Dolores, Colorado

“One of the best small towns in Colorado”

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Many qualities go into ranking a town the best… it does not necessarily mean the town has jaw-dropping views or world renowned shopping. A “best town” needs to have a little bit of everything. Good views, good shopping, good food, and nice folks. That sentence just described Dolores, Colorado.

This small town in the four corners area of Colorado is nestled against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. A short jump to explore many of the popular Colorado sites without the fast-pace feel of a large city. Spend the day hiking, swimming, driving, and then drink in the relaxing small town vibes of Dolores, Colorado.

  • Dolores River Brewing Company
  • Antique shopping
  • Dolores River
  • Close proximity to Mesa Verde National Park
  • National Forest access

Beer & Food

Dolores River Brewing Company is a local brewery with local vibes.

They have quality beer and better pizza! The brewery is located on a corner of downtown and have truly expanded to the space. Featured in the back is a large garden area with a small stage. There is more seating along the side of the building .

When we visited in the summer of ‘19 the brewery was working on another entertaining space in the empty lot next door. Be sure to check out their merch and growlers. We snagged a 64oz Dolores River Brewing Company logo engraved HyrdoFlask for only like $40.

Antique Shopping

Downtown Dolores, Colorado

Antique shopping is much more enjoyable when the surroundings match the old stuff you’re browsing through. The downtown of Dolores is still reminiscent of the days when they were thriving as a railroad town. (If you enjoy railroads, be sure to visit Dolores’ Galloping Goose railroad car.) The quaint antique booths called our name. Educated re-sale folks will recognize the prices as a little high but their selection is well worth a look-see. Never know what you might find to take home.

Dolores River

The Dolores River runs along the main strip of the town of Dolores, CO. There are many river access points in the Dolores City Park behind the fields. Each access point is a series of manmade rock steps leading down the embankment to the river. The flow will depend on what time of year you visit. We went in late July of ’19 and Dolores River was flowing and cold. Juniper the Corgi had to have a leash and lifejacket on to keep from floating on down the river. Parking for river access can be found right off highway 145.

Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde National Park is home to many cultural sites and cliff dwellings from a group of Pueblo Native Americans known as the Anasazi. Cultural education is tucked in every corner of this historic and ancient Four Corners region. Mesa Verde National Park entrance is about 25 minutes away from the town of Dolores. We took the Park Ranger led Balcony Tour and can’t recommend it enough! More recently we learned of cliff dwelling tours on the neighboring Ute Reservation. This is on our bucket list. Let us know if you have been!.

Nature

San Juan National Forest and McPhee Lake reside right next to the small Colorado town of Dolores. There are many opportunities to access the San Juan National Forest. Here you can find free dispersed camping. If you prefer a campground, there are options for a fee. National Forest Campgrounds McPhee and House Creek are located on the shores of McPhee Lake, Colorado’s second largest body of water.

Also in Dolores

Rio Grande Southern Railroad Museum

Anasazi Heritage Center and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument