Location Useful LinksDolores is located in Montezuma County, in the southwest corner of Colorado, where the San Juan Mountains meet the desert canyon country. It is close to the Four Corners area, where Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona meet. The elevation ranges from 6,200 feet in Cortez to approximately 7,000 feet in Mancos and Dolores. Dolores is located 20 miles from the entrance to Mesa Verde National Park and many archaeological sites, including the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument and the Anazasi Heritage Center.
History and Dolores Area FactsMaking the perfect setting for the Town of Dolores, the Dolores River winds its way through the town and empties into McPhee Lake. Canyon walls, riverbanks and the upper shores of the second largest lake in Colorado are all well within the boundaries of Dolores. An ideal place for a vacation, with reasonable lodging and meal rates, Dolores makes the perfect location for visiting the Four Corners Area. Camping, boating, water skiing, evening cruises, and fishing can all be enjoyed on Lake McPhee while looking at the majestic peaks of the San Juan Mountains. Over a million fish have been stocked in the lake for the finest fishing experience in the Southwest. Below the dam is 11 miles of quality fishing water. This trout stream is being called "close to Gold Medal" by outdoor writers that have cast their line in the river. Paradise is the only way to describe the outdoor recreation of the area. You can enjoy summer activities in the spring and summer or play in the snow in the winter. Deer, elk, mountain lions, bear, and smaller game all share the valley. This makes Dolores the headquarters for hunters either with guns or cameras. The mountains provide beautiful scenery for the casual drive along the San Juan Skyway or for the more adventuresome, the mountains offer numerous four-wheel drive treks. High hope abounds for the Galloping Goose Historical Society. A replica of the original Rio Grande Southern Railroad Depot now stands as a monument to the "railroad era" along Railroad Avenue. The Dolores Depot houses the Rio Grande Southern Railroad Museum. R.G.S. Motor car #5, also known as Galloping Goose #5, is now fully restored and sits in front of the Depot. Explore the rich archaeological history of the Dolores area. The Anasazi Heritage Center is a few miles from Dolores. The Escalante Ruins over looks McPhee Lake just above the Heritage Center. Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, Mesa Verde National Park, and Crow Canyon Archaeological Center are a short drive away. Enjoy the variety of choices Dolores has to offer. Relax and enjoy getting away from the hustle and bustle of a city. Explore the historic buildings and friendly atmosphere of the town as you peruse our restaurants and retail shops. Enjoy the miles of trails and fresh air. Enjoy life. ClimateMontezuma County has milder winters than most of Colorado, yet still has four distinct seasons. The climate is dry, with abundant sunshine 321 days of the year. Average precipitation is 13.15 inches, and the average annual snowfall is 40.6 inches. Although winter sports abound just minutes away from the area, around Montezuma County winters are mild and snow typically melts away in a few days. January daytime temperatures are typically in the 40s, and July high temperatures rarely exceed 95 degrees.
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