views.
Stealey Mountain (10,500 feet) - Distance: 12.3 RT miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,100ft. Rating: Moderate. Plan for a full day on this beautiful stretch the whole family can enjoy.
Courthouse Mountain (12,150 feet) - Distance: 3.8 RT
miles – Elevation Gain: 1,850 feet. Rating: Difficult. Short and steep hike with some rock scrambling to get to the summit. Sweeping views of Chimney Peak.
Blue Lakes (11,000 feet to lower lake) – Distance 6.6 RT miles – Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet. Rating: Moderate. Beautiful hike leading up to 3 glacial lakes are the foot of Mount Sneffels.
West Fork Pass & Wetterhorn Basin (12,510 feet) –
Distance 6.3 miles to the Pass, 8.8 miles to the Basin (RT) – Elevation Gain: 1,940 feet. Rating: Difficult. A scenic trail up the West Fork river valley with grand views from the Pass & through the descent into Wetterhorn Basin.
Ridgway Area Trail (RAT) System – Multiuse trails with 239696
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a series of short trails and loops. North of Ridgway, just off CR 10. Additional trails located just North of Dennis Weaver Memorial Park.
Activities & Adventures
Fishing Colorado is home to miles of trout streams, so it should not be a surprise that many excellent fishing opportunities are located within a short distance from Ridgway. Whether you are a veteran or novice, a stay in charming Ridgway will allow you to experience great year-round fishing, as well as float fishing trips, walk and wade guided fly fishing trips and instructional clinics.
Blue Ribbon, High Country Gold Medal Waters
Ridgway is centrally-located within one hour of six major trout streams and rivers, which boast clean waters, feisty fish, and draw out the fisherman in everyone all year long. There are secluded alpine lakes and streams full of stocked and native trout for the fisherman who likes an adventure and easily accessible sport waters along the Uncompahgre River corridor. The reservoir and catch-and-release waters in Ridgway State Park offer fishing opportunities for the whole family, including free fishing for kids during Huck Finn days in the summer.
Walk and Wade the Uncompahgre River in Ridgway State Park
Southern Colorado’s tailwater fishery below Ridgway Reservoir, at the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk entrance of the State Park, offers anglers an unparalleled fishing experience year-round. Extensive rehabilitation has resulted in prime habitat for Rainbow, Brown and Cutthroat trout and catch and release Blue Ribbon Waters revealing deep runs and large pools.
RIGS FLY SHOP – CIMARRON HIGH COUNTRY
RIGS FLY SHOP – PA-CO-CHU-PUK TROUT
Enjoy a Fishing Day with The Family at The Ridgway Reservoir
This beautiful setting with a marina and numerous points of access make for a great fishing destination for the whole family. Stocked rainbow & native brown trout make up the game fish within the reservoir.
Remote Fishing Adventures
Brook and rainbow trout can also be found in some tributaries of the Uncompahgre River. Access to Dallas Creek, Canyon Creek or Upper Cow Creek is more limited, but the reward might very well be a bigger catch. Fishing in surrounding alpine lakes may be the preferred choice for those seeking solitude and grand vistas. A few-mile hike will lead you to magnificent lakes and make for great fishing stories. In the Cimarrons, the waters of Silver Jack Reservoir are more accessible but also offer quality fishing in a serene setting. A fishing license is required to fish from Colorado waterways. Information on licenses and special regulations may be found at cpw.state.co.us
Fall & Winter Fishing
Visiting Ridgway during the fall and winter gives you access to great fishing with less pressure; leading to a more productive day. If you have never tried fishing during your winter vacation, we encourage you to give it a try. There’s nothing quite like having the whole river to yourself on a crisp, cloudless winter day. Set aside some time to play in our beautiful waters; our local guides are always ready to show you their favorite secret falls and fishing holes and always have the best tips on water levels and hatches. For guiding, gear and tips, visit our local experts at RIGS Fly Shop in Ridgway or refer to our local business listings starting on page 35. RidgwayColorado.com • 1-800-220-4959 • 2017 • Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide – 17
Activities & Adventures
Summer River Adventures
RIGS FLY SHOP
Summer’s sunny skies bring snowmelt into our rivers and open up many warm weather water adventures. Tranquil alpine lakes and meandering streams give way to fast-moving waters and rafters, kayakers and canoeists enjoy the thrill of the area’s rushing rivers.
Popular River Rafting Trips
River Rafting
Tubing
Spring snowmelt from high in the San Juan Mountains brings increased water flows to our local rivers and adventure opportunities for rafters and kayakers alike. Book a raft trip down the Uncompahgre, San Miguel or Gunnison Rivers and enjoy pristine wilderness, world-class fishing and stunning geology.
Whitewater Safety
Although rafting rivers is fun, it is also an activity that requires a high level of experience to safely maneuver a boat through any whitewater situation. So, before you go make sure your leader is properly versed and equipped for a variety of whitewater situations. When choosing a trip, make sure you aren’t getting in over your head.
• Uncompahgre River (Class I-III) • Gunnison River (Class I-IV) • San Miguel River (Class II-IV) • Animas River (Class II-V)
Spend a lazy day tubing down the mellow waters of the Uncompahgre near Ridgway State Park in the shadow of Mt. Sneffels. It is a perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day! Equipment is available for rent in Ridgway.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)
Get a peaceful workout by enjoying the quiet waters of a mountain lake on a stand up paddleboard. Experience why this sport is quickly becoming the most popular watersport in Colorado! Equipment is available for rent in Ridgway. To book a river trip or rent gear, visit our local experts at RIGS Fly Shop in Ridgway or refer to our local business listings starting on page 35.
Whitewater Rankings
Rating the difficulty of a rapid is based on a numerical rating system called “Class,” with class I (flat-water), up to class VI (Niagara Falls). For families of first timers, Class I – III is the way to go. For experienced boaters, class III – IV makes the most sense. Note: class V ratings are unadvised unless you are a trained professional and ready for combat swimming! Have fun & don’t forget to contact your local rafting outfitter to receive the most up to date information on conditions, access, gear and guided trips. 18 – Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide • 2017 • 1-800-220-4959 • RidgwayColorado.com
RIGS FLY SHOP
Activities & Adventures
Party on The River Banks Splash in the Water, Celebrate Uncompahgre!
2017 marks the 10th anniversary of the fun, friendly and free Ridgway RiverFest “Celebrating our Watershed.” Come down to the riverside at Rollans Park in Ridgway on Saturday, June 24, to enjoy an array of activities for all ages as we pay homage to the Uncompahgre River and our local water sources. This popular outdoor festival brings together the community and visitors – from avid river-runners to casual river floaters, families, music lovers, sun worshippers and everyone who loves the festival atmosphere. The Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership organizes the annual festival to support its work protecting and restoring the local watershed. The Ouray County nonprofit collaborates with many organizations, businesses and individuals to study and improve water quality around abandoned mines and help the community and local students understand water resources and issues. The 10th annual river festival promises to be the best yet with the usual favorites as well as some new and improved features. The highlight will be an expanded Junk of the Unc Race, with more participants than ever competing to get their homemade watercrafts down the rapids. Besides the other all-age river races, festival-goers will have more opportunities to get on and in the river in non-competitive activities through new collaborations with local river guides.
UNCOMPAHGRE WATERSHED PARTNERSHIP – DOWN RIVER RACE
Other highlights of the 2017 RiverFest include live music on stage, youth entertainment, a Ute cultural presentation, face painting, festival food, locally brewed beers and energetically crafted margaritas by “Glenda the Blenda” bicycle. Plus, a silent auction will offer more than 100 great deals on river gear and apparel, outdoor adventures, local store and restaurant certificates, and a variety of keepsakes and gifts DETAILS: Rollans Park is located at 257 Sherman St., Ridgway, Colorado, next to the Uncompahgre River. The regular parking lot is used as the main festival grounds, but parking is available offsite. Festival and parking signs will be set up along the roads on festival day.
10th Annual Ridgway RiverFest Saturday, June 24, 2017
A fun, free, all-day community festival!
Location: Rollans Park, Ridgway, CO Info: ridgwayriverfest.org • 970-325-3010 Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership • uncompahgrewatershed.org
RidgwayColorado.com • 1-800-220-4959 • 2017 • Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide – 19
Activities & Adventures
Wildlife Viewing Southwest Colorado is teeming with wildlife to view yearround. Most notable in the region are mountain lions, badgers, deer, elk, bear, coyotes, wild turkey, porcupines and bald eagles; all are indigenous to the area. Birding opportunities also abound throughout the year. • Over 140 species of migratory and resident birds have been identified in the area. • Bald eagles are a common sight in the late fall through mid-February, nesting in the cottonwoods along the Uncompahgre River from the town of Ridgway to the Dallas Creek entrance in the State Park. The best times to view roosting eagles are early morning or late in the day. Bring your binoculars and telephotos. Eagles won’t tolerate close approaches and they see five to eight times better than humans.
MARTA ALFRED – BALD EAGLE
• Elk and deer inhabit our wide-open valleys throughout the year. You can see majestic herds of both traversing their migrator paths each year. Watch out when driving any mountain roads. Deer in particular can suddenly appear in the road. Observe speed limits and keep your eyes out ahead to prevent accidents with animals.
CHRISTINE WILSON MCGRADY
• Mountain lions, though rarely seen, cover a vast terrain across the entire state. One of the state’s largest prides calls Ouray County home.
Marcus Garcia hard at work in the Ouray Ice Park
JOIN THE ADVENTURE
20 – Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide • 2017 • 1-800-220-4959 • RidgwayColorado.com
AN ADVENTURE MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO THE EVERYDAY EXPLORER. FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES SALES-LOCAL@ADVENTUREPRO.US
Activities & Adventures
Other Outdoor Opportunities Opportunities for amazing photos abound throughout Southwest Colorado. The four seasons provide vivid colors, snowcapped mountains, incredible sunrises, sunsets and plenty of wildlife to capture. The San Juan Mountains are the most photographed mountains in the state of Colorado and Owl Creek Pass provides remote access to amazing landscapes and wildlife
Hunting
As summer comes to an end and the temperatures cool down thousands of elk and deer come down to lower elevations and warmer temperatures. Ridgway is surrounded by the Uncompahgre National Forest which boasts many excellent hunting grounds and prime Elk Parcel Units 65 & 62. For more hunting information, please visit: cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/BigGame.aspx.
DAN NOVAKOSKI – SAN JUAN WILDFLOWERS
Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe
Ridgway is surrounded by many opportunities to cross country ski and snowshoe. Top of the Pines is the closest option with seven kilometers of trails groomed for Nordic skating and classic flat-track skiing as well as open fields to snowshoe. Looking for a multi-day excursion? Try snowshoeing or skiing in the backcountry, spending your days exploring the snowy hills that surround Ridgway. Warm up in the evenings in a cozy hut from San Juan Huts surrounded by friends and family, soaking up the warmth and conversations about your adventures. To book a unique outdoor adventure, contact one of our local outfitters. Listings start on page 35.
Top of the Pines
Located at the foot of the Sneffels Range, close to Ridgway, Ouray and Telluride, this 175-acre wilderness jewel offers local communities and visitors a place to learn, recreate, and celebrate, while also providing a gathering place for everyone interested in exploring the beauty of the San Juans. This environmental education facility and outdoor recreation open space preserve is open to the public for day use and can be reserved for special events.
TOP OF THE PINES – CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
RidgwayColorado.com • 1-800-220-4959 • 2017 • Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide – 21
Breakfast Lunch Coffee Bakery
High Country Dreams Are
Best When Wrapped In Warmth & Comfort
6:30am – 2:00pm
Locally owned and operated, we strive to be your first choice in high quality, prepared to order breakfast and lunch food. We also hope you enjoy some of our wonderful coffee drinks.
Recommended By: Sunset Magazine’s “Best of the West” & Colorado Connoisseur’s “Award of Excellence”
Order all of your specialty baked goods, from cakes and pies to cookies and scones from our in-house bakery! We will prepare sandwiches, salads and snacks to take with you on your hike, trail ride or jeep tour. 636 Main Street, Ouray, CO 81427 970-633-6021 www.RoastandToastOuray.com facebook.com/roastandtoastouray
22 – Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide • 2017 • 1-800-220-4959 • RidgwayColorado.com
Friendly & Accommodating Staff | Spacious Suites Available our Natural Hot Springs Tubs Terraced On The Hillside
800.327.5080 | 970.325.4981 45 Third Avenue | P.O. Box 439 | Ouray, CO 81427 bcm@BoxCanyonOuray.com | www.BoxCanyonOuray.com
Activities & Adventures
Self-Guided 4x4 Touring
BRIAN K. FOSTER – SAN JUAN JEEPING
Jeep, ATV and Dirt Bike in the Cimarrons and the Sneffels Range
OHV Regulations
Below are a few of our favorite OHV Routes along Hwy 550 & Hwy 62
• Liability insurance is required for all unlicensed motor vehicles in Ouray, San Juan, San Miguel and Hinsdale counties.
While Ridgway has made a name for itself with its excellent bike trails, its unpaved roads are also great access points for off-trail adventures with your 4x4, OHV or dirt bike. Access 4x4 fun, uncrowded fall color & photography trails, hunting access to the Uncompahgre National Forest, and weekend/fall visits from other western slope destinations.
• CR 12: Cow Creek to National Forest • CR 10: Owl Creek Pass to Katy’s Meadow (True Grit) to Cimarron Range • CR 5: to National Forest & Mt. Sneffels Wilderness • CR 7: to National Forest & Blue Lakes Trail • CR 9: through Double RL Ranch (Ralph Lauren) to Box Factory Park to National Forest • Hwy 62: to Double RL Ranch (Ralph Lauren) Overlook to Last Dollar Road to Telluride
• Colorado state law requires that all unlicensed motor vehicles, including those registered in other states, display a current Colorado OHV registration. Annual registration permits may be purchased at a number of locations including Ridgway State Park and online at www.parks.state.co.us.
• All operators in Ouray, San Juan, San Miguel and Hinsdale counties must possess a valid drivers’ license. • Unlicensed motor vehicles cannot be driven within the city limits of Ouray, Ridgway, Lake City, Ophir or Telluride. All motor vehicles must comply with posted speed and Colorado state sound limits and other regulatory signs. RidgwayColorado.com • 1-800-220-4959 • 2017 • Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide – 23
24 – Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide • 2017 • 1-800-220-4959 • RidgwayColorado.com
Arts & Culture
Ridgway Arts Weehawken Creative Arts
For more than 12 years, Weehawken Creative Arts has transformed the lives of adults and children through their arts education, dance program and beloved community events. Weehawken Creative Arts is a nonprofit organization based in Ridgway. This unique organization offers arts and cultural classes to adults and children year-round in a variety of subjects, from traditional fine arts to subjects as broad as personal growth and development. Weehawken Creative Arts’ small administrative team is based in Ridgway, but their programs are offered in the communities of Ouray, Ridgway, Silverton and Montrose. In addition to classes and workshops, Weehawken hosts and organizes a multitude of special events and programs for the communities each year: The Annual Ridgway Rendezvous Arts and Crafts Festival (August); three major full-scale ballet/dance productions featuring more than 250 area youth including The Nutcracker (Dec, April, May); The Annual Gingerbread House Decorating Workshops (Dec); The Sneffels Fiber Arts Festival (Sept); Michael McCullough’s Annual Amateur Sculpting Contest (June); The Ridgway MoonWalks (with the Creative District) (quarterly); The Ouray County Fork Fest (late spring); and more. The organization sees thousands of enrollments in their class offerings each year. Further, Weehawken’s special events and performances entertain tens of thousands of visitors each year.
Ridgway Chautauqua at the Sherbino
The Sherbino building was built and opened more than 100 years ago by Louis B. Sherbino in September 1915. The building was designated a Colorado State Landmark in 1991 for its significant role in the social and cultural heritage of the Town of Ridgway. The building has been many things in its 100-year history: a performance venue, a roller skating rink, a teepee and yurt factory, a film house, an illegal gambling hall, a post office, a live music hall and more. It went dark in 2011 and the Ridgway community rallied to save it.
