Hunting:

Dolores, Colorado, offers excellent hunting opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. With its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife, hunters will find a variety of game species to pursue throughout the hunting seasons.

Big Game Hunting:

Dolores and the surrounding areas are renowned for their elk populations. Elk hunting is a popular activity in the region, with both over-the-counter and limited draw hunting opportunities available. The area is within Game Management Units (GMUs) 71, 72, and 73, offering a variety of terrain and hunting experiences.

Mule deer hunting is also excellent in the Dolores area. Hunters can find mule deer in a variety of habitats, including high alpine areas, aspen forests, and sagebrush flats. GMUs 71, 72, and 73 offer mule deer hunting opportunities, with both limited draw and over-the-counter tags available.

Black bear hunting is another popular pursuit near Dolores. The area’s dense forests and rugged terrain provide ideal habitat for black bears. Hunters can apply for limited draw bear tags in GMUs 71, 72, and 73, or pursue bears during the rifle seasons with an elk or deer tag.

Small Game and Upland Bird Hunting:

Turkey hunting in Dolores and the surrounding areas is excellent. Hunters can pursue both Merriam’s and Rio Grande subspecies of wild turkey during the spring and fall turkey hunting seasons.

The Dolores area is also home to several reservoirs, rivers, and wetland areas that provide habitat for waterfowl. Hunters can pursue a variety of species, including ducks, geese, and other waterfowl, during the designated hunting seasons.

Hunting Regulations and Access:

Hunters must familiarize themselves with Colorado hunting regulations, including season dates, license requirements, and bag limits, before hunting in the Dolores area. Specific regulations for each species and hunting unit can be found on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.

Access to hunting areas near Dolores is primarily on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service. Hunters should consult maps and land management agencies for information on public land boundaries, road access, and other important details.

Fishing:

Dolores, Colorado, is surrounded by pristine rivers, streams, and reservoirs, offering excellent fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you prefer casting in a mountain stream or trolling on a reservoir, Dolores has something to offer every angler.

Fly Fishing Opportunities near Dolores:

The Dolores River provides excellent fly fishing opportunities. The Upper Dolores River is a classic freestone stream that flows through canyons and valleys, offering challenging fishing conditions and the chance to target wild trout species such as rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout, as well as mountain whitefish.

The Lower Dolores River flows through a desert canyon landscape, offering a unique fly fishing experience. Anglers can target trout, smallmouth bass, and northern pike in this section of the river.

McPhee Reservoir, a large impoundment on the Dolores River, offers excellent fishing for trout, bass, perch, and other warmwater species.

Mountain streams and lakes surrounding Dolores provide more secluded fishing opportunities in an alpine setting. These waters are home to trout species such as cutthroat, rainbow, and brook trout. Examples include the West Dolores River, Lizard Head Creek, Calico Creek, Bear Creek, and Elk Creek.

Several fly shops and outfitters operate in the Dolores area, offering guided fly fishing trips, gear rental, and other services to anglers. These outfitters can provide valuable local knowledge and assistance.

Mountain Biking:

Dolores, Colorado, offers a variety of mountain biking trails suitable for riders of all skill levels. From scenic singletrack to challenging downhill descents, there’s something for every mountain biking enthusiast.

Mountain Biking Trails near Dolores:

The Boggy Draw Trail System, located approximately 10 miles northwest of Dolores, offers miles of well-maintained singletrack trails winding through the San Juan National Forest.

Phil’s World is renowned for its excellent mountain biking trails, offering riders thrilling rides through slickrock terrain and scenic desert landscapes. The trail system features a variety of loops and challenges for all skill levels.

The San Juan National Forest surrounding Dolores offers a variety of mountain biking trails, from easy family-friendly rides to challenging technical descents. Trails like the Chicken Creek Trail, Calico Trail, and Stoner Mesa Loop offer riders the chance to explore the forest’s diverse terrain and scenery.

The Calico Trail offers riders a challenging singletrack experience with views of the surrounding mountains and canyons. The trail features technical rock sections, fast descents, and overlooks, making it a favorite among experienced mountain bikers.

The Balsam Trail is a scenic singletrack trail that winds through aspen groves and pine forests in the San Juan National Forest. Riders can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys while navigating the trail’s twists and turns.

The McPhee Overlook Trail offers riders a challenging climb to a scenic overlook with panoramic views of McPhee Reservoir and the surrounding mountains. The trail features technical sections and steep climbs, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced riders.