The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Ridgway Trail System is one of the interesting Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in Ouray County, Colorado. The trail system evolved to become one of the most popular spots for non-motorized users, consisting of single-track trails exceeding 20 miles. Visitors occasionally participate in hiking and mountain biking. Also, the trail system neighbors Ridgway State Park, which is excellent for wildlife viewing, hunting, photography, fishing, and boating. You also get the chance to experience the fantastic views of the San Juan Mountains and Ridgway Reservoir.
It is an out-and-back trail near Ridgway, CO popular for hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking. The trail is challenging, with an elevation gain of 5,501 feet. The best time to visit is between June and November.
Length: 12.9 miles
Intensity: Hard
The trail is a favorite spot for hikers and backpackers. It is an out-and-back route that leads you inside a forest with river and lake views. Also, there are plenty of wildflowers and a waterfall.
Length: 8.6 miles
Intensity: Hard
The Ridgway Reservoir is an out-and-back trail that is kid-friendly and offers lake and wildlife views at an 856 feet elevation. The best time to visit the trail is between April and September. You may bring your dog, but it must be on a leash.
Length: 6.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
It is a long point-to-point trail best for off-road driving or mountain biking. The trail is kid-friendly, and dogs are allowed if they are on a leash. Also, it is ideal for scenic driving with family or friends.
Length: 18.5 miles
Intensity: Easy
It is an out-and-back trail that offers visitors remarkable landscape and wildlife views. Also, it is famous for hiking, biking, and birdwatching. Dogs are allowed, but they must always be on a leash, except for a few areas. The best time to visit is from April to October.
Length: 6.0 miles
Intensity: Moderate
A popular fishing spot in Ridgway is the Ridgway Reservoir. It is home to splake, rainbow trout, trophy brown trout, yellow perch, and kokanee salmon. Boaters can reach the reservoir's west shore to try catch-and-keep fishing. Any visitors who want to swim can head to the Swim beach, which also offers sand volleyball courts.
There is plenty of wildlife that inhabits the Ridgway State Park. If you are lucky, you may catch elk, rabbits, mountain lions, deer, bears, and coyotes in their natural habitat. Also, bring binoculars to see birds like the loon, white face ibis, pectoral sandpipers, golden eagles, yellow throat, and sora.
Hunting is allowed at Ridgway State Park and the Ridgway Reservoir during the appropriate seasons. However, hunting is somewhat limited because of the area's proximity to developed zones. Common animals to hunt include rabbits, deer, and elk.
If you prefer horseback riding to hiking or biking, the most common trails to do this are Lower, Middle, and Upper Blue Lakes and Blain Basin. Both trails start at the Blue Lakes leading to a remote area that provides an outstanding view of the Sneffels from the basin. There are also wildflowers and wildlife along the route, with more views of rivers and lakes.
There are excellent Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in Ridgway that allow RV camping. The Pa-Co-Chu-Puk campground, or "Paco" as the locals call it, has 95 campsites, each charging $41. The recommended RV length is 43 feet (Class A), and amenities include full hookups, fire rings, picnic tables, showers, flush restrooms, laundry, and trash bins.
Another reliable recommendation is the Elk Ridge campground, which offers fire rings, laundry facilities, showers, a dump station, partial hookups, and picnic tables for its 107 campsites. The per night charge is $36, and the maximum recommended RV length is 42 feet, Class A. If you want a last-minute campground close to the Ridgeway Trail system, search "BLM camping near me" for recommendations.
Bureau of Land Management free camping in Ridgway is possible in places like the Ironton Park campground. The area is about seven miles from Ouray at a unique location offering 10 free campsites for visitors to select on a first-come, first-served basis. The only amenities are vault toilets. You may also check out Thistledown campground, which is approximately three miles from Ouray. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with the only amenities being vault toilets.
Colorado is a mountain paradise, but you'll want to be prepared for all that entails. Packing bear spray and bear-proof food containers are essential. If you see a bear from far away, keep your distance. If you encounter one on a trail while hiking, don't run or attempt to climb a tree; bears are extremely fast and are excellent climbers. Speak calmly to the bear, but stay in one spot. Wave your arms slowly. Pick up small children immediately, but don't scream or make loud noises as bears associate these with prey.
Another problem that people who don't spend a lot of time in the mountains have when they vacation in Colorado is altitude sickness, which can affect people from lower altitudes. Symptoms are usually mild and present within a couple of hours of reaching your destination. They can include headache, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and tiredness. If you experience coughing or shortness of breath, seek medical attention. Before leaving, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
To keep Colorado wild, it's crucial to minimize human impact on the environment. Only camp, picnic, or hike on already established sites and trails. Take all trash with you, including food scraps. Only build fires in large fire pans or in rock-lined fire pits. Leave wildlife alone. The goal is to leave the land looking exactly as it did when you arrived.
To get to Ridgway Trail System from Ridgway, take US Highway 550 north. After 2.7 miles, turn west to join Ouray County Road 10. Continue driving on the Ouray County Road 10 for not more than 10 miles, and you will see the Ridgeway Trail System sign on your left.
Address: Uncompahgre Field Office 2465 South Townsend Avenue, Montrose, CO 81401
Ready to visit Ridgway Trail System Location? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day of exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, enjoying a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