BOX CANYON BLOG (MARK JOHNSON) – RIDGWAY’S COLORFUL DOWNTOWN
In January 2012, the community-based Ridgway Chautauqua Society (RCS) was formed and took up the challenge of restoring and operating this treasured historic theater. Since then, RCS has successfully positioned the Sherbino as a lively space where art, creativity and community thrive. Their vision is to re-create the Sherbino as a leading venue on Colorado’s Western Slope celebrating community, the arts and the Chautauqua legacy. Chautauqua is a community-based, cultural and social movement that started in the 1870’s and flourished in American culture through the mid- 1920s. It presented dance, music, drama, lectures and other forms of “cultural enrichment” in local communities. Ridgway Chautauqua is on track toward that vision. Today, the Sherbino is a highly energized arts anchor in the heart of historic downtown, home to one of Colorado’s first Creative Districts. If something creative is happening in Ridgway, it is likely taking place at “The Sherb.” The RCS/Sherbino has actively been developing programs since it opened in early 2012. Starting primarily with the presentation of live music, the programming has broadened considerably. Regular programs include: a monthly lecture series highlighting mostly regional presenters on a wide variety of topics, a monthly cinematic presentation, a monthly documentary film program, a regular poetry series that features a selected poet and then offers open poetry readings, a monthly concert series that features local and regional bands, a monthly “art bar” where users come into the space for two hours to create a masterpiece with a qualified instructor, a troubadour concert series that features touring national acts, a monthly trivia night where community members can engage with one another and have fun at the same time, a space for performing arts education in partnership with Weehawken Creative Arts, an outdoor film series in partnership with the Town of Ridgway, a quarterly Ignite! Series, a space for coordinated community art exhibitions, a travel-share series and a stage for touring and local theatrical productions. In early 2016, Ridgway Chautauqua obtained complete ownership and clear title to the Sherbino and the organization has begun the process of a full-scope capital campaign for renovation and expansion of Ridgway’s beloved venue. For more information, visit www.sherbino.org or facebook.com/ sherbinotheater RidgwayColorado.com • 1-800-220-4959 • 2017 • Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide – 25
Tate Rogers 970.729.2366
Kari Wage 970.729.0300
PonderosaRE.com
v
970.626.5236
Arts & Culture
Ridgway’s Food & Beverage Scene Unique Local Fare
• Adobe Inn Cantina & Lodging • Cafe Ridgway a la Mode • Cimarron Books & Coffeehouse • Colorado Boy Pub & Brewery • Eatery 66 • Exotic Earth Coffee Roasters • Happy Trails Sandwich Shop • Kate’s Place • Land & Ocean Costa Rican Restaurant • Lotus Root at the Chipeta • Oriental Chinese Restaurant • Panny’s Pizza • Provisions Cafe & Catering • Steps Tavern • Taco Del Gnar • Thai Paradise • True Grit Café
Ridgway has quietly been developing one of the region’s hottest food scenes. This little town of 900 residents now offers a wide range of excellent dining options that includes, gourmet European cuisine, authentic ceviche, farm fresh creations, expertly made sushi, artisan pizza and ice cream, traditional Asian cuisines, “gnarly” tacos, unique bar and grills, specialty breakfast and sandwich spots, local micro-brews and more. Multiple award winning chefs and food innovators are helping to make Ridgway one of the Western Slope’s up-and-coming foodie destinations. Many of our restaurants are sourcing local meats and vegetables and creating a burgeoning farm-to-table scene. While you are exploring Ouray County’s great outdoors, we invite you to refuel at our many delicious destinations. See the complete listing of local eats on pages 41-42.
RidgwayColorado.com • 1-800-220-4959 • 2017 • Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide – 27
28 – Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide • 2017 • 1-800-220-4959 • RidgwayColorado.com
History & Heritage
Steam Whistles & Steel Geese
JIM PETTENGILL – GALLOPING GOOSE
Ouray County’s Famous Historic Railroads
by Jim Pettengill The lure of silver brought thousands of miners to the San Juan Mountains, but the arrival of railroads in the late 1880s allowed the area to thrive. Mines could easily ship ore and bring in equipment and fresh food for their employees. Farmers and ranchers could get their crops and livestock to market faster, and people could make the trip to Denver in a day. Previously, the trip took a week in an uncomfortable stagecoach. The first railroad to reach Ouray County was the Ouray Branch of the Denver & Rio Grande. Like most of Colorado’s railroads of the time, the D&RG was narrow gauge – three feet between the rails – which was easier and cheaper to build through mountainous terrain than standard gauge. The first train from Montrose reached Ouray in December 1887. A Russian immigrant named Otto Mears, who became known as the “Pathfinder of the San Juans,” made his fortune building a network of wagon toll roads in Southwestern Colorado. He turned to railroads and built a short line from Silverton over Red Mountain Pass, reaching the Ironton Park area in 1889. His Silverton Railroad was known as the “Rainbow Route” and serviced the area’s rich silver, gold and lead mines. In 1890, Mears built his crowning achievement, the Rio Grande Southern Railroad. He founded the town of Ridgway to be the company’s headquarters and built west, then south through Placerville, Telluride, over Lizard Head Pass to Rico, Dolores and eventually to Durango. The RGS was 162 miles long, crossed more than 140 bridges and trestles and connected to the Ouray branch of the D&RG at Ridgway. The RGS became known as the “Silver San Juan” line and was a tourist favorite for its spectacular scenery. The RGS was completed in December 1891. It was wildly successful at first. Mears issued silver and gold complimentary passes and planned to extend the line to the west coast. However, the crash of silver prices in 1893 and subsequent closing of most of Colorado’s mines dramatically affected all of the state’s railroads, and the RGS slid into receivership. For the next 60 years, the line managed to survive despite heavy snowstorms, mudslides, rockslides and economic disasters. During the Great Depression the RGS depended on a mail delivery contract for steady cash flow. Delivering mail by steam
JIM PETTENGILL – RIDGWAY RAILROAD MUSEUM
train was expensive, so management decided to build automobilebased rail buses to carry mail, passengers and light freight. Seven of these makeshift vehicles, which became known as “Galloping Geese,” were built in the Ridgway shops. They were so successful that the railroad stayed in business another 20 years. Highways in the area were dramatically improved during World War II, and by the early 1950s competition from private trucks and automobiles spelled the end of narrow gauge operations in the area. The RGS closed at the end of 1951, and the tracks to Ouray were abandoned in 1953. The line between Ridgway and Montrose was converted to standard gauge, but it was also abandoned in 1976. Today, Ouray County’s railroad history has become world famous. Dozens of books have been written about its three narrow gauge lines, and thousands of rail fans from across the globe visit each year to explore the routes, learn about the Galloping Geese and to experience the Ridgway Railroad Museum. The museum’s exhibits include dioramas, hundreds of photographs, several RGS and D&RG railcars, and re-creations of RGS Motor No. 1 and Inspection JIM PETTENGILL – RIDGWAY RAILROAD MUSEUM Car Model T Ford No. 1. RidgwayColorado.com • 1-800-220-4959 • 2017 • Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide – 29
239695
30 – Ouray Official Visitor’s Guide • 2017 • 1-800-228-1876 • OurayColorado.com
Ouray County
Come Visit Ouray County
NATURE’S FINEST IMAGES – SNEFFELS RANGE
Planning your Ouray County vacation is easy whether you’re driving or flying. Montrose Regional Airport, the closest local airport, also happens to be the largest in southwestern Colorado. The airports in Grand Junction, Telluride, Durango and Gunnison are also easily accessible. Out-of-state guests often fly into Denver International Airport and then drive to Ouray and take advantage of other Colorado attractions on the way here; the drive alone is worth it for the ever-changing scenery. In the wintertime, be sure to check local road reports and be prepared for inclement weather. Visit the Colorado Department of Transportation travel website for the most up-to-date travel reports at www.cotrip.org or call 511 or 1-877-315-7623.
I25 I76
50
Moab
Regional Destinations:
Montrose: ................. 35-45 minutes Telluride: .................. 1 hour Silverton: .................. 1 hour Grand Junction: ...... 2 hours Durango: .................. 2 hours Pagosa Springs: ....... 3 hours Salida: ....................... 3.5 hours Cortez: ...................... 2.5 hours Moab, UT: ................ 3 hours
Montrose
141 550 145
62 Telluride
Salida
COLORADO SPRINGS
50
50
285
RIDGWAY OURAY
I25 160
Silverton
Cortez
Mesa Verde National Park
Durango
Cortez, CO
Delta, CO
Durango, CO
Glenwood Sp., CO
Grand Junction, CO
Gunnison, CO
Moab, UT
Montrose, CO
Norwood, CO
Ouray, CO
Pagosa Sp., CO
Palisade, CO
Ridgway, CO
Silverton, CO
Telluride, CO
Aspen, CO Cedaredge, CO Cortez, CO Delta, CO Durango, CO Glenwood Springs, CO Grand Junction, CO Gunnison, CO Moab, UT Montrose, CO Norwood, CO
Pagosa Springs
Cedaredge, CO
CHART
160
Aspen, CO
National car rental agencies and local shuttle services have offices at all of the regional airports. Contact the airport for their listings. The local Tellurides and Western Slope Rides MILEAGE shuttle service offers local and regional transportation.
Albuquerque, NM: ..... 285 miles, 6 hours Denver, CO: ................. 350 miles, 6 hours Salt Lake City, UT: ...... 380 miles, 6 hours Phoenix, AZ: ............... 525 miles, 9.5 hours
24 135
Gunnison
Ground Transportation
Driving Times & Distances
DENVER
82 Crested Butte
Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) 970-249-3203 Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) 970-278-8600 Durango La Plata County Airport (DRO) 970-247-8143 Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) 970-244-9100 Gunnison Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC) 970-641-2304
Ouray is home to many companies that rent vehicles for one day to a week or more. If you prefer to let someone else do the driving, guided tours are available as well. For a list of off-road rentals and tour operators, please refer to the Recreation Grid in this guide.
I70
Grand Junction
Regional Airports
Ouray Off-Road Rentals & Tours
I70
Glenwood Springs
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121
274
117
302
42
128
204
240
139
206
176
362
118
167
199
205
121
•
172
15
143
134
55
101
167
37
103
73
203
59
65
96
102
274
172
•
157
46
312
227
200
114
135
109
116
104
238
107
94
76
117
15
157
•
129
120
40
86
152
22
88
58
189
46
50
82
88
302
143
46
129
•
248
168
171
160
107
121
71
60
174
82
48
108
42
134
312
120
248
•
87
207
198
142
203
178
281
76
169
201
207
128
55
227
40
168
87
•
127
114
62
123
98
229
12
90
122
128
204
101
200
86
171
207
127
•
238
64
131
101
165
132
92
124
130
240
167
114
152
160
198
114
238
•
173
100
150
219
124
138
151
133
139
37
135
22
107
142
62
64
173
•
66
36
167
67
28
60
66
206
103
109
88
121
203
123
131
100
66
•
50
181
129
38
73
33
Ouray, CO
176
73
116
58
71
178
98
101
150
36
50
•
131
103
12
23
54
Pagosa Springs, CO Palisade, CO
362
203
104
189
60
281
229
165
219
167
181
131
•
234
142
108
133
118
59
238
46
174
76
12
132
124
67
129
103
234
•
95
127
133
Ridgway, CO
167
65
107
50
82
169
90
92
138
28
38
12
142
95
•
35
38
Silverton, CO Telluride, CO
199
96
94
82
48
201
122
124
151
60
73
23
108
127
35
•
61
205
102
76
88
108
207
128
130
133
66
33
48
133
133
38
61
•
OurayColorado.com • 1-800-228-1876 • 2017 • Ouray Official Visitor’s Guide – 31
32 – Ouray Official Visitor’s Guide • 2017 • 1-800-228-1876 • OurayColorado.com
Scenic Drives & Day Trips from Ouray County The winding mountain roads and charming western towns surrounding Ouray County make for epic car and motorcycle tours. Ouray and Ridgway are the perfect places to stage a series of classic mini-road trips, with the local hot springs and friendly pubs to soothe away your road weariness at the end of the day. Below are a few of our favorite regional drives and destinations. Be sure to refer to the gatefold map for a regional road map.
Epic Drive: The Million Dollar Highway & San Juan Skyway Scenic and Historic Byway
A trip to Ouray County isn’t complete without a ride along the Million Dollar Highway, the section of Highway 550 between Ouray and Silverton, which is on many top scenic drives lists.
OURAYBYFLIGHT (MIKE BORUTA) – MILLION DOLLAR HIGHWAY
Ouray County
Extend this to cover the entire San Juan Skyway Scenic and Historic Byway, a 233-mile loop. This loop connects highways 550, 62, 145 and 160 and weaves you through Ouray, Ridgway, Telluride, Rico, Dolores, Cortez, Durango and Silverton. It’s a drive through some of the most spectacular aspen stands and views in Colorado and a trip back in time with unique museums, ghost towns, historic hikes, jeeping and OHV trails along the route. The drive is stunning in any season: spring offers hundreds of waterfalls along the route, summer brings fields of wildflowers, fall provides some of the most iconic golden-colored vistas in the state of Colorado, and winter gives you a high contrast trip with robin’s egg blue skies and endless white powder fields. OurayColorado.com • 1-800-228-1876 • 2017 • Ouray Official Visitor’s Guide – 33
Ouray County
DAVID HUDDLESTON – CRYSTAL LAKE, IRONTON
DESTINATIONS TO THE SOUTH:
HANK CHRISTENSEN
(One-way Trip: approximately 9-19 miles, 15-30 minutes) Red Mountain Town and Ironton are no longer towns, but ghosts of a mining boom town that died in the 1920s-40s. The last resident left in the 1960s and now visitors may enjoy visiting the remnants of this once-thriving mining district. The vistas and old buildings in this area are beautiful.
SILVERTON
CLASSIC VISIONS PHOTOGRAPHY
IRONTON PARK & RED MOUNTAIN MINING DISTRICT
(One-way Trip: approximately 70-80 miles, 2 hours) Founded in 1880 by the Denver & Rio Grand Railroad, Durango’s retail core is a historic Victorian downtown surrounded by endless outdoor adventure opportunities. Durango is home to Fort Lewis College, the Purgatory Resort and the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which offers one-way and round-trip options on a historic steam train between Durango and Silverton from the spring to the fall and into the valley north of Durango in the winter.
DESTINATIONS TO THE NORTH:
MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
JEFF JESSING PHOTOGRAPHY
DURANGO
(One-way Trip: approximately 5-35 miles, 45-60 minutes) Before starting out from Ouray, be sure you have plenty of film in your camera for this incredible 24-mile drive; there are plenty of photo opportunities along the way. This stretch was originally a toll-road built in the 1880’s by Otto Mears. The tollgate was located just beyond the Bear Creek Falls pullout three miles south of Ouray. Silverton is “a gritty little mining town with Victorian pretensions” and features authentic western shops, restaurants, a historic train depot, and one of the best extreme ski areas in the country. Founded in 1875, the town is currently home to around 500 residents. (One-way Trip: approximately 105-125 miles, 3 hours) Ancient Native Americans built and lived in these cliff dwellings in the 1200s to 1600s. This park is one of the most beautiful around. Hike, bike, or drive around these unique ruins. The park protects 4,000 known archeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings. The ruins at Mesa Verde National Park are worth the drive. We recommend arriving as early in the day as possible to avoid the afternoon heat and then spending at least three to four hours at the park.
MONTROSE & BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON NATIONAL PARK
(One-way Trip: approximately 3-13 miles+, 5-20 minutes) Ridgway State Park is a year-round recreational paradise that stretches nearly five miles into the Uncompahgre River Valley. Plan on spending the day there - hiking or biking the 15 miles of developed trails, gold medal trout fishing, taking advantage of the boat rentals at the full-service marina, camping, swimming, boating, waterskiing and lots more.
KANE SCHEIDEGGER
MARK JOHNSON
RIDGWAY STATE PARK
(One-way Trip: approximately 17-27 miles+, 1 hour) Considered one of the most scenic drives in the U.S.A., this pass travels through unique mountains, historic sites, and great opportunities for wildlife viewing and fishing. This route, laced with strands of aspen, is especially beautiful in the fall. 15 miles north of Ouray, turn east onto County Road 10. This adventurous day trip will take you into the heart of the magnificent Cimarron Mountains. The peaks of Chimney Rock and Courthouse Mountain will watch over you as you drive along this route which once was a cattle drive trail.
RIGS FLY SHOP – GUNNISON GORGE
DESTINATIONS TO THE SOUTHWEST: TELLURIDE
(One-way Trip: approximately 35-45 miles, 45-60 minutes) A National Historic District, Telluride is charming and serves up a world-class ski resort, free summer gondola, festivals galore and some of the best dining in the West. Mountain Village is worth a stop for golf and spa treatments. Hiking and biking trails are abundant. On your drive to Telluride, just west of Ridgway on Hwy 62, you will pass the magnificent Sneffels Range on the south side of the highway.
34 – Ouray Official Visitor’s Guide • 2017 • 1-800-228-1876 • OurayColorado.com
RICO, DOLORES, & CORTEZ
ACROTERION
TELLURIDE TOURISM BOARD
OCRA
CIMARRON MOUNTAINS & OWL CREEK PASS
(One-way Trip: approximately 45-55 miles, 1 hour) The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of the newest National Parks in the U.S. The entrance to this spectacular national park is only eight miles east of the All-American City of Montrose off Hwy 50. Over millions of years, the Gunnison River carved the canyon, which is one-mile-deep and 1,150 feet across at its narrowest. This is a great half-day adventure. Exhibits at the Visitor’s Center explain the history, flora, fauna and geology of the park. Enjoy the park by driving the scenic rim road, or by hiking into the canyon to fish, raft or climb. A variety of short trails lead to overlooks on the canyon rim.
(One-way Trip: approximately 70-115 miles. 2-3 hours) Founded in the mining and ranching heyday of Colorado, these towns have unique characters. McPhee Reservoir, the Dolores and San Juan rivers and other waterways attract wildlife viewers and water sports enthusiasts alike.
Ouray County
Scenic & Historic Destinations Along Colorado’s Western Slope and Four Corners Region
RIDGWAY
DESTINATIONS TO THE NORTHWEST:
(One-way Trip: approximately 55-65 miles, 1-2 hours) Follow the San Juan Skyway through Ridgway and into Norwood, then head north. This terrain is incredibly varied and transitions from the mountains to the arid canyons to the north. Stop to see the Hanging Flume, have lunch in Gateway and continue north from Whitewater to enjoy Grand Junction and the Colorado National Monument.
