Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Dolores, Colorado
Dolores, Colorado sits at the edge of the San Juan National Forest and the McPhee Reservoir basin, which means the hiking here ranges from mellow road walks to legitimate backcountry routes without much fanfare in between.
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Dolores, Colorado sits at the edge of the San Juan National Forest and the McPhee Reservoir basin, which means the hiking here ranges from mellow road walks to legitimate backcountry routes without much fanfare in between. The 299 active listings in and around town reflect that variety — you have trails like the Stoner Creek Trail and West Twin Springs Trail that follow drainages through ponderosa and mixed conifer, mesa-top routes like Black Mesa Road and Taylor Mesa B Road with open views toward the La Plata Mountains and Lone Cone, and canyon options like Little Bean Canyon Trail that drop into tighter terrain. The McPhee Overlook Trail is a practical first stop if you want a quick read on the landscape before committing to a longer day. Boggy Draw, represented here by the Boggy Lookout Trail, Boggy Upper Loop Trail, and Boggy Draw M Road, is one of the more accessible systems close to town and sees enough use that the trails stay reasonably well-defined. Elevations in the area span from the reservoir bottom up through mesa country into the high terrain around Lone Cone, so the physical demand varies considerably depending on which route you pick. Late spring through early fall is the main window, though lower routes near town can be walkable well into November in a dry year.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time of year to hike near Dolores?
Late May through October covers most routes reliably. The mesa-top roads like Black Mesa Road and Taylor Mesa B Road can hold snow into June, and the higher terrain around Lone Cone stays wet and soft even after snowmelt. September and early October are particularly good — crowds thin out, temperatures are moderate, and the aspen color on the upper routes is worth timing for.
Do I need a permit or pass to hike these trails?
Most of the routes listed here run through San Juan National Forest, which does not require a day-use permit for general hiking. Some trailheads may require a parking pass depending on the specific access point, so it's worth checking with the Dolores Ranger District before you go. Road-based routes like Haycamp E Road and Pipe Creek Road are typically open access.
What skill level do these hikes require?
The range is wide. Road walks like Smoothing Iron Road and Dolores Norwood C Road are low-consequence and good for families or anyone warming up to the elevation. The canyon and drainage trails like Little Bean Canyon Trail and Stoner Creek Trail involve more uneven footing and route-reading. The Boggy Draw system is a reasonable middle ground — the Boggy Upper Loop Trail adds elevation without being technical.
What should I bring for a day hike out of Dolores?
Water is the main thing to get right — sources are unreliable on mesa routes and you should treat anything you find in drainages. Sun exposure on open roads like East Lake Road and Hope Reservoir Road is significant, so a hat and sunscreen matter more than people expect at this latitude. Afternoon thunderstorms are common July through August, so an early start and a rain layer are standard practice.
Are dogs allowed on these trails?
Dogs are generally permitted on National Forest trails and roads in this area, but they must be under control and leash rules apply in some areas near trailheads. The Boggy Draw trails see enough wildlife traffic that keeping a dog close is practical advice regardless of regulations. Check current rules with the Dolores Ranger District if you're planning to bring a dog on a longer route.
