246 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Colorado - Atlas Obscura Surrounded by the San Juan National Forest and McPhee Reservoir, youll feel like a local with mountain biking and hiking, paddle boarding or kayaking, snowshoe or cross country skiing opportunities straight from town or head up the mesa to the Boggy Draw trail system to start your adventure. // Set this to 100 so that this function only runs once. The world's highest cog railway scales the side of the mountain, offering views of trees, waterfalls, and wildlife along the way. The 76-acre ballpark sits squarely in downtown and encompasses Sandlot Brewery, the first brewery inside an MLB venue. The season runs from May through October and covers the gamut of genres, as well as the Film on the Rocks movie screening series, Yoga on the Rocks, and other events. While Im not, Whats your favorite drink while camping?, Happy Camper 15 Best Things to Do in Cortez, Colorado - VacationIdea.com At Echo Canyon, your rafting adventure can be combined with a visit to Royal Gorge Bridge (and the adjoining amusement park), zip-lining, and a visit to a nearby dinosaur museum. Dolores County Travel Guide 2023 - Things to Do, What To Eat & Tips Hotels near Montezuma County Airport (CEZ), Hotels near Telluride Regional Airport (TEX), Motels near Montezuma County Airport (CEZ), Motels near Telluride Regional Airport (TEX), Discover Providence Guided Sightseeing Tour, Full Day 3-Island Boat Cruise from Port of Kos, Lower Gauley River Whitewater Rafting Trip, NYC Airport Express Bus from JFK or LGA to Manhattan, Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds + Scenic Trolley Adventure USA Combo Package, Vintage Cabriolet Photo Private Tour in Capri. ]]> Yelp helps you discover popular restaurants, hotels, tours, shopping, and nightlife for your vacation. Best of Dolores: Find must-see tourist attractions and things to do in Dolores, Colorado. } googletag.defineSlot('/14641836/CITY_Dolores_Tile_4', [[180, 150], [300, 250]], 'div-gpt-ad-1521559502281-3').addService(googletag.pubads()); Set in the White River National Forest with Gore Creek running through it, the picturesque locale is an ideal destination for lovers of the outdoors. 1. Visit Website. See all Fired Up Pizzeria reviews, "My dad is vegan and he had a lot to choose from, but I decided on the short rib, which was out of this world good." window.setTimeout(advagg_mod_12, 250); // Throw the exception if this still fails after running 40 times. I plan to go back, stop in just to say hi if I may be so lucky as to be passing through. They all offer opportunities for both adventure and peaceful relaxation. definitely a place I plan on going back to visit. Dolores Vacation Rentals Flights to Dolores Dolores Restaurants Things to Do in Dolores Dolores Travel Forum Dolores Photos Dolores Map Dolores Travel Guide. Hovenweep National Monument. Our family of 5 (with 3 kids ages 9, 13 and 15) did a 2-hour horseback ride at Circle K this past week. } The 150,000-acre national park is a four-hour drive from Denver, but its worth the haul to see the beige mountains of sand rise in waves before the white-tipped Sangre de Cristo Range. Doc was more than just helpful he had a very uplifting attitude that seemed to lift the atmosphere of the whole store . Distance from Denver:336 miles southwest, 6-hour driveOne of the most southern and western towns in Colorado, Durango also happens to be simultaneously picturesque, charming, and a vibrant college town (go Skyhawks). If youd rather see the views without breaking a sweat, drive Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in the state, which is generally open May through October. See all Switchback reviews, "The Surf & Surf & Turf was amazing and the sides of mash potatoes and Mac and cheese were truly mouth watering." THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Cortez - Tripadvisor [CDATA[> And be sure to pay a visit to Isak Heartstone, a 15-foot-tall wooden sculpture that resides in the woods near town. googletag.defineSlot('/14641836/CITY_Dolores_Tile_1', [[180, 150], [300, 250]], 'div-gpt-ad-1521559502281-0').addService(googletag.pubads()); [CDATA[ Dolores River Recreation Area, BLM, BLM Tres Rios Field Office. Music lovers will want to take