GRAND JUNCTION & THE COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
SALLY PEARCE
THE UNAWEEP TABEGUACHE SCENIC BYWAY
(One-way Trip: approximately 90-100 miles, 2-3 hours) The monument is an incredible preserve of semiarid terrain full of sculpted rocks and monoliths. It offers camping and picnic areas, hiking trails and an incredibly scenic drive into nearby Grand Junction. It is also a great place to bike. Rim Rock Drive offers 23 miles of breathtaking views. The road climbs from the Grand Valley of the Colorado River to the park’s high country, then winds along the plateau rim. You can park at several roadside overlooks along the way and enjoy panoramas of the park’s great rock sculptures, canyons and distant valleys and mountains. OurayColorado.com • 1-800-228-1876 • 2017 • Ouray Official Visitor’s Guide – 35
Ouray County
Celebrate Ouray County’s Rich Heritage Ouray County offers something for every history buff, from easy access to ghost towns, to scenic ranches and world-class museums. Prior to the mining era of the 1860s-1950s, Ouray was Ute Indian Country. As mining grew, so did the ranching and railroad industries that supported it. Today, Ouray County celebrates its unique Western heritage with museums dedicated to mining, railroading, ranching and the Utes, as well as private collections and a beautiful historic fairground that hosts the annual Labor Day Ouray County Fair & Rodeo.
Ouray County Historical Society
The Ouray County Historical Society was founded in 1971, and since 1976 the Ouray County Museum has been located in the Ouray Miners Hospital, which was built in 1887 by Francis Carney. The museum has three stories and 27 rooms with each room dedicated to a specific aspect of Ouray County history and one room dedicated to rotating exhibits. The Smithsonian Institution has called it the “Best little museum in the west” and Arthur Frommer’s Idiots Guide to the Rockies says, “If you visit one small museum in the west, make it the Ouray County Museum.” 36 – Ouray Official Visitor’s Guide • 2017 • 1-800-228-1876 • OurayColorado.com
NATURE’S FINEST IMAGES – OLD CART, SNEFFELS RANGE
Ouray Alchemist Pharmaceutical Museum
With over 40 years of passionate collecting, owners and pharmacists Curtis and Nancy Haggar have crafted a collection that spans over 2,000 years of pharmaceutical history. Their collection is housed in a newly-built mixed-use building on Main Street. Once inside, you are surrounded by an outstanding recreation of a frontier pharmacy, complete with period fixtures, over-the-counter remedies, art objects and the oldest prescription in Colorado. The owners personally lead tours of the collection and bring the stories surrounding the artifacts to life.
Ridgway Railroad Museum, Ridgway
The Ridgway Railroad Museum, founded in 1999, is dedicated to preserving the history of railroading in Ouray County. The museum has six narrow gauge cars on exhibit with interpretive displays in several of the cars. The cars include a caboose, stock car, box car, drop-bottom gondola, business car and a water service car. In addition, the museum has an exact replica of the 1931 Rio Grande Southern (RGS) Motor Car No. 1 as well as the recently restored RGS Goose No. 4. The museum
RIDGWAY RAILROAD MUSEUM
also has an extensive indoor display including an 8’ x 4’ diorama of the RGS Ridgway Yard.
Ouray County Ranch History Museum, Ridgway
The Ouray County Ranch History museum features the ranching history that was the lifeblood of northern Ouray County. The Museum’s collection originated with a gift of a local ranching history archive from Ralph and Ricky Lauren, which grew quickly with enthusiastic local donations. Parts of the collection can be viewed in the historic railroad station house in Ridgway. Here, visitors can enjoy rotating exhibitions devoted to the Uncompahgre River Valley’s CLASSIC VISIONS PHOTOGRAPHY rich ranching history.
Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad winds through spectacular & breath-taking canyons in the remote wilderness of the two-million acre San Juan National Forest for an unforgettable year-round adventure. Travel by a coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive on the same tracks miners, cowboys and settlers of the Old West took over a century ago. Durango was founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway in 1879, which arrived in Durango on August 5, 1881. Construction on the line to Silverton began in the fall of the same year. By July of 1882, the tracks to Silverton were completed, and the train began hauling both freight and passengers. The line was constructed to haul silver & gold ore from the San Juan Mountains, but passengers soon realized it was the view that was truly precious. This historic train has been in continuous operation for 130 years, carrying passengers behind vintage steam locomotives and rolling stock indigenous to the line.
Heritage Activities in Ouray County
• Explore a Ghost Town • Go Mineral Hunting • Hike a Historic Mining Trail • Listen to Cowboy Poetry • Pan for Gold • Ride a Horse • Ride a Historic Train • Search out Haunted History • Take a 4x4 Tour Along a Mine Road
• Take the Historic Walking Tour of Ouray • Take the True Grit Walking Tour • Tour a Historic Mine • Visit an Arts & Crafts Festival • Visit a Blacksmith Shop • Visit a Farmer’s Market • Visit a Ranch History Museum • Watch a Rodeo OurayColorado.com • 1-800-228-1876 • 2017 • Ouray Official Visitor’s Guide – 37
Where Comfort Food Meets True West
Ouray County
“TRUE GRIT” FILM STILL – JOHN WAYNE & GLENN CAMPBELL
The True Grit Walking Tour
Certified Choice Angus Beef Steaks hand cut and charbroiled Homemade Comfort Food featuring the best darn Chicken Fried Steak, Gourmet Burgers, TexMex, Salads, Scrumptious Soups and Desserts. Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten-Free options available.
Open Daily Lunch and Dinner 11am – till close
www.TrueGritCafe.com (Yep - where the original movie was filmed!)
970-626-5739 123 N. Lena • Ridgway, CO 81432 Like us on Facebook for Exclusive Specials
We love to Cater, too!
Let us cater your next family event or wedding. We cater both small occasions and large scale events Family Gatherings & Weddings 38 – Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide • 2017 • 1-800-220-4959 • RidgwayColorado.com
Join the “True Grit” walking tour and get the scoop on those magical two months in 1968 when Ridgway was transformed into Fort Smith, Arkansas for the filming of True Grit. John Wayne won his only Oscar for his depiction of the crusty, one-eyed Marshall Rooster Cogburn in this blockbuster movie. Did you know Elvis Presley was considered to perform the movie’s hit soundtrack and the role of Texas Ranger La Boeuf instead of Glen Campbell? Or that Mia Farrow and Sally Field turned down the role of Mattie before Kim Darby was signed? That the Ridgway “True Grit” grossed $31 million and the 2010 version cost $38 million to make? Visit the downtown filming sites while your guide shares these and other interesting facts and anecdotes. The tour departs from the Visitor’s Center every Friday 11 a.m. from May to October. Attendees should arrive by 10:45 a.m. Reservations (call 970-626 5181) are required in May and October and recommended for the summer months. Cost $10; children 11 and under are free. Groups of six or more may schedule a tour anytime throughout the year. The True Grit walking tour makes a fun holiday activity and is just the ticket for family reunions, ladies outings or weekends, wedding parties and other get-togethers. Or use it to get company out of the house when you need some peace and quiet. Ridgway’s seven “True Grit” commemorative plaques each contain a map of sites for those who prefer a self-guided tour. The first two plaques are in Hartwell Park, but the tour may be started at any plaque location. Ridgway’s movie heritage also includes “Tribute to a Bad Man” (1956), “How the West Was Won” (1962) and “The Sons of Katie Elder.”
Ouray County
Hollywood Loves Ouray County Ouray County is a favorite among film buffs, especially those that love westerns. Our iconic mountains and charming historic small towns have been the backdrop for a number of classic films over the years. Many westerns were filmed in Ouray County including the original production of “True Grit” starring John Wayne. During filming, the nearby town of Ridgway was turned
JOHN BEDE - OURAY COUNTY COURTHOUSE
into a railroad town in the 1880s and Ouray’s own historic courthouse was featured for the courtroom scene in the film. Visit the meadows on nearby Owl Creek Pass and the wide vistas along the Dallas Divide to feel like you’re right in the middle of one of these classic movie scenes.
See if You Can Recognize Ouray County and its Iconic Scenery in These Films from The Area
• One Thousand Miles Through the Rockies 1912; Ouray; silent film, documentary • Across the Wide Missouri 1951; Durango, La Plata Canyon, Ouray County, Molas Lake, Haviland Dam, Little Boyce Lake; Clark Gable • The Naked Spur 1953; Durango, San Juan Mountains; James Stewart, Janet Leigh • Tribute to a Bad Man 1956; Ridgway; James Cagney • How the West Was Won 1962; Ridgway, Montrose, Silverton, Durango; Henry Fonda • True Grit 1969; Ridgway, Ouray, Montrose, Owl Creek Pass, Gunnison; John Wayne • Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid 1969; Durango, Silverton, Telluride; Robert Redford & Paul Newman • Over the Top 1987; Ouray; Sylvester Stallone • Dennis Weaver’s Earthship 1990; Ridgway; Dennis Weaver • Carving the White 1993; Telluride • Ice Climb 1993; Telluride
• The Sunchaser 1996; Ouray; Woody Harrelson • Alferd Packer: The Musical (aka Cannibal! The Musical) 1993; Ouray, Lake City, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park; Stan Brakhage • Scrapple 1998; Gateway, Telluride, Ophir, Placerville • Durango Kids 1999; Ouray, Durango; • Permian Flow 2004; San Juan Mountains; documentary • Jeep King of the Mountain 2007; Telluride • Aspen Gold: The Locations of True Grit 2007; Ouray, Ridgway; Documentary included in the 2007 Paramount Special Collector’s Edition of True Grit • The Drama Kids 2008; Ouray • Darling Companion 2012; Telluride; Kevin Klein, Diane Keaton • Flow State (aka Warren Miller’s Flow State) 2012; San Juan Mountains • Long-Distance Runners: A Cross-Cultural Love Story 2014; Telluride • The Hateful Eight 2015; Telluride • Written Images 2016; Telluride
RidgwayColorado.com • 1-800-220-4959 • 2017 • Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide – 39
Above Ouray Mountain Sports
The Simba Suites are each 1,400 square feet and are great for families or a group of friends who would like to vacation together, but want their separate spaces.
Two New Two-Bedroom, Two-Bathroom Second Floor Short-Term Vacation Rentals
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Offering some of the best private party and wedding sites for your “special day in paradise.” • Reserve Entire Hotel • Reserve Entire Mountain Award winning catering and all season adventures with the guides from the world’s oldest jeep tour company.
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Enjoy the sweet smell of mountain pines and the sound of a nearby river among the solace of the San Juans just two miles north of Ouray and the hot springs.
For summer or winter, each offers the comforts of home with fully-equipped kitchens, barbecue grills and fresh linens.
Wake up among the surrounding San Juan Mountains in a traditional Victorian. Reserve the whole home or stay in one of two private units, just one block from Ouray’s Main St.
Call Rik at 970-596-0877 or Email us at ourayrik2005@yahoo.com P.O. Box 1880 • Ouray, Colorado 81427 40 – Ouray Official Visitor’s Guide • 2017 • 1-800-228-1876 • OurayColorado.com
Ouray County
Memorable Weddings, Celebrations & Inspiring Gatherings REAL LIFE PHOTOGRAPHS - IRONTON PARK
Wouldn’t it be amazing to start your new life together in a place like Ouray County? With its endless mountain vistas, unique downtowns and western Victorian charm, Ouray County is the ideal location for your wedding any time of year. Summers are pleasant and warm; crisp air and sunshine is typical for the fall, and winters are spectacular with clear blue skies and glistening snow. Ouray County is also home to historic local churches and grand buildings that are available for special events. You can arrange all the details right in town and your guests will be thrilled to experience a real mountain vacation. If you are planning a gathering of friends and family or want to head to the high country for team building, then Ouray
County is the place to be. For professional retreats, our offerings certainly beat your standard conference room. After all, nothing inspires clear-mindedness and team building like our scenery, clean air and unique adventures. Ouray County loves hosting events, and we’ll make sure yours feels special. With over 800 beds between our hotels, bed and breakfasts, rental homes and condominiums and a variety of event professionals in both Ouray and Ridgway, accommodations and details are a breeze. Ouray County has venues for groups as small as 10 to over 500. For special event service providers, please refer to our local business listings starting on page 35.
Large Event Facilities Ouray County 4H Event Center
In the heart of Ouray County, with panoramic views of the San Juan and Cimarron Mountain ranges, the 4H Event Center offers 5,200 square feet of indoor event space and adjoining patios that will exceed all of your expectations. As your needs determine, the Event Center may include: tables, chairs, full service bar, dishware, glassware, flatware, linens and staff for your wedding, meeting, conference, banquet, dinner or special event. Complete services available for groups up to 320 persons. For more information or to schedule your event, call or go online. (970) 626-3304 or ouraycountyco.gov
Ouray Community Center
Ouray’s community and conference center adjacent to the historic City Hall is available for public use. Able to host groups from five to 500, the Community Center offers two meeting rooms: the San Juan Room and Massard Auditorium. It is a great venue for weddings, meetings, reunions, conferences and special events. A full commercial kitchen, elevator, A/V equipment and event rentals are also available. The Community Center offers beautiful views into the Amphitheater and is open year-round. For more information, please call (970) 325-7065.
OurayColorado.com • 1-800-228-1876 • 2017 • Ouray Official Visitor’s Guide – 41
Ouray County
Bring this completed copy to either the Ouray or Ridgway Visitor’s Centers for a prize! • What rare bird summers in Ouray? • What was the model for the bell in front of City Hall? • How old is the Ouray Hot Springs Pool? • Who was Ouray’s namesake? • Where can you find an old railroad depot? • What wildflower sounds like it should be an art supply? • What adventure takes you up frozen waterfalls? • What is the Amphitheater? • Which local historic family once owned the Hope Diamond? • What special vehicle does Ouray give away each year? • Where can you soak in a redwood tub? • Which local historic building transforms into a haunted house once a year? • What is the name of Ouray’s highest peak?
• Which old building in Ouray leans uphill? • What is Ouray’s nickname? • Where are the Grammy’s made? • Which agricultural historic site used to be a schoolhouse? • Where can you find a troll in Ouray? • What city in Texas gave the famous fall vista in Ridgway its name? • How high is Box Cañon Falls? • Where can you celebrate the full moon with culture every month? • What famous western was filmed in Ouray County? • Where can you find a goose that gallops? • Where can you find goldfish year round? • Where can you ride on a RAT?
A Treasure Trove of Family Fun Children love to explore the world around them; they simply love being outside and being entertained by the natural world. From rocks that sparkle, aspen trees with eyes, ghost towns to explore, and where all temperatures of water can be found, Ouray County is full of out-of-the-ordinary adventures for kids. Ouray and Ridgway are wonderful, safe communities that welcome kids and their need for adventure. Whether it is winter or summer, Ouray County is a great place to have a family vacation without breaking the bank. Your kids will be busy with activities around the city and in the surrounding mountains, lakes and parks. They will love riding the old mining roads on a tour, in a Jeep or 4x4 vehicle. Their imaginations will bloom with stories about the western movies or the 42 – Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide • 2017 • 1-800-220-4959 • RidgwayColorado.com
ghost towns they explored, especially when paired with a visit to a kid-friendly museum. Their heartbeats will accelerate as they climb a wall of rock or ice, or descend into a canyon via a waterfall. Hiking or horseback riding to the high peaks will give them a bird’s eye view of the surrounding mountains. Enjoy free concerts and movies in local parks during the summer season. Give each child a disposable camera and let them be your family photojournalist for the weekend, you may be surprised what their eyes pick up. Stop by or contact the Ouray or Ridgway Visitor’s Centers for great seasonal activity suggestions and free local events that your family can attend, or plan your own itinerary with help from one of our local outfitters (local information starts on page 35).
OURAYATNIGHT (MATTHEW GENUIT) – HISTORIC BOX CANON SIGN
Can You Guess all of Ouray & Ridgway’s Claims to Fame?
Ouray County
Ski Without The Crowds
PEAK MOUNTAIN GUIDES – BACKCOUNTRY SKIING
Enjoy the small-town hospitality of Ouray and Ridgway and access world-class skiing at the nearby resorts and ski areas in Telluride, Silverton and Durango. For a milder ride, Ouray’s own Lee’s Ski Hill offers a free towrope and some fun turns right in town. In the winter months, nothing compares to the solitude of a cross-country ski under a full moon along miles of groomed and ungroomed Nordic trails in Ironton Park, just south of Ouray. Top of the Pines, set on a high mesa meadow near Ridgway, also
Other Winter Adventures in Ouray County • Fat Tire Biking • Fishing • Ghost Town Tours • Horseback Riding • Hot Air Balloon Rides • Hot Springs Soaking • Ice Climbing • Ice Skating • Kiteboarding • Mountaineering • Scenic Snowcat Tours • Skijoring • Sledding & Tubing • Snowmobiling • Snowshoeing • Wildlife Viewing • Winter Festivals • Zip Line Adventures
offers miles of trails groomed for skate skiing. To really get away from it all, pack up your backpack and set out on an overnight hut or yurt trip. From mountain rustic to European chic, our regional huts can be reserved for your ski party. Few locations in the world can match the challenging and untracked backcountry terrain of the San Juan Mountains. Before you venture into the backcountry on your own, familiarize yourself with avalanche safety; better yet, go out with one of our professional guides. Local listings for outfitters start on page 35.
