If you’re looking to take a fantastic road trip across Colorado to an incredible and breathtaking destination, then you should head on out to Ridgway State Park. This 3,201-acre park is in Ouray County near Montrose and it is, without a doubt, one of the most spectacular parks in our state parks system. It has everything that you are looking for in a Colorado state park and more, and you can spend hours exploring every bit of it. I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to visit every state park in Colorado, and Ridgway State Park may very well be my very favorite. Read on to learn more about Ridgway State Park in Colorado!

Ridgway State Park has it all. It offers amazing views of the snow-capped San Juan Mountains and the Uncompahgre River, camping, hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, and so much more.
michaelschober/iStock Getty Images Plus
The Ridgway Reservoir is huge! It was built as part of the Dallas Creek Project. Construction of the Ridgway Dam began in 1978 and was completed in 1987. The park opened in 1989.
Sarah Ridgeway-Seyran/Google Reviews
Boating is popular on the reservoir. Motorized boats are allowed - with prior inspection, of course. People also love paddleboarding, kayaking, row boating, windsurfing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and canoeing on it as well.
Taryn Burgess/Google Reviews
The Dutch Charlie Designated Swim Beach is popular in the warmer months, too.
Eric Enger/Google Reviews
The park's creeks and rivers are lovely. You'll love walking along them and fishing in them.
Veronica Esler/Google Reviews
The views are perhaps the most attractive feature of Ridgway State Park, though. Everywhere you look, you'll find mountain peaks and immense beauty.
Alex V/Google Reviews
This park is full of wildlife. Deer, mountain lions, coyotes, rabbits, elk, and bears live here, and you can also see dozens of species of birds. Over 140 different bird species have been observed in Ridgway State Park.
Greg/Google Reviews
This park is a great one for camping. Reservations are required, but you can camp in Ridgway State Park year-round. There are lovely sites for RVs and campers.
Bridal Kaleidoscope/Google Reviews
The tent sites are also very nice.
Patricia/Google Reviews
If you don't have an RV or a tent, you can rent a yurt at this park. They sleep up to six guests and have heat, electricity, microwaves, and refrigerators.
Gerald Patterson/Google Reviews
There are over 14 miles of hiking trails in the park. They vary by terrain, length, and difficulty. There's something for everyone!
Leah Baize/Google Reviews
You might even enjoy cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on them in the wintertime.
All of the trails are open to mountain bikers, too.
Bob Knipps/Google Reviews
As you can see, there are lots of activities to enjoy in Ridgway State Park. However, you may just want to spend your time gazing at the mountains.
Renato Oliviera/Google Reviews
Or, you might just want to look out over the beautiful reservoir.
Kat Chorman/Google Reviews
Sunsets at this park are pretty amazing as well.
Deb Arnold/Google Reviews
You're going to love Ridgway State Park. It has everything!
Michael F/Google Reviews

Ridgway State Park in Colorado is amazing! If you haven’t visited it before, plan a trip to check it out immediately. If you have been there before, isn’t it time to visit it again? This park is a jewel of the Colorado State Parks system. This is YOUR park and OUR park – go enjoy it!

Do you need gear for your hiking or camping visit? Why not check out REI.com and support a national outfitter that started right here in The Centennial State?

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Related Articles

Explore Colorado

Featured Addresses
Ridgway State Park, 28555 Highway 550, Ridgway, CO 81432, USA