Dolores Area - Southwest Colorado
The city of Dolores was first established as a city in 1900, when it became a major stop on the Rio Grande Railroad. The town lost distinction as a commercial center when 1950 brought the abandonment of the rail line. Today, it is a center for recreational activity.
Dolores boasts the second largest lake in Colorado, McPhee Lake whose sloping, timbered shore makes for interesting views. Here you can water ski, sail, or jet ski, as well as fish from a boat for large and small-mouth bass, blue gills and crappies. Or try the Dolores River, named by two Spanish friars in honor of "Our Lady of Sorrows," where the nutrient-rich waters are teaming with rainbow, brown, cutthroat and brook trout. At the rivers you can also kayak. During winter months, downhill ski at Telluride, or for fewer crowds, visit the hills at Durango Mountain Resort (FKA Purgatory) or Hesperus. Snowmobiling and cross country skiing are also available in the area.
This area also has exceptional hunting, with an abundance of wildlife and big game. See the area's beautiful archeology at the Anasazi ruins, and learn about them in the nearby Anasazi Heritage Center museum that has over 2 million artifacts, educational and participatory exhibits. Hike, jeep, or horseback ride in the San Juan National Forest, from the Dolores River Valley to 14,000-foot peaks in the Mount Wilson Primitive Area. Take the scenic byway, the San Juan Skyway, that goes northeast to Telluride on Highway 145 or southeast to Durango. Once called "America's Most Beautiful Drive," the drive from Dolores to Telluride is especially magnificent.
Dolores Area is near: Dove Creek, Telluride, & Mesa Verde Area
All Dolores Area Advertisers
A Colorado guest ranch & hunting/fishing outfitter without a high price tag & minimum stay! Enjoy scenic horseback riding, home-cooked meals & friendly hospitality in Dolores. Families, reunions & groups.
Minutes to McPhee Reservoir. Big rigs welcome. Two miles northeast of Dolores offering full hookup RV sites, tenting along the river and cabins with kitchens. Once you arrive, enjoy the peace and tranquility.
5 cabins on excellent trout river in gorgeous Dolores River Canyon, halfway between Telluride and Dolores in southwest Colorado. Great area for fishing, hiking or just plain relaxing.
Majestic mountain peaks and serene high country meadows, near Dolores. Groundhog Lake is a favorite spot for local fisherman. Enjoy fishing, trophy hunting, tremendous photography, or just relax.
Colorado's most remote cabin at Groundhog Lake near Dolores. NON-smoking. Enjoy solitude & beauty of the mountains. No sounds of trains & automobiles or bright city lights. Reservations required.
Located in the cozy town of Dolores along the Dolores River, and 1 mile to McPhee Reservoir. 25 minutes to Mesa Verde National Park. 5 minutes to 18-hole city golf course. 10 miles north of Wal-Mart.
RV Sales, Services & Rentals
We have been servicing trailers and RVs throughout the 4-Corners region for 16 years! We are happy to make on-site service calls from Durango to Dolores. Open April - October Monday through Saturday.
For More Information Contact:
Dolores Area Maps
Rafting & Kayaking Rivers
Dolores River
Snowmobiling
Dolores Snowmobile Trails