Regional Ski Resorts
Grand Junction
Crested Butte
Powderhorn
550 145
Telluride
Telluride
145
Cortez
62
Silverton
Purgatory 160
Aspen
Montrose
141
24
82
Ridgway Ouray
24
Monarch
160
Colorado Springs
Salida
50 Pueblo
285
Silverton Mtn. Kendall
Durango
70
Breckenridge
135 50
76
DENVER
Vail
Glenwood Springs
70
25
Wolf Creek
25 160 Walsenburg
Pagosa Springs
RidgwayColorado.com • 1-800-220-4959 • 2017 • Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide – 43
What’s Your Adventure? SCENIC IN MOUNTA S R U TO
JEEP RENTALS
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING... “Not having any experience driving the narrow mountain trails ourselves, we chose to take a guided tour with your company. The neverending views, waterfalls and wildlife were beyond our expectations. We were so happy with our decision!” – Darla, Indiana
Switzerland of America, Inc. has been providing quality outdoor adventures since 1962. We enjoy sharing the history, the wildlife, the flowers and geology with our guests because we want you to love the San Juan Mountains as much as we do! Please visit us to see why we continue to be Ouray’s Hometown TRADITION for exciting Jeep Adventures.
ATER WHITEW NG RAFTI
“Thank you so much for taking us over Black Bear and Imogene Pass. Your company made sure we felt comfortable and safe. The guide told us many great facts about the mining and mountains in the area, as well as funny stories that kept us laughing. This is one of the most exciting things we’ve ever done and we learned so much along the way!” – Amy, Texas “We rented a Jeep in June, and were very impressed by your team’s excitement over Jeeping. It was contagious! The staff was patient and informative when it came to reviewing maps, what points of interest to look for, and what to expect with the trails. We can’t wait to rent another Jeep with Switzerland of America.” – Steve, Florida
Switzerland of America, Inc. 226 Seventh Avenue – PO Box 780 Ouray, Colorado 81427-0780 Office 970-325-4484 – Fax 970-325-4059 Toll Free 1-866-990-5337 – www.soajeep.com
HOT A BALLOO IR NING
ACK HORSEB G RIDIN
High Country Dreams Are
Best When Wrapped In Warmth & Comfort
Recommended By:
Sunset Magazine’s “Best of the West” & Colorado Connoisseur’s “Award of Excellence”
Friendly & Accommodating Staff | Spacious Suites Available | Four Natural Hot Springs Tubs Terraced On The Hillside
800.327.5080 | 970.325.4981 45 Third Avenue | P.O. Box 439 | Ouray, CO 81427 | bcm@BoxCanyonOuray.com | www.BoxCanyonOuray.com
To Montrose
Town of Ridgway Visitor’s Center & Railroad Museum Creative District Galleries & Studios Public Parks & State Park Town Hall Police Departmet Fire Department Public Library Gas Station Hot Springs Museum Public Skatepark Public Restroom Camping Trailhead Biking & Hiking Trails
(4 miles from intersection of Hwy 550 & Hwy 62)
550
Ridgway State Park & Reservoir DALLAS CREEK State Park Entrance
(3 miles from intersection of Hwy 550 & Hwy 62)
DENNIS WEAVER Memorial Park (1.5 miles from intersection of Hwy 550 & Hwy 62)
R iv er
T To Cimmarons & Silver Jack Reservoir
Cty Rd 10 Pa rk D
r
To Vista Terrace
Otto St
Rollans Park
St Lena
St Cora
St Laura
St Mary
Charlotte St
Hyde St
Campbell
Moffat St
To Ouray
Sabeta Dr
46 – Ouray Official Visitor’s Guide • 2017 • 1-800-228-1876 • OurayColorado.com
r ive
To Elk Meadows & Top of the Pines
Tabernash Ln
Cty Rd 23
R
Tennis Court Skate Park & Athletic Field
R gre Uncompah
Cty
Amelia St
Chipeta Dr
d5
62
y nt ou ds r y C un te ra gro Cen OuFair ent Ev H 4course Rd Race
Elizabeth St
Sherman St Lindel Dr
Hartwell Park
62
Hunter Pkwy
r oT in m lo Pa
e rid ellu oT
Clinton St
Marie St
550
d St Railroa
Frederick St
Charles St
T
River Sage
Roundhouse St
Amelia St - Cty Rd 5
To Log Hill, Fairway Pines & Divide Ranch Golf Club
Cty Rd 24 A
de
Ridgway Area (RAT) Trails
Second Chance Animal Shelter
Village Sq W
T
Dutch Charlie State Park Entrance
T
To Ridgway
To Silvershield Trailhead
City of Ouray
Bachelor-Syracuse Mine Tour
4 d1 yR t C
Visitor’s Center Public Parks & State Park Town Hall Police Departmet Fire Department Public Library Gas Station Hot Springs Museum Public Skatepark Public Restroom Camping P RV Parking T Trailhead Biking & Hiking Trails
Rotary Park Ice Rink
e rim Pe
T
Ouray RV Park
il Tra ter
Ouray Hot Springs Pool & Fitness Center
T
Fellin Park Ave 10th
U n c ompahgre
R iver
Perimeter Trail
Oak St
Uncompagre River Trail
Uncompahgre National Forest
P
RV Parking
9th Ave
Cascade Falls
Cas cade Creek
T
8th Ave Cascade Falls Park
Ouray Dog Park
4J+1+1 Campground
141
7th Ave
d
und R Am phi the atre Cam pgro
a h gre Rive r
ec
mp
res t Dr
Women’s Club Park
Pi n
co Un
3rd Ave
Box Canyon Falls Park
Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs
Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs
Moa
Amphitheatre Campground
6th St
4th Ave
Ski Hi ll Ln
Ca ño nC
5th St
4th St Ouray Elks Club Park
S
re
3rd St
5th Ave
Twin Peaks & Oak Creek Trailheads
ek
Do
T
Qu ee nS t.
T
2nd St
Oak Creek
1st St
6th Ave
Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa & Lodgings
Lee’s Ski Hill
2nd Ave
Ca
d
ird
B
R
Portland Creek
mp
Bo xC any on
Ro a
Canyon Natio
d Perimeter Trail
y ra Ou
Yankee Boy Basin & County Road 361 Angel Creek & Thistledown Sutton Mine Trail
Ice P
T
Ice Park Loop
550
ark
To Silverton & Durango
OurayColorado.com • 1-800-228-1876 • 2017 • Ouray Official Visitor’s Guide – 47
141
Moab
ay
Grand Junction
Uncompahgre National Forest
90
Unaweep-Tabeguache Scenic & Historic Byway
62 M
La st Do lla r
Rd
Sa n ue ig lR
i ve r
Dan Noble State Wildlife Area
141
145
Cascade Falls
Dove Creek
Amphitheatre Campground
k
Mt Wilson
141
Lone Mesa State Park
Moab
145
Rico
San Sk
145 491
McPhee Reservoir
Dolores Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
184 Anasazi Heritage Center
Cortez
Mancos
Mesa Verde National Park
ango
48 – Ouray Official Visitor’s Guide • 2017 • 1-800-228-1876 • OurayColorado.com
160
Albuquerq
Montrose Black Canyon of the Gunnison Natl Park Grand Junction
Ridgway State Park
Gunnison
T
Silver Jack Reservoir
Ridgway Reservoir
149 Gunn is
Ridgway
on Riv er
Owl Creek Pass
Dallas Divide
7
Wetterhorn Peak
Ouray Engineer Pass
Yankee Boy Basin
Upper Camp Bird w scre Cork
Imogene Pass
Hurricane Pass
G ulch
Red Mtn Pass
ornia Gulch Calif lac er G ulch
Tomboy
P
Eurek
Williams Creek
Eureka
Handies Peak
as
Riv er
Red Mtn Gulch
Sherman
a
Ophir
Alpine Loop
Animas Forks
Gu lch
Hard Tack Mine
Cinnamon Pass
lch Gu ne P icay
Gladstone
Ute Ulay Mine
Whitmore Falls
Rose’s Cabin
Camp Bird P oughk sie Gulch eep
Telluride
Lake City
Capitol City
Mt Sneffels
Creede
im A
Ophir Pass
550 Lizard Head Pass
n
Silverton 149
r
n Juan kyway
To Log Hill, Fairway Pines & Divide Ranch Golf Club
5
Cty Rd 24 A
9
ah mp Unco
gre
R iv
er
Uncompahgre Peak
Ri
ve
s
a A nim
Alpine Loop (4x4 Byway)
T
e rid ellu oT
San Juan National Forest
Regional Recreation Map San Juan Skyway Unaweep-Tabeguache Scenic & Historic Byway 4 Wheel Drive Trail
550
Durango
160
Pagosa Springs
Cty
To Elk Mea & Top of the
que OurayColorado.com • 1-800-228-1876 • 2017 • Ouray Official Visitor’s Guide – 49
50 – Ouray Official Visitor’s Guide • 2017 • 1-800-228-1876 • OurayColorado.com
Raise Your Spirits With Good Food, Drinks & Friends!
726 Main St. • Ouray, CO
970-325-4386 OBrienSPuBOuray.COM
Serving Lunch & Dinner opening at 11am, 7 days a week! Homemade Irish American Cuisine, Whiskey Flights and Perfect Pints of Guinness. Full Bar • Microbrews • Flat-Screen TVs Happy Hour Everyday from 4 to 6pm Outdoor Seating
240350
52 – Ouray Official Visitor’s Guide • 2017 • 1-800-228-1876 • OurayColorado.com
Tim Currin,
Deb Currin,
Owner/Broker Broker Associate CRS, GRI, CRB, e-PRO Administrative Asst. 970.389.0002 970.389.0231
C.J. Olin,
Alice Leeper,
Broker Associate Broker Associate ABR, CNE, CSSN,e-PRO 970.596.2311 970.318.8715
Carl Cockle, Broker Associate Ouray Native 970.729.2268
Office in the Beaumont Hotel 505 Main Street, Ouray 970-325-0300 • www.ouraybrokers.com
Business Listings
Plan Your Perfect Stay in Ouray County NATURE’S FINEST IMAGES – CIMARRON MOUNTAINS
Every once in a while, you’ll come across a destination that is passionate about creating great experiences for its guests and a healthy environment for its citizens. In Ouray County, you will find just that among our local businesses. Ouray and Ridgway are filled with passionate small business owners who make this area thrive and maintain its unique hometown feel. We encourage you to use the following pages and business listings as your travel planner, knowing that you will be treated like family everywhere you go. If you need a specific recommendation, contact the Ouray Chamber Resort Association or the Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce, our local hubs for all things Ouray County – from packages to wildflower and weather information. Contact the Ouray Visitor’s Center at (800) 228-1876 or 1230 Main Street in Ouray (across from the Ouray Hot Springs Pool) or at OurayColorado.com Contact the Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce at (800) 220-4959 or 150 Racecourse Road in Ridgway (at the Ridgway Railroad Museum) or at RidgwayColorado.com
Enjoy planning your stay and we can’t wait to see you in Ouray County! OurayColorado.com • 1-800-228-1876 • 2017 • Ouray Official Visitor’s Guide – 53
Toys, Games, Puzzles and Gifts to Engage Your Mind! 242 7th Avenue • Ouray, Colorado • 970-729-2388 Open daily 10am-6pm Mon-Sat & 1pm-6pm Sun
Ouray County
BetterRealEstateServices.com Your Real Estate Resource
Wonderful in all seasons!
(970) 325-7280
OurayVacationRentals.net Vacation Rental Specialists
Monica Moran
505 Main Street, Ouray Corner Office, Beaumont Hotel Linda Tyler
Tony Litschewski
Craig Kotzen
Denise Britt
Michael Underwood 241220
OPEN YEAR ROUND!
Our RV Park... Your Adventure!
• 7 ½ acres on the Uncompahgre River
Home · Body · Curiosities 645 Main Street. Ouray, CO | 970.325.0645 Home of the Custom Cut...Where it’s Always Choice. 621 Main St. • Ouray • 970-325-4397
• 1/3 mile North of the Ouray Hot Springs Pool • Large spacious RV sites on the river • Big Rig and ATV friendly • 80’ Pull thru sites • New 2 story Deluxe Cabins on the river with amazing views • Cozy riverfront camping cabins • Excellent Wifi and Satellite reception
Ouray Cafe Located on the grounds of Ouray RV Park and Cabins Full-Service Grocery
Your Local Source for Three Generations and Counting. Mon-Sat 8am-8pm • Sunday 12pm-6pm 54 – Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide • 2017 • 1-800-220-4959 • RidgwayColorado.com
Open Memorial Day weekend through mid September Serving Breakfast 7 days/week 7a-11a
1700 Main Street • Ouray, CO 81427 • (970) 325-4523 Ourayrvpark.com • ourayrvpark@gmail.com
Bed & Breakfasts
No. of Units
Rate/Range
Hot Tub/Pool
Internet
A Secret Garden
970-596-3730
101 6th Avenue, Ouray secretgardenouray.com
5
$120-249
Pet Friendly
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Black Bear Manor B&B
970-325-4219
118 Sixth Avenue, Ouray blackbearmanor.com
9
$99-299
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Bridal Veil B&B
970-325-4117
1715 Main Street, Ouray bridalveilbandb.com
2
$125-199
China Clipper Inn
970-325-0565
525 Second Street, Ouray chinaclipperinn.com
13
$129-259
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Hotels, Motels, Lodges & Resorts
No. of Units
Rates Ranges
Pet Hot Tub Friendly Hot Spgs or Pool Internet
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Antlers Motel
970-325-4589
407 Main Street, Ouray antlersouray.com
17
$55-135
A New View Vacation Rentals
970-325-4888 970-708-2263
645 Main Street, Ouray anewviewvacation@gmail.com
4
$98-225
Beaumont Hotel and Spa
970-325-7000 888-447-3255
505 Main Street, Ouray beaumonthotel.com
12
$129-309
Box Canyon Lodge and Hot Springs
970-325-4981 800-327-5080
45 Third Avenue, Ouray boxcanyonouray.com
39
$95-300
Chipeta Solar Springs Resort and Spa
970-626-3737 800-633-5868
304 S Lena St., Ridgway chipeta.com
27
$145-329
Historic Western Hotel
970-325-4645 888-624-8403
210 Seventh Avenue, Ouray historicwesternhotel.com
14
$40-105
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Hotel Ouray
970-325-0500
303 Sixth Avenue, Ouray hotelouray.com
14
$99-239
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Hot Springs Inn
970-325-7277 800-706-7790
1400 Main Street, Ouray hotspringsinn.com
42
$73-230
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Main Street Inn and Miners Cabin
970-316-1178
334 Main Street, Ouray ouraymainstreetinn.com
4
$79-169
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Matterhorn Inn Ouray
970-325-4938
201 Sixth Avenue, Ouray matterhorninnouray.com
25
$60-150
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Ouray Chalet Inn
970-325-4331 800-924-2538
510 Main Street, Ouray ouraychaletinn.com
32
$60-150
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Ouray Comfort Inn
970-325-7203
191 Fifth Avenue, Ouray ouraycomfortinn.net
33
$69-194
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Ouray Inn & Yacht Club
970-325-4445
120 W. 6th Avenue, Ouray ourayinn.com
19
$79-179
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Ouray Riverside Inn and Cabins
970-325-4061 800-432-4170
1804 Main Street, Ouray ourayriversideinn.com
30
$66-245
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Ouray Victorian Inn
970-325-7222 800-846-8729
50 Third Avenue, Ouray victorianinnouray.com
38
$89-250
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Ridgway-Ouray Lodge and Suites
970-626-5444 800-368-5444
373 Palomino Trail, Ridgway RidgwayLodgeAndSuites.com
52
$88-122
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Rivers Edge Lodge, Resort & Motel
970-325-4621 866-739-4987
110 Seventh Avenue, Ouray riversedgeouray.com
20
$59-250
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San Juan Chalet
970-318-1144
115 6th Avenue, Ouray sanjuanchalet.com
3
$75-189
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St Elmo Hotel
970-325-4951 866-243-1502
426 Main Street, Ouray stelmohotel.com
9
$119-199
Timber Ridge Lodge
970-325-4856
1550 Main Street, Ouray timberridgeouray.com
20
$49-179
Twin Peaks Lodge and Hot Springs
970-325-4427 800-207-2700
125 Third Avenue, Ouray twinpeakslodging.com
56
$98-350
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Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa and Lodgings
970-325-4347
625 Fifth Street, Ouray wiesbadenhotsprings.com
21
$132-189
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Rochester Hotel & Leland House
970-385-1920 800-664-1920
726 E. Second Avenue, Durango rochesterhotel.com
27
$139-449
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RidgwayColorado.com • 1-800-220-4959 • 2017 • Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide – 55
Cabins, Condos & Vacation Rentals
No. of Units
Rate/Range
Ago Gallery Loft
970-325-0270
445 Main Street, Ouray agogallery.com
1
$195-275
Alpenglow Resort Rentals
970-325-4664 866-739-4817
215 Fifth Avenue, Ouray alpenglowouray.com
8
$99-400
Alpine Hideaway
970-729-2268 512-626-3674
232 Main Street, Ouray alpinehideawayouray.com
4+
$119-169
Brown Cabin
970-729-2268
282 Red Stone Road, Ouray ouraycolorado.com/lodging/ cabins/60-brown-cabin
1
$175
Chipeta Solar Springs Resort & Spa
970-626-3737
304 S Lena St., Ridgway chipeta.com
27
$145-329
Lane’s Cabin
909-477-3273 970-596-0877
927 County Road 17, Ouray ouraycolorado.com/lodging/ cabins/166-lane-s-cabin
1
Lane’s Victorian House
909-477-3273 970-596-0877
311 4th Street, Ouray ouraycolorado.com/lodging/ cabins/167-lane-s-victorian-house
Ouray Real Estate Corp
970-325-4663
Ouray Alchemist Penthouse Suite
Pet Friendly Hot Tub/Pool
Internet
Lndry Fasc
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635 Main Street, Ouray rentalsinouray.com
6
$150-300
970-325-4003 970-325-4172
533 Main Street, Ouray vrbo.com/330308
1
$185-255
Ouray County Properties and Vacation Rentals
970-729-2268
Ouray ouraycolorado.com/lodging/ cabins/513-ouray-county-propertiesvacation-rentals
12
$99-245
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Ouray KOA Cabins
970-325-4736
225 County Road 23, Ouray koa.com/campgrounds/ouray
24
$80-170
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Ouray Mountain Vacations
970-596-7784
Ouray myourayvacation.com
13
$89-549
Ouray Premier Vacation Rentals
970-749-4820
725 Main Street, Ouray ouraypremiervacationrentals.com
5
$225-500
Ouray River Park Townhomes
970-325-7280
Park Road, Ouray ouraytownhomes.com
6
$180-260
Ouray Riverside Inn & Cabins
970-325-4061 800-432-4170
1804 Main Street, Ouray ourayriversideinn.com
11
$50-199
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Ouray RV Park & Cabins
970-325-4523
1700 Main Street, Ouray ourayrvpark.com
7
$70-199
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Ouray Vacation Rentals
970-325-7280
505 Main Street, Ouray ourayvacationrentals.net
50+
$140-425
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Rest Inn Ouray Cabin
720-334-7729
Near Black Lake on Elkhorn, Ouray vrbo.com/566693
1
$475
Ridgway State Park Yurts
800-678-2267
28555 Hwy 550, Ridgway cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/ parks/ridgway
3
$87
Simba Suites
970-318-6546
732 Main Street, Ouray vrbo.com/71626 vrbo.com/91395
2
$175-255
Whispering Pines Home
970-318-9025
Whispering Pines Neighborhood, Ouray vrbo.com/390326
1
$175-325
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TAYLOR FRANTA – OURAY WINTER
56 – Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide • 2017 • 1-800-220-4959 • RidgwayColorado.com
Camping, Campgrounds & RV Parks
No. of Sites
Rates Ranges
Elec Hook Up Water Shower
Flush Sewer Toilets Tents Trash Hook Up
4J+1+1 RV Park
970-325-4418
790 Oak Street, Ouray ouraycolorado.com/lodging/ campgrounds/9-4j-1-1-rv-park
55
$24-38
Amphitheater Campground
877-444-6777
HWY 550 South, Ouray recreation.gov
35
$20
Camp Bird Road, Ouray bit.ly/angelcreek
8
$10
100+
$35-60
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Angel Creek Campground
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Vaults
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Ouray KOA and Cabins
970-325-4736
225 County Road 23, Ouray koa.com/campgrounds/ouray
Ouray RV Park and Cabins
970-325-4523
1700 Main Street, Ouray ourayrvpark.com
65
$25-55
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Ridgway State Park
800-678-2267
28555 HWY 550, Ridgway cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/ridgway
283
$29-37
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Camp Bird Road, Ouray bit.ly/thistledown
9
$10
Vaults
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20725 Hwy 550, Ridgway weberrvpark.com
40
$20-40
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Thistledown Campground Weber RV Park and Campground
Action Adventures Trail Rides
970-400-7275
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Recreation, Guides & Outfitters 970-325-3006
County Road 14A, Ouray ride.actionadventures.net
Quality horseback rides in Ouray’s beautiful backcountry. Beginner to advanced. Trips range from 1 hour to multiday wilderness pack trips.
