Visit
Where True Grit meets the hot springs.
Soak at Orvis Hot Springs, paddle Ridgway Reservoir beneath the Sneffels Range, walk the True Grit filming locations and discover the creative small town at the crossroads of Telluride, Ouray and the San Juan Skyway.

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A Perfect Day
Breakfast at Kate's Place, then drive to Ridgway State Park — launch a kayak on the reservoir with the Sneffels Range towering 14,000 feet above the water.
Walk the True Grit filming locations through town, browse galleries on Sherman Street, then soak at Orvis Hot Springs — outdoor mineral pools with San Juan views.
Artisan pizza and a cold pint at Colorado Boy Brewery, then catch a show at the Sherbino Theater — live music, film and community events in a restored 1913 building.
Things To Do
Orvis Hot Springs, a reservoir beneath the Sneffels Range, True Grit filming locations, a Certified Creative District, International Dark Sky certification and the crossroads of the San Juan Skyway — Ridgway is the quiet hub of Colorado's most dramatic mountain country.
Natural mineral pools with San Juan Mountain views — outdoor clothing-optional soaking, an indoor pool and overnight rooms. Two miles south of town.
A 1,000-acre reservoir on the Uncompahgre River — boating, fishing, swimming, camping and the Sneffels Range reflected in the water.
Self-guided or guided walking tour of the locations where John Wayne filmed the original True Grit — free brochure from the Chamber.
Certified Colorado Creative District — galleries, studios, the Sherbino Theater and full-moon arts outings on Sherman Street.
One of the most photographed mountain views in Colorado — the Sneffels Range above golden aspens, best in late September.
Where To Stay
Rooms at the hot springs, a Southwest-style lodge, a few honest motels and state park camping — Ridgway sleeps small and close to everything in the San Juans.
Rates shown include Booking.com Genius and partner discounts where available.
Cabins & Camps
State park lakeside camping, Orvis Hot Springs camping and San Juan mountain rentals.
Browse Every Stay
Every bookable hotel, cabin and rental around Ridgway — live prices, one map.
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Where To Eat
A John Wayne tribute café, artisan pizza with English-style ales, a charcuterie wine bar, Thai food under the San Juans and breakfast that draws from three counties — Ridgway eats far beyond its size.
Explore Colorado
Explore scenic drives, historic places, protected landscapes and iconic peaks throughout Colorado.
Shop Local
A Certified Creative District of galleries, studios and artisan shops on Sherman and Clinton Streets — art made in the San Juans.
Move Here
Learn about housing, winter, work and daily life, then connect with a local broker through the Ridgway relocation page.
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Nearby Towns
Ridgway sits at the junction of the San Juan Skyway — Ouray ten minutes south, Telluride over Dallas Divide, Montrose 25 minutes north.