Ridgway, Colorado
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Ridgway boasts ideal base-camp positioning in the very heart of Southwest Colorado – the Gateway to the San Juans, located at the virtual apex of the San Juan Skyway - the most famous and scenic byway in America. The wrap-around views are spectacular Ridgway enjoys the clearest night skies possibly in all of Colorado.
Ridgway and its local mountains and valleys have been a favorite setting for Hollywood's classic western movies. Many film sites, buildings, props and embellishment may still be seen in and around Ridgway. Among those movies filmed in the area were: "Tribute to a Bad Man" and "How the West Was Won" - in which the old RGS Railroad Depot (still standing in Ridgway) was transformed into the "Independence Hotel". In 1968, Director Henry Hathaway turned Ridgway into Fort Smith, Arkansas for the filming of "True Grit", starring John Wayne, Glen Campbell, Kim Darby, Robert Duvall & Dennis Hopper.
Ridgway was the birthplace and headquarters of the Rio Grande Southern Railroad and is now the home of the Ridgway Railroad Museum. Ridgway is also the home to Orvis Hot Springs, the historic, sacred hot springs of the Ute Indians.Ridgway Colorado is a hidden gem, with a rich ranching heritage that is still practiced throughout the area today. Whether you're looking for adventure & excitement, or the serenity of pristine alpine beauty once you get to Ridgway you'll want to stay awhile!
Ridgway boasts the infamous Ridgway State Park and Reservoir - Colorado's #1 favorite - with year-round camping; yurts available for rent; a swim beach and marina. Deer, elk and bald eagles in the tree tops are a common sight along the reservoir and the Uncompahgre River feeding into it. Ridgway is home to designer, Ralph Lauren, who maintains approximately 22,000 acres of the world's most scenic land! One can drive for miles along his ranch fence line, just about 6 miles out of town on Highway 62, and take in the unbelievable view - dotted with authentically painted teepees interspersed on his working cattle ranch - "designer" beef perhaps. See the November 2002 issue of "Architectural Digest" for an article about this extraordinary ranch. Ridgway was the birthplace and headquarters of the Rio Grande Southern Railroad and is now the home of the Ridgway Railroad Museum.
Ridgway is also the home to Orvis Hot Springs. Orvis was the historic, sacred hot springs of the Ute Indians. It offers several pools, is "swimsuit optional", very clean and beautifully landscaped. There are a number of other public, natural hot springs pools in the area as well. |
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