Dolores County Prepares Residents For Seasonal Outdoor Recreation Changes

As spring moves into summer, Dolores County is updating the calendar of access points, closures, and safety guidance for the parks and recreation sites that support local tourism and daily life. The most-used resources include McPhee Reservoir, the Dolores River corridor near Dove Creek, and a network of short day hikes and trailheads around Cahone and Stoner. Local officials are urging residents and visitors to check schedules and advisories before heading out.

McPhee Reservoir remains the focal point for boating and water recreation. County materials highlight specific access points and advise users to consult current boat ramp schedules and seasonal closures before launching. Routine safety and inspection measures are recommended at launch sites, including verifying that vessels meet inspection requirements, carrying appropriate life jackets, checking fuel and engines, and being aware of changing water levels. These measures aim to reduce risk and avoid unexpected closures that can disrupt trips and local service demand.

Fishing access on the Dolores River near Dove Creek continues to draw anglers to the area. The guide points to established public access points and notes regulatory reminders, including the need to carry appropriate licenses and to follow state rules. The guide also notes best times of year for angling activity and encourages fishers to consult Colorado Parks and Wildlife for unit specific rules and any temporary closures that could affect access.

On land, trailheads and day hikes near Cahone and Stoner are described with short difficulty ratings and county access roads. These short routes serve families and day visitors, and county authorities emphasize that road conditions can change with seasons and weather. Hunters are reminded of general season windows for game units that include Dolores County, and that Colorado Parks and Wildlife posts detailed, unit specific regulations and temporary restrictions that must be confirmed before a hunt.

Practical services that support recreation are concentrated in small towns. Dove Creek remains the primary point for fuel and food services, while Rico provides seasonal services that vary by time of year. The guide stresses that visitors should plan for limited services in some areas and check Forest Service and county road and closure updates to avoid travel interruptions.

For Dolores County, the timing of openings and closures has direct economic implications for businesses that rely on day trippers and overnight visitors. Clear planning by recreationists helps sustain those local services and reduces pressure on emergency responders. Residents and visitors should verify current advisories from county offices, the U.S. Forest Service, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife before traveling to ensure a safe and productive outing.