🏞️ Discover Ridgway, Colorado: The Western Town That Wouldn’t Die

Switching Gears RV Diary
Jul 28, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Jul 2, 2025

July 28, 2024

Nestled in the breathtaking San Juan Mountains 🏔️, Ridgway, Colorado is a quaint town with a rich history, rugged charm 🤠, and stories that run as deep as its mountain roots. From its mining origins to iconic Hollywood films 🎬, Ridgway is a hidden gem 💎 worthy of every traveler’s attention.

In this post, we’ll explore what makes Ridgway special—from its historic ranching culture 🐄 and railroad heritage 🚂 to classic film sets and scenic drives 🚗 that surround it. Whether you’re a history buff 📚, a nature lover 🌿, or a fan of Western movies 🎞️, Ridgway offers a captivating slice of Colorado’s past and present.

🛡️ A Town That Defied the Odds

📸 Ridgway’s story is one of resilience 💪. This small town, home to just about 1,000 residents 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, has survived near-collapse more than once—silver mining busts, devastating fires 🔥, and even the threat of being submerged by a reservoir project 🌊 in the 1970s. Yet Ridgway endured 💥, becoming the gateway to the famous San Juan Skyway—a 236-mile loop known for its jaw-dropping mountain views 🌄.

Visit on a Saturday between late May and mid-October to enjoy the lively Farmer’s Market 🥕🥖 held in the heart of the town park 🌳. More than just a market, it’s a vibrant community hub with music, events 🎶, and that unbeatable small-town energy.

🐴 Step Back in Time at the Ranch Museum

📸 Just a few steps from the town park is the Ouray County Ranch Museum 🏛️—a treasure chest of local ranching heritage. It tells the stories of families who built lives here from the 1800s to today, many of whom still work the land. 🌾

The rugged lifestyle of ranching helped support the mines, and it was the Homestead Act of 1862 that sparked this western migration 🚜. Today, the spirit of the frontier still lives on in Ridgway’s ranching traditions. 🐂

🚂 A Railroad Town Named for a Legend

📸 Ridgway was founded in 1891 and named after Robert Ridgway, superintendent of the Southern Railroad Company. 🏗️ The trains were lifelines—delivering people, livestock, and supplies—and they laid the tracks for the town’s future. 🛤️

The Ouray County Ranch Museum has a section dedicated to Ridgway’s rail days, including a fascinating feature…

🪿 Meet the Galloping Goose: Colorado’s Quirkiest Train

📸 As railroad finances declined 📉, innovation saved the day. Enter the Galloping Goose—a half-bus, half-train marvel with just enough wobble to earn its name. 🚝

Only seven were ever made, and they helped small towns like Ridgway stay connected by transporting goods and passengers at a lower cost. It’s a charming example of frontier creativity and a beloved part of Colorado’s rail history. 🛠️

🎬 Hollywood Comes to Ridgway: True Grit and More

📸 Lights, camera, Ridgway! 🌟 This town caught Hollywood’s eye in the 1960s, appearing in classics like How the West Was Won and the 1969 John Wayne epic True Grit. 🤠🎥

Locals were cast as extras 🎭, and the town was transformed into a movie set. My great-grandmother’s house even made it into the film 🎞️—a personal connection that adds a layer of magic.

Today, True Grit Restaurant pays homage to that cinematic legacy, and every Saturday, the free True Grit Walking Tour 🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️ shares fun, behind-the-scenes tales from the shoot.

🛍️ Exploring Ridgway’s Downtown and Local Flavor

📸 Ridgway’s downtown is a delightful blend of old-school Western grit and modern mountain vibes ✨. Sip craft coffee ☕, explore indie shops 🛍️, or hear local legends—like the tale of a mountain lion once released weekly for sport. 😲🐾

The “naughty past” may be history, but Ridgway’s creative spirit is stronger than ever, with local artisans (including Grammy award crafters 🏆) keeping the cultural flame alive.

🚴‍♀️ Nature Lovers, Hikers & Bikers: Trails and Parks

📸 Ridgway is paradise for outdoor lovers. 🌿

Dennis Weaver Memorial Park: 60 peaceful acres with river trails and mountain views.
Ridgway State Park: Just 5 miles north—perfect for boating 🚣, wildlife watching 🦅, and camping ⛺.
Uncompahgre River Trail: A beautiful multi-use path connecting towns and history.

🌄 A Scenic Drive Like No Other: Dallas Divide & Last Dollar Road

📸 Looking for a drive that’ll steal your breath away? 😍

Take a trip through Dallas Divide and Last Dollar Road, where golden meadows, snowcapped peaks, and cinematic vistas await 🎨. It’s often called one of the most beautiful drives in Colorado—minus the crowds.

Along the way, stop by the Sunridge Earthship 🌞, a sustainable home built with recycled materials, designed by actor Dennis Weaver and his wife. A truly inspiring fusion of nature and innovation. 🌎

📍 The drive ends at the famous house from True Grit’s opening and closing scenes—a perfect full-circle moment.

🚧 The Reservoir That Almost Was

📸 In the 1970s, Ridgway almost disappeared beneath a man-made lake. 💧 But thanks to an engineer’s redirection plan, the reservoir was moved just north—saving the town from destruction. 🛑

Today, that reservoir became Ridgway State Park—an ironic but beautiful twist in the town’s story. 🌅

❤️ Why Ridgway Should Be Your Next Colorado Destination

With its small-town heart, legendary Western ties 🤠, and proximity to unforgettable nature, Ridgway is one of Colorado’s most authentic places to explore. Whether you’re:

🌽 Strolling the Farmers Market
🐄 Learning ranching and railroad history
🎞️ Reliving True Grit
🚴 Biking along the Uncompahgre
🚘 Cruising alpine backroads

👉 Ridgway invites you to slow down, breathe in the mountain air, and feel the soul of the West.

📅 Plan Your Visit

🧺 Farmer’s Market: Saturdays, late May–mid-October, Ridgway Town Park

🎬 True Grit Walking Tour: Saturdays, 10 AM, Town Park Gazebo

🚂 Railroad Museum: Saturdays, free admission

🏕️ Nearby Adventures: Ridgway State Park, Silver Jack Reservoir, Owl Creek Pass🛣️ Scenic Drives: Dallas Divide, Last Dollar Road, Log Hill Mesa