Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Scenic Dolores, sandwiched between the walls of a narrow canyon of the same name, has
a treasure trove of Native American artifacts and sits near the sublime river of the same
name - only rafted in spring. But on a more permanent basis, the McPhee Lake boasts the
best angling in the Southwest. Food and lodging options here are slim. The
Dolores Visitor
Center
( 800-807-4712, 702-882-4018; 421 Railroad Ave; 9am-5pm Mon-Fri)
is housed in a replica of
the town's old railroad depot; it has regional information on lodging and outdoor activit-
ies.
Sights & Activities
Anasazi Heritage Center
( 970-882-5600;
www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/ahc.html
; 27501 Hwy 184; admission $3, free Dec-Feb; 9am-5pm
Mar-Nov, 10am-4pm Dec-Feb; )
The BLM manages the Anasazi Heritage Center, a good
stop for anyone touring the area's archaeological sites. It's 3 miles west of town, with
hands-on exhibits such as weaving, corn grinding, tree-ring analysis and an introduction
to the way in which archaeologists examine potsherds.
You can walk through the Dominguez Pueblo, a roofless site from the 1100s that sits in
front of the museum and compare its relative simplicity to the Escalante Pueblo, a Cha-
coan structure on a nearby hillside.
MUSEUM
McPhee Lake
The second-largest body of water in Colorado, McPhee Lake is one of the top fishing
spots in the San Juan basin. With the best catch ratio in southern Colorado, it's great for
new anglers. The artificial reservoir is 8 miles long and 2 miles wide, stretching north and
west of town. Fishers should have a valid Colorado fishing license.
Many of its angling spots are accessible only by boat. Wakeless boating zones in
skinny, tree-lined side canyons allow for great still-water fishing without the buzz and dis-
turbance of motor craft.
RESERVOIR
Art Girls' Studio
(200 S 4th St; 10am-5pm Tue-Sat)
This fully decked-out quilt and crafts shop is a do-it-your-
selfer's dream. Classes are offered and finished products such as art quilts are on sale;
some of the stock, such as Japanese quilting patches, is truly original.
ARTS CENTER
