Attractions and Places To See in Dolores County - Top 7

Dolores County is rich in history. You can visit the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, which preserves over 6,000 Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites. The Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center & Museum in Dolores offers exhibits and information. Other notable sites include the historic mining town of Rico, the Galloping Goose Railroad Museum, and the Brewer Archaeological District with its ancient pueblos.

Yes, the Bradfield Recreation Site on the Dolores River is a great option, offering campsites and restrooms, and serving as a launching spot for rafting. The McPhee Reservoir is also excellent for families, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Dolores County features several stunning viewpoints and mountain passes. Blackhawk Pass offers views towards towering mountains like Section Point, Hermosa Peak, and Telescope Mountain. Another must-see is Lizard Head Pass, a 10,246-foot pass along the San Juan Skyway with spectacular views of the San Juan Mountains.

The county boasts diverse natural beauty. The Dolores River is a significant waterway, offering fishing and outdoor enjoyment. McPhee Reservoir is Colorado's second-largest reservoir, ideal for water sports. The vast San Juan National Forest provides a scenic backdrop, and you can even find Colorado's only true geyser on the Geyser Spring Trail.

Dolores County offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking and mountain biking on the Boggy Draw Trail System or the Dolores River Trail. Fishing is popular in the Dolores River and McPhee Reservoir. Boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding are available at McPhee Reservoir. During winter, Dolores is known for cross-country skiing, and rafting opportunities exist on the Dolores River. For more specific routes, check out the hiking guide or MTB trails guide.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the Blackhawk Pass section of the Colorado Trail leads up to 12,000 feet with significant elevation gain. The Boggy Draw Trail System also offers diverse terrain for various skill levels. Additionally, the Hotel Draw Road is a rugged, high-elevation 4WD dirt road that intersects the Colorado Trail.

The best time to visit Dolores County largely depends on your preferred activities. Summer and fall offer ideal conditions for hiking, biking, and water sports, with pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage. Winter brings opportunities for cross-country skiing. Always check local weather conditions before your visit, especially for high-elevation areas.

Yes, camping facilities are available. The Bradfield Recreation Site on the Dolores River offers campsites and restrooms. Additionally, the McPhee Recreation Area provides numerous campsites, and there's a small campsite near Straight Creek, which is also a reliable water source along the Colorado Trail.

Yes, the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway passes through Dolores County, offering breathtaking views of the region's landscapes, including the San Juan Mountains from Lizard Head Pass.

Beyond the major sites, Dolores County has unique landmarks like the Galloping Goose Railroad Museum in Dolores, which showcases one of the original Galloping Goose railcars. The historic town of Rico features the William Kauffman House, the only masonry residence in town from the 1890s, and the Dolores County Courthouse (now Rico Town Hall), built in 1892.

The primary resource for ancient Puebloan history is the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. The Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center & Museum is the best starting point, offering detailed exhibits. Within or near the monument, you can explore sites like Escalante Pueblo, Lowry Pueblo, and Sand Canyon Pueblo.

With vast natural areas like the San Juan National Forest and the Dolores River Canyon Wilderness Study Area, Dolores County offers opportunities for wildlife watching. Common sightings may include deer, elk, various bird species, and smaller mammals. Always observe wildlife from a respectful distance.