Flowing through the rugged beauty of southwest Colorado, the Dolores River is the lifeblood of the town of Dolores and its surrounding valleys. Fed by snowmelt from the San Juan Mountains, the river winds through forests, canyons, and meadows before joining the Colorado River, offering both breathtaking scenery and a rich history.

For locals and visitors alike, the Dolores is a playground. In spring and early summer, its waters are alive with kayakers, rafters, and anglers casting for trout. By late summer, calmer flows invite tubing, paddleboarding, and riverside picnics. Along its banks, hikers and mountain bikers can access a network of trails, while nearby McPhee Reservoir offers boating and camping.

Beyond recreation, the river has always held cultural and ecological significance. It sustained Indigenous communities for centuries, shaped the farming and ranching traditions of settlers, and continues to nourish wildlife habitats throughout the Four Corners region. Today, the Dolores River remains a symbol of connection—a place where people gather, adventure, and slow down to appreciate the wild beauty of Colorado.