Activities
Wildlife Viewing
A few seasonal highlights. Mule Deer are always present even wandering Ridgway Colorado at night. An Elk herd of 100-200 graze in a field within view of the Chipeta from late March to early May. Bald Eagles often roost along the Uncompahgre River near Ridgway during the winter. Hawks are common. Big Horn Sheep , Mountain Goats , Bear, and Mountain Lions can be found high in the San Juan Mountains. Humming Birds provide summer entertainment at the Chipeta feeders and flowers.
Waterfall Hikes
Four spectacular well known waterfalls – Ouray has two within a short walk – the unique Box Canyon Falls and Cascade Falls. Telluride has two waterfalls requiring more of a hike. Bridal Veil Falls in Telluride is the highest free-falling waterfall in Colorado at 365 ft.! The other is Bear Creek Falls. Many other smaller falls can be seen along 4 wheel drive roads and hiking trails.
Uncompahgre Riverway Trail
A primier multi-use trail from the Ridgway Town Park (start by tennis courts) to Ridgway State Park a 2+ mile distance one way. Used by hikers and bikers alike ,young and old you will follow the Uncompagre River seeing deer, fish, eagles and other nesting birds. New on the trail is the Dennis Weaver Memorial Park with a beautiful bronze Eagle sculpture to mark the life of the famous actor and ecologist. Once at the State Park many other trail options present themselves. Most of the trail is concrete, but some sections are gravel. Nice trail for families – away from traffic. The State Park has fun mountain biking on compacted gravel trails. Other trail segments are planned.
Telluride Nordic Center
Located in the Telluride Town Park – rentals of cross-country skies and ice skates also, maps of area trails.
970-728-1144
Telluride Activities Guide online
Provides a wealth of activities information for Telluride Colorado Area. Winter highlights – dinner sleigh rides, dog sled tours, snowshoe tours, snowmobiling, kids programs. The site also has a wide selection of summer mountain activities. Includes info on trails, scenic attractions and Telluride festivals and events. Telluride is a scenic 37-mile drive (45-min.) from Ridgway on well maintained State Highways.
Skateboarding in Ridgway
The Chipeta Sun Lodge and Spa is directly across the street from the Ridgway Skate Park. If you are coming with a skateboarder have them bring their board along as it is just a few seconds away from our hotel.
San Juan Skyway
The cenic and historic National byway travels a 236-mile loop in Southwest Colorado. Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Ridgway, Telluride , Rico, Delores , and Cortez complete the loop. Stay in the romantic Bed and Breakfast Inns in each. Also, recreation, activities and attractions info. The Skyway passes through over 5 million acres of public lands in the Southern Rocky Mountains of the United States with four mountain passes exceeding 10,000 ft. The route accesses hundreds of miles of hiking trails, jeep roads and rivers – ideal for all types of mountain adventures. Driving, taking the train, motorcycling, or biking the loop is a great adventure worth traversing.
1-800-Colorado
San Juan Mountain Guides
Personalized professional instruction and guiding in the art of climbing for all experience levels. Based in Ouray – providing some of the country’s finest and most accessible terrain for ice climbing and alpine ascents. San Juan Mountain Guides are seasoned alpinists with broad experience in all aspects of climbing and mountain travel.
970-325-4925
San Juan Hut System
Ski route consists of five backcountry ski huts between Telluride, Ridgway and Ouray – connected by trails on the north side of the Mount Sneffels Range. These rustic huts can be individually accessed for a night in the snowbound backcountry, or advanced skiers can travel hut-to-hut. Mountain bike route is 206 miles from Telluride, Colorado to Moab, Utah on dirt roads. Huts are 35 miles apart and are fully equipped.
970-626-3033
San Juan Balloon
Discover the “gentle adventure” of hot air ballooning as you rise with the sun over the spectacular Ridgway Valleys. Nowhere is there a more beautiful place for the memorable experience of lighter than air flight. At sunrise passengers are invited to help inflate the 7 story tall balloon. The flight lasts approximately 1 hr. (total experience lasts 3 hr.). After returning to the valley floor passengers are treated to a traditional champagne celebration with light brunch. All flights are subject to weather.
