Dolores, Colorado

Dolores is a friendly southwestern town, with a nice downtown and a rich history. Due to it’s ideal location around a number of recreation areas, the town receives a steady stream of travelers throughout the year.

There are a few places to eat in town including Dolores ​River Brewery, which has patio seating available.

Main Attractions

McPhee Recreation Area – At roughly 4,500 surface acres and over 50 miles of shoreline, McPhee Lake is the 2nd largest (artificial) lake in the state. Camping, fishing and boating are big. It’s named for McPhee, CO, an old company town (NM Lumber) that’s now submerged under the lake.

Recreation

Camping:

• McPhee Campground has 76 campsites, over 2 loops, 500 feet above the reservoir. They are open year round, but no services (water, electric, trash, rest rooms).

Fishing:

• Dolores River runs through town and empties into the McPhee Reservoir. Shore and boat fishing can be found at McPhee Lake.

Accommodations

Booking.com

Activities near Dolores

Federal Lands:

• Canyons of the Ancients National Monument (3mi)
• Hovenweep National Monument (45mi)
• McPhee Reservoir (8mi)
• Mesa Verde National Park (39mi)
• San Juan National Forest
• Yucca House National Monument (22mi)

Hiking:

• Calico Trail

Scenic Drives:

• San Juan Skyway Byway
• Trail of the Ancients Byway

Ski Areas:

• Purgatory Mountain Resort (73mi)
• Hesperus Ski Area (35mi)
• Telluride Ski Resort (61mi)

State Parks:

• Lone Mesa State Park (26mi)
• Mancos State Park (23mi)

Towns:

• Bedrock (118mi)
• Cortez (11mi)
• Dove Creek (34mi)
• Durango (46mi)
• Mancos (​18mi)
• Pleasant View (19mi)
• Telluride (64mi)
• Yellow Jacket (15mi)

Transportation:

• Cortez Municipal Airport (CEZ) (16mi)
• Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) (59mi)

Whitewater Rafting:

• Dolores River Rafting

Latest in Dolores