Alpine Scenic Tours
970-318-6513
405 Main Street, Ouray alpinescenicjeeptours.com
Ouray’s most comfortable and advanced “jeep” tour. Alpine’s Scenic Tours uses only highly modified 4x4 vehicles to provide the ultimate scenic experience. Our trucks have deluxe bucket seats equipped with individual seat heaters. Enjoy a roomy and smooth ride on trails others fear to tread. Read our reviews on Trip Advisor! Ride further and see more with Alpine.
Bach’lers Stable
970-318-0444
County Road 14, Ouray bachlersstable.com
Choose your horseback adventure! With our package options we know you will have a fabulous ride whether this is your first horseback experience or your 101st! Our horses are friendly and accommodating for any riding level from beginning to experienced and handicapped. Opt for the ultimate horseback adventure with a 2 or 3-day pack trip along the Dallas Trail and San Juan Hut System. We also offer pack trips for hunters!
Bachelor-Syracuse Mine Tours
970-325-0220
95 Gold Mt. Trail, Ouray bachelorsyracusemine.com
After gearing up, your guide will reveal the mine’s history and explain how the miners worked as you venture into the mine. Become enriched with the terms, techniques, and tales of the mine as its rich heritage is unearthed.
Canyon Creek Jeep Rentals
970-325-4833
827 Main Street, Ouray canyoncreekjeep.com
Rent our new Wrangler Rubicons,Sports, or Unlimiteds specially modified for mountain driving but with all the comforts of your own car. Put the top down if you wish and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of God’s creation.
Canyoning Colorado
970-318-6492
Ouray canyoningcolorado.com
Canyoning Colorado offers canyoning/canyoneering tours in Ouray, as well as comprehensive instructional courses. No experience is necessary; we have trips suitable for beginners and for those wishing to progress to advanced levels. We are a professional canyoning operator meeting international safety standards. Canyoning Colorado is the perfect full day or half day getaway with trips departing daily!
Chicks Climbing & Skiing
970-325-3858
P.O. Box 773, Ouray chickswithpicks.net
Chicks Climbing and Skiing offers women’s only rock climbing, Ice climbing and back country skiing clinics in Ouray and around the world. Beginner to advanced instruction is offered at every clinic.
City of Ouray Box Cañon Waterfall & Park
970-325-7080
County Road 361, Ouray cityofouray.com/boxcanonfalls
Box Cañon Falls is the culmination of Canyon Creek narrowing and spilling thousands of gallons of water per minute. The water plummets into a narrow quartzite canyon with amazing power and force.
City of Ouray - Hot Springs Pool & Fitness Center
970-325-7073
1220 Main Street, Ouray ourayhotsprings.com
The Ouray Hot Springs Pool was extensively renovated in the winter of 2016-17. The new facility has multiple pools for soaking, lap swimming, and aquatic recreation with temperatures ranging from 80 degrees to 104 degrees. As always, the water in the pools are crystal clear and free of the sulfur smell common in other hot springs.
Colorado West Jeep Tours & Rentals
970-325-4014
701 Main Street, Ouray coloradowestjeeps.com
Ride with the Best….”Colorado West” celebrating 33 years in business. Let our experienced and knowledgeable guides show you the beauty of the San Juan Mountains. Private tours also available. You may also enjoy the beauty of the San Juans on your own. Rent one of our 2017 Jeeps or Polaris RZR side-by-side two and four seaters. We are the oldest “family” owned tour company in Ouray and the only tour company on Main Street. The famous “Cowboy Cookout” is available for groups of 20 or more.
Divide Ranch & Club
970-626-5284
151 Divide Ranch Circle, Ridgway, divideranchandclub.com
The mature, award-winning golf course that’s the centerpiece for Divide Ranch & Club offers 7,039 yards of challenging play. It also offers some of the most extraordinary views imaginable. Divide Ranch & Club is also the perfect venue for your special event. If you’re looking to hold a wedding, party, corporate retreat, or just about any special event, please contact us for more information. Choose from our standard catering menus or design your own. You’ll enjoy our luxurious clubhouse with indoor and outdoor facilities, plus a bar and grill, with some of the best views in all of Colorado.
High Country 4x4 Inc. KOA Campground
970-325-4736
225 County Road 23, Ouray koa.com/campgrounds/ouray
See the mountains for yourself in one of our new 2017 Jeep Wrangler Sport models, 2 and 4 door options. Discounts on rentals of 3 days or more.
Orvis Hot Springs
970-626-5324
1585 County Road 3, Ridgway orvishotsprings.com
A natural Hot Springs nestled at the foot of the San Juan Mountains near the historic town of Ridgway, Colorado. We are clothing optional in the outdoor soaking areas. Open year round.
Ouray Canyon Festival
970-325-4117
P.O. Box 1057, Ouray ouraycanyonfestival.net
This festival held every year includes canyon trips, gear vendor displays, movies, workshops, presentations, demos, social meet and greet activities, raffles, and other events made possible by our sponsors and those who register and pay their registration fee.
Ouray Ice Park
970-325-4288
County Road 361, Ouray ourayicepark.com
The Ouray Ice Park is a human made ice climbing venue operated in a spectacular natural gorge within walking distance of the City of Ouray, Colorado. It is home to more than 200 named ice and mixed climbs.
RidgwayColorado.com • 1-800-220-4959 • 2017 • Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide – 57
Ouray Jeep Club
Recreation, Guides & Outfitters 307-214-3580
Cheyenne, Wyoming facebook.com/ourayjeepclub
My wife and I have been coming to Ouray every August for two weeks over the last 6 years and have fallen in love with Ouray. We have met many locals and individuals from around the world that share our passion for “Jeepin” so we created the Ouray Jeep Club. The club is not a profit making entity and there are no dues or membership costs. We just wanted to set up a group to stay in touch throughout the year, share pictures of our vehicles and our “Jeepin” around the San Juans. Can’t wait to see you on the trail!
Ouray Mountain Adventures
970-325-4427
125 Third Avenue, Ouray ouraymountainadventures.com
Explore the San Juan Mountains. Step back into history. See wild flowers, waterfalls, ghost towns, historic mining areas and wildlife (at their discretion). Discover the natural beauty of the Uncompahgre National Forest.
Ouray Riverside Jeeps
970-325-4061
1804 N. Main Street, Ouray ourayjeep.com
Current model year Rubicons, upgraded suspension, oversized off-road tires and calculated ground clearance provide the perfect equipment to explore the amazing San Juan trails. Add to that, extensive trail talks and friendly customer service and you have planned for an experience of a lifetime. Check out our Jeep-N-Sleep discounts!
Ouray Trail Group
970-325-4205
P.O. Box 50, Ouray ouraytrails.org
The Trail Group was founded in 1986 for the purpose of promoting safe and enjoyable hiking in the San Juan Mountains while preserving their beauty and natural resources. In addition to restoring and maintaining historic mining trails the OTG works cooperatively with others to preserve the fascinating but fragile remnants of the 19th Century Mining Era throughout the region. The “Hiking Trails of Ouray County” map is available in many locations.
Peak Mountain Guides, LLC
970-325-7342
280 7th Avenue, Ouray peakmountainguides.com
The only year-round guide service in Ouray with an entire staff of instructors and guides who are certified by the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA). We offer rock climbing, ice climbing, canyoning, peak climbs, backcountry skiing, and avalanche courses throughout the San Juan Mountains, in the Ouray Ice Park, and beyond. Join us for your best day in the mountains!
RIGS Adventure CO Fly Shop, Fly Fishing Guide Service, Whitewater Rafting
970-626-4460
565 Sherman, Ste. 2, Ridgway fishrigs.com raftrigs.com
RIGS Adventure CO (10 minutes from Ouray!) features the finest Fly Shop, Fly Fishing Guide Service, Family Whitewater Rafting/Kayak, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, River Tubing, Photo Tours, Boating and Fishing Rentals. Experience the adventure and history of the region with your professional LOCAL outfitter! Outfitting Ouray since 2001. Book online 24/7
San Juan Balloon
970-626-5495
Ridgway sanjuanballoon.com
Come fly with us…and experience the gentle adventure of hot air ballooning over the spectacular Ridgway Valley, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, lush green mesas, and rugged rocky plateaus. Daily, hour long flights include our traditional Champagne celebration and light brunch. Reservations are required.
San Juan Mountain Guides, LLC
800-642-5389
725 Main Street, Ouray mtnguide.net
San Juan Mountain Guides is the official concessionaire of the Ouray Ice Park, Private Ice Guiding, Ouray Rock Climbing, San Juan Backcountry Skiing and Avalanche Courses, Alpine Climbing, and Wilderness Backpacking in Colorado.
San Juan Scenic Jeep Tours
970-325-0089
206 & 210 7th Avenue, Ouray sanjuanjeeptours.com
World’s oldest jeep tour company. “We drive… you look.” ™ Ouray’s original and only jeep tour company for 40 years… featured in National Geographic twice, CBS, C.W. McCall’s “Blackbear Road,” Washington Post, Dallas Morning News, et al. Jeep tours, jeep rentals, large groups, weddings, photography, all Ouray, Telluride, Silverton, Lake City routes + exclusive private “highway to heaven” Silverton caldera mountain top tour!
Switzerland of America Scenic Tours & Jeep Rentals
970-325-4484
226 7th Avenue, Ouray soajeep.com
Since 1962, Ouray’s hometown tradition for exciting Jeep adventures! Experience snow-capped mountain summits, colorful wildflowers, sparkling waterfalls, ghost towns and wildlife from your seat in a guided 4x4 tour, or rent a new Jeep Wrangler and explore the mountains to find your own hidden treasure. Family reunions, group retreats, mountaintop weddings, custom tours and unmatched customer service are our specialties!
Top of the Pines
970-626-5273
County Road 5, Ridgway topofthepines.org
Top of the Pine’s (TOP) mission is to provide a majestic and natural setting that offers individuals, families, public and private groups or organizations a regional educational facility with rustic outdoor recreational opportunities, while preserving the land for open space and wildlife habitat. We also offer groomed cross country ski trails!
Western Slope Rides
970-626-5121
Ridgway gowsr.com
Western Slope Rides provides friendly, safe and quality regional transportation to the Western Slope and beyond. We provide rides and shuttles for airports, hotels, concerts, special events and more. Call now to book your ride!
AAM’s Mild to Wild Rafting, Jeep & Mesa Verde Tours
970-247-4789 800-567-6745
50 Animas View Drive, Durango mild2wildrafting.com
Experience Colorado whitewater, adventure & history on a guided raft, kayak, Jeep or Mesa Verde Tour. Raft the San Miguel River just 30 minutes away, or the Lower Animas River in Durango. Explore the Durango train with us just one way and or package it with a raft or jeep tour. Learn more on a guided tour of Mesa Verde National Park. Mild to Wild is the SW’s adventure & whitewater experts for 20+ years. Live your adventure with Mild to Wild today!
Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
970-247-2733
479 Main Avenue, Durango durangotrain.com
Relive the sights and sounds of yesteryear for a spectacular journey on board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Ice Pirates/Rock Pirates Backcountry Adventures
970-247-3706
957 Greene Street, Silverton silvertonrockpirates.com dgoicepirates.com
Rock Pirates offers ATV rentals so you can explore the “Alpine Loop” in the amazing San Juan Mountains. In the winter Ice Pirates offer snowmobile tours in the best terrain in Colorado including the famous Molas-Pass.
Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour
970-387-5444
721 CR 4A, Silverton minetour.com
Experience mining in action! Ride the mine train underground for live mining demonstrations. Ticket price includes your own mining at the sluce boxes outside. $18.95 adults, $9.95 children 5-12, FREE under 5, $16.95 seniors (60+). Call for times.
San Juan Backcountry/ Silverton-Molas Pass
970-387-5565 800-494-8687
1119 Greene Street, Silverton sanjuanbackcountry.com
We offer the best in snowmobiles, tours and great adventures. Free use of helmet and winter gear! We are a family-owned business that caters to our customers. Seasonal specials and lunch tours. In the winter, visit us at the Silverton Ski Resort at Kendall Mountain for ski, board, sled and ice skate rentals.
Toads Guide Shop
970-249-0408
309 E. Main Street, Montrose toadsguideshop.com
Looking for a Western Colorado fly fishing, rafting, or kayaking adventure? Our professional guides bring you the very best outdoor experience imaginable! Book your trip today.