877-626-5495 or 970-626-5495
Ridgway Town Park
Pleasant scenic olde time Town Park with picnic tables in the shade of tall Cottonwood trees. Within walking distance of the park there are restaurants, a grocery store, bakery, coffee shop/bookstore, retail shops and galleries. There is also a playground, tennis courts, winter ice skating rink and a multi-use-trail. This trail starts by the tennis courts and heads north along the river to the Ridgway State Park (3 miles). The Ridgway Town Park hosts several summer weekend events, most notably an Arts and Crafts Fair in mid-August.
Ridgway Independent Guide Services
(RIGS) and Fly shop is conveniently located in the incredible Uncompaghre River Valley nestled below the majestic San Juan Mountains in Ridgway, Colorado and plays host to some of the most productive waters in the Southwest. RIGS offers quality fly fishing trips, family oriented fly fishing, and custom river adventures
888-626-4460
Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce
Ridgway Colorado is located between the towns of Ouray (10 mi.) Telluride (37 mi.) and Montrose (25 mi.) in Southwest Colorado. Ridgway is a peaceful central location for exploring the surrounding San Juan Mountains – considered one of the most spectacular regions of the Rocky Mountains! You will enjoy the many area activities and recreation choices plus, scenic and historic attractions. Fine quality lodging, restaurants, shops, galleries and services will make your visit both comfortable and memorable.
800-220-4959 or 970-626-5181 at County Fairgrounds
Ride Telluride Gondola
Enclosed Gondola travels between the towns of Telluride and the Mountain Village. It is FREE public transportation providing the best over all views of the Telluride Valley and surrounding mountains. Trip each way is about 12 minutes and there are times during spring and fall when it does not run. Summer – you can take a mountain bike up the mountain and ride trails down!
Ouray Ice Park
The Ouray Ice Climbing Park is a one of a kind gorge and is recognized throughout the United States as a top ice-climbing destination. Its easy access also makes it available to spectators. A popular ice climbing festival is held in mid-January with speakers, demonstrations and competitions.*NEWLINE*See “San Juan Mountain Guides”
970-325-4288 or 970-325-7222
Ouray Hot Springs Pool
Soak 10AM to 10PM summer and 12AM to 9PM winter. Large concrete pool in several sections, family oriented, locker rooms and showers. Located just as you enter Ouray coming from the north.
970-325-4638
Ouray Activities online
Year-round activities and recreation information for Ouray Colorado Area. Also, suggested day trips, scenic attractions, entertainment events schedule and jeep touring companies. Ouray is 10 miles from Ridgway (15-min. scenic drive ).
Orvis Hot Springs
Orvis Hot Springs is a clothing optional natural hot springs resort that does not heat or treat their water in any way. They offer seven soaking areas that range in temperature from 98-112 degrees. Four of their soaking areas are outside where you can enjoy the gorgeous Colorado sun and the star filled evening sky. They also offer an indoor pool and two private tubs which are great for getting out of the sun or inclement weather. At Orvis Hot Springs, you will find that their natural lithium water will allow you to rest, relax and feel rejuvenated when you leave.
970-626-5324
Mountain Horseback Riding at its best
Debs Livery – Great Western Colorado scenery. Custom trail rides designed for your pleasure – private one-on-one rides or group rides. Bring a light jacket, gloves, sturdy boots, hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. Rides depart from Deb’s house, 8 miles north of Ridgway, turn right on County Rd. 4, 1st house on the left.
970-626-5587 or 970-729-1790
Montrose Colorado Map (Ridgway 25 mi. South of)
More detailed and expanded version of San Juan Country map with route numbers, but without “clickable” towns and parks. Scenic drives shown.
Mine Tour
Bachelor Syracuse Mine Tour *NEWLINE*Ride the mine train 3,350 ft. horizontally into Gold Hill. The mine is adequately lighted, clean and has excellent ventilation with a temperature of 50 degrees. This mine produced $90 million in Silver, $8 million in Gold, and millions of pounds of Lead, Zinc and Copper. A guide will accompany you; he can answer questions and relate the legend and lore of the mine. You will see the equipment used in the mine and learn of mining techniques. This is an excellent way to experience the mining heritage of the San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado. Located between Ridgway and Ouray.
