Our Location
Ridgway, Colorado is nestled in a valley at the northern edge of the majestic San Juan Mountain range of the Rocky Mountains. A three-hour drive to Four Corners, the intersection of Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico, our town sits in a valley at an elevation of just under 7,000 feet.
The red marker indicates the precise location of Ridgway in the San Juan Mountains region of southwest Colorado.
Our Town
Incredible Views
Our cohousing community site has spectacular views and easy access to two world-class mountain ranges, with abundant wildlife, wildflowers, and amazing skies – including our clear, starry night panoramas.
In the Cimarron Range to our east, Chimney Peak and Courthouse Mountain are the most photographed destinations. In the San Juan Range to our south, a group of magnificent rocky peaks surround picturesque Mount Sneffels, overlooking the Sneffels Wilderness Area. In 2020, Ridgway was designated as a Dark Sky Destination, recognizing its commitment to preventing light pollution and its magnificent views of the Milky Way, meteor showers and other celestial phenomena.
Great People
No one who moves here remains a stranger for long in this welcoming and inclusive community. Newcomers are soon exchanging lengthy greetings at the post office, joining other families on children-focused outings, or bellying up to the bar with locals at the corner brewery.
With a population of just under 1,000, Ridgway is surrounded by family-owned ranches. Ridgway attracts nature lovers, artists, writers, entrepreneurs, active retirees, and a diverse, multigenerational group of people. Young families come to raise their children in what is probably one of the safest and healthiest environments in the country.
Independence Day festivities are big in Ouray and Ridgway. We celebrate each holiday with our own local flair, from our Labor Day Rodeo and Fair to Noel Night in December.
Creative Culture
Art galleries, a historic community theater, public library, churches, great eateries, and shops are within walking distance of Alpenglow CoHousing. In 2013, the State of Colorado declared Ridgway a certified Creative Arts District. Our Summer Concerts in the Park series brings in top-rated bands from throughout the country.
The eagle sculpture at Dennis Weaver Memorial Park is next to the Uncompahgre River. This park is one of the area’s hot spots for wildlife, including deer and a bevy of birds from eagles to hummingbirds. Our area is also known for its elk, bobcats, bears, and other smaller critters.
Active Lifestyles
Outdoorsy? We have hiking, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing trails galore. Our winter ice climbing scene is infamous, while our summer rock climbing and canyoning options – including the new Ouray Via Ferrata – are popular with locals as well as national and international visitors.
We have golfing with majestic scenery, world-class fishing and kayaking on the Uncompaghre River, and a huge state park with a large reservoir for all sorts of water sports and campgrounds with incredible scenery. For youth, our parks and summer camps as well as year-round recreation teams provide a wide range of sports and nature-based activities. Whatever outdoor activity you’re looking for in a community, we probably have it!
Remote Work Opportunities
Ridgway is a remote worker’s dream come true. We may be a mountain town, but we have access to speedy internet, professional services and several indoor and outdoor remote office options. Learn about one coworking option: Proximity Space.
Photo courtesy of Ridgway Lodge and Suites – a hotel and restaurant with many great amenities for both the business and leisure traveler
Now for more reasons to come, watch this welcome…
Ridgway is a central hub in two special travel routes with great activities and destinations for a weekend away or an extended vacation: the Historic Hot Springs Loop and the Colorado Creative Corridor.
Our Region
10 miles North of Ouray
25 miles south of the Montrose airport and hospital (Ridgway has wonderful clinics, too)
40 miles from Telluride Ski & Golf Resort and Telluride’s historic and creative district
A few hours from Moab, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Durango, Grand Junction, Aspen, and the Four Corners and Mesa Verde National Park.
5-6 hours by car from Denver, Colo. as well as Salt Lake City, Utah and Albuquerque, N.M.
To see where our cohousing community is situated in Ridgway, click on the link below, then scroll to the bottom of Our Neighborhood page.
Learn More About The Area
Pretty great place to live, huh? So, now learn about how you can create your home in Alpenglow CoHousing.
Our County
Ouray County Courthouse – recently renovated to its historical glory and the historic film set of True Grit
Ouray County is 542 square miles of incredible landscape and beauty, fascinating history, strong communities, and seemingly endless opportunities to explore and create. The county has a small population (around 5,000 people), about half of which is centered in the city of Ouray and town of Ridgway. Although much of the county is composed of mountains or ranches, the communities are large enough to provide great opportunities for friendship and a sense of civic pride. Ranching and tourism top the list of economic activities.
As the county seat, the city of Ouray hosts the annual Independence Day Parade down Main Street and Fireworks at the end of the box canyon.
Ouray County, Colorado has a rich history of silver and gold mining, with many historic structures scattered around the mountains. Many dirct county roads are drivable by regular passenger cars, while others offer access by jeep, mountain bike or on foot.
Local hiking clubs and nonprofits such as the Ouray County Historical Society and Audubon Society offer group hikes to ghost towns and natural wonders around the area.
Local arts organizations and entertainment venues in Ouray County fill every month of the year with a variety of performances and presentations. From intimate coffee houses, to quirky bars, to turn-of-the-century theaters to outdoor stages with million-dollar views (and great acoustics!), talented artists and experts share their creations and knowledge at events big and small year round.
Ouray County has an active volunteer culture where residents and visitors join together to beautify the community and develop our cultural and natural resources.