Photography Richard Durnan©

Written By NICHOLE ZANGARA
Ridgway was the staging site for many of Hollywood's best-known Westerns including "How the West was Won" and "True Grit." John Wayne, Glen Campbell and Robert Duvall starred in True Grit, a Paramount Pictures blockbuster shot in the mid-60s and released in 1969. Some of the original props, embellishments and buildings where movies were filmed may still be seen around Ridgway. Selected because of its 360-degree views of drop-dead gorgeous, rugged mountain terrain, Ridgway, dubbed the Gateway to the San Juans, is essentially a quiet Western town with charismatic energy.

Strapping on spurs, throwing a saddle on your favorite steed and riding off into the sunset with snow-covered mountains at your back still happens every day in Ridgway. Visit one of the area's dude ranches or liveries where families, singles and corporate retreats gather throughout the year to enjoy the adventurous side of life. Warmer months offer sophisticated pastimes like a round or two of golf at Ridgway's 18-hole championship golf course, a soak in one of three natural hot springs, miles of scenic hiking and biking trails, unique shopping and down-home dining options.

The Uncompahgre River runs through Ridgway, offering a fine riparian nature trail; dozens of bald eagles each winter and spring; and great fishing (especially during salmon-snagging season). Ridgway State Park and Reservoir is just minutes from the town's center and offers year-round camping, 89 picnic areas, a swimming beach, marina, scenic overlook/amphitheater and visitor's center.

Snow brings a series of exciting sleddog races and world-class skiing at nearby Telluride Ski Resort (37 miles). Just outside of town, is access to some of the best backcountry and hut-to-hut skiing around. Ouray Ice Park (10 miles) offers unsurpassed vertical walls of glittering blue ice to world-class and novice climbers, alike. Nighttime in Ridgway happens under clear, star-spangled skies as the little town boasts some of the cleanest air and water in the nation. Autumn is a photographer's dream "an Aspen gold rush" some might say. But no matter what season or time of day, discovering Ridgway, still a well-kept secret, is like finding a hidden treasure in the 21st century.

Visitor's Services:
Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce
150 Racecourse Rd. | Ridgway, CO 81432
(970) 626-5181/ (800) 220-4959
Email: racc@gwe.net
Website: www.ridgwaycolorado.com

Attractions/Services:
World-Class Fishing
Miles of Hiking and Biking Trails
Angel Ridge Ranch
Chipeta Sun Lodge and Spa
Deb's Livery
Fairway Pines Golf Course
Legends of the West
Orvis Hot Springs
Owl Creek Pass
Ridgway Railroad Museum
Ridgway State Park and Reservoir
San Juan Balloon Adventures
Scenic River Trail
True Grit Café

Calendar of Events:
Farmer's Market
Sundays, May through October

Picnic in the Trainyard
May 29-30

Ridgway Arts 'n Crafts
Rendezvous
August 14-15

CPRA Rodeo
September 3-6

Ouray County Railroad Days
September 25-26

Gateway to the San Juans and Home to Rio Grande Southern Railroad!

How the West was Won and
True Grit Were Filmed Here!