a guided backstage tour to see where every performer ever has signed their name on the wall. Wander the streets on First Friday, a monthly event during which many local businesses keep their doors open late. Bridal Veil Falls. Mesa Verde has 267 sites open from mid-April to mid-October. Doc was running the store when I had walked in. } But dont idle for too long; board the free ski gondola (which runs most months of the year as the only public transportation service of its kind in America) to check out the sights as you bar and restaurant-hop between downtown Telluride and Mountain Village, where the world-class Telluride Ski Resort is located. // Kid Friendly Things To Do In Dolores, Colorado With postcard-like vistas and 355 miles of hiking trails, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular National Parks in the country. googletag.defineSlot('/14641836/CITY_Dolores_Bot_Banner', [728, 90], 'div-gpt-ad-1435258278080-0').addService(googletag.pubads()); But its not all hard labor: All volunteers leave with a bottle of Stranahans Colorado-made whiskey. Oh, and this town of about 18,000 residents has more award-winning and high-quality restaurants per capita than San Francisco, so dont worry about visiting hungry. onfils-Lowenstein Theater, with two stories of books and cozy reading spots, plus a cafe. throw e; } [CDATA[ The rivalry between Colorado and New Mexico over who makes the best green chile is alive and well, and visitors would do well to sample a few versions and draw their own conclusions. If youre really up for a challenge, head to the trailhead for Longs Peak, one of Colorados 58 14ers (mountains with elevation over 14,000 feet). The Wild West comes alive on this coal-fired, steam-powered train that weaves 200 feet above the Animas River and through the secluded canyons of San Juan National Forest. Including Chimney Rock , Tabor Opera House, and Shrine of the Stations of the Cross. The Ancestral Pueblo people once called this area of the state home, and their remarkable cliff dwellings have been preserved in this protected area. Managed by Ranchlands, it raises both bison and cattle. Santa Fe-based immersive arts institution Meow Wolf is putting the final touches on its 90,000 square-foot space, a triangular building rising above the confluence of I-25, Colfax Ave., and Auraria Pkwy. [CDATA[> Its best not to be afraid of heights if youre planning to traverse this 48-mile concrete path, which extends from Estes Park to Grand Lake (or vice versa) through Rocky Mountain National Park. HOME | Dolores Chamber Fresh oven pizza and terrific beer make this a great stop in the area. ]]> Explore favorite hiking destinations like Bear Lake and Lily Lake. else { Everyone else does. The staff was very friendly and helpful. You can get free pool passes if you stay at the lodge, but in-between soaks, get dinner atThe Pullman, visit Iron Mountain Hot Springs, play atop the mountain at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, and steam away your worries at the ancient Yampah Vapor Caves. The spicy sauce, made with pork shoulder and roasted green chiles and typically cooked for several hours, is synonymous with fall. // ]]]]>12 Iconic Colorado Mountain Towns (And What to Do - Colorado Sundays } // Throw the exception if this still fails after running 40 times. Its free to visit, with hiking trails and a scenic drive. googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); Main Attractions Ansel Hall Ruin - The Ansel Hall Ruins, or better known as the Cahone Ruin, is a pre-historic ruin from the Pueblo II period, dating back between AD 1050 and 1150. } Doc's Marina was excellent and the boat he rented us was perfect! The Dolores Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center. googletag.enableServices(); if (advagg_mod_12.count <= 40) { Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat. (10 reviews) Perfect stay Dolores Things To Do In Dolores Best Things To Do in Dolores, Colorado Have you ever visited a new place and felt 'wow' about it? Medano Creek runs along the edge of the dune field, and in the summer, its the perfect place to cool off after a morning hiking (then sliding, or boarding back down) the dunes. Dj vu! } By continuing to use our site you agree to ourprivacy