Swimming holes by town
Swimming Holes in Ridgway, Colorado
3 natural swimming holes
Ridgway punches above its weight as a swim town: 3 natural swimming holes in our directory sit in or near town. They're scattered across Ouray County and San Miguel County. Start with Blue Lakes (Mount Sneffels) or Orvis Hot Springs — both solid listings. The mix runs 2 lakes, and 1 spring.
Swimming holes in Ridgway
- Blue Lakes (Mount Sneffels)
Three impossibly blue alpine lakes beneath 13,000-foot peaks, reached by a steep 4.5-mile trail from the Blue Lakes trailhead.
- Orvis Hot Springs
A clothing-optional natural hot spring with outdoor pools in the Uncompahgre Gorge near Ouray.
- Ridgway Reservoir
A Uncompahgre Valley reservoir with a swim beach, campground, and red-rock canyon views.
Frequently asked questions
How many swimming holes are in Ridgway, CO?
Our directory lists 3 natural swimming holes in and around Ridgway, Colorado, across Ouray County, San Miguel County. New spots are added as they're verified.
What kinds of swimming holes are in Ridgway?
The 3 listings cover 2 lakes, 1 spring. See each listing for details on access and conditions.
Which swimming hole near Ridgway should I try first?
Blue Lakes (Mount Sneffels) is a well-documented local listing. Three impossibly blue alpine lakes beneath 13,000-foot peaks, reached by a steep 4.5-mile trail from the Blue Lakes trailhead. Full details, maps, and safety notes are on its page.
Do swimming holes near Ridgway charge a fee?
Some do — state parks and popular preserves often charge a day-use or parking fee. Each listing shows reported fee info where known.