Activities at Ridgway | Colorado State Parks

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Activities

Biking - 6/27/2011

All trails are open and in good condition. There are 14 miles of trail, open for hiking, biking and general access around the park. The Cookie Tree trail has some slight erosion on the west side of the trail (along the reservoir shoreline) due to the high water level; practice caution, the hazard is clearly marked. All other trails are in great condition. Trail maps are available at our Visitor Center. Enjoy!

Birding - 8/24/2011

For a complete birding checklist for Ouray county, stop by the Visitor Center! Look for American Robins and Mountain Bluebirds. Birding opportunities abound at Ridgway State Park throughout the year. Over 140 species of migratory and resident birds have been identified in the park, including many species of waterfowl and shorebirds such as Sandhill Cranes, American Avocets, Great Blue Herons, Western Grebes and White-faced Ibises, which are attracted to the open water of the reservoir and its three in-flowing streams. In the winter enjoy observing Mountain Chickadees, Black-capped Chickadees, Common Ravens, Black-billed Magpies, Red-breasted Nuthatches, White-breasted Nuthatches, Dark-eyed Juncos, Western Scrub-Jays and Great Horned Owls. Confirmed summer breeders in the park include American Dippers, Black-chinned Hummingbirds, Western Meadowlarks, Red-naped Sapsuckers, Mountain Bluebirds, Western Bluebirds, Violet-green Swallows, White-throated Swifts, Red-tailed Hawks, Golden Eagles and many others. Common raptors include Northern Harriers, Ospreys, American Kestrels, Northern Goshawks, Peregrine Falcons and Bald Eagles.

Boating - 10/5/2011

THE BOAT RAMP IS OPEN though October, will close November 1st. To prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species (ANS), including zebra and quagga mussels, all vessels MUST be inspected prior to launch. In October, the inspection station will be open daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vessels planning to launch outside of posted inspection times will require a pre-inspection seal attached prior to launch. Pre-inspection seals are to be removed by boaters upon launching, and placed in the pre-inspection drop box, located at the boat ramp. Boaters should also fill out the pre-inspection log sheet on the top of the drop box. Boaters can obtain a pre-inspection seal at the Ridgway State Park Inspection Station.

Cabins and Yurts - 6/27/2011

Three comfy Yurts are open and reservable year-round, offering a great opportunity for winter camping! Each has amenities including heat, electricity, microwave, fridge, and sleeps up to six. Water hydrants are outside, as are the flush and vault restrooms. Showers are available during the summer.

Camping - 6/27/2011

All campgrounds are now OPEN to camping for the season! All camping facilities are open on a first-come, first-serve basis at this time. The Yurts are also available either first-come, first-serve or through reservations. Please call the park for more information at (970)626-5822x12.

Education Programs - 10/5/2011

Our formal 2011 interpretive and environmental education programs are done for the season. Special requests for programs may be accomodated, please contact 970-626-5822 for more information.

Equipment Rental - 6/27/2011

Feeling unprepared? Looking for something new or different to do? The following items are available for loan: Fishing poles and tackle (mostly youth sized poles); Infant, child & youth PFD's (as all children under the age of 12, aboard a boat or a personal watercraft, MUST, by state law, wear a PFD of the appropriate size). Also, "Family Activity Backpacks" come fully equipped with journals, binoculars, magnifiers, guidebooks and magnifying "bug" boxes, along with suggested activities and "fun facts" sheets for an extra special adventure at the park! Again, all of these items are available at NO cost (outside of regular entrance fees). If interested in borrowing any of these items, contact a ranger and/or entrance gate staff, or inquire at the Visitor Center.

Fishing - 10/5/2011

Fishing has been good for rainbows from shore and by trolling. Try using a black-and-red Rooster Tail or a silver or gold Kastmaster for rainbows. The smallmouth bass have been biting along the dam and the points of the west shore. PowerBait and worms work great from the shore. The water is clearing up, so the fishing is turning on. Some 16-inch rainbows are being caught. The Pa-Co-Chu-Puk ponds of Ridgway State Park are excellent for children because they are the only water below the dam not restricted to artificial flies and lures or catch-and-release fishing. A limit of four trout per person may be kept there, by children and licensed adults, 16 years and older. The ponds are stocked monthly throughout the summer. Fishing continues to be good. Try worms, grasshoppers and red salmon eggs. Fly fishermen might try a black Woolly Bugger or a gold-ribbed Hare's Ear, size 14. Fishing has been good. Fishermen have been picking up rainbow and cutthroat trout. Soft-hackles, Pheasant Tails and San Juan worms are working. Flows are around 500 cfs. With flows being high, watch for drop-offs when wading. Remember that the river is catch-and-release fishing only, with artificial flies and lures only.

Geocaching - 6/27/2011

Ridgway State Park hosts 4 geocaching sites, logged and registered at geocaching.com. 3 of the 4 sites are accessible only by foot or bike. 1 site is accessible by an enjoyable and relatively easy drive, as well as by bike and foot.

Gold Panning - 8/24/2011

There are multiple gold panning areas near to the park. Contact the Ouray Chamber of Commerce at www.ouraycolorado.com for more information.

Golfing - 6/27/2011

There are golf courses in area, the closest being the Divide Ranch and Club Golf Course, only 7 miles away.

