City Profile

Elevation: 6,936'
Population: 857
Average Midsummer Temperature: 87 degrees

 

You will be charmed by this little town. It is located in the beautiful Dolores River Valley. The full Spanish name of the Dolores River was Rio de Nuestra Senora de los Dolores, "River of Our Lady of Sorrows," conferred by Fathers Escalante and Dominguez on their historic expedition in 1776. 

Catch of the day at McPhee

The river winds through the narrow valley in which the town of Dolores nestles, and then empties into McPhee Reservoir, the second-largest lake in Colorado.

McPhee is an ideal site for fishing, camping and boating, and the river itself offers fishing, rafting and kayaking. The valley was once home to the Ancestral Puebloans, and more than 1,380 archaeological sites were identified in the Dolores Project area prior to the construction of the reservoir. The extensive collections from those excavations are archived and interpreted at the Anasazi Heritage Center just north of Dolores, which is also the official headquarters of the new Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.

Dolores Summer Events

Dolores Chamber of Commerce:
970-882-4018

Rafting on the Dolores River

Dolores most well-known event is the three-day community celebration called Escalante Days. Flanders Park comes alive with entertainment, arts, crafts and a wide variety of food. The parade is held on the "middle" day of the fun. Games, contests and just plain ol' good-hearted town fun top off a good summer.

Here are a few other scheduled events:

June 4 & 5 – River Fest

June 5 – Community-Wide Yard Sale

July 4 – Fourth of July Celebration

Aug. 13-15 – Escalante Days

 

Mountain Biking in the Dolores area

There are many great hiking & biking trails in the area. Below you’ll find the Dolores Ranger District office top picks for two different levels of experience. Detailed maps or trail information is available at the ranger station, located at 100 North 6th Street in Dolores.

Easy to intermediate: Boggy Draw Trail

This trail is approximately 3 miles outside of Dolores. There are approximately 4 single-track trails here through oak brush and ponderosa pine. Choose from shorter or longer loops. There are no maps available yet on Boggy Draw, but a ranger will give you directions.

Advanced: Calico Trail

The trail is 20 miles in length and is one way. Riders must backtrack or take side trail loops to return to the trailhead. It is located in the vicinity of the town of Rico. It is a true single-track trail and the average elevation is 10,000 feet. There are some technical areas where you can expect steep, narrow terrain. Owing to the elevation and the climbs and descents this is why this trail is more challenging. It is a multi-use trail, so expect dirt bikes, hikers and horses.

Traditional Charm Antique Mall – 315 Central Ave., (970) 882-2424. Offering a selection of primitives to collectibles, crystal to cast iron. 4,500 sq. ft. of history located in the historic Exon building. Open 7 days a week 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Find that special piece or collectible you have been searching for.

The Anasazi Heritage Center is located just 3 miles west of Dolores on Highway 184. The museum interprets the history and culture of the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, Trail of the Ancients, and the Four Corners region. This facility features ancient pottery, interactive display, 12th-century archaeological sites, changing exhibits, and special events. The museum is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March through October. For information call 970-882-5600 or visit www.co.blm.gov/ahc.