Doing It Our Way In Ouray...and Ridgeway

As a Christmas gift to my Kyle, I purchased a couple nights get away at the Ridgeway Lodge and Star Saloon. It wasn't fancy but it was the perfect place for a well-earned couple days of refuge and adventure. 

In just the first day, we were able to watch a horse drawn skiing/snowboarding competition at the local fair grounds, watch (with our jaws dropped) as brave souls climbed the ice cliffs in Ouray, snowshoe at Hayden Trail Head where we saw remnants of an old ski lodge and walked across a frozen lake, and ate one of the best burgers we've ever had at the Ouray Brewery while swinging at the bar in gondola seats. Had COViD restrictions not interfered, we would have ended the evening at the Ouray Hot Pools. I'm determined to go back before the snow season is over so we can experience it!

The next morning we hopped across the road to Main St in Ridgeway where we walked the same streets as John Wayne did when he filmed True Grit. Our travel into the Old West continued as we breakfasted at the Provisions At The Barber Shop -- both Kyle and I recommend the homemade Pastrami with sour dough English muffins. -- and did a quick self-created driving tour of all of the old buildings afterward. COViD struck again when we were unable to visit both the Ranch Museum and the Rail Road Museum. As Arnie said, "I'll be back." 

Take a peek below to see a short list of some of the places we'd like to visit on our return trip. If you have suggestions that we ought to add to our list, please let us know!

Ouray Must Do's: 
Ice Climbing Festival - in February
Ouray County Museum - offers historic walking tours
Ouray Alchemist Museum
Ouray Hot Springs
Cascade Falls
Box Canyon Falls

Restaurants: 
Artisan Bakery
Goldbelt Bar and Grill
Brickhouse 737
Ouray Brewery

Nearby:
Drive the Million Dollar Highway - stop at Bear Creek Falls
Visit Durango/Silverton
Ute Museum in Montrose

Ridgeway:
Black Canyon National Park
Ranch Museum
RR Museum

Restaurants:
Taco Del Gnar
Lotus Root
Eatery 66
Adobe Inn