970-325-0220 or 888-227-4585
Lanier Travel Guides
Extensive lodging listing throughout the United States and beyond. Bed and Breakfasts, Elegant Small Hotels, Condos and Golf Resorts. Excellent information including mapping – you can find the Chipeta on their website.
Koro Sun Resort – Fiji Islands
Our sister property, Koro Sun Resort offers modern convenience in a timeless tropical environment. Located in the native north of Fiji on the island of Vanua Levu. Exotic, intimate resort with private marina and direct access to some of the world’s most prized diving and snorkeling. Many activities include; fishing, kayaking, golf, tennis, biking, rain forest treks and village excursions. Koro Sun features a resort restaurant, 9 hole golf course and Rain Forest Spa.
Ask Linda about our guest discounts for travel.
Koro Sun Resort – North American Reservations 1-877-KORO-SUN
Imogene Pass Run
The Imogene Pass Run is a 17.1 mile point-to-point mountain race within the western San Juan mountains of Colorado, run along a route which connects the towns of Ouray (7810 ft.) and Telluride (8820 ft.) by way of 13,120 foot Imogene Pass. The race begins in Ouray and ends in Telluride, gaining more than 5,000 vertical feet. Not for the faint of sole!
1-970-728-0251
Historical Museums
Excellent museums will give you an appreciation of the region’s fascinating history. Treasured Indian hunting grounds gave way to prospectors searching for, and finding gold and silver. To supply the booming mining towns, the railroads were built on incredibly difficult terrain. Ranching and then tourism became established as more settlers arrived and hard times befell the mines.*NEWLINE**NEWLINE*Ridgway Railroad Museum – Call: 970-626-4239*NEWLINE**NEWLINE*Mining Emphasis in Ouray – Call: 970-325-4576*NEWLINE**NEWLINE*Mining Emphasis in Telluride – Call: 970-728-1144*NEWLINE**NEWLINE*Ute Indians Museum in Montrose – Call: 970-249-3098
Golf at Divide Ranch
This 18 hole championship caliber golf course is located just north of Ridgway, atop Log Hill Mesa, an exceptionally scenic 5 mile drive from the Chipeta. Other Southwest Colorado golf courses include; Montrose (25 mi), Telluride (37 mi) and Durango (75mi). Divide Ranch is located atop an 8,000 ft. mountain mesa with spectacular mountain views in every direction plus, deer and elk grazing along the fairways. Divide Ranch includes a 300 yard driving range and chipping and putting green. The Clubhouse area includes a restaurant and lounge, athletic club and full service Golf Shop with rental clubs and carts.
970-626-5284 for tee times.
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
This is a very memorable way to spend a day! The Denver & Rio Grande Railway began hauling passengers and freight between Silverton and Durango in 1882. The route winds through scenic valley and spectacular canyons surrounded by remote wilderness. Coal-fired steam-powered locomotives and rolling stock indigenous to the historical Train run year round. Trains make limited runs out of Durango from the end of October through early May.
970-247-2733
Cross-country skiing / backcountry skiing and snow shoeing
Provides excellent enjoyment of the snowy mountain landscape via many of the area’s “Backroads and Trails”. Either sport offers you satisfying exercise while surrounded by the beauty and tranquility of the Rockies blanketed in powder. Also see “San Juan Huts”
Colorado Tourism Web Site
Plan your travels through other regions of Colorado. This is the official award winning Colorado web site!
Colorado Mountain Biking
On quiet backroads and jeep roads, with spectacular scenery. Ridgway offers an abundance of trails for the beginner to the more experienced mountain biker. Peak to peak bicycles offers mountain bike rentals. Chipeta Sun Lodge can assist you in making rental arrangments.
Box Canyon Falls & Park
Unique falls bordering Ouray with breathtaking views.
$3 fee for admittance May thru October.
970-325-4464
Backroads and Trails
Hundreds of miles of hiking trails, quiet backroads and 4 wheel drive roads crisscross the mountains between Ridgway, Ouray, Telluride, Silverton and Lake City. Expert advice from your hosts at the Chipeta will help you sort out the many route choices and travel options plus, excellent guidebooks and maps are available. See “Uncompahgre National Forest”and other parks for unlimited hiking options – from riverside valley walks to mountain peak ascents over 14,000 ft.!
