Enjoy quality recreation
services provided by the
following licensed businesses:
GUIDED FISHING:
RIGS FLY SHOP & GUIDE SERVICE
(888) 626-4460 • www.fishrigs.com
Uncompahgre ~ San Miguel ~ Dolores
C O L O R A D O PA R K S & W I L D L I F E
Ridgway
State Park
ENJOY YOUR STATE PARKS
TELLURIDE ANGLER
(800) 831-6230 • www.tellurideoutside.com
W
elcome to one of the most magnificent
parks in America, Ridgway State Park.
Nestled at the base of the spectacular
San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado,
Ridgway State Park is a year-round outdoor
recreation paradise. Stretching nearly five miles
into the Uncompahgre River Valley, Ridgway State
Park is a mecca for boaters, anglers and swimmers.
The park offers three campgrounds, each with a
unique atmosphere and charm, and outstanding
facilities for comfort and convenience. All the
recreation sites have easy bicycle access. Natural
surface trails pass through the pinyon/ juniper
forests and onto mesas offering spectacular views
of the surrounding mountain peaks.
Passes and Permits
CIMARRON CREEK
All vehicles entering the park are required to
display a current Colorado State Parks vehicle pass.
Daily or annual vehicle passes are available, visit
the state park website at cpw.state.co.us for more
information about vehicle passes. Camping permits
are sold separately and are required in addition to
vehicle passes. Information about vehicle passes and
camping permits is also available at park entrance
stations and the visitor center. Daily vehicle passes
and camping permits are also available at selfservice dispensers at park entrances.
(970) 249-0408 • www.cimarroncreek.com
SAN MIGUEL ANGLERS
(970)728-4427 • sanmiguelanglers.com
TELLURIDE FLY FISHERS
(970)728-4440 • tellurideflyfishers.com,
WEEKEND WARRIORS
(970)209-6495 • weekendwarriorsoutdoors.com
WHITEWATER RAFTING AND
BOAT RENTALS:
RIGS FLY SHOP & GUEST SERVICE
(888) 626-4460 • www.fishrigs.com
Rafting • On-site boat rentals
cpw.state.co.us
Project History
Settlement of the Uncompahgre River Valley
occurred following the mining boom of the 1880s.
Early farmers and ranchers soon recognized the need
to augment the river’s flow with a dependable source
of summer irrigation water. In 1909, the 5.8-mile
Gunnison Tunnel was completed to divert water from
the Gunnison River to the Uncompahgre Valley.
However, as early as the 1940s, interest developed in
storing spring and summer snowmelt from the upper
Uncompahgre River for later irrigation use.
At about the same time, a plan was being developed
to control the flow of the huge Colorado River and
some of its major tributaries. In 1956, the Colorado
River Storage Project, one of the most complex and
extensive river developments in the world, became a
reality. The Dallas Creek Project (Ridgway Reservoir)
was authorized in 1968. The dam was completed by
the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation in 1987.
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation involvement did not
end with the completion of the dam. Studies indicated
the need for a water-based recreation facility south of
Montrose. Federal funding continued for eight years
and paid for all recreational development in the park.
Today, partners in the project are the U.S. Bureau of
Reclamation, the Tri-County Water Conservancy
District, which manages water distribution, and
Colorado Parks & Wildlife, which manages the
recreation facilities.
Ridgway has three picturesque campgrounds:
Dakota Terraces, Elk Ridge and Pa-Co-Chu-Puk.
A camper services
building in each
campground
provides hot
pay showers,
laundromat,
vending machines
and a playground.
Dakota Terraces
is located within easy walking distance of the
swim beach and features 76 campsites with electric
hookups, nearby water, concrete pads, tables,
cooking grills and fire rings. Dakota Terraces
affords excellent views of both the San Juan and
Cimarron Ranges. A trailer dump station is
available.
For those who enjoy camping, but don’t have a
tent or a motor home, Dakota Terraces features
three yurts. Our yurts are circular tents made of
vinyl-impregnated canvas surrounding a wooden
lattice, floor and ceiling. The yurts have electricity,
heat, and sleep up to six people. They are available
for rent year-round on a reservation or first-come,
first-serve basis.
