EXPLORE

Ridgway, Colorado is known as the “Gateway to the San Juan Mountains” making Hotel Palomino the perfect launching pad to explore the natural wonders of this beautiful region.

We are located 35 minutes from the Montrose Airport, 50 minutes to the Telluride Ski Resort and 15 minutes from Ouray. We’re conveniently located at the intersections of highway 550 and 62 in the town of Ridgway, Colorado.

A BIT OF RIDGWAY HISTORY

Ridgway, Colorado was a railroad town for the Rio Grande Southern Railroad. This "Gateway to the San Juans" location was recognized 100 plus years ago when the Rio Grande Southern established Ridgway as a railhead center servicing the nearby silver mining towns of Ouray and Telluride. The town was named after the Denver and Rio Grande railroad superintendent Robert M. Ridgway, who established the town officially in 1891.

More ranchers came to settle in the area providing the miners with food and beef. At first, ranching for them was challenging, especially with the high elevation, which created long, extended winters and short growing seasons.

 Ranch rodeos were a favorite social activity in the area. They started off as spectator sports, with little to no barriers between the audience and the participants. The county fair was later added to showcase produce, handiwork, and a stock show. Ranching remains a core part of the valley's economic history.

To learn more, visit the Ouray County Ranch History Museum.