Group Camping - 10/5/2011

While there are no group camping areas, there are three Group Eating Areas in the campgrounds. These areas can ONLY be reserved by campers due to limited parking. (Check the fees page for more information.) Two are in C-Loop in the Dakota Terraces Campground in the Dutch Charlie area and one in G-Loop, in the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Campground. The C-Loop sites can accommodate up to 50 people and feature a concrete pad, large barbecue grill, four picnic tables and a water hydrant. The G-Loop site can accommodate up to 75 people and has a shade shelter, concrete pad, fire ring, large barbecue grill, six picnic tables and a water hydrant.

Group Picnicking - 10/5/2011

The Group Event Facility is now CLOSED for the season. Reservations can be made up to 1 year ahead of event at (970)626-5822x0. More information is available in the Group Activity Area brochure online. There are two shelters located in the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk area of the park. Shelter A accommodates 150 people; shelter B accommodates 100 people. Both are next to the Uncompahgre River offering an ideal setting to celebrate weddings, family reunions, company picnics and parties of all kinds. You can rent one or both for an event. Call the park office for availability; check the fees page for rate information. There are also three smaller 'Group Picnic Areas' in the campgrounds that are available on a 'first come first served' basis, or by reservation for a small fee by camping groups in the park.

Hiking - 6/27/2011

Horseback Riding - 6/27/2011

Horses are permitted only on road shoulders and in the meadows. Horses are prohibited on all gravel trails, concrete and asphalt surfaces.

Hunting - 6/27/2011

Due to limited backcountry areas and the proximity of recreation facilities hunting is limited. ALSO, because of year-round visitation to the park by a variety of recreation user groups we ask ALL HUNTERS TO CHECK IN each season with the ranger staff at the Visitor Center for specific and updated information on hunting at Ridgway State Park. Big game and small game hunting on the EAST side of Hwy 550 starts the Tuesday after Labor Day and extends through the Friday before Memorial Day (according to current seasons and licenses). Waterfowl hunting is permitted on the Dallas Creek shoreline October 1 - April 30 (according to current seasons and licenses). Big and small game hunting along the WEST shoreline of the reservoir is open October 1 - April 30 (according to current seasons and licenses) Hunters should check with the park office for a site map, specific closures and regulations.

OHV Riding - 6/27/2011

There is NO OHV riding permitted in the park, however, excellent OHV/Jeep trails are located 15 minutes away near Ouray Colorado. Contact Park Office for more information at (970)626-5822 or the Ouray Chamber of Commerce at www.ouraycolorado.com

Photography - 10/5/2011

There are many good opportunities to photograph Fall Colors in and around the park. Also deer, elk, eagles, and other wildlife have been in the park offering photography opportunities.

Picnicking - 6/27/2011

87 picnicking sites are located throughout the park, including near the swim beach and playgrounds. Explore the beauty of Ridgway and retire to a picturesque setting for a picnic. Many picnicking sites are universally accessible and offer the comforts of shelters, restrooms and nearby drinking water hydrants.

Rock Climbing - 6/27/2011

Limited, check with park staff.

Sailboarding - 6/27/2011

Wind surfing is popular during the summer, and most launch from the Dallas Creek shoreline. Watch for floating driftwood during times of rapid runoff.

Swimming - 10/5/2011

Our beach is now CLOSED to swimming, open for picnics and playing. Please be sure that, while on the beach, or in the playground near the beach, children 12 years or younger are accompanied by an adult. NOTE: Dogs are not allowed on the beach.

Volleyball - 6/27/2011

Volleyball courts are located at the Swim beach, group picnic area, Pa-Co-Chu-Puk day use area.

Water Skiing - 6/27/2011

Warm weather during the summer season makes the reservoir extremely attractive for water skiers and wakeboarders alike. The reservoir is about 5 miles long with 1,030 surface-acres of water at an elevation of 6,871 feet. NOTE: Watch for floating driftwood during times of rapid runoff and don't forget your red or orange flag!

Whitewater rafting - 6/27/2011

On the Uncompahgre River, south of the park - as conditions allow. Recommended for small rafts and kayaks only. No boats are allowed in Pa Co Chu Puk on the river below the dam. Rafting guides available at www.fishrigs.com, small crafts are available for rent at the Ridgway Outdoor Experience.

Wildlife Viewing - 6/27/2011

Great opportunities for wildlife viewing are available at Ridgway State Park, stop by the Visitor Center for a "Watchable Wildlife" Brochure and more information. Mule deer can be seen fairly close year-round. Several small mammal species including chipmunk, mink, marmot, rabbit and skunk can also be seen. In addition, large mammals including elk, bobcat, mountain lion, big horn sheep and black bear can be spotted throughout Ouray County and the surrounding area, and OCCASIONALLY on the park. Several species of birds frequent the park including many kinds of waterfowl and shorebirds, songbirds, and raptors. See the "Birding" section for more information.

Winter Activities - 10/5/2011

Camping, hiking, photography, and shoreline fishing are some of the winter activities available on the park. As well visitors can base out of the park to do many activities in the area including, skiing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice climbing.

Winter Camping - 10/5/2011

RV and walk-in tent camping are available first-come, first-serve basis through the winter. The RV camping is in A loop of the Dakota Terraces Campground with a heated flush restroom. Walk in Tent Camping is available in H loop of the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Campground with a vault restroom. Yurts are also available year-round first-come, first-serve and through reservations.

Last Modified Date: 2/23/2010 4:56 PM