Elk Ridge, our most popular campground, is
located in a pinyon-juniper forest with excellent
shade at most sites. Some sites provide panoramic
views of the San Juan Mountains. The 98 campsites
at Elk Ridge offer electric hookups, nearby water,
concrete pads, tables, cooking grills and fire rings.
Ten campsites are set aside for walk-in tent camping
only (no electricity provided).
Full utility (water/sewer/electric) hookups
are featured at 81 campsites at Pa-Co-Chu-Puk
located next to the scenic Uncompahgre River.
A level concrete pad makes for a quick set-up,
and each site has a table, cooking grill and fire
ring. Fifteen walk-in tent sites are available
across the river.
For campground reservations, call
(800) 678-CAMP (2267) or (303) 470-1144 in the
Denver area or online at cpw.state.co.us
Boating
The 1,000 surface-acre reservoir offers a variety
of activities, including fishing, water-skiing,
boating, sailing and windsurfing. The four-lane
concrete boat ramp, located at the Dutch Charlie
site, stretches to the lower limits of the water level,
so boaters will be able to launch in low water
conditions. All boats must be inspected prior to
launch for aquatic nuisance species.
Boaters must observe Colorado’s boating statutes
and regulations. A brochure is available at entrance
stations and the Visitor Center.
Hiking And Trails
Approximately 14 miles of developed trails wind
through the park connecting the various facilities.
The range of trails offer a variety of challenges for
hikers and bikers.
Three self-guided trails are available in the park.
Guides are available at the Visitor Center. Visitors
are encouraged to visit the Forest Discovery Trail
near the Visitor Center, and the Dallas Creek Nature
Trail in the Dallas Creek day-use area, and the
Oak Leaf Trail across the river in the Pa-Co-ChuPuk area. The trails feature information about the
geology, vegetation, history, and wildlife in the park.
Visitor Center & Bookstore
Photo by Jennifer Loshaw
Camping And Yurts
Fishing
Stocked rainbow trout, brown trout and Kokanee
salmon, make up the game fish within the reservoir.
Fishing on the Uncompahgre
River below Ridgway Dam is
restricted to catch and release,
with artificial flies and lures only.
A valid fishing license is required
at all areas.
Swimming
Swimmers will enjoy the beautiful beach located
at the Dutch Charlie site. The modern facility has
changing rooms with lockers and outdoor showers.
Swimming is at your own risk, as lifeguards are
not on duty. Children 12 years or younger must be
supervised. Swimming is permitted from boats,
provided: swimmers wear an approved flotation
device, stay within 50 feet of stationary vessel
(vessel must be at least 150 feet from shore), and
have an observer on board displaying a ski flag.
Swimming is prohibited in Mear’s
Bay (marina cove) and between
sunset and sunrise.
At our Visitors Center, learn more about the
rich natural and cultural history of the park and
southwest Colorado through the outstanding views
and displays. Nature books for all ages, t-shirts,
maps and beautiful souvenirs are available. A
portion of the sales proceeds return to the park to
support our environmental education program.
Natural Resources and
Environmental Education
Wildlife abounds in and around Ridgway State
Park. Deer, marmots, golden eagles, waterfowl,
mink, red fox and occasionally osprey and black
bears are seen in the area. Winter brings elk and
bald eagles into the park. When viewing wildlife,
please keep a respectful distance from the animals,
and leave the family pet at home. A clean campsite
will discourage uninvited guests such as skunks.
Geology in the area created by prehistoric oceans,
volcanoes, and glaciers produced the stunning
scenery which surrounds Ridgway State Park.
The most prominent peak is Mt. Sneffels, rising
14,149 feet above sea level. The San Juan Mountains
dominate the landscape to the south, while the
Cimarron Range to the east features Chimney
Rock, Courthouse Mountain and Turret Ridge. The
Uncompahgre Plateau to the west stretches nearly
100 miles from Ridgway to Grand Junction. The
area is rich in geologic history.
Pinyon-juniper forest is the dominant vegetation
community at Dutch Charlie, while ponderosa pine
and cottonwoods are common
at Pa-Co-Chu-Puk.
The Park conducts education programs about
the natural and cultural resources in the area from
Memorial Day to Labor Day each Summer, contact
the park office for more information, or visit our
website. Park naturalists are available to present an
individualized program for your group.