policy. We would definitely rent from them again. To get to the parks entrance from Denver, youll go through the town of Estes Park where along with lots of local elk herds, you can also check out the shops and restaurants on main street and the historic Stanley Hotel (aka the real life place that inspired Stephen Kings. in Granby. A half rail car on the Rio Grande Southern Railroad, nicknamed the Galloping Goose, ran the mail and passenger routes and it lives on today at the Railroad Museum in Flanders Park. Hotels. You could, in theory, take some photos for the gram, but we highly recommend taking in the beauty of the falls sans-device, if you can. throw e; The road got a little rougher towards the end but my car did just fineFor reference the roads were completely dry when we traveled them. You'll find mountains, weed, sports, beer and so much more on our list of the best things to do in Colorado. Photograph: Courtesy of Pikes Peak Railway, Photograph: Robert Pineda, courtesy Meow Wolf, Photograph: Courtesy of Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, Photograph: Courtesy of Visit Grand County. function advagg_mod_3() { Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. Distance from Denver: 251 miles southwest, 5-hour driveThe steep granite walls of Colorados deepest canyon is a dramatic sight. Approximately 38 miles from Circle K Guest Ranch. Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when youre feeling flush). Dolores River Vacations. // THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Dolores - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor 800-530-2998. 1. Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center & Museum As Colorados closest major ski resort to Denver and one of the most popular in the nation (second only to nearby Vail), Breck has everything you need for a kick-ass ski vacation. A former manufacturing hub, the neighborhood, located just north of downtown, is a microcosm of Denvers explosive growth. The town of Grand Lake has a historic boardwalk lined with shops, galleries, restaurants, and a theatre. Minimize map. but Glenwood Hot Springs is the world's largest hot springs pool. advagg_mod_12.count = ++advagg_mod_12.count || 1; The Dolores River trail is 2.7 miles and rated as easy. What are the most popular things to do in Dolores with kids? The lady in the office was great deal of knowledge. googletag.defineSlot('/14641836/CITY_Dolores_Tile_2', [[180, 150], [300, 250]], 'div-gpt-ad-1521559502281-1').addService(googletag.pubads()); If you're not feeling sporty, that's ok, too: enjoy the high-end shopping, restaurants, and spas the town has to offer. Rio Grande Southern Railroad Museum. Things to Do in Dolores Thanks for subscribing! throw e; Stroll Main Ave for Gilded Age architecture and plenty of shops, or head outside of town for some of the most thrilling outdoor escapades available (whitewater rafting, Jeep tours, and mountain biking, to name a few). McPhee Reservoir, Boggy Draw Trail System, the Dolores River, the McPhee Overlook Trail. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Dolores (UPDATED 2023) - Tripadvisor googletag.cmd.push(function() { advagg_mod_3.count = 100; This site uses cookies for measurement, ads and optimization. Search for restaurants, hotels, museums and more. For hikers and ancient history enthusiast this was a great way to spend the day. Better yet, if you can swing a few nights camping in the area, do it. As the worlds only naturally occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheater, Red Rocks is a bucket-list venue for both concertgoers and musicians. For proper planning and maximum use of the time one plans to spend in Cortez, CO, visiting the Colorado welcoming center in Cortez should be on your list of top things to do in Cortez, CO. 3. 