Dolores River SRMA

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

BLM stands for Bureau of Land Management, an agency responsible for maintaining many federal lands for current use but also future preservation. Some Bureau of Land Management campgrounds require fees to access, but there is also Bureau of Land Management free camping you can enjoy. If you love the outdoors, then Bureau of Land Management camping is certainly something to look into. Just look up "BLM camping near me" to find nearby BLM sites in your part of the country.

Dolores River is a 102-mile stretch of water that has carved its way through parts of Colorado. It flows through both broad valleys and deep canyons with sheer walls. Along this stretch, you can find many special areas focusing on recreation management and wilderness study. One common activity is whitewater boating, and there are multiple access points although water levels will vary based on release levels from the McPhee Dam. Mesa Verde National Park is 153 miles to the south, which is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive. The town of Dolores is near the McPhee Dam. Grand Junction is the closest major city, and it is about an hour to the northeast.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Dolores River Trail

This is a mostly flat path with less than 25 feet of incline. Kids can usually handle it. It's great for trail running, road biking, and fishing. This trail starts and ends near the McPhee Reservoir and follows the river into the town of the same name.

Length: 4.3 km

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

You can do fly fishing at many points along the Dolores River. You'll usually find brown trout, sometimes in the range of 20 to 24 inches. Some rainbow trout are also here. Colorado state fishing regulations apply, so make sure your documents are in order in advance.

The best activity on the Dolores River is without a doubt whitewater boating. Depending on where you are, it can be anything from flatwater boating to actual Class IV rapids if you go through Snaggletooth Rapid.

Access points are available at Gypsum Valley and Sheep Point recreation sites. The recreational site at Bradfield Bridge will put you the furthest upstream. Slick Rock is another place where you might get access only with approval from private landowners.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

If RV camping is what you're looking for, then you have options in the city of Dolores. The actual river does not feature RV camping sites, but you're not without great options. Cozy Comfort R. V. Park offers full hook-ups, coin laundry, hot showers, and Wi-Fi for $30 per night, $150 per week, or $400 for the month. Dolores River RV Resort and Cabins has back-in and pull-thru RV sites featuring electricity, cable TV, Wi-Fi, water and sewer hook-ups, picnic tables, and fire pits starting at $46 per night. Outpost Motel, Cabins & RV Park has 12 RV spaces available from April 1 through November 15 featuring water, electricity, sewer, Wi-Fi, firewood, laundry, and on-site facilities for $45 per night.

Free Camping

Free dispersed camping sites are available on many forest roads in the nearby San Juan National Park. In the area of the actual city of Dolores, you can also check out McPhee Road Park, Lone Cone SWA, or Groundhog Reservoir SWA. These sites are often free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis with no amenities.

RV Rentals Near Dolores River SRMA Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Dolores River SRMA BLM trip

If you plan on getting onto the actual waters of the Dolores River, then you should check out two things before heading out. First, consult the local field office, and see if the water levels are high enough for your planned activities. Second, be sure your planned access points are open because some might be on private land.

Even though you'll be visiting a river, you need to pack plenty of water. Drinking the water out of the river by itself isn't safe, so either pack bottled water, or have some way of purifying what you need. You need to replenish any sweat you lose during your adventures.

Pack plenty of clothes so you can dress in layers. Colorado weather can be quite dramatic in how much it varies in just one day. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Rules about packing out your waste may vary based on where on the river you are at the time, but it's a good idea to just plan on taking everything with you. Anyone boating on the Lower Dolores River must follow certain rules and regulations. Boaters need to carry a reusable toilet system that is washable and leak-proof so they can carry out solid human bodily waste. Dumping it in trash receptacles or vault toilets or dumping it on public land is not permitted. You must also carry a durable metal fire pan, preferably with a fire blanket, for cooking and fires so you can remove all your ash when you leave. Pack out all garbage, solid waste from people and pets, fire ash, and charcoal away from the area of the river. Only use driftwood on river edges for campfires. Do not remove or damage any ecological, historical, or archaeological resources. Side canyon springs and streams need to be kept free of contaminants, such as soap.

Dolores River SRMA Location

If you want the access point furthest upstream to make the most of the river, then you want the Bradfield Bridge Recreation Site. Starting from Cahone, CO, head up Highway 491 to County Road R. Turn east, and go three miles until you find County Road 16. Head south on that road for 1.25 miles until you find County Road S. Head east on that road. After one mile, you'll find the Bradfield Bridge Recreation Site entrance.

The Dolores River SRMA area falls under the jurisdiction of the Uncompahgre Field Office.

Address: Uncompahgre Field Office, 2465 South Townsend Avenue, Montrose, 81401.

Ready to visit Dolores River SRMA? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.