BRIAN K. FOSTER
58 – Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide • 2017 • 1-800-220-4959 • RidgwayColorado.com
Dining Out
Food Type
Breakfast, Veggie Bar/ Live Year Lunch, Dinner Gluten Free Patio Brewery Music Wifi Round
Artisan Bakery
970-325-4677
460 Main Street, Ouray facebook.com/ artisan-bakery
American, Pastries, Coffee
Breakfast Lunch
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Backstreet Bistro
970-325-0550
219 Seventh Avenue, Ouray facebook.com/ backstreet-bistro273620476007898
Full Breakfast, Coffee, Sandwiches & Smoothies
Breakfast Lunch
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Bissen at Ouray Main Street Inn
970-316-1178
334 Main Street, Ouray ouraymainstreetinn.com
European Tapas
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Bon Ton Restaurant
970-325-4419
426 Main Street, Ouray bontonrestaurant.com
Pastas, Seafood, Italian, Steak
Dinner
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Brickhouse 737
970-325-7236
737 Main Street, Ouray brickhouse737.com
Contemporary American, Farm-Fresh, Local
Dinner
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Buen Tiempo Mexican Restaurant
970-325-4544
515 Main Street, Ouray buentiemporestaurant.com
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Lunch Dinner
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Café Ridgway a la Mode
970-626-9752
380 Sherman Street, Ridgway caferidgway.com
Ice Cream, Shakes, Malts, Cakes, Italian Sodas & more
Lunch Dinner
Camp-Bell’s Cajun Cuisine
970-318-1207
734 Main Street, Ouray facebook.com/campboog/
Cajun
Lunch
Cimarron Books & Coffee House
970-626-5858
380 W. Sherman Street, Ridgway cimarronroasters.com
Specialty Coffee & Teas, Pastry’s, Breakfast Burritos
Colorado Boy Brewing Co.
970-626-5333
602 Clinton St., Ridgway coloradoboy.com
Creekside Café’ at the Ouray KOA
970-325-4736
225 County Road 23, Ouray koa.com/campgrounds/ouray
Eatery 66
970-626-5901
566 Sherman Street, Ridgway eatery66.com
Goldbelt Bar & Grill
970-325-7323
800 Main Street, Ouray goldbeltbarandgrill.com
Happy Trails Sandwich Shop
970-626-9752
K. J. Wood Distillers
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Weekend Lunch Dinner
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Homestyle Breakfast, Texas BBQ
Breakfast Dinner
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Lunch Dinner
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Homemade Burgers and Desserts. GF Pizza
Lunch Dinner
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250 Palomino Trail # J, Ridgway happytrailssandwiches.com
Biscuits & Gravy, Sandwiches, Pancakes Soups & Salads
Breakfast Dinner
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970-325-7295 303-517-7697
929 Main Street, Ouray kjwooddistillers.com
Appetizers and Cocktails
Dinner
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Kate’s Place
970-626-9800
615 West Clinton, Ridgway katesplaceridgway.com
American/ Organic
Breakfast Lunch
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Land & Ocean Costa Rican Restaurant
970-626-3663
185 Sherman Street #101, Ridgway facebook.com/ costaricanrestaurant
Costa Rican, Fresh Juices, Ceviche
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
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Lotus Root
970-626-6853
304 S. Lena, Ridgway lotusrootkitchen.com
Asian Fusion
Dinner
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Maggie’s Kitchen
970-325-0259
703 Main Street, Ouray facebook.com/pages/ maggies-kitchen/
American, Burgers
Lunch Dinner
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Mine Shaft Restaurant & Tiki Bar
970-325-4427
125 3rd Avenue, Ouray twinpeakslodging.com
Pizza, Hamburgers, Broasted Chicken, Wings
Dinner
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RidgwayColorado.com • 1-800-220-4959 • 2017 • Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide – 59
Dining Out
Food Type Miner’s Café at the Bachelor Syracuse Mine Tour
970-325-0220
95 Gold Mt. Trail, Ouray bachelorsyracusemine.com
Mouse’s Chocolates and Coffee
970-325-7285
Oriental Chinese Restaurant
Breakfast, Veggie Bar/ Live Year Lunch, Dinner Gluten Free Patio Brewery Music Wifi Round
Homestyle Breakfast, Farm Fresh
Breakfast, Lunch (seasonal)
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524 Main Street, Ouray mouseschocolates.com
Handmade Chocolates, Coffee, Espresso Breakfast Burritos
Breakfast
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970-626-4486
565 Sherman Street, Ridgway ridgwaycolorado.com/ dining/
Chinese, Thai
Lunch Dinner
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O’Brien’s Pub
970-325-4386
726 Main Street, Ouray obrienspubouray.com
Irish-American
Lunch Dinner
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Ouray Brewery
970-325-7388
607 Main Street, Ouray ouraybrewery.com
American
Lunch Dinner
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Ouray Café at Ouray RV Park & Cabins
970-325-4523
1700 Main Street, Ouray ourayrvpark.com
American
Breakfast Dinner (seasonal)
Ouray Candy Company
970-325-4077
480 Main Street, Ouray facebook.com/ouraycandy-company
Candy, Chocolate
Lunch
Ourayle House Brewery
970-903-1824
703 Main Street, Ouray facebook.com/ ourayle-house-brewerymr-grumpy-pants
Micro-Brewery
None
Outlaw Restaurant
970-325-4366
610 Main Street, Ouray outlawrestaurant.com
American Steaks & Seafood
Dinner
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Panny’s Pizza
970-626-2122
250 Palomino Trail, Ridgway www.facebook.com/ pages/pannys-pizza
Pizza, Salads, Wings, Ice Cream
Lunch Dinner
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Provisions Café & Catering
970-626-9861
616 Clinton Street, Ridgway provisionschef.com
European Cuisine
Lunch Dinner
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Roast and Toast Café
970-633-6021
636 Main Street, Ouray roastandtoastouray.com
Specialty Coffee, American Breakfast, Sandwiches, Soups & Salads
Breakfast Lunch
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Steps Tavern
970-626-5894
630 Sherman Street # 802 (Lower Level), Ridgway facebook.com/stepstavern
Craft Beer, Specialty Wines, Craft Cocktails & Martini’s
None
Taco Del Gnar
970-626-9715
630 Sherman Street, Ridgway gnarlytacos.com
Progressive Tacos, Margarita
Lunch Dinner
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Thai Chili
970-325-4100
740 Main Street, Ouray facebook.com/ 100013143636793
Thai
Lunch Dinner
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Thai Paradise
970-626-2742
146 N. Cora, Ridgway www.facebook.com/ thai-paradise
Fresh Thai
Lunch Dinner
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The Adobe Inn
970-626-9715
251 Liddell, Ridgway adobeinnridgway.com
Mexican
Dinner
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Timberline Deli
970-325-4958
803 Main Street, Ouray ourayridgwaydining.com/ dir/timberline-deli
Coffee, Donuts, Burgers, Desserts, Ice Cream, Sandwiches
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
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True Grit Café
970-626-5739
123 North Lena, Ridgway truegritcafe.com
American, Burgers, Salads, Homemade Comfort Food
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
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60 – Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide • 2017 • 1-800-220-4959 • RidgwayColorado.com
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Regional Retail Therapy
Aspens/Colorado Eclectic
970-729-2388
260 7th Avenue, Ouray
Find unique greeting cards & gifts for all occasions! We have home & Christmas decor, antiques, art, and jewelry for the ladies, as well as, fun man-cave additions for the guys.
Bloom
970-325-0645
645 Main Street, Ouray facebook.com/bloomouray
A MUST visit shop. Mountain, bohemian, & rustic style. Clothing, market bags, barware, furniture, decor, gifts, cards & wrap, & many more treasures found nowhere else in Ouray! Our creative, friendly staff can wrap & ship for convenience. Like us on Facebook & keep up with photos, new arrivals & events.
Blue Pear
970-325-0645
645 Main Street, Ouray bluepear.net
New Location!! A delightful assortment for the home, body, & soul. Body care, candles, essential oils, linens, custom jewelry, & unique gifts from around the world to excite your senses. Located next to Bloom. We’ll wrap & ship. Join us on Facebook for updated gallery photos & info.
Buckskin Booksellers
970-325-4044
505 Main Street, Ste 110, Ouray buckskinbooksellers.com
New and old books, maps, collectibles, antiques, ephemera, Colorado minerals, gifts and more. All types of books, specializing in Colorado and the West.
Columbine Gifts and Jewelry
970-325-4222
614 Main Street, Ouray ouraycolorado.com/directory/ shopping-retail
Colorado-made products, Willowtree, Indian jewelry, Blackhills Gold jewelry and other jewelry.
Duckett’s Market
970-325-4397
621 Main Street, Ouray ouraycolorado.com/directory/ shopping-retail
A true family-owned and operated grocery store. We still do things the old way. Come try the best meat, cut fresh right on the premises. You’ll be surprised at what we have to offer!
Gator Emporium
970-325-4557
608 Main Street, Ouray ouraycolorado.com/directory/ shopping-retail
Fun and eclectic imports, Native American artifacts, pelts, skulls, rocks and minerals, tie-dye, incense, instruments, wooden toys, and beading supplies. We make jewelry, and you can too!
Gumpshun Junction
970-325-4024
640 Main Street, Ouray GumpshunJunction.com
Locally made custom Colorado Jewelry, unique opal jewelry. Largest dealer of “Katina Marie” shirts, tunics and jackets made in the U.S.A. Waffle weave pullovers and jackets.
Heart & Sleeve Boutique
800-474-1956
525 Clinton, Ridgway facebook.com/karli.whiteman
Heart and Sleeve Boutique is a unique shop in Ridgway, Colorado offering trendy and unique clothing, home decor and gifts from the heart.
High Country Leathers and Lifestyles
970-325-4239
518 Main Street, Ouray highcountryleathers.com
Ouray’s Haberdasher of fine quality attire, distinctive vestments, and toggery crafted in the style of the latest infatuation. Covering the community head to toe since 1987.
Ivory’s Trading Co. and Gallery
970-325-0123
735 Main Street, Ouray ouraycolorado.com/directory/ shopping-retail
Handcrafted jewelry by Native American Silversmiths, bronzes, paintings, hand-woven Navajo rugs, Indian pottery, baskets and much more.
Khristopher’s Culinaire
970-325-7311
545 Main Street, Ouray facebook.com/khristophersculinaire
The KC is an independent family-owned and operated kitchen store. In addition to our kitchenware we have a wonderful selection of Colorado-made products, Fiery Foods and Home Brewing Supplies. Gift Certificates. Gift Registries. WE SHIP.
Mountain Fever Shirts and Gifts
970-325-4408
644 Main Street, Ouray mountainfevershirts.com
Wide selection of T-shirts and caps for jeeps, ATVs, dirt bikes and 4x4 off-road. Colorado and USA-made gifts including aspen vases, crystal, knives, jewelry, artwork and more.
Mouse’s Chocolates and Coffee
970-325-7285
520 Main Street, Ouray mouseschocolates.com
Most days, you’ll find us making chocolate, eating chocolate, making coffee drinks, or simply drinking coffee when you stop by. Coffee beans, chocolates, espresso drinks, and all sorts of goodies await you.
North Moon Gallery
970-325-4885
722 Main Street, Ouray facebook.com/northmoongallery
Our new location is fabulous and fun, our jewelers are simply the best! From local to international the creative spirit rocks at North Moon.
O’Toys
970-729-2388
242 7th Avenue, Ouray otoysouray.com
Come play and experience hands-on fun for newborns to 99! Find the latest specialty toys & games from today or the nostalgic ones from yesterday, along with a vast selection of puzzles, plush, and other unique items from our outdoor, science, and art sections.
Ouray Alchemist
970-325-4003
533 Main Street, Ouray ourayalchemist.com
Our gift store features art, antiques, local jewelry and glass figurines, cards, unique collectibles, minerals and mining artifacts, coins and currency, oxygen and high altitude supplies, non-prescription and homeopathic items plus advice from a friendly pharmacist.
Ouray Glassworks and Pottery
970-325-0275
619 Main Street, Ouray ourayglassworks.com
Watch Sam demonstrate the ancient art of glassblowing and enjoy Di’s pottery made in Ouray. Made in Ouray artwork.
Ouray Liquors
970-325-0784
611 Main Street, Ouray facebook.com/ourayliquors
Offering the region’s most exciting selection of craft, import, and domestic brews with an extensive wine inventory and thorough spirits section. Tobacco products, mixers, and ice available as well.
Ouray Mountain Sports
970-325-4284
732 Main Street, Ouray ouraysports.com
Ouray’s local outfitter for all your outdoor summer & winter adventures. Camping, climbing, hiking and canyoneering gear. Clothing, footwear, guidebooks and maps. Experienced and knowledgeable staff.
Powder Room
970-325-0500
303 Main Street, Hotel Ouray Lobby ouraypowderroom.com
Made in Ouray! Natural soaps, salves, balms, scrubs, lotions, salts, bath bombs, and more. Offering gift baskets of all sizes. We Ship
Rockin P Ranch
970-325-0434
512 Main Street, Ouray rockinpranch.com
Clothing, boots and accessories by DD Ranch and Patty Lewis. Western furniture and home accents with free design service. Fabulous gifts and jewelry. Mostly Texas and U.S. made.
Second Chance Humane Society Thrift Shop
970-626-3233
309 Sherman Street (HWY 62), Ridgway adoptmountainpets.org
Second Chance Humane Society Thrift Shop is the regions only second hand store AND it benefits the region’s only animal shelter. Our Thrift Shop, which offers a vast array of quality items, clothing, sporting equipment, housewares, furniture and more, generates 65% of the organizations operating revenue. All donations and sales directly benefit our animal welfare programs and services. The Thrift Shop offers the region a great recycling resource through the re-sale of donated items that are clean and in good condition - including large items such as furniture, vehicles, RVs, boats, etc. We are your one stop feel good shop! Open Mon- Sat: 10am-5pm, Sun: 12pm-5pm.
Skol Studio and Design
970-325-7290
812 Main Street, Ouray skolstudio.com
Skol Gallery displays fine art by local and regional artists. Custom metal work is available by Jeff Skoloda. Come and enjoy our outdoor sculpure garden!
Wildflower Boutique & Colorado Made
970-325-4089
735 Main Street, Ouray ouraywildflower.com
Offering a unique, mountain-boutique experience, Wildflower is the local’s “go-to” shop for consciously made products, quality clothing, and one-of-a-kind gifts. Visit our expanded “Made in Colorado” room featuring an eclectic mix of artesian products from Ouray and beyond. Follow us on Facebook and at www.ouraywildflower.com
RidgwayColorado.com • 1-800-220-4959 • 2017 • Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide – 61
Regional Retail Therapy
Willowcreek Floral & Gifts
970-626 5216
145 N. Cora Street, Ridgway willowcreekfloral.net
We make dreams come true….. Turn an ordinary wedding into the extraordinary. We carry everything you could need for creating all of the special touches. We are a full service florist and also carry home décor and gifts. Serving Ridgway, Ouray, Telluride and surrounding areas. Open year round.
Garrett Estates Cellars
970-901-5919
53716 Falcon Road, Olathe garrettestatescellars.com
We make honest wine on our family vineyard in Olathe, Co. Our town is known for corn — we are making it about grapes.
Route 550 Gifts
970-387-5504
1206 Greene Street, Silverton route550.com
To commemorate your “drive of a lifetime,” on the Million Dollar Highway, stop by our shop in Silverton and pick up a unique souvenir originally designed by the storeowner, Gina Maria Rosato.
H
Elevate your life with Helicopter Flight Training Support Southwest Colorado’s dedicated Search and Rescue Helicopter. Call today to get involved.
www.coloradohighlandhelicopters.com | (970) 259-1423 #durangobluehelicopter 62 – Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide • 2017 • 1-800-220-4959 • RidgwayColorado.com
Local Services ARTS & CULTURE C.W. McCall’s San Juan Odyssey
720-220-6783
Main Street Ouray facebook.com/sanjuanodyssey
The original 40-minute multi-screen audio visual presentation produced and narrated by recording artist CW McCall of Ouray. Panoramic 35mm film photography of the San Juan high country. Showing on select dates in July, August and September in Ouray.
Ouray County Arts Association
970-325-4234
PO Box 167, Ouray ourayarts.org
The Ouray County Arts Association consists of a group of volunteers dedicated to providing art shows for the appreciation of the local populace and visitors to the county. The organization was initiated in 1960 as the brainchild of Joyce Jorgenson, former owner and Editor of the Ouray County Plaindealer. Joyce, being an artist herself, thought there should be a local show for local artists. Others agreed. The Artists’ Alpine Holiday began that year, and the rest is history.
Ouray County Performing Arts Guild
970-626-2970
PO Box 14, Ouray ocpag.org
OCPAG in its 32 year history has brought the finest quality performing arts events to Ouray County – from chamber music to folk music and jazz, dance, opera, mime, juggling and a whole variety of events. Check out our website, www.ocpag.org to see what might be offered.
Ouray County Rodeo Association, Inc.
970-275-6051
PO Box 711, Ridgway ouraycountyrodeo.com
Ouray County Rodeo Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the area’s rich ranching heritage by providing scholarships and other education and equestrian focused financial support to area children.
Ouray Elks Lodge BPOE #492
970-325-4510
421 Main Street, Ouray ourayelks.org
The Lodge was founded in 1899. Primary programs are youth activities, including scholarships, in-home visits from Santa on Christmas Eve, sports and educational programs; veteran support, including an annual fundraiser for the Grand Junction VA hospital; and other community activities, such as fundraisers for people needing help with medical expenses. Contact the lodge for more information.
Ridgway Chautauqua at the Sherbino
970-318-0892
604 Clinton Street, Ridgway sherbino.org
Ridgway Chautauqua, at the 101-year-old Sherbino Theater, is the community’s premier venue for arts, culture, creativity, and lifelong learning. The core values of RCS are rooted in our deep commitment to the Chautauqua principles of lifelong learning including the sharing of art, craft and music while promoting intellectual and civic engagement. Offering over 175 programs each year for a multitude of interests and ages; undoubtedly, there’s surely almost always “something happening at the Sherb!”