2. if (window.jQuery && window.Drupal && window.Drupal.settings) { In the summer, you can hit the slopes in a whole new way, with a scenic gondola ride or a spin on the alpine slide. Zapata Ranchis the state's most unique: it's 103,000 acres borders Great Sand Dunes National Park and is owned by the Nature Conservancy. } Would definitely recommend this place for horseback riding, and they are one of the few places that will allow younger kids to ride. We all had an amazing time and plan to go back next year! There are also many hiking and biking trails in Dolores, perfect for exploring [] Watch out for eagles, bighorn sheep, and, most of all, rattlesnakes. // See all WildEdge Brewing Collective reviews, "Everything we had was amazing - queso, tacos (shrimp, steak, carnitas and brisket were all so good) and street corn." Unaweep Tabeguache | Colorado.com Walk or float from Riverside Park to the east all the way to Joe Rowell Park to the west with access all along the public trail for some of the best fly fishing waters in Southwest Colorado. . Distance from Denver: 170 miles southwest, 3.5-hour driveWhen you think of Colorado, do you envision a valley with large, snow-capped peaks towering in the distance, reflecting on pristine mountain water? Explore 750 acres of towering, striped geological formations as some of the most unique sights youll see in the state. The Tattered Cover is the state's largest independent book store (and celebrating its 50th birthday in 2021, it's also one of the oldest) and a must-visit on any book lover's list. The assent is strenuous and the venture will take 10-16 hours round trip but its all worth it when you get a glimpse of the view from the summit of the highest point in the park. If youd rather see the views without breaking a sweat, drive Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in the state, which is generally open May through October. There are waterfalls, and then there's Bridal Veil Falls. window.setTimeout(advagg_mod_3_check, 250); But it's not just the great outdoors that attracts here; Around the Centennial State, visitors will find a strong music scene, thriving arts communities, and innovative restaurants. Two 14,000-foot peaks, snowcapped and jagged, rise from the valley floor, their immensity reflected in crisp Maroon Lake. if (window.jQuery && window.Drupal && window.Drupal.settings) { Kelly's Kitchen is a food truck, and serves out of the Dolores River Brewery's kitchen during the wee" See all Kellys Kitchen reviews, "My americano was excellent, but the breakfast burrito and cinnamon roll were quite possibly the best I've ever had!" Best Places to Visit in Colorado: Beautiful & Scenic Day Trip Ideas 29211 Highway 184, Dolores, CO 81323. Distance from Denver: 68 miles south, 90-minute driveThis National Registered Landmark in Colorado Springs is another favorite for natural red rock formations, backed by the snow capped Pikes Peak (aka the mountain that inspired America the Beautiful). Whos going camping fo, more winter Olympians have come from Steamboat Springs. The Dolores River Canyon is an obvious highlight, with its smooth sandstone walls and roaring river. Our wranglers were so kind, professional, knowledgeable and helpful for us as beginners. 1. googletag.defineSlot('/14641836/CITY_Dolores_Banner', [728, 90], 'div-gpt-ad-1435258109725-0').addService(googletag.pubads()); McPhee Lake Vacations. advagg_mod_12(); Bathroom facilities available for guests & plenty of temporary parking & a boat launch with rig parking. Beautiful Alpine Lake. ]]> } Those who want to keep their hands out of the dirt may prefer luxury venues such as Devil's Thumb Ranchin Tabernash or C Lazy U Ranch in Granby. They range from straightforward, if long, hikes to routes requiring advanced climbing skills (and permits). Either way, expect to saddle up for at least one horseback ride. Follow the McPhee Overlook trail for 5 total miles for great views of the reservoir. See all Tomboy Tavern reviews. googletag.defineSlot('/14641836/CITY_Dolores_Tile_5', [[180, 150], [300, 250]], 'div-gpt-ad-1521559502281-4').addService(googletag.pubads()); // Count how many times this function is called. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Dolores CO at Doc's Recreation And Out Door Sporting. advagg_mod_12_check(); 2023 Colorado Activity Centers, Inc. , 402 Front Street Leadville, CO. 80461. 