Sep 09 2007
RIDGWAY, COLORADO
Ridgway was founded in 1891 as the northern station of the Rio Grande Southern Railroad, today it still retains its Old West tang. The Roads in the historic downtown area are gravel, though the roads will soon be paved. The east-west streets bear the first names of the town founders and north-south streets the names of their wives and daughters. For years Ridgway was a stop over town for many visitors on their way to the ski slopes in Telluride, this has changed in the recent past, it has attracted second-home buyers and young families who have been turned away by the high property prices in Telluride.
Majority of those who visit Ridgway ridgway, are won over by the dazzling scenery, its rural atmosphere and a host of recreational activities. The local population consists of outdoors enthusiasts, ranchers and environmentalists in a fresh day mix of the old west and modern day living. In winter, the slopes open to snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. The Ouray Ice Park attracts ice climbers, while the San Juan Hut System is open to robust backcountry skiers. In summer you are can choose from mountain biking and hiking through miles of Forest Service roads, climbing mountain peaks, off road driving along some of Colorado’s hairiest roads or boating and swimming in the reservoir at Ridgway State Park.