Special Events
Ridgway State Park offers outstanding
facilities and activities for groups. Groups may
reserve multiple campsites anywhere within
the established campgrounds by calling the
reservation office at (800) 678-CAMP (2267) or
online at cpw.state.co.us. The group event facility
at Pa-Co-Chu-Puk, will accommodate 250
people and provides flush restrooms, volleyball,
horseshoe pits and a playground. Memorable
wedding ceremonies are held at the Visitor
Center overlook for up to 100 participants.
Group event facilities are available by reservation
only through the park office at (970) 626-5822.
Contact the park manager for additional group
options.
Ridgway State Park Overview
Dutch Charlie
The Dutch Charlie site opened to the public in
August, 1989. Most of the major facilities, including
the Visitors Center, swimbeach, boat ramp and
two campgrounds are located at Dutch Charlie.
This 300-acre site offers a variety of activities,
including: fishing, camping, picnicking,
hiking, swimming and boating. Nature hikes
and environmental education programs are
available during the summer.
This recreation site was named after
Dutch Charlie, a pioneer way station owner
who ran a boarding house, blacksmith shop and
livery barn near the present-day swim beach. Bull
whackers and their oxen teams spent the night, fed
their livestock and had repairs made at
Dutch Charlie’s operation.
550
Pa-Co-Chu-Puk
A name which reflects the varied history of the
region, Pa-Co-Chu-Puk is the Ute Indian term for
“Cow Creek.” Located below Ridgway Dam, this
site offers campsites with full utility hookups, walkin tent camping, a large group event facility, trout
ponds, several miles of hike/bike trails and catch
and release fishing. This site opened in July, 1994.
Dallas Creek
Opened in May, 1992, Dallas Creek provides an
abundance of daytime activities. Over 30
individual picnic sites, many with shade shelters,
offer quiet mealtime enjoyment. The secluded
nature study area near the confluence of the
Uncompahgre River and Dallas Creek is a perfect
setting for viewing wildlife, hiking a scenic nature
trail or catching a trout. During periods of low
water, access gates are opened to allow vehicles to
drive closer to the reservoir.
LEGEND
GROUP EVENT FACILITY
For new and current information on all Colorado State
Parks visit us online at www.cpw.state.co.us
Dutch Charlie Recreation Site (7,050 feet)
Tent Pads (ground level, improved surface average size 16’ x 16’) are provided at sites:
17, 21, 54, 55, 122, 132, 138, 140, 142, 152 - 160, 163, 165, 168, 172, 173, 175, 177, 178, 182, 183 & 185
Tent Pads (ground level, improved surface average size 12’ x 12’) are provided at sites:
80, 83, 87, 90, 93, 117, 120, 123, 124, 126, 127, 135, 137, 144, 150, 169, 170, 179, 186 & 187
Elevated Tent Decks (elevated wooden platforms
measuring 12’ x 12’) are provided as marked.
H
H
H
H
LEGEND
H
To make reservations call:
(303) 470-1144 in the
Denver metro area or
(800) 678-CAMP (2267)
outside the Denver metro area.
Or reserve online at
www.cpw.state.co.us
H Host Site
Group Picnic Area
(camping only)
Pa-Co-Chu-Puk
Shade Shelters are provided at sites:
213, 215, 218, 220, 222, 224, 226, 228, 232 & 234
291
Accessible Feature
289
293
295
284
M
CO
UN
H
R
VE
RI
GROUP
EVENT
FACILITY
AHGRE RIVER
MP
CO
N
U
Suggested campsites for disabled visitors:
FISHING
POND
271 269 267 265 263 261
273
RIVER FISHING
TURN-OUTS
274
276
FISHING
POND
VOLLEY BALL
AND
HORSESHOES
278
272
275
277
279H
239
237
280
CAMPER
SERVICES
224
LOOP G
243 245 247
241
238
228
CLOSED AREA
230
236
ENCHANTED MESA
TRAILHEAD
PARK MAINTENANCE
BUILDING AND
STORAGE YARD
WATER
DISTRICT OFFICE
Trail to
Dutch Charlie
3.5 Miles
234
232
229
242
240
200
202
CONSTRUCTED
WET LAND
HW
50
Y5
220
213
231
209
233
207
235
201 203 205
SELF-SERVICE
FEE STATION
204
244
222
221
223
219
217
225
216
214
227
212
211
H
218
215
210
208
264 262
270 268 266
226
ORAGE
DRY ST
Gravel Trail
Playground
RE
River fishing is limited
to catch & release, artificial
flies and lures only.
