Dolores Colorado
Chamber of Commerce
&
Visitor’s Center
P.O. Box 602, Hwy. 145/201 Railroad Avenue
970-882-4018
Dolores, Colorado 81323
©2012 Dolores Chamber of Commerce
National Parks and Monuments
Day trips are a breeze when you stay in Dolores.
In addition to famous archaeological
sites and geological wonders like Mesa Verde National Park and the Ute Mountain Tribal
Park, you can explore the Anasazi ruins at Hovenweep National Monument, Escalante,
Dominguez and Lowry Ruins, as well as Crow Canyon. Aztec National Monument, Salmon
Ruins and even Chaco Canyon are also within a day's reach. Nearby scenic wonders
include Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Monument Valley and Four Corners Monument.
Don't miss the Anasazi Heritage Center, a world class museum just out side of Dolores
and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.
Learn Ancient Cultures at the Anasazi Heritage Center
The BLM manages a "world class" museum just outside Dolores. The Center is not only a museum, but also houses more than 3 million artifacts and archives excavated from public lands in southwestern Colorado. Throughout the year, the museum hosts guest lectures and changing exhibits in addition to its permanent exhibits.
You can also bring the kids. They'll love learning about history while exploring
in the museum's interactive Discovery Area. The Discovery Area includes a weaving
loom, corn grinding bins, and several computer stations that share information about
archaeology and modern Native Americans. The museum also shows original movies that
explore topics of archaeology, local history and Pueblo, Ute and Navajo life ways.
Also located on the museum's grounds are two 12th century pueblos. These pueblos
are named after the Spanish friars, Escalante and Dominguez, who traveled through
the area in AD 1776. For more information, call (970) 882-5600, or visit the Center's
website at www.co.blm.gov/ahc. Doors are open everyday except Thanksgiving, Christmas
Day and New Years Days.
(Photos courtesy of BLM/AHC/CANM)
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument was designated in June of 2000. The Monument contains the highest concentration of archaeological sites in the nation. These sites represent cultures and traditions spanning thousands of years. More information about places to visit in the Monument is available at the Anasazi Heritage Center. Four areas have been somewhat modified for the public access: Lowry Pueblo, Painted Hand Pueblo, Sand Canyon Pueblo, and the Sand Canyon Trail. These areas are accessible from maintained county roads, but go to the Anasazi Heritage Center first for maps, brochures, and current information about places to visit; some roads may be impassible when wet. For more information, call (970) 882-5600, or visit the Monument's website at www.co.blm.gov/canm.
Railroad History in Dolores, Colorado
Dolores was a railroad town for 60 years, a major Rio Grande Southern station between Durango and Ridgeway. You'll find an exact replica of Dolores's original train depot standing on Railroad Avenue today, a Victorian-style structure that now houses the Rio Grande Southern Railroad Museum
Galloping Goose #5
Its renovation was finished in May of 1998. This Goose carried mail and sometimes nervous passengers over narrow gauge track through Southwest Colorado's San Juan Mountains for almost 20 years until 1952. For additional information visit their website. www.gallopinggoose5.com.
Motor Fire was completed in 1933. She and her sisters, Nos. 2,3,4 and 7 used to carry light freight and mail through 1949. With the loss of the mail contract, she carried tourists through 1951. Motor #5 has been restored to its 1951 appearance as a tourist Goose to allow you to relive those bygone days of honking and waddling pleasure. Stop by the Railroad Museum for a look at railroading past and give this goose a gander.
Fishing, Boating and Rafting around Dolores
McPhee Reservoir, which stretches west from town, is a favorite of fishers and boaters alike. What makes it so special? To date over 4.5 million fish have been stocked in McPhee, so get your line in the water. Trout, bass, crappie, kokanee salmon, pan fish and catfish are all just waiting for your bait or lure In addition to McPhee, there are many more good area fishing holes to explore including Groundhog lake, Narraguinnep and Summit Reservoirs, the Dolores and West Fork Rivers and several creeks. Check with the sports and tackle shops for more details and access information
Hiking, Biking, Camping
You're in the pines, at the edge of the mountains, poised and ready for hiking, fishing
and exploring the spectacular Southwest. We have everything from cabins and campgrounds
to historic hotels, bed and breakfast inns, motels and plenty of RV hookups. It's
your choice. There are private and public campgrounds, alongside a lake or high in
the mountains. In fact there's so much to choose from, you need to contact the Forest
Service and the Visitor Information Center for all the campsites available
After you've
parked your RV or pitched your tent, it's time to head for the trail. You can explore
archaeology, mining and railroad antiquities, fish the high country, hike, mountain
bike, go four wheeling or just plain relax. The air is clean, the forests are pure,
and the only traffic jam you'll run into is with squirrels and chipmunks
Big Game Hunting and Abundant Wildlife
Southwest Colorado offers some of the best big game hunting in the state. Trophy deer and elk abound in the region, and while hunting is strictly regulated to the fall, you can benefit from the abundant wildlife all year long with your binoculars and camera lens. Ask any of our local outfitters for more specific information about seasons, restrictions and guide services.
Get a Taste of the Old West
Stick around and spend a day or two with us. Take a pack trip on horseback into the
San Juan Mountains and explore over 2 million acres of San Juan National Forest.
Rustle up some grub at a chuckwagon dinner and shop for antiquities at local galleries
and shops. Many of the buildings in Dolores are original designs and of historical
significance. A self guided walking tour of 18 historical sites brochure is available
at the Dolores Visitor's Center.
You can witness the living traditions of Native
Americans from the Ute Mountain Ute, Southern Ute and Navajo Tribes, creating and
preserving their way of life, part of the western experience that lives on in our
unique culture. Local shops and galleries are filled with art, weaving, sculpture,
sand paintings, jewelry and more treasures. There's plenty of old west spirit and
charm just waiting to be shared in Mesa Verde Country.
Gaming and Entertainment
Your Lucky Day is Just a Spin Away
For those with an interest in gaming, you can chase lady luck down the highway to
the Ute Mountain Casino, just a half hour away. The action includes casino gambling
with live poker and slots, blackjack and bingo. The casino is open 8 a.m. till 4
a.m. every day.
Closer to home you'll find Indian Dancers and Storytellers in Cortez
on the summer evenings at the University of Colorado's Cortez Center, plus other
special activities posted at the Chamber and around town. A special note: don't miss
Escalante Days, right here in downtown Dolores in August each year. Everyone in town
turns out for this special event!