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Colorado > Colorado Community Areas > Dolores Area

Destination Locator: (3 options)

Dolores Area

Mancos State Park- This state park lies in the high country of the southern San Juan Mountains in the southwestern corner of Colorado.
Mancos-Dolores Ranger District- Mancos-Dolores is the western most ranger district in the San Juan National Forest and contains portions of the Mancos and Dolores Rivers. The town of Cortez and Mesa Verde National Park are located to the south of this area.
Mesa Verde National Park- Mesa Verde National Park, in the southwestern corner of Colorado, is home to evidence of ancient civilizations. It is the only National Park dedicated to the works of prehistoric man.

Activity Locator: (168 recreation options)

All Dolores Area Outdoor Recreation Activities

Dolores Area Outfitters and Guides

		Satellite Map

		Trip Planner
		Reservable Campgrounds

General Information

Description - Various ghost towns surround the area and provide opportunities for visitors to explore the remains of the mining economy. Visitors and locals alike can enjoy the water-based activities provided by the Dolores River and McPhee Reservoir. The western border of the San Juan National Forest lies east of Dolores, which is a good access point for outdoor recreation opportunities. Route 145 leads through town making Dolores a stop on the San Juan Scenic and Historic Byway. Ancestral Pueblian cultural history abounds in the Escalante Ruins Historical Site and the Anasazi Heritage Center west of town.

Recreation - Visitors can find a variety of boating, fishing, camping, scenic driving, hiking, climbing, and backpacking opportunities in the surrounding San Juan National Forest and McPhee Reservoir.

Climate - In the summer, daytime temperatures range from 85 to 100 degrees F, dropping to 55 to 65 F at night. In the winter months, the temperatures may reach a high of 50 degrees F, but nights can be cold, dropping into the single digits. Average precipitation is about 18 inches annually.

Location - Dolores lies in the southwestern corner of Colorado on the outskirts of the San Juan National Forest. The Dolores River flows through town on its way to McPhee Reservoir. The La Plata Mountain Range can be seen to the east.

Current Conditions & Trip Reports

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More Information

Contact Information:
Anasazi Heritage Center, 27501 Highway 184 , Dolores, CO, 81323, Phone: 303-882-4811
Dolores Chamber of Commerce, 420 Central Avenue , Dolores, CO, 81323, Phone: 970-882-7720

Additional Information:
Colorado Community Areas - Colorado's diverse communities include metropolitan areas, posh ski resorts and rustic mountain towns.
Southwest Region - This region lies south of the Elk Mountains and Grand Mesa and west of the Continental Divide. It includes spectacular mountains, and varied terrain that supports recreation activities of many types and all skill levels.

Links:
Dolores Chamber of Commerce - The local chamber of commerce website.
San Juan National Forest - Official Forest Service website.