On the road with
Gypsy Louise and Me
Discovering Ridgway State Park: A Perfect Colorado Escape
In June I got to meet up with my brother, two if his adult kiddos, and his brother/sister-in-law for some time reconnecting with the family with nature. Spoiler alert: it was pretty amazing, even with the afternoon rain showers that occurred on several days.
Arriving at Ridgway State Park
First things first, there’s a daily entrance fee of $10 per vehicle to get into the park. If you plan on visiting Colorado state parks more often, it might be worth considering the annual pass, which is $80 and grants access to all the state parks. If you are a Colorado resident you can get a discounted pass through the vehicle licensing process. If you are a Senior Colorado resident, you can get an Aspen Pass, whichis discounted, plus you also get a discount on the nightly camping fees.
Setting Up Camp
Ridgway State Park is a camper’s paradise, and I was lucky enough to grab a spot at the Elk Ridge Campground. The views from up there are breathtaking—think sweeping vistas of the San Juan Mountains. The campsites are well-maintained, with picnic tables, fire rings, and plenty of space.
There are different options depending on your setup:
- Basic tent sites are $36 per night.
- Sites with electric hookups for RVs are $44 per night.
- For those who like a bit more comfort instead of tent camping and you don’t have an RV, there are yurts available for around $90 per night.
We all got an RV site with electric hook-ups right next to each other, or across the roadway
The campground also has flush toilet restrooms and showers, as well as a laundry room and facility for washing your dishes.
Hitting the Trails
Ridgway has some fantastic hiking trails that offer a little something for everyone, whether you're into easy strolls or more challenging treks. we started with the Enchanted Mesa Trail, a moderate 2-mile loop that winds through juniper forests and offers great views of the lake. If you’re up for more of a challenge, the Pinyon Pine Trail is a longer hike with some elevation gain, but it rewards you with panoramic views of the reservoir and surrounding peaks.
For those who prefer something easier, the Fisherman’s Trail is a short and flat path that’s perfect for a relaxing walk along the water.
Lake Fun: Boating, Kayaking, and Paddleboarding
The heart of Ridgway State Park is definitely the Ridgway Reservoir. It’s a haven for water lovers, and I couldn’t resist getting out on the water. I rented a kayak for $20 an hour from the marina and paddled around for a while, soaking in the peaceful vibes and the jaw-dropping scenery.
If you have your own gear, you can launch your boat, kayak, or paddleboard for just $7.50. The reservoir is big enough that even on a busy day, it doesn’t feel crowded. There’s also a no-wake zone, which is ideal if you’re paddleboarding or kayaking and want to avoid bigger boats.
Swimming and Relaxing by the Water
One of my favorite parts of the park is the swim beach. The water is cool but refreshing, especially after a hot hike. The beach area is clean and has plenty of space to spread out, so it’s great for families or anyone looking to relax by the water. Best of all, swimming is included in the entrance fee, so you can take a dip as many times as you like.
Be sure to check with the rangers as the beach may not be open due to algae blooms that occur when there is a lot of rain, and runoff from the surrounding farmlands.
Wrapping Up Our Stay
Days filled with hiking, paddling, and swimming, we would return to our campsites, cook up dinner and watched the sun dip behind the mountains. There’s something incredibly peaceful about ending each day in such a beautiful place.
Ridgway State Park exceeded all my expectations. Whether you’re an adventurer looking for your next hike, a water enthusiast ready to hit the lake, or someone who just needs a break from the hustle and bustle, Ridgway has something to offer. I’m already planning my next trip back.
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