ConcreteTrail
Host Campsite
HG
PA
Dutch Charlie
Walk-in Tent Sites
Water
Group Picnic Area
281
PEDESTRIAN
BRIDGE
287
Full Utility Hookups
LOOP H
550
Tent Camping
Entrance Station
285
282
Dallas Creek
CLOSED AREA
Elevated Tent Pads
286
283
294
Pa-Co-Chu-Puk
Ridgway Reservoir
290
Restrooms
LOOP F
206
RESERVATIONS
(303) 470-1144 in the
Denver metro area or
(800) 678-CAMP (2267)
outside the Denver metro area.
Or reserve online at
www.cpw.state.co.us
246
259
257
211 230 280 281
FISHERMAN’S
PARKING
258
256
255
253
252
260
248 249
254
251
W
250
PA-CO-CHU-PUK
VISITORS CENTER
CAMPING
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Water Hydrants
Dump Station
CAMPER SERVICES
Pay Showers
Laundry
Vending Machines
Playground
Restrooms
Phone
TENT CAMPING
PICNIC SITES
GROUP PICNIC AREA
BOAT RAMP
SWIM BEACH
FISHING
Lake Access
River Fishing
Pond Fishing
FISH CLEANING STATION
TRAILS
PARK BOUNDARY
287
292
Picnic Shelter
Dumpster
288
CREEK
Elevated Tent Pads (measuring approximately 14’ x 16’)
are provided at sites: 230, 278 & 281– 295
CO
Recreation Site (6,650 feet)
Dallas Creek
Recreation Site (6,900 feet)
Help Protect Your Park
Location
Ridgway State Park was built and is maintained
for your use and enjoyment. In the interest of public
safety and the preservation of the park, we ask that
you:
1. Place trash in receptacles provided.
2. B
uild fires only in grills or fire rings provided
or portable grills.
3. K
eep your vehicle on designated roads
and parking lots.
4. K
eep your pets under control and on a leash no
longer than six feet at all times.
5. Camp only in designated campsites.
6. R
eport any littering or vandalism to a
park ranger.
7. Respect quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Accessibility
Ridgway State Park is widely recognized for its
barrier-free design. Visitors with limited mobility
will find easy access to camping, picnicking, fishing,
trails and swimming. All restroom and shower
buildings are accessible. Disabled boaters are urged to
board their vessel prior to entering the launch area or
use the marina platform with assistance. Accessible
campsites may be reserved by calling (303) 470-1144
in the Denver metro area, (800) 678-CAMP (2267)
outside the Denver metro area, or online at
cpw.state.co.us.
First Aid
First aid can be obtained from any park ranger
or at the park Visitor Center. In an emergency, call
911. A medical center is located in Ridgway, five
miles south of the park. The nearest hospital is in
Montrose, 25 miles north of the park.
Community Facilities
Gas/service stations, groceries, restaurants and
religious facilities are available in Ridgway, five
miles south of the park on Highway 550.
Volunteers & Friends
If you enjoy the park, perhaps you would
consider joining our team as a volunteer. Volunteer
positions include: campground host, Visitor Center
assistant, landscaper, trail maintenance and boat
assistant. An exciting citizen support group, the
FRIENDS of Ridgway State Park, is dedicated to
making Ridgway one of the finest state parks in
America. Stop by the Visitor Center to learn more
about our many volunteer opportunities!
Winter Recreation
Ridgway has campsites available year-round.
Many activities await the winter visitor, including
cross-country skiing, sledding, hiking, tail-water
fishing, snowshoeing, camping and excellent
wildlife watching.
Ridgway State Park
28555 Hwy 550 • Ridgway, CO 81432
(970) 626-5822 • E-mail: ridgway.park@state.co.us
cpw.state.co.us
Funded in part by Great Outdoors Colorado
through Colorado Lottery proceeds.
CPW_RMRG_3/17