Cimarron Ridge
CIMARRON RIDGE
Near Ridgway, CO
Images and location summary by Tim Wier
Trail Difficulty - MODERATE
I would rate the difficulty of this trail as a 2 on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being most difficult). The location is just off the road, but the dirt road getting there is bumpy with a few rocks and holes along the way.
GPS Coordinates & Elevation
8,991 Ft. Elevation
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View In Google earth
Directions
CLICK HERE to get driving directions to the Cimarron Ridge parking area.
From Ridgway - travel north on US 550 for 1.7 miles until you get to CO RD 10 (a gravel road leading to Owl Creek Pass). Drive on CO RD10 for 4.0 miles until you get to the fork for CO RD8 – and turn right on CO RD 8 for 1.5 miles and and stay left on for another 1.4 miles. At this point, there is a fork in the road. Stay left for another 2.9 miles and will see pullout on your left.
Photography Tips
This shot is pretty straight forward. Timing a patients are important to get a good shot with a little weather or drama.
EXIF Data
Focal Length – 75 mm
Exposure – 125th sec @ f 8.0
ISO – 100
Date – Sept 29th
Time – 12:39 pm
Best Time of Day to Shoot
This location is best in late afternoon as the shot is northeast around 35° - which provides nice side light to illuminated the vista and ridge. Also, this is a very good place to photograph when there is weather in the area or on partly cloudy days. On partly cloudy days, when the sun peaks through it helps to spotlight parts of the shot.
Best Time of Year
This location is at its best during fall color season.
The above image was taken on Sept 29th.
Lens(es) Needed
This location is a nice place for a panoramic - as the hills, ridge and colors extend for miles. However, for a standard shot a 40 - 70 mm lens works just fine.
The above image was taken at 60mm.
Birds-Eye View
Permits
No permits are required at this location.
Direction of the Shot
The direction of the shot is northeast around 50°.
Equipment Needed
A sturdy tripod and a polarizing filter.
Number of Other Photographers to Expect
There are 2 or 3 pullouts on Owl Creek Pass road (CR #8) that will provide a good view of Cimarron Ridge. However, this location is my favorite.
During fall colors season, this location can draw quite a few photographers and this location allows for 5-10 cars to park. The shot is taken right on the side of the road.
Weather
The weather in Colorado is normally mild in the summer and cold (lows in the 20’s) in the spring and fall. Having never been to this location in the winter, I am not sure the road is open or maintained that time of year.
Cell Service
I use Verizon and cell service at this location is spotty. Better cell service is found as you drive down the mountain toward Ridgway.
Lodging & Camping
As far as I know, there are 2 hotels in Ridgway (they usually fill-up quickly in the fall, so make sure you plan ahead). Also, Ridgway State Park is approx. 4 miles north of Ridgway, and there are also several other hotels and lodging in Ouray, CO (approx. 10 miles south of Ridgway).
Ridgway State Park is a VERY NICE state park with lots of campsites ($24 for tent only and $32 for full hook ups) and includes pay showers, laundry, vending machines, and flush restrooms. Ridgway State Park is reservations only (800) 244-5613 or www.cpwshop.com
Nearby camping and lodging
Camping - click on the campground below for directions
Ridgway State Park (4 miles north of Ridgway)
Lodging - click on the lodging below for a TripAdvisor review
Chipeta Solar Springs Resort & Spa
(970) 318-7037
304 S Lena St, Ridgway, CO
Ridgway-Ouray Lodge & Suites
(970) 626-5444
373 Palomino Trail, Ridgway, CO
Nearby Restaurants
Ridgway is a GREAT little town to stay at, visit and eat. When in town, I always try to visit Kate's Place and the The Grit Cafe.
Kate's Place has a GREAT breakfast/brunch and I always try to stop there after my morning shoot. True Grit Café has a nice selection of cold adult beverages and a good menu. Ridgway was the location of the original True Grit movie with John Wayne and the True Grit Café was part of the opening scene.
I have also enjoyed a very good pizza and a cold brew at the Colorado Boy and one of the very best taco around can be found at Gnar.
Nearby Restaurants - click on the restaurant below for yelp review
Kate’s Places
(970) 626-9800
615 W Clinton, Ridgway, CO
Gnar
(970) 626-9715
630 Sherman St, Ridgway, CO
Colorado Boy Pub & Brewery
(970) 626-5333
602 Clinton St, Ridgway, CO
Area Guides and Workshops
None