Day Trips Around Ouray

The Ridgway Railroad Museum, located at 200 N. Railroad Street in Ridgway, Colorado, is open every day to see our outdoor collection of railroad cars and other equipment. There is no charge to visit the museum but we do accept donations. Some of the cars are open when we are working at the museum on Tuesday mornings from May to October. We also give rides on Motor No. 1 and Goose No. 4 in the summer on Saturdays.

The Ridgway Western Heritage Society offers a free one-hour True Grit Movie Walking Tour at 3 p.m. every Friday June, July and August. Also 10 am Mondays in July.Tours are free and last about an hour.  Meet 15 minutes beforehand at the gazebo at Hartwell Park, which borders Highway 62/Sherman Street. Groups of four or more may email Eve Becker-Doyle to arrange a custom tour at any time during the year but there is a charge of $10 per adult.

The museum's mission is to preserve and share Ouray County ranching history and heritage, including stories of the area's early settlers from the mid 1800s to today. The museum has a rich display of artifacts that depict the hard work and tools of trade for ranching and rural family life along with the contributions ranchers made to Ridgway and the surrounding area.

Established in 1915, the Sherbino has been the heart of Ridgway Colorado, providing a venue for community events ranging from music to poetry. Now in a period of re-birth, the Sherbino continues to standout as the hub of events and community activities in Ridgway and throughout Ouray County. On February 11 2012 the Sherbino incorporated as the Ridgway Chautauqua Society Inc. whose mission is to embody the Chautauqua tradition by producing programs celebrating lifelong learning, the arts, culture and community.

Just 15 miles from Ouray, Ridgway invites visitors  to the "Switzerland of America." Nestled at the foot of the stunning San Juan Mountains, Ridgway State Park is a year-round haven for outdoor recreation. Extending nearly five miles into the Uncompahgre River Valley, the park attracts boaters, anglers and swimmers. With sought-after campgrounds, a picturesque reservoir, inviting picnic spots, playground areas, extensive trails and a rich array of wildlife, Ridgway provides year-round activities for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds.

Loghill is primarily covered in large Ponderosa Pine trees, piñons and junipers. Wildlife is abundant on the Mesa with a fairly large population of Mule Deer, Elk, Bobcats, Lynxes, Black Bears (of various colors), wild turkeys and an occasional sighting of mountain lions. Almost 1,000 feet higher than Ridgway, the types and sizes of flora vary greatly.

The towns of Telluride and Mountain Village are linked by a spectacular, 12-minute ride on a free gondola—the first and only free public transportation system of its kind in the United States. This popular scenic attraction provides access to hiking and biking trails in the summer and the ski slopes in the winter. Passengers can load the gondola in either Mountain Village or Telluride and ride to the midway point (Station St. Sophia from which hiking, biking and ski trails are accessed) and then continue on to the other side.

A newer trail, the Bridal Veil Trail allows hikers to access the base of Bridal Veil Falls without hiking up the road. While the road is open to hikers, this scenic trail is a much more fun way to take in the area!

Telluride offers a year-round lineup of entertainment. From world-renowned festivals to local community events, there is something for everyone, young and old. Local organizations can submit events here to be included on the calendar. 

Ranked the #1 Ski Resort in North America by readers of Condé Nast Traveler, Telluride Ski Resort boasts uncrowded slopes and exceptional terrain for all levels and abilities. Beginners can enjoy stunning views from top to bottom while cruising down green runs. Intermediates and advanced skiers enjoy a diverse array of slopes, along with a myriad of backcountry and hike-to terrain.

Take a historic tour of Telluride on foot! These historic walking tours are led by historian Ashley Boling, and leave from museum at 1 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursdays. These tours are rain or shine and are $15 per person.

The Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour is a guided mine tour that takes you 1/3 mile into the heart of 13,000 foot Galena Mountain where you can follow the vein and see real mining equipment in action! Go underground and experience the secret world of the gold miner!

Just next to the San Juan County Courthouse on Greene Street in Silverton is the site of the San Juan County Historical Society’s Mining Heritage Center, one of the finest mining museums in North America. This 3-story, 14,000 sq. ft. complex houses a newly restored 1902 county jail, the Historical Society Archives building, and the Mining Heritage Center Museum, which is housed in the reconstructed Caledonian Boarding House, a huge timbered addition.

This historic train has been in continuous operation between Durango and Silverton since 1882, carrying passengers behind historic steam and diesel locomotives and rolling stock indigenous to the line. It is a family-friendly ride sure to create memories that will last a lifetime while offering a view of Colorado’s mountain splendor inaccessible by highway. Relive the sights and sounds of yesteryear for a spectacular journey on board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

The American West once had hundreds of precious metal mills. Now, most are in various stages of ruin. One important exception is the Mayflower Mill, (or the Shenandoah-Dives Mill) located two miles northeast of Silverton. A National Historic Landmark, this wonderful piece of mining history is open to the public. Witness first hand how the miners were able to extract gold, silver and base metals from the hard rock ores in this complete processing mill. The San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado were one of the last ranges to be prospected.

Our trail system runs throughout San Juan County. We have over 150 miles of trails, both groomed and backcountry. Riding begins at an elevation of 10,000 feet and reaches upwards of 13,000 feet. With multiple guide and rental services in town, you are sure to find what you’re looking for.

Riverbottom Park is a true gem located in Montrose, Colorado, offering a remarkable blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Spanning across expansive green spaces, this park is ideal for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking to unwind amidst nature. One of the park's standout features is its water sports area, which includes facilities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. The gentle flow of the water provides a serene backdrop for a day of fun and relaxation.

Big enough to be overwhelming, yet still intimate enough to feel the pulse of time. Come see some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America. Forces of nature and the Gunnison River sculpted this canyon over two million years. The result is a vertical wilderness of rock, water, and sky.

The mission of the Museum of the Mountain West (MMW) is to educate children and adults in the history and culture of the American West through the collecting, historic preservation, stewardship, restoration, and display of historical buildings and artifacts.

The Ute Indian Museum connects the past with contemporary Ute life and culture. Exhibits focus on the Ute peoples’ history of adaptation and persistence, and unfold around a central theme of geography, highlighting significant locations in Ute history. Through stunning exhibitions, visitors explore topics of Ute cultural survival, political determination, economic opportunity, and the celebration of the Bear Dance.

Housed in the original Montrose railroad depot, the Montrose County Historical Museum focuses on all facets of early-day pioneer life, including a life-size homesteader’s cabin, horse-drawn farm machinery, and a delightful display of dolls, toys and baby furniture. While visiting the museum you will also see a caboose, vintage machinery and equipment, and a rare original stagecoach that once traveled between Montrose and Ouray.