Weehawken Creative Arts
970-318-0150
1075 Sherman Street Suite 201, Ridgway weehawkenarts.org
Weehawken Creative Arts provides high-quality arts education within our community year round. Weehawken also produces three spectacular youth dance performances each year for the public and coordinates and hosts several beloved community events each year including: Ouray Fork Fest, the Annual Amateur Sculpting Contest, The Ridgway Rendezvous Arts and Crafts Festival, Sneffels Fiber Festival and The Family Gingerbread House Workshops.
Wright Opera House
970-325-4399
472 Main Street, Ouray thewrightoperahouse.org
Recognizing the potential to preserve and restore arts and culture in Ouray County by purchasing the historic Wright Opera House, a group of volunteers came together in 2007 and formed the non-profit organization ‘Friends of the Wright Opera House’. The vision that followed was nothing short of promoting artistic, cultural and educational opportunities for all by providing a centralized venue for performing arts organizations and by restoring the facility for another century of use.
UpstART
970-325-3501
PO Box 1285, Ouray upstartmoves.org
UpstART seeks to Awaken, Enliven & Entertain audiences in Ouray County and beyond, by presenting professional quality theater and education through a rural/urban collaboration of artists. We will be bringing you the regional premiere of Jack Canfora’s Off-Broadway hit Jericho in spring 2017, plus our NO HOLDS BARD productions of Shakespeare’s The Tempest and The Merchant of Venice in summer 2017.
Alpine Bank
970-325-4200 970-626-4100
917 Main Street, Ouray 119 Liddell Drive, Ridgway alpinebank.com
At Alpine Bank, we have been committed to building strong and enduring relationships with our customers. We provide local, friendly, professional service on a one-on-one basis for all of your banking needs. Alpine Bank has a long tradition of service and takes pride in satisfying customer needs. We’ve been serving our communities for over 42 years with 38 locations in Colorado.
Citizens State Bank
970-325-4478 970-626-5462
600 Main Street, Ouray 145 Sherman Street, Ridgway csbouray.com
Serving Western Colorado as your Hometown Bank since 1913.
Calvary Community Church
970-325-4049
680 Second Street, Ouray cavgo.org
Calvary Community Church is located at 680 2nd street. We have service on Sunday Evening 6:30 pm from May through September and 7:00 pm October through April. We offer a variety of ministries to women, men and children. We are affiliated with the Assemblies of God.
Ouray Christian Fellowship
970-325-4253
336 Fourth Ave, Ouray ouraychristianfellowship.org
Ouray Christian Fellowship Church is located in the heart of the spectacular San Juan Mountains. We are committed to the life-changing message of the Bible and seek to glorify God in all we do. We work to reach out to those in the community as Jesus calls us to do. An Evangelical Free Church of America. Summer Sunday school-8am, Worship9:30am, winter Sunday school 9am, coffee fellowship 10am, worship 10:30 am.
St. John’s Episcopal Church
970-325-4655
335 Fifth Avenue, Ouray sanjuanepiscopal.com
Sunday Morning Coffee and Conversation beginning at 9:45 A.M., join us as we prepare our minds to participate more fully in the Liturgy of the Word. Sunday Worship Service at 10:30 A.M., Sunday School and Child Care available. Wednesday Morning Prayer Service ~ 10:00 A.M. Please join us, all are welcome!
United Church of the San Juans
970-626-5803
295 North Lena, Ridgway ucsjridgway.org
The United Church of the San Juans (UCSJ) nestled in the beautiful Ouray County town of Ridgway, Colorado. We are a unique church, affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, United Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church (USA) and the United Church of Christ. We offer something for everyone. Whether you are searching for a church home or just “passing through” and looking for a place to worship on Sunday morning, know that you are welcome here!
301 North Spruce Street, Telluride sanjuanepiscopal.com
Join us for service Sunday evenings, 6:30 P.M. Rob Rose, Lay Pastoral Leader, timbercreeklodge@aol.com We meet and hold service at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Please join us, all are welcome!
BANKS
CHURCHES
The Episcopal Church of Telluride
CITY & COUNTY CONTACTS City of Ouray City Administration
970-325-7211
320 Sixth Avenue, Ouray cityofouray.com
Welcome to Ouray City Government! The City of Ouray was officially incorporated on October 2, 1876; only two months after Colorado became a state. According to papers filed with the United States Land Office there were over 400 inhabitants of Ouray in 1877. The first meeting of the Ouray Board of Trustees was held on October 4th, 1876. Today, the Ouray City Council meets on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 7 PM upstairs in the Ouray Community Center (located at 320 6th Avenue).
Ouray County Courthouse
970-325-7320
541 Fourth Avenue, Ouray ouraycountyco.gov
Ouray County lies in southwest Colorado and encompasses a diverse landscape, including the headwaters of the Uncompahgre River in the high country of the San Juan Mountains, the broad mesas of the Uncompahgre Plateau region, and the valley of the Uncompahgre River. The county covers 542 square miles and has a population of around 4,530. Two municipalities lie within the county, the City of Ouray and the Town of Ridgway.
RidgwayColorado.com • 1-800-220-4959 • 2017 • Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide – 63
Local Services Ouray County EMS
970-325-7275
541 Fourth Street, Ouray ouraycountyco.gov
We Are Ready! Whether you are enjoying the world-famous hot springs or climbing the vertical ice in the Ouray ice park, Ouray County Emergency Medical Services (OCEMS) is ready to assist in an emergency.
Ouray County Sheriff
970-325-7272
541 Fourth Street, Ouray ouraycountyco.gov
The Ouray County Sheriff’s Office is committed to providing the citizens of Ouray County with effective and efficient law enforcement. We will apply the laws of the State of Colorado, and the constitution, justly and consistently while treating every individual with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
Ouray Library District
970-325-4616
320 Sixth Avenue, Ouray ouray.colibraries.org
The Ouray Public Library houses a special collection of Ouray and Ouray County books, including nonfiction, fiction, and biographies. Books on activities in Ouray County and the San Juan Mountains, including ice climbing, hiking, avalanche safety, and travel guides also available. Four public access computers are available to library patrons and visitors, as well as wireless access. This public access is open (unsecured) and free to all visitors and patrons.
47 County Road 361, Ouray ouraymountainrescue.com
The Ouray Mountain Rescue Team was founded in 1974 to serve the technical rescue and emergency medical service needs of Ouray County and the surrounding mountain communities of southwestern Colorado. Our team is made up entirely of volunteers and all of our financial support comes from donations and grants from the community, and merchandise sales. We are available 24/7 for call-outs that range from high and low angle rescues, swift water emergencies, searches, and mutual aid to neighboring counties. Our services are free – we do not charge to search for, or rescue, anyone.
Ouray Mountain Rescue Team
Ouray Police Department
970-325-7068
320 Sixth Avenue, Ouray cityofouray.com
The Police Department is charged with enforcing federal, state and local laws. Information regarding City Municipal Court can also be obtained from the police. Call for more information.
Ouray School District R-1
970-325-4616
320 Sixth Avenue, Ouray ouray.k12.co.us
Developing minds to match our Mountains!
Ouray Visitor’s Center
970-325-4746
1230 Main Street, Ouray ouraycolorado.com
Our goal is to help you discover your next great adventure and experience all that Ouray has to offer. Stop in and say hello, we can’t wait to meet you.
Ouray Volunteer Fire Department
970-325-7069
320 Sixth Avenue, Ouray cityofouray.com
The Ouray Volunteer Fire Department (OVFD) provides fire protection and suppression throughout the community, as well as mutual aid for surrounding districts. The OFD is equipped to provide fire protection and suppression in numerous different situations including residential and commercial structures, forest fires, and vehicle fires.
Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce
970-626-5181
150 Racecourse Road, Ridgway ridgwaycolorado.com
Visit the Ridgway Visitors Center and Railroad Museum open daily May 1 - Nov. 1. - corner of Hwys 550 and 62. NEW Walking Tours of the True Grit movie locations. Visitors Guide on our web site. Check us out on Facebook.
Ridgway Fire Department
970-626-5311
421 N. Railroad Street ridgwayfire.com
The Ridgway Volunteer Fire Department has been protecting the people and property of Ridgway and the surrounding area for over 100 years. We are a team of up to 30 volunteers who commit themselves to being ready to help others. All members are trained in Structural and Wildland Firefighting, with some members also trained in specialties such as Arson Investigation, Has-Mat Awareness, Emergency Medical, or Vehicle Extrication.
Ridgway Marshalls Office
970-626-5196
201 N. Railroad Street, Ridgway
The Ridgway Marshalls Office is a full-service, community minded and oriented law enforcement agency. Our Department will tackle anything that comes our way. We maintain a high standard of service and visibility in our community.
Ridgway Public Library
970-626-5252
300 W. Charles Street facebook.com/ ridgwaypubliclibrary
The Ridgway Public Library is a free and vital community resource providing opportunities to explore, discover, learn, grow, and dream.
Ridgway School District R-2
970-626-4320
1115 West Clinton Street, Ouray ridgway.k12.co.us
Surrounded by some of the most spectacular peaks in Colorado, Ridgway Schools aims to inspire students to climb to their potential. Our K-12 programs consistently produce students who exceed in both the classroom and in life.
Ridgway Town Hall
970-626-5308
201 N. Railroad Street town.ridgway.co.us
The Town of Ridgway is dedicated to the well-being and sustainability of our community and the enhancement of our small-town character by continuously providing efficient, quality services and exercising sound stewardship of our resources.
A Secret Garden Bed & Breakfast & Catering
970-596-3730
101 Sixth Avenue, Ouray secretgardenouray.com
Secret Garden—Award winning Ouray, Colorado lodging, Wedding, and Special Event Destination! We have it all! Five comfy-cozy bed and breakfast rooms, gourmet breakfasts prepared by Ouray County’s Best Caterer and a superb Ouray wedding venue complete with wedding planning services. All guest room rates include a full gourmet breakfast and Happy Hour served 5-7 daily.
Beaumont Hotel & Spa
970-325-7000
505 Main Street, Ouray beaumonthotel.com
Event planning at Elegant~Lovely~Timeless~Classic Indoor & Outdoor Events Venue starting at $1250! Courtyard & Historic Grand Ballroom & Lounge. Seasonal flexibility - Your event will be perfect – no matter what the weather conditions. ‘#1 Hotel in the West’ & ‘Top 500 Places in the World’ Gold List. Guestrooms sleep up to 30. Conference Room & Spa.
Historic Western Hotel Restaurant & Salon
970-325-4645
210 Seventh Avenue, Ouray historicwesternhotel.com
Welcome to an authentic old west hotel and saloon that has proudly served visitors to the Rocky Mountain West since the late 1800’s. For banquets, weddings, reunions, conferences, gunfights or film productions reserve the Monte Alta Room or rent the entire Hotel and Saloon for your private exclusive special event. Rose will cater your event with amazing food for any event.
Ouray Community Center & Conference Center
970-325-7065
320 Sixth Avenue, Ouray cityofouray.com
The Ouray Conference & Community Center is a perfect place for meetings, reunions, receptions, retreats, and conferences. Ouray has hosted conferences and/or events for groups from five to 500 people. There are two meeting rooms available. The San Juan Room, with its warm wood floors and many windows, is located above historic City Hall which was built in the late 1800’s. The San Juan Room is a favorite choice for intimate meetings and receptions for 20 to 150 people. The Massard Auditorium, which is the larger room in the Ouray Community Center, can accommodate over 300 people. This room is a good choice for larger receptions, presentations, and dinners. Guests will appreciate the views of Hayden Mountain, Mount Abrams, and the other surrounding peaks. There is an elevator available for easy access to the upstairs. Call now to reserve your space for the perfect wedding or event.
Ouray County 4H Event Center
970-626-3304
22739 Hwy 550, Ridgway ouraycountyeventvenues.com
The Crown Jewel of Ouray County! Situated against a spectacular mountain backdrop, the Ouray County Fairgrounds and 4H Event Center offer multiple venues for your special event, whether indoor or out, formal or casual, large or small, recreation or business, and all things in between. We can provide you with the perfect place for your event.
Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs
970-325-4427
125 3rd Avenue, Ouray twinpeakslodging.com
We are the largest accommodating hotel property in Ouray. We have catered to events of more than 700 people. We always look forward to working with large groups and taking on new challenges. Several groups choose our grounds to host their functions. Also, every year we host weddings, family reunions, and tours of all kinds.
GROUPS, EVENT PLANNING, WEDDINGS AND CATERING
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Local Services
HEALTH AND WELLNESS Beaumont Hotel & Spa
970-325-7000
505 Main Street, Ouray beaumonthotel.com
In the beautiful spa, you can see the mountaintops from the treatment tables… Escape the real world & indulge in ours. Here you will find impeccable service, unrivaled expertise & an atmosphere of incredible elegance & tranquility. Luxuriate in our organic, natural spa products. You will love them so much; you will want to take them home.
Chipeta Solar Springs Spa
970-626-3737
304 S. Lena Street, Ridgway chipeta.com
The Spa at Chipeta Solar Springs Resort provides a serene space to relax and rejuvenate. Full service treatments feature the purest ingredients and products available. Massage, facials, body treatments are offered by experienced and intuitive therapists. The Spa offers a cedar Sauna and Steam room, Yoga, and Fitness Center. 626-5007
Elevate Day Spa
970-325-7233
222 5th Avenue, Ouray elevatedayspa.com
Elevate Day Spa is located at 222 5th Ave. in Ouray, CO. We are open year round and specialize in Result Based Facials, Massage Therapy and Waxing. Other services include: Body Treatments, Ortho Bionomy, Natural Nails, Makeup, Oxygen Therapy and weekly Yoga & Pilates classes. Book online at www.elevatedayspa.com or give us a call at 970-325-7233.
Ouray Hot Springs Pool & Fitness Center 970-325-7073
1220 Main Street, Ouray ourayhotsprings.com
The Ouray Hot Springs Pool was extensively renovated in the winter of 2016-17. The new facility has multiple pools for soaking, lap swimming, and aquatic recreation with temperatures ranging from 80 degrees to 104 degrees. As always, the water in the pools is crystal clear and free of the sulfur smell common in other hot springs.
River Peak Dental Dr. Chris Poe, DDS
970-512-8700
257 Sherman Street, Ste. C, Ridgway riverpeakdental.com
River Peak Dental is a comprehensive dental practice in Ouray County serving all the mountain communities. Located in beautiful Ridgway, Colorado, we proudly provide complete dental services to our patients in a modern and clean environment. Our entire dental team strives to provide excellence in all our dental services, and we are committed to delivering dentistry that is comfortable and that meets your personal needs. We offer IV Sedation, same-day crowns, implants, root canals, wisdom teeth, Invisalign, 3-D imaging, digital x-rays, whitening, and more. All of your dental needs under one roof!
Salon Envy
970-325-7324
736 Main Street, Ouray envyouray.com
Our services include manicures, pedicures, all hair services, make up, waxing and ear piercing. We have a great selection of hair products as well. We also accommodate weddings. Open Tuesday- Saturday year round.
Salon Monti
970 325-4705
824 Main Street, Ouray facebook.com/salon-monti
Salon Monti is considered a full service upscale salon. Our stylists are dedicated to consistently providing customer satisfaction by rendering excellent service, quality products and furnishing an enjoyable atmosphere at an acceptable price/value relationship. Our mission is to offer services and products that enhance our client’s physical appearance and mental relaxation.
The Cutting Edge Hair Salon
970-325-0757
310 8th Avenue, Ouray ouraycolorado.com/directory/ professional-services/hairsalons
Enjoy Ouray in a nice relaxing environment. Services include Men, Women and Children cuts and styles, colors, highlights, lowlights, perms and facial waxing. Open Tuesday- Saturday year round.
Wholeness: Massage & Bodywork
303-726-2807
640 Sherman Street, Suite J, Ridgway ridgwaywholenessmassage.com
Longing to feel your own sense of well-being? Come discover how healing touch can support you in allowing yourself to listen deeply, relax & find relief.... remember how it is to feel whole and connected to yourself . Integrating various modalities - including Deep Tissue, Swedish & Hakomi Bodywork into your session, I bring 17 + years of experience to offer you the chance to sink in, unwind & let go....
Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa and Lodgings
970-325-4347
625 Fifth Street, Ouray wiesbadenhotsprings.com
The Wiesbaden offers a full range of spa treatments which promote relaxation, relieve stress, help remove toxins, hydrate and rejuvenate the skin. Open year round.
Ouray Alchemist Pharmacy Museum
970-325-4003
533 Main Street, Ouray ourayalchemist.com
The museum entrance is from Aspen Drug c. 1888 Aspen, CO. As you step through the door, experience what a pharmacy was like in Western Colorado in the 1800’s. Learn about the overall history and evolution of pharmacy, medicine and dentistry as professions as well as how they are intertwined with the concepts of alchemy. All tours are guided. Your tour can be comprehensive or suited for your time frame. Usually given at 10am and 1pm on most days, it is best to call ahead for price, times and availability. A must-see when in Ouray! This is one of Trip Advisor’s outstanding and top-rated unique local attractions.