31 Top Things to Do in Colorado - U.S. News Travel }); window.setTimeout(advagg_mod_5_check, 250); See all The Nugget Mountain Bar reviews, "When you walk into the barber shop (yes, a real barber shop), you have to tell the young man there the password." advagg_mod_3_check(); Outside Magazine calls the town of Dolores adventure base camp for the whole family, and we couldnt agree more. I very much appreciate the warm welcome of the towns people but even more so I appreciate the friendliness that seems to come out of every person I come in contact with. if (advagg_mod_5.count >= 40) { See all Loop's Coffee reviews, "Stopped by on a roadtrip to Telluride and had some carne asada and chicken enchiladas." Must-dos include hiking up (wear socks!) The population was 936 at the 2010 census. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in June. Activities: Jeeping, Rafting, ride the ski gondola free of charge in summer and winter. Uncover Colorado | Sitemap | Advertise. Now that it is a Mexican food restaurant we de"more, "Really cool brewery! [CDATA[ . Just east of Telluride, theres a moderate hike waiting to get to the top, plus a ton of trails to explore the surrounding forest, whether by foot, bike, four-wheeler, or ice-climbing boots. Authentic Colorado! Places Edited WhiskeyBristles 2 Mancos, Colorado - Activities and Events | Montezuma County May-Oct - Dolores Farmers Market - Join local farmers and vendors at Flander Park every Wednesday evening. The dunes were formed naturally thanks to thousands of years of wind sweeping dust across the San Luis Valley into this pocket of land. Colorado Scenic Byway: Unaweep Tabeguache | Colorado.com } window.setTimeout(advagg_mod_3, 250); The horses were wonderful and well cared for. The trail, one of the longest singletrack downhill mountain bike trails in the U.S., starts at the top of Grand Mesa and descends directly into a winery in town. 2. Walk or float from Riverside Park to the east all the way to Joe Rowell Park to the west with access all along the public trail for some of the best fly fishing waters in Southwest Colorado. Sponsored by Colorado Tourism Office. Paradox resides at an elevation of 5,299 feet in western Montrose County. window.setTimeout(advagg_mod_5, 250); // Count how many times this function is called. With so much beer to choose from, visitors should plan to whittle down their tour by region (Fort Collins has an impressive array of high-quality breweries), by neighborhood (do a walking or biking crawl through RiNo in Denver), or by style (IPAs still reign supreme). The staff was very friendly and helpful. Stopped in for some information prior to our first planned stop. Things To Do | Visit Durango, CO | Official Tourism Site But its also somehow the states least visited National Park. But while you might not spot any cowboys racing along the landscape these days, you can get up close and personal with the land. Facilities are wheelchair accessible. The graffiti-lined streets and alleyways of Denvers RiNo (River North) neighborhood, as locals refer to it, call to everyone from artists and foodies to brewers and furniture makers. [CDATA[> Jun - Ride of the Ancients - Grab your mountain bike and choose from a 95 mile, 30 mile, or family course as you ride along gravel roads and learn about local heritage sites. See Colorado's National Parks Elk in a stream at Rocky Mountain National Park National Park Service locations in the Centennial State are sure to impress. Sleeps 10 4 bedrooms 4 bathrooms. Things to Do in Dolores, Colorado: See Tripadvisor's 3,664 traveller reviews and photos of Dolores attractions. Attractions: 12: Attraction Reviews: 438: Attraction Photos: 264: Local Time . Colorados first whiskey distillery launched a bottling crew years ago as a cheap (read: free) solution to being understaffed. Follow her @e_buehler on Instagram and @e_buehler_ on Twitter for more updates on Colorado fun and other Mile High shenanigans. To get to the parks entrance from Denver, youll go through the town of Estes Park where along with lots of local elk herds, you can also check out the shops and restaurants on main street and the historic Stanley Hotel (aka the real life place that inspired Stephen Kings The Shining). But while you might not spot any cowboys racing along the landscape these days, you can get up close and personal with the land. Ancient Ruins National Parks. advagg_mod_5(); Lily was an awesome guide! Nature 2. The jeeps were not very clean inside, but what can Fresh oven pizza and terrific beer make this a great stop in the area. Explore favorite hiking destinations like Bear Lake and Lily Lake.