Ridgway Trail System
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Ridgway Trail System is a Bureau of Land Management recreation area you can visit in southwestern Colorado. This place features over 20 miles of nonmotorized trails, many of which overlook Ridgway Reservoir and the San Juan Mountains. The trail system itself is intended only as a day-use destination, and it doesn't offer camping. However, it makes an excellent stop for RV travelers who stay at nearby campgrounds or dispersed camping sites. No reservations are necessary for trail access, and the maintained access roads make this area suitable for most RV travelers.
Quick Facts About RVing in Ridgway Trail System
RV Friendly: Generally yes, but only for daytime use
Max RV Length: Varies with local parking availability
Camping Type: No camping is permitted within the trail system
Reservations: Are not required
Hookups: None available onsite
Dump Station: None available onsite (The nearest public RV dump stations are available at nearby campgrounds and Ridgway State Park.)
Potable Water: Bring your own with you
Cell Service: Generally good near Ridgway but might be spotty on some trails
Pets: Allowed when on a leash
Roads: Paved highways lead to maintained gravel access roads
Best Seasons: Late spring through autumn
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
Convenient stop on the San Juan Skyway
Easy access from both Ridgway and Ouray
Excellent hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding opportunities
Beautiful mountain and reservoir views
Good base camp for exploring the rest of southwest Colorado
Suitable for most RV sizes as a daytime-use destination
Close to public lands and developed campgrounds
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Mount Sneffels via Blue Lakes Trail
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
Lower, Middle, and Upper Blue Lakes
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
Ridgway Reservoir
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
Owl Creek Pass Road OHV Route
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
Blain Basin
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
Fishing and Boating
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.
Wildlife Viewing
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
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.
Horseback Riding
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.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
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.
Dispersed Camping
Within the Ridgway Trail System, overnight camping is neither available nor permitted. However, dispersed camping is possible on some surrounding public lands. Most dispersed campsites impose the standard BLM stay limit of 14 days within 28 days. Road conditions vary based on the location. You can easily reach some dispersed campsites in a small motorhome or a travel trailer. However, certain locations get muddy after rain or spring snowmelt. Others require higher-clearance vehicles. Wherever you camp, abide by the Leave No Trace principles. Whenever possible, use existing campsites instead of creating your own, and observe seasonal fire restrictions.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
Ridgway Trail System is among the more accessible BLM recreation areas in Colorado because visitors travel primarily on paved highways before turning onto maintained access roads. Since the recreation area functions as a daytime-use trail system instead of an RV campground, you might find it easier to leave a larger rig at a nearby campground before going exploring.
Camper Vans: Their compact size makes them an excellent choice due to simple parking, letting you combine the trail system with nearby attractions and scenic drives.
Travel Trailers: These are a practical option when staying at a nearby campground, so you can leave the trailer behind and explore the trail system using only the tow vehicle.
Fifth Wheels: Parking is a lot easier without the trailer attached if you leave it at a base camp, such as Ridgway State Park or a nearby RV park.
Class A Motorhomes: You'll find the access roads manageable, but parking might be more restrictive compared to traditional RV destinations. Staying nearby and using a towed vehicle could be more convenient.
Class B Motorhomes: These can be the best choices for this destination thanks to their maneuverability and ability to comfortably fit into trailhead parking areas.
Class C Motorhomes: These can be a practical middle-ground option; smaller models usually have little trouble accessing the trailheads, but larger Class C coaches might benefit from overnight parking at camp before you visit the trails.
Free Camping 
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.
RV Rentals Near Ridgway Trail System Plan your next adventure
Planning your Ridgway Trail System BLM trip
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.
What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
Ridgway is the primary supply town for this recreation area. Stop here to top off everything from fuel and propane to groceries and drinking water before you head out. Cellular coverage is typically reliable near town, but reception can be inconsistent along some of the trails. Download maps before you arrive if you plan to spend a lot of time on the trails. Higher elevations can experience rapidly changing weather, so check the forecast before you leave camp. Also verify current fire restrictions and trail conditions.
Leave No Trace 
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.
Ridgway Trail System Location
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.
Plan Your Day at Ridgway Trail System
Morning: Have breakfast at your RV before the short drive to one of the Ridgway Trail System trailheads. Cooler temperatures make mornings a great time to hike, mountain bike, or ride a horse while enjoying the views.
Afternoon: Use the afternoon to explore more trails or head into the town for lunch and supplies. Many RV travelers combine their visit here with Ridgway State Park or keep going along the scenic San Juan Skyway toward Ouray.
Evening: Return to your RV's campsite for dinner and a relaxing evening outdoors. As the sun sets behind the mountains, enjoy opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, and stargazing before settling in for the night.
Nearby Attractions
Ouray: The "Switzerland of America" is around 15 minutes to the south. This former gold and silver mining site rises to a height of 7,792 feet. Walk the historic downtown, take a jeep tour, visit the hot springs, and always keep your eyes open for the spectacular mountain scenery. If you're visiting when it's cold enough, this is a great place for ice climbing and snowshoeing.
San Juan Skyway: Approximately 5 minutes from the Ridgway Trail System, this nationally recognized scenic byway is one of Colorado's premier mountain drives. Enjoy gazing at the 14,000-foot-high San Juan Mountains, and stop off at the small town of Dolores to visit the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum, where you can learn about the Ancestral Puebloans.
Dallas Divide: Dallas Divide, roughly 20 minutes away, is one of Colorado's most photographed mountain overlooks. The golden aspen groves of autumn create especially impressive views.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I camp overnight at Ridgway Trail System? No. Although the trail system is day-use only, nearby BLM lands, Ridgway State Park, and private RV parks provide convenient overnight options, making it easy to enjoy the trails without camping inside the recreation area. Is Ridgway Trail System suitable for large RVs? Generally, yes. However, if you travel with a larger Class A motorhome or fifth wheel, you might find it easier to leave your RV at a nearby campground before driving a smaller vehicle to the trailheads. Can I bring my dog? Yes, you can. Much of the trail system welcomes pets as long as they stay under control and you comply with posted leash requirements. Clean up after your pets, and be mindful of other trail users, livestock, and wildlife. When is the best time of year to visit? The most comfortable biking and hiking happen from late spring through early fall. Summer offers the most daylight hours, but fall delivers colorful aspen displays throughout the surrounding mountains. If you plan a winter trip, be aware that seasonal wildlife closures impact portions of the trail system. Do I need four-wheel drive? You probably won't need four-wheel drive to reach the primary trailheads. Paved highways and maintained access roads generally make access straightforward. However, exploring nearby dispersed camping areas can mean rougher roads where higher-clearance vehicles are advantageous. Are there RV services nearby? Yes. The town of Ridgway offers supplies, restaurants, and essential services only minutes from the trail system. Nearby Ouray and Montrose feature additional shopping, lodging, and outdoor recreation services, making it easy to restock your RV before continuing your adventures.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
Ridgway Trail System is an excellent destination for nearly all kinds of RV travelers, but smaller rigs, such as Class B motorhomes and camper vans, make visiting trailheads particularly convenient. If you're planning a longer stay, the extra living space of a travel trailer or Class C motorhome can work well if you use a nearby campground as a base camp. The trail system itself doesn't permit overnight camping, so pick an RV that balances comfort with day-trip flexibility to maximize your visit. Browse RV rentals in Ridgway, CO to find the right setup for exploring the Ridgway Trail System and the surrounding San Juan Mountains.