Known as the “River of Sorrows” after early Spanish explorers faced great hardship here, Dolores has transformed into a welcoming gateway to the wonders of the Colorado wilderness.
In This Article
If you’re looking for a home base for your southwestern Colorado adventures, you should definitely consider Dolores! Keep reading to learn what this town has to offer.
TL;DR
- Dolores provides easy access to hiking, biking, fishing and boating opportunities with its location along the Dolores River.
- Historic landmarks like the Dove Creek Pioneer Cemetery and Rico Argentine Mining Company give insights into the region's past.
- Festivals like the Dolores River Festival and seasonal phenomena like fall foliage showcase the best of Dolores.
Scenic Surroundings and Outdoor Adventures
The main draw of Dolores, Colorado, is its proximity to over one million acres of public lands, ranging from the San Juan National Forest to McPhee Reservoir. The Dolores River itself offers premier trout fishing as it cuts through the area’s dramatic red rock canyons. Rafting and kayaking excursions run through class III and IV rapids, while the 30-mile Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway traces the river north past an old fire lookout tower. The stunning scenery of the Dolores River Canyons Country is not to be missed, and you can learn more about efforts to protect it from development and and mining.
The extensive trail system here includes moderate hikes like the Boggy Draw Out and Back along ponderosa pines and aspens and more challenging treks to high alpine lakes on the Lone Cone Trail. Mountain bikers can test their technical skills on the trails of Boggy Draw or enjoy more relaxed riding along the West Fork. With over 300 miles of trails, outdoor enthusiasts will never run out of new terrain to explore.
Insights Into Native Culture
While the Ute people have inhabited this area for millennia, modern Dolores also celebrates its Hispanic heritage. Visitors can learn about the blend of cultures of indigenous peoples at the Anasazi Heritage Center, displaying artifacts left by the ancestral Puebloan people. The Dove Creek Pioneer Cemetery provides a sobering look into the struggles faced by early settlers.
To experience living heritage, the Dolores River Festival in June features Native American dancing, music, local food, and craft vendors. The town comes alive with demonstrations of traditional skills like Navajo rug weaving and Ute bear dancing. For a more hands-on experience, visitors can participate in an archaeological dig at nearby sites like the Trail Canyon Pueblo and learn more about the daily lives of those who came before.
Epic Scenery Across the Seasons
The dramatic rock formations and evergreen forests around Dolores shine each season. Summer wildflowers blanket the mountain meadows, while fall paints the hillsides with vibrant yellow aspens. The San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway offers stunning vistas as it winds through old mining towns, eventually climbing over the 11,018-foot summit of Lizard Head Pass.
Winter turns the landscape into a veritable playground. Nearby Lone Cone offers prime snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on gentle trails through ponderosa and lodgepole pine forests. For downhill excitement, larger resorts like Telluride and Purgatory are only an hour’s drive, with famous runs cutting through aspen glades and breathtaking descents from 12,000+ feet peaks.
Charming Accommodations and Cuisine
Visitors can select from comfortable lodges, RV parks, or even dude ranches set along the Dolores River. In town, the Dolores Mountain Inn offers spacious rooms while the rustic Outpost Motel features a more nostalgic setting. Those looking to rough it can camp along the river, immersing themselves in nature under the stars. RVers should look into availability at the Dolores River RV Resort.
Dining runs the gamut from family-friendly pub fare to innovative Southwest cuisine. Start the day with breakfast and coffee at Kelly’s Kitchen before refueling after a long hike with juicy burgers at The Depot. Food trucks around town serve everything from wood-fired pizzas to Thai street food.
Engaging Ways to Discover Dolores
While Dolores offers enough sights and activities to keep any family entertained, visitors can also embark on specialized tours for more enriching experiences. Heritage tours by professional archaeologists uncover ancient dwellings and artifacts left behind by ancestral Puebloan inhabitants. Families can try their hand at gold panning along the Dolores River – you never know what hidden treasures you might uncover!
Of course, many of the best memories are made by simply wandering historic downtown and popping into local shops and galleries. Kids love climbing the Shiprock climbing structure at Joe Rowell Park. When the day’s adventures wind down, families can roast s’mores together as the sun sets over the red cliffs in a picture-perfect conclusion.
Essential Tips for an Unforgettable Visit
While Dolores can be visited year-round, late spring and summer offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor adventures and seasonal events like the Dolores River Festival. Fall’s golden foliage and winter snowscapes each have their own magic.
Most attractions are concentrated right off the main street, making Dolores easy to navigate by foot or bike. While having a car allows more flexibility for side trips, visitors can also utilize shuttle services to trailheads.
Above all, make sure to venture beyond the town itself into the surrounding wilderness. With sweeping vistas, archaeological wonders, and wildflowers at every turn, each canyon promises new surprises waiting to be uncovered in this corner of Colorado.
FAQ
What is there to do in Dolores, Colorado?
Dolores offers endless outdoor recreation, from hiking and mountain biking to rafting and fishing on the Dolores River. The town also provides insights into Native American culture and Old West history, while scenic drives showcase stunning mountain scenery.
What is Dolores best known for?
Dolores is best known for its access to public lands like the San Juan National Forest along the Dolores River. It serves as the gateway to renowned fishing and boating through the red rock canyons of the region.
What is there to do with kids in Dolores?
Great activities for kids include panning for gold and gemstone mining, visiting farm animals, playing at parks like Joe Rowell Park, and exploring ancient dwellings on specialized heritage tours.
When is the best time to visit Dolores?
The best times for outdoor adventures are late spring and summer when the weather is mildest. However, fall and winter have their own charms, from fall foliage to snow-covered peaks.
What nearby towns or attractions are close to Dolores?
Nearby destinations include Mesa Verde National Park, McPhee Reservoir, Telluride Ski Resort, and the towns of Cortez, Rico, Mancos, and Durango, each just a short drive from Dolores.