Ouray County Historical Society & Museum
970-325-4576
420 Sixth Avenue, Ouray ouraycountyhistoricalsociety.org
The mission of the Ouray County Historical Society (OCHS) is dedicated to preserve, protect, procure, exhibit and interpret whatever relates to the natural, social and cultural history of Ouray County and the adjoining San Juan Mountain region of Colorado. The Museum is housed in the original St. Joseph’s Miners’ Hospital that was built in 1886 and finished in 1887. There are three floors containing 40 exhibits in twenty-nine rooms. The Museum features mining, ranching and railroading, the three main means of employment in Ouray’s early history. It houses many artifacts dating back to Ouray’s earliest days which began in 1875. Plan to visit this fascinating museum. Staff and volunteers are always on hand to answer your questions and assist you with research and sales.
Ouray County Ranch History Museum
970-318-1190
321 Sherman Street, Ridgway ocrhm.org
The Ouray County Ranch History Museum showcases the rich ranching history & ranching heritage of Ouray County and surrounding areas through historical exhibits, hands-on, educational displays and offers memorable ranch & farm-oriented events throughout the year. Please visit our website: ocrhm.org or our Facebook page: Ouray County Ranch History Museum. Created in 2006, the non-profit museum has additional ranching tools and machinery showcased both in the museum and throughout the county. Our active board is made up of ranching family members from our area. For further information, please call us. OCRHM PO Box 190 Ridgway, CO 81432 Looking forward to making your acquaintance!
Ridgway Railroad Museum
970-626-4373
150 Racecourse Road, Ridgway ridgwayrailroadmuseum.org
The Ridgway Railroad Museum is a non-profit, member supported organization whose mission it is to explain and interpret the role and significance of railroads in the history of this region by use of exhibits, a reference library, educational programs, publications and sharing information with historical and modeling groups. Open June through September.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum
970-247-2733
479 Main Avenue, Durango durangotrain.com
This historic train has been in continuous operation between Durango and Silverton since 1882, carrying passengers behind vintage steam locomotives and rolling stock indigenous to the line. It is a family-friendly ride sure to create memories that will last a lifetime while offering a view of Colorado’s mountain splendor inaccessible by highway. Relive the sights and sounds of yesteryear for a spectacular journey on board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
MUSEUMS
We provide optimal health for dogs and cats through nutrition. Our recipes balance traditional Chinese food therapy and modern holistic nutrition. Whole foods chosen for an individual animal’s constitution and health concerns, can function as medicine. We offer single protein treats and balanced diets, sourced locally, to enhance health and happiness. 618 Clinton St. , Ridgway, CO 81432 970.708.3927 • elementpet.com Hours: Monday-Friday 9-5 RidgwayColorado.com • 1-800-220-4959 • 2017 • Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide – 65
Local Services
NON PROFITS 4 Corners Film Office
720-295-6570
295 A Girard Street, Durango 4cornersfilmoffice.org
The mission of the Four Corners Film Office is to increase jobs and income from film, television and digital media production in the Four Corners region. We do that by serving as a liaison, facilitator and information hub. Production is complex—especially on location. By using our free services and local expertise for locations and production resources in Southwest Colorado and the Four Corners region, you can speed up the process, reduce costs and avoid surprises.
KURA Radio 98.9 FM
970-325-7289
Ouray School, Ouray ourayradio.com
KURA-LP began in January 2001 when a high school student, a teacher and a consultant combined to apply for an LPFM license. Exactly one year later KURA (Ouray School District R1) was issued a construction permit. After over twelve years of continuous service to the communities of Ouray and Ridgway, Colorado- we are “radio just around the corner.” Housed in Ouray School and manned by a staff of high school students, we are small, but mighty. Covering almost the entire county, KURA strives to please the locals and tourists too!
Mt. Sneffels Education Foundation
970-325-0967
PO Box 1883, Ouray mtsneffels.org
The Mt. Sneffels Education Foundation was established in 1992 to help enrich and broaden the educational and cultural experiences of the youth in Ouray County. The Sneffels Foundation does this through contributing money to projects initiated by school and community leaders for which there is no regular funding available.
Region 10 League for Economic Assistance & Planning
970-249-2436
300 North Cascade Avenue, Suite 1, Montrose region10.net
Established in 1972, Region 10 is a 501C3 non-profit organization offering public programs in support of eighteen local communities and six counties in western Colorado. Region 10 League for Economic Assistance and Planning provides programs and services that meet the needs of the people in the region, are cost-effective, reduce the burden of local governments, leverage available resources, and support our charitable status.
Second Chance Humane Society
970-626-2273
177 County Road 10, Ridgway adoptmountainpets.org
Second Chance Humane Society has been working with the Ouray, San Miguel and Montrose County communities and beyond since 1994 to address the needs of homeless pets of this region. We save lives through our shelter programs while developing effective education and prevention programs. Come by and see our Humane Society Second Chance store in Ridgway.
Voyager Youth Program
970-626-4279
112 Village Square, Suite 230, Ridgway voyageryouthprogram.org
Voyager Youth Program seeks to inspire Ouray County’s youth to achieve healthy lives through our prevention education programs and enrichment activities with a purpose. We work in partnership with local schools and the larger community to create an environment in which youth will thrive.
Black Hills Energy
888-563-0012
2183 East Main, Montrose blackhillsenergy.com
Black Hills Energy is a growth-oriented energy company with a vision to be the energy partner of choice and a drive to improve life with energy. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, the company serves over 1.2 million electric and natural gas utility customers in nearly 800 communities in Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming. In Colorado, Black Hills Energy’s gas utility serves approximately 167,000 natural gas customers in 104 communities across the state.
Blackthorn Custom Builders, LLC
970-626-2626
P.O. Box 257, Ouray blackthorncustombuilders.com
Blackthorn Custom Builders takes custom construction to new heights. Whether remodeling or new construction, we can make your dreams a reality. No matter what size the project, the goal is the same, quality construction in the most economical way possible. We will brainstorm with you through the planning and design phase and watch over every detail, from start to finish.
Brown Mountain Broadcasting
970-325-2158
331 Sixth Avenue #3, Ouray mountainchill.com
Mountain Chill, current, curated, and consistently great chilled music from the world’s top cutting edge labels, accessible to all and supported almost entirely by small-business and regional sponsors - tune in to find out who. Isn’t it time to raise your frequency to 95.5 MHz? Join our worldwide listening community online. We stream almost 1 million listener hours annually.
Central Distributing
970-243-0024
245 South Avenue, Grand Junction centraldistributing.ws
Cleaning and supplies, procedures and equipment to help you maintain a clean and healthy building. Delivering Western Colorado environmentally responsible choices since 1948*
Certified Folder
970-209-8132
17083 6725 Road, Montrose certifiedfolder.com
Certified Folder Display Service, Inc. is North America’s largest professional travel brochure distribution and display service. With over 22,000 visitor information display racks on location throughout Western and Central United States and Western Canada. Our display racks supply the traveling public with helpful information on things to see and do both locally and regionally.
Flower Motor Company
970-249-9664
2580 North Townsend Avenue, Montrose flowermotor.com
Flower Motor Company serving Montrose, Grand Junction, Colorado Springs, Telluride, Mountain Village, Ouray, Ridgway, and Durango has been family owned since 1907. In addition to being the oldest Subaru Dealer in the state, we also have the entire lineup of New Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram products. We are the only medium duty dealer on the entire western slope of Colorado and are Business Link certified. We are big enough to handle all of your buying needs, yet small enough to give you the individual attention you deserve. We believe in customer-first service.
Gretadesign/ Graphic Design
303-733-0300
P.O. Box 1233, Ouray gretadesign.com
Award Winning Graphic Design Studio is Now Open in Ouray! Do you need a new logo, slick magazine ad, brochure, menu, newsletters, outside billboard, retail sign, branding rehab or corporate design work for your business in CO or outside of CO? If so please call me. I have over 15 years of professional experience eliminating client’s headaches by completing any size job big or small on time and on budget. Please visit my website to view samples of my work. www.gretadesign.com
Hockersmith Law, P.C.
970-325-4414
917 Main Street (2nd floor at Alpine Bank), Ouray mdhlawpc.com
Hockersmith Law, P.C. is a general practice law firm. Senior partner, Michael Hockersmith, Attorney at Law, has provided legal services to Ouray County and the Western Slope since 1984, focusing on real estate, commercial representation, zoning and general civil litigation.
Joe Skalsky Photography
970-325-7325
P.O. Box 1383, Ouray jskalsky.zenfolio.com
My passion for photography led me to attend Brooks Institute of Photography. Brooks helped me obtain the tools to understand photography and express myself through my photos. I live in Ouray, Colorado with my wife and daughter, our two cats and two dogs.
Kane Scheidegger Photography
970-901-4880
565 Sherman Street, Unit 1C, Ridgway kane.gallery
Kane Scheidegger offers larger than life photographs from around the world with a focus on the San Juan Mountains in Southwest Colorado. Kane captures those special moments in nature that take your breath away, whether it is a beautiful sunrise over an alpine lake or a deep powder day skiing in the majestic San Juan Mountains. The ever changing seasons constantly offer new photographic opportunities. Kane’s work can be found in Ridgway and Telluride, CO at the Gold Mountain Gallery - www.goldmountaingallery.com. Kane offers custom options as well as fine art printing services.
Lorimer Network Research Network, Inc.
970-325-7961
518 Main Street, Ouray lornet.com
Lorimer Network Research, Inc. is an Information Technology Engineering Consulting Company based in Ouray County Colorado and founded in 1994. We provide Certified Engineers for your Service Call, Sales Support, Web Hosting and Design, Software Development. We warranty our work, fixed or installed to design specifications with 24x7 support.
MBC Grand Radio
970-497-9677
1360 East Sherwood Drive, Grand Junction mbcgrandbroadcasting.com
MBC Grand Broadcasting serves the entire Western Slope of Colorado with it’s 8 radio stations. We strive to solve problems with well thought out solutions resulting in influencing the market place and growing your business. MBC Grand provides all of your marketing needs and can compliment radio campaigns with the some of the newest technology as well. MBC Grand Broadcasting, providing clients the opportunity to speak to our 8 unique audiences.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
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Local Services
Natures Finest Images
303-973-5184
1230 Main Street, Ouray naturesfinestimages.com
Matted and framed fine art photos as well as greeting cards available at the Ouray Visitor’s Center. Nature’s Finest Images is the fine art photography of Tony Litschewski. Tony’s work has been published in numerous magazines, books, calendars, postcards, websites, and other publications locally, nationally, and internationally. His photographs can be found in numerous private and corporate collections throughout the world.
Real Life Photographs
970-275-5637
P.O. Box 1071, Ridgway reallifephotographs.com
An art focused wedding and portrait photographer that specializes in capturing the “real moments in life”. The love, joy and true essence of the people in those special moments.
J.David Reed, P.C.
970-249-3806
1047 South 1st Street, Montrose jdreedlaw.com
We are a general practice, regional law firm serving Southwest Colorado.
San Miguel Power
970-626-5549
P.O. Box 1150, Ridgway smpa.com
San Miguel Power Association, Inc. is a member-owned, locally-controlled rural electric cooperative with offices in Nucla and Ridgway, Colorado. It is the mission of San Miguel Power Association to demonstrate corporate responsibility and community service while providing our members safe, reliable, cost effective and environmentally responsible electrical service.
Spare Design
970 325-4123
P.O. Box 751, Ouray sparedesign.net
With our firm belief in the importance of well thought-out design solutions, we work with our clients to communicate their messages, define their identities and build their brands with direct, strategic and effective communication. We work collaboratively and are often considered by our clients to be an extension of their marketing and communications team. Whether developing a new brand or designing a website, we deliver compelling solutions that are supported by solid research and strategy to help your brand fulfill its potential.
Tri -County Health Network
970-708-7096
P.O. Box 4222, Telluride tchnetwork.org
Tri-County Healthcare Network provides programming and support to affordable, accessible and available healthcare for Ouray, Montrose and San Miguel County residents. Community-based services include: healthcare transportation services; chronic disease outreach & self-empowerment classes; insurance enrollment assistance; hearthealthy community screenings; and school-based preventative oral healthcare services, regardless of ability to pay.
Welcome Western Colorado
970-901-6761
2122 E. Main, Montrose welcomewesterncolorado.com
Welcome Western Colorado is a community welcoming service focused on helping newcomers discover all that Western Colorado has to offer. Our FREE service to newcomers is here to introduce the many businesses and recreation available. To receive a welcome packet or become a business partner, visit www.welcomewesterncolorado. com or call 970-901-6761, Terri Leben
West Elk Web Media
970-274-2658
Montrose westelkwebmedia.com
West Elk Web Media is an integral part of the Western Slope of Colorado, serving the North Fork and Uncompahgre Valleys, supporting small business exposure through website development and social media coaching. Flexibility is crucial for business websites as well a personal blog, or photo blog with WordPress providing the answers. Finally client or user management is vital in the era of limited budgets for small businesses; West Elk Web Media brings options to the table for the business owner
Western Slope Business Solutions/ Heather Smith CPA
970-274-1139
P.O. Box 472, Ouray westernslopebusinesssolutions.com
I have the solutions for you and your business. From general bookkeeping, accounting, or office needs to executive level services, I am here to help you achieve your dreams and get you back to doing the business you love!
Wholeness: Massage & Bodywork Melissa Countryman
303-726-2807
640 Sherman Street, Suite J, Ridgway ridgwaywholenessmassage.com
Longing to feel your own sense of well-being? Come discover how healing touch can support you in allowing yourself to listen deeply, relax & find relief.... remember how it is to feel whole and connected to yourself . Integrating various modalities - including Deep Tissue, Swedish & Hakomi Bodywork into your session, I bring 17 + years of experience to offer you the chance to sink in, unwind & let go....
Better Real Estate Services
970-325-7280 970-318-6577
505 Main Street, Ouray Suite #100, Ouray, betterrealestateservices.com
Better Real Estate Services, your “All Things Real Estate Resource.” Based in Ouray, Colorado, providing knowledgeable information about homes, condos, land, and commercial real estate for buyers and sellers in Ouray County and the surrounding area, including Montrose and Telluride. Also home to Ouray Vacation Rentals and Ouray Property Management to serve all of your real estate and rental needs.
Ouray Real Estate Corp
970-325-4663
635 Main Street, Ouray ourayrealproperty.com
Ouray County is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Lindsey and Co. Real Estate, Inc. has been providing real estate services in Ouray since 1971. We are local experts in real estate sales and rentals in Ouray County. We also offer our services in Montrose and Silverton, Colorado. Our longevity in Ouray speaks for our friendliness and honesty. We promise to help you find your Colorado home in the mountains of Ouray, and if you have a home or land to sell, we will do our best to get a fair price and sell your home in a timely manner.
Ouray Brokers
970-325-0300
505 Main Street Ouray ouraybrokers.com
Please drop by the office for Our Free Property Guide to Ouray County. Our agents have over 50 years of combined experience in sales, management and development of properties. We are the “go to” for all Buyers and Sellers in Ouray County. Anything from residential first home buyers to commercial property sales. We have the KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND HONESTY, to cover all your Real Estate needs. We are located in the Beaumont Hotel next to the Book Store.
Ponderosa Real Estate
970 626 5236
640 Sherman St., #B, Ridgway ponderosare.com
Ponderosa Real Estate has been serving Ouray County residents and property owners for over 25 years! Buyers and sellers alike know us and trust us to lead them through the real estate transaction with honesty and integrity while keeping their best interests in mind. We cover the spectrum of real estate services from property management, listings, buyers, commercial, vacant land, farm and ranch and more. We are involved in our community and really love living and working in Ouray County. We would welcome the opportunity to help you with any real estate questions or needs you might have. Contact us today.
RE/MAX Cimarron Realty
970-626-5400
112 Village Square West, Ridgway cimarronrealty.com
RE/MAX Cimarron is located at the only “stoplight” in the county at Hwy 550 & Hwy 62. We handle some of the most beautiful & breathtaking real estate in our 3 county regional markets - serving Ridgway, Ouray, Telluride, & Montrose. Let us show you a whole new perspective on living. RE/MAX Cimarron’s experienced professional sales force can be your “one stop information center”.
RiverSage, LLC
970-275-8866
810 B Tabernash, Ridgway riversagellc.com
Spectacular RiverSage Ridgway real estate subdivision in beautiful Ouray County, Colorado. Four Lots left! Two– acre, view home sites at the foot of the San Juan Mountains. Near Telluride. Surrounded by 130 acres of open green space along the Uncompahgre River Corridor. Entrance at the “Dennis Weaver Memorial Park” with winding hiking & biking trails. Access to the walk & bike path between the Town of Ridgway and the Ridgway State Park.
United Country Sneffels RealtyLocal Experts with International Exposure’
970-626-3555 970-318-2860
150 Liddell Street, Ridgway sneffelsrealty.com
Our seven dedicated agents, backed by the national franchise power of United Country Realty, serve all areas of real estate listings and sales-including residential, commercial, ranches, vacant land and commercial from Ridgway and Ouray to Placerville, Telluride, Montrose, Norwood and Silverton. Stop in to our office, located one block west of the River in ‘Downtown Ridgway’, where you can visit with one our agents, eat some chocolate and enjoy a cup of coffee! Todd Schroedel, Owner-Broker. “I am Your Guide to the Summit”
REAL ESTATE
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FALL MT. SNEFFELS DAN NOVAKOSKI.
68 – Ridgway Official Visitor’s Guide • 2017 • 1-800-220-4959 • RidgwayColorado.com