Dolores

Dolores is a tranquil, friendly southwestern town in Montezuma County.

Welcome to Dolores

A peaceful and relaxing community surrounded by countryside beauty
 
 
Dolores is a tranquil, friendly southwestern town in Montezuma County. Dolores exudes countryside beauty and small-town personality, located in a picturesque canyon with the infamous Dolores River and magnificent rocky formations found on either side of the community. The area offers fresh air, great outdoor recreation opportunities, and incredible hospitality, drawing thousands of travelers year-round. Residents enjoy a perfect blend of fine restaurants, taverns, and shops, including a brew pub offering a range of tasty drinks. Dolores is also home to a top-rated school district with many noteworthy educational institutions, making it a wonderful place for families.

Located in the heart of Mesa Verde County, Dolores boasts all four seasons and provides endless opportunities to enjoy nature, from paddling and hiking to kayaking, skiing, and more. With the San Juan National Forest just a mile away, exploring Colorado’s magnificent mountain peaks and diverse wildlife is an everyday possibility.

What to Love

  • Plenty of outdoor recreation
  • A relaxing small-town ambiance
  • A perfect blend of shops, eateries, and taverns
  • Panoramic mountain views
  • Charming downtown and a rich history
  • Short drive to Telluride, Durango, and Cortez

Local Lifestyle

Dolores offers a rural-suburban feel and welcoming vibe, where all residents seem to know each other by name and enjoy spending quality time together. Residents are friendly and enjoy access to a variety of upscale amenities, from quality restaurants and shopping destinations to well-ranked schools and resorts. Locals love the serenity and peacefulness their community offers, and the numerous parks and open spaces only add to the area’s charm. On any given day, Dolores residents are hiking nearby trails, grabbing coffee with a neighbor, or tending to a backyard garden. Throughout the year, Dolores’ 45-minute drive to Telluride Ski Resort gives residents access to a whole range of outdoor activities.
 

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Whether looking for top dining spots, upscale shopping areas, or unique destinations to explore, Dolores has several exciting places. Dolores River Brewery is one of the best restaurants and pubs in the area. Perfect for new and old friends catching up over a cold glass of beer, Dolores River Brewery is a longstanding favorite with locals and visitors alike. While there, be sure to order a wood-fired pizza and dine on the outdoor patio.

When you are craving hand-patted burgers, head to Depot along Railway Avenue, located in the middle of town. This cozy, longstanding restaurant is known for its reasonably priced dishes and quality services.

For quality breakfast dishes and hot, gourmet coffee, stop into Loop's Coffee House & Bistro, a quaint, local coffee shop offering quick service, giant breakfast burritos, and gourmet coffee creations.

For an exclusive shopping experience in Dolores, visit Dolores Outfitters & Jeep Rental. This family-owned outdoor sporting goods store, gas station, and rental store offers numerous camping and fishing supplies, clothing, and specialty gifts. The store also features a jeep, stand-up paddleboard, and tube rentals if you're craving a thrilling outdoor adventure.
 

Things to Do

Outdoor enthusiasts will find Dolores a perfect place to satisfy their outdoor adventures and recreations. The scenic Dolores River is a great place to explore. The Montezuma County stretch of this 241-mile-long river is bordered by lush pasture and groves of pine and aspen trees. You will love this gorgeous river flowing through an unspoiled and majestic desert, offering an opportunity for Rocky Mountain wildlife viewing, side-canyon hiking, and camping.

McPhee Reservoir is a beautiful spot in Dolores, offering multiple outdoor activities and adventures. This picturesque mountain reservoir features a boat launch, camping opportunities, and picnicking. Afterward, relax and rejuvenate at Dunton Hot Springs, a premier mountain resort surrounded by picture-perfect mountain views.

Head to the Dolores Farmers' Market every Wednesday to discover local artists, musicians, and vendors. As you stroll through the stalls, you’ll uncover a wide variety of delightful goodies, from farm-fresh produce to organic products and homemade desserts.

Dolores residents enjoy various festivals and special events throughout the year, including the annual Turkey Trot 5K held on Thanksgiving morning. Other favorite local events include Friday Food & Movie Nights, Escalante Days, and the Boggy Draw Beat Down Mountain Bike Race.
 

Schools

Dolores is served by the Dolores School District, which features top-rated schools such as:

  • Dolores Elementary School, K-6
  • Dolores High School, 9-12
 

Browse Listings in the Area

For Sale
MLS® 806135

$730,000

1501 Central Ave, Dolores, CO 81323
3 Baths 3,200 Sq.Ft.
Pending
MLS® 813032

$585,000

105 N 9Th Street, Dolores, CO 81323
3 Beds 2 Baths 1,695 Sq.Ft.
Pending
MLS® 811111

$350,000

203 N 20th, Dolores, CO 81323
3 Beds 2 Baths 1,798 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 812535

$329,000

TBD N 15th, Dolores, CO 81323
3 Beds 3 Baths 1,324 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 810425

$319,000

108 N 16th Unit: C, Dolores, CO 81323
3 Beds 3 Baths 1,296 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 796462

$274,000

96 Central Ave, Dolores, CO 81323
2 Baths 4,327 Sq.Ft.
Pending
MLS® 808609

$260,000

904 Central Avenue, Dolores, CO 81323
2 Beds 1 Bath 755 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 792245

$99,000

901 Railroad Ave, Dolores, CO 81323
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Overview for Dolores, CO

865 people live in Dolores, where the median age is 38.1 and the average individual income is $23,860. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

865

Total Population

38.1 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$23,860

Average individual Income

Demographics and Employment Data for Dolores, CO

Population Households Employment

Dolores has 525 households, with an average household size of 1.65. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Dolores do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 865 people call Dolores home. The population density is 1,302 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

865

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

38.1

Median Age

65.78 / 34.22%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
525

Total Households

1.65

Average Household Size

$23,860

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Around Dolores, CO

There's plenty to do around Dolores, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

56
Somewhat Walkable
Walking Score
51
Bikeable
Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Mama Bear's Bakery and Books, Kelly’s Kitchen, and Three Chicks Bakery.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Mama Bear's Bakery and Books Logo
Dining 0.16 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars
Kelly’s Kitchen Logo
Dining 0.28 miles 21 reviews 4.9/5 stars
Three Chicks Bakery Logo
Dining 0.18 miles 12 reviews 4.6/5 stars
Lindo Michoacan - Dolores Logo
Dining 0.43 miles 6 reviews 4.5/5 stars
EsoTerra Ciderworks Logo
Dining 0.9 miles 3 reviews 5/5 stars
Montezuma Mexican Restaurant Logo
Dining · $$ 0.37 miles 94 reviews 4.3/5 stars

Schools in Dolores, CO

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Dolores. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating
Dolores Elementary School
12th And Hillside, Dolores, CO, 81323
PUBLIC
K - 5th
2/5
Dolores Secondary School
1301 Central Avenue, Dolores, CO, 81323
PUBLIC
6th - 12th
2/5

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641 E Main St., Unit A

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