Railroading History in Dolores, Colorado

Dolores was a railroad town for 60 years, a major Rio Grande Southern station between Durango and Ridgway. You'll find an exact replica of Dolores's original train depot standing on Railroad Avenue today, a Victorian-style structure which now houses the Rio Grande Southern Railroad Museum and the Dolores Visitors' Center.
 

Galloping Goose #5, houses the Rio Grande Southern Railroad Museum.

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.

Dolores' Own "Galloping Goose"

Motor Five was completed in 1933. She and her sisters, Nos. 2, 3, 4 & 7 were 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 and Boating around Dolores

McPhee Reservoir, which stretches west from town, is a favorite of fisher people 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 whew, just plain relax. The air is clean, the forests are pure, and the only traffic jam you'll run into is with the 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!