Real Estate in Ridgway Colorado
The town of Ridgway, Colorado, at an elevation of 7,000 feet has a population of about 800. It is often referred to as the Gateway to the San Juan Mountains, because this steep mountain range surrounds the town on its south, east and northeast sides. The Uncompaghre River flows through Ridgway and continues to Ridgway State Park where it is dammed to form the Ridgway Reservoir, a five-mile long reservoir.
Ridgway was formerly a railroad stop for supplying surrounding gold and silver mines. Rich in fertile land, Ridgway has since been a ranching community.
Ridgway is home to an abundance of wildlife. One might see mountain lions, badgers, deer, elk, bear, coyotes, wild turkey and bald eagles during any given season.
Ridgway State Park and Reservoir, five-minutes outside of Ridgway, hosts a number of outdoor activities including hiking the extensive trail system, boating, fishing, wake boarding, picnicking and camping.
Besides soaking in the 360 days of sunshine Ridgway enjoys each year, one can also soak at Orvis Hot Springs. Offering seven soaking tubs with temperatures ranging from 98 to 112 degrees Fahrenheit, Orvis Hot Springs features four outdoor soaking areas and three indoor tubs.
The Labor Day Ouray County Fair and Rodeo is the biggest annual event in Ridgway. People come from all over southwestern Colorado to participate in the 4-H county fair and watch the sanctioned rodeo events, such as bull riding and barrel racing.
Ridgway has been and is home to many famous celebrities. Dennis Weaver lived in Ridgway until his death in 2006. The Dennis Weaver Memorial Park located along the scenic Uncompaghre River keeps his memory alive in the Town of Ridgway and Southwestern Colorado.
Ralph and Ricky Lauren own the Double RL Ranch in Ridgway. They have donated a history display of Ridgway, which can be found in the Ridgway Public Library.
Ridgway has been featured in many films, most notably, the westerns True Grit with John Wayne and How the West Was Won.
One of the best views of the San Juan Mountains is from Log Hill Mesa where the Divide Ranch and championship Golf Club are located.
Dallas Divide, halfway between Ridgway and Telluride, is also one of the locations to take in the gorgeous views of the San Juan Mountains, particularly at sunset.
There is only one stop-light in Ridgway, and no paved roads besides the main road running through town. Ridgway is a sleepy western town with a friendly, close-knit community. It is a great place to raise a family and has a newly built high school.
Located on the road connecting Montrose to Telluride, Ridgway is a very affordable option for those wishing to purchase real estate where they can enjoy the activities and culture of Telluride, without having to pay Telluride prices. Additionally, the Montrose Regional Airport is easily accessible and provides numerous regional and direct daily flights for those who need to travel.
Ridgway is located only 37 miles or about 45 minutes from Telluride, making it easy to access summer festivals and winter skiing. Ridgway is 27 miles or 33 minutes from the city of Montrose, where most local residents do their major shopping. The tourist town of Ouray, which hosts a number of events and outdoor activities, is only 11 miles from Ridgway. Moab, UT where one can visit Arches National Park, partake in world-class mountain biking, river-rafting on the Colorado, and rock climbing is only three hours from Ridgway.
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