The best cycling routes in Ridgway State Park

Ridgway State Park offers a selection of 5 touring cycling routes directly within the park and its immediate vicinity. These routes range from easy to difficult, providing options for various skill levels.

The park's trails offer diverse terrain. Within the park, you'll find flat trails suitable for traditional and e-bikes. The connected Ridgway Area Trails (RAT) system expands this to include smooth, flowing singletrack and more technically challenging sections with rocks and roots. The paved River Trail offers a smooth ride linking to Ridgway town.

Yes, Ridgway State Park has 2 easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. For example, this Bike loop from Ouray County covers about 10 km with minimal elevation gain, offering a pleasant ride.

Absolutely. For those seeking a challenge, the park and surrounding area offer more demanding routes. The Dallas Divide loop from Ouray County is a difficult 80 km route with significant elevation changes, providing a rewarding experience for experienced touring cyclists.

Yes, many of the routes in and around Ridgway State Park are designed as loops. For instance, the Dutch Charlie Swim Beach loop from Ouray County is a moderate 20 km circular route, and the Ouray – Uncompahgre River Walk Loop loop from Ouray County offers a longer 36 km option.

Cycling in Ridgway State Park offers stunning views of Mt. Sneffels and the San Juan and Cimarron Mountain Ranges. The routes often pass by the 5-mile long Ridgway Reservoir and through diverse ecosystems, from pinyon-juniper forests to riparian river bottoms, with abundant wildflowers in early summer. You might also spot various wildlife, including deer and bald eagles.

Ridgway State Park offers various parking areas throughout its different sections, including at the Dutch Charlie Visitor Center. These facilities are generally well-equipped to accommodate visitors accessing the trails.

The park is enjoyable year-round, but early summer is particularly beautiful with abundant wildflowers. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for cycling. While winter activities like snowshoeing are popular, some trails might be less suitable for touring cycling during heavy snow.

Ridgway State Park is generally dog-friendly, but specific regulations may apply to certain trails or areas. It's always best to check the park's official guidelines regarding pets on trails to ensure compliance and a safe experience for everyone.

Cyclists can find a self-service bike repair station conveniently located at the Dutch Charlie Visitor Center. The park also features accessible restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. The paved River Trail connects directly to the town of Ridgway, where additional amenities like cafes and shops are available.

The komoot community highly rates touring cycling in Ridgway State Park, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the park's stunning panoramic views, the variety of trails, and the seamless access to the extensive Ridgway Area Trails (RAT) system, which provides many additional miles to explore.