Park Activities
Biking
Bikers can explore 14 miles of trails within the park, with seamless access to the extensive Ridgway Area Trails (RAT) system to the east, and a self-service bike repair station is conveniently located at the Dutch Charlie Visitor Center. E-Bikes are welcome on all trails where bikes are allowed.
The property east of Highway 550 hosts the Ridgway Area Trail System, better known as the RAT Trails. The RAT trails offer a diverse and exciting riding experience, ranging from beginner-friendly to technical riders. With stunning views of the San Juan Mountains, the RAT trails offer unique and breathtaking rides with over 40 miles of trails to choose from. Seasonal closure of the RAT Trails extends from December 1 to May 1.
Updated: 8/22/2026 3:05 PM MT
Birding
Birding opportunities abound at Ridgway State Park throughout the year. Over 140 species of migratory and resident birds have been identified in the park.
Many species of waterfowl and shorebirds, including Goldeneyes, Hooded Mergansers, Canada Geese, Sandhill Cranes, American Avocets, Great Blue Herons, Western Grebes, and White-faced Ibises, are attracted to the reservoir and its three in-flowing streams. Winter species include Mountain Chickadees, Black-capped Chickadees, Common Ravens, Black-billed Magpies, Red-breasted Nuthatches, White-breasted Nuthatches, Dark-eyed Juncos, Western Scrub-Jays, Bald Eagles, and Great Horned Owls.
For a complete birding checklist for Ouray County, stop by the Visitor Center!
Updated: 5/1/2017 10:33 AM
Boating
Boating at Ridgway State Park is a great way to beat the heat of the summer. Whether you are an angler, a sailor, or just looking to enjoy the water, Ridgway is the place to go.
The Blue Heron Marina and Swim Beach offer pontoon boats, paddleboards, and pedal boats for rent!
To boat on Ridgway Reservoir, a pre-launch boat inspection for ANS is MANDATORY for all motorized and trailered vessels. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the park at (970) 626-5822.
Updated: 10/7/2023 10:02 AM
Cabins and Yurts
Three yurts are available for reservation year-round. For more information, see the Camping & Yurts page. Rates are $90 per night. See the Fees page for further details.
Each yurt has amenities including heat, electricity, microwave, fridge, and sleeps up to six. Yurt #10 and #14 are handicap accessible, and both yurt #12 and #14 are pet friendly with an additional $10 per night fee.
Updated: 9/29/2023 11:18 AM
Camping
Camping is available by reservation only. To make a reservation, go to cpwshop.com or call 800-244-5613. Both are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Check the Camping and Yurts page for more information.
Updated: 9/29/2023 11:28 AM
Cross-country Skiing
As conditions allow, trails are not groomed during winter.
Updated: 3/18/2020 11:13 AM
Education Programs
Guided education programs are available on request. Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of self-guided programs, including Agents of Discovery and Junior Ranger activities, self-guided nature trails, adventure backpacks, and geocaching. For more information, contact the Park Naturalist at (970) 626-5822 Ext 21.
Updated: 9/9/2023 8:40 AM
Equipment Rental
Items available for loan at the Park Visitor Center include fishing poles and tackle, snowshoes in winter, and Family Activity Backpacks equipped with journals, binoculars, guidebooks, and more. Loaner life jackets and fishing poles and tackle boxes are available at the marina office, free of charge.
Updated: 8/22/2026 3:05 PM MT
Fishing
See CPW fishing reports on the main website or call the park office at (970) 626-5822 for information.
Updated: 12/12/2022 12:16 PM
Geocaching
Ridgway State Park hosts two geocaching sites, registered at geocaching.com.
Updated: 12/15/2020 5:32 PM
Group Camping
While there are no group camping areas, there are three Group Eating Areas in the campgrounds, available to campers due to limited parking.
Check the park Fees page for rate information.
Updated: 12/15/2020 5:33 PM
Group Picnicking
Group Event Facilities are available in the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk area of the park. Shelter A accommodates 150 people; shelter B accommodates 100 people. Both are available May-September for events such as weddings, reunions, and company picnics.
Check availability and make reservations on the Group Facilities page.
Updated: 7/2/2023 3:08 PM
Hiking
For hikers, the park offers 15.2 miles of diverse trails catering to all skill levels, including numerous options perfect for family hiking, ensuring everyone can enjoy the stunning natural beauty and fresh air. Trail maps are available at the Visitor Center. For current trail conditions call (970) 626-5822. The RAT Trails are open to hikers as well.
Updated: 8/22/2026 3:05 PM MT
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is allowed on roads east of Highway 550 across from the Dutch Charlie entrance at the San Juan Overlook. Riding is prohibited on roads west of Highway 550 and in the park.
For more specific details, call (970) 626-5822.
Updated: 9/29/2023 1:06 PM
Hunting
Hunting is limited due to the proximity of recreation facilities. For more details, contact the Park Visitor Center.
Updated: 9/29/2023 1:38 PM
OHV Riding
There is NO OHV riding permitted in the park, but excellent OHV/Jeep trails are located near Ouray, Colorado. Contact the park office or the Ouray Chamber of Commerce for more information.
Updated: 12/15/2020 5:49 PM
Paddle Boarding
Ridgway’s reservoir is ideal for paddle boarding. Rentals are available daily during store hours from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM at the Marina Office. PFDs are required.
Updated: 2/5/2024 11:49 AM
Photography
There are many opportunities to photograph the park’s spectacular scenery and wildlife.
Updated: 9/29/2023 1:18 PM
Picnicking
There are 87 picnicking sites throughout the park, including near the swim beach and playgrounds. Many sites are universally accessible and offer shelters, restrooms, and drinking water hydrants.
Updated: 4/21/2019 2:29 PM
Sailboarding
Windsurfing is popular during the summer, with most launching from the Dallas Creek shoreline. Watch for floating driftwood during rapid runoff periods.
Updated: 7/2/2023 2:13 PM
Swimming
Cool off and have a blast at Ridgway State Park’s seasonal swim beach in Dutch Charlie! Dogs are not allowed beyond fenced entrances at the swim beach. Please use caution, as there are no lifeguards on duty. The swim beach is monitored for water quality per Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) guidelines and may be closed if E. coli levels exceed safe limits.
Updated: 8/22/2026 3:05 PM MT
Volleyball
The volleyball net is up at the Dutch Charlie Designated Swim Beach area.
Updated: 9/9/2023 8:41 AM
Water Skiing
The reservoir’s 1,030 surface-acres of water is perfect for water skiing and wakeboarding. Life jackets are mandatory for all boat occupants.
Updated: 5/24/2020 10:33 AM
Whitewater Rafting
Whitewater rafting is available south of the park on the Uncompahgre River, recommended for small rafts and kayaks only. Rafting guides are available at fishrigs.com.
Updated: 8/14/2014 11:55 AM
Wildlife Viewing
Great opportunities for wildlife viewing are available at Ridgway State Park. Get a “Watchable Wildlife” brochure at the Visitor Center.
Updated: 8/14/2014 11:33 AM
Winter Activities
When snow conditions allow, activities include ice fishing, camping, hiking, ice skating, and photography. Snowshoes can be checked out at the Visitor Center at no charge.
Updated: 9/29/2023 1:27 PM
Winter Camping
Dakota Terraces A loop electric sites, H loop walk-in tent sites, and yurts are available over the winter by reservation. Contact the park for more information at (970) 626-5822.
See the Camping & Yurts page for rates and more details.
Updated: 9/29/2023 11:30 AM