Mesa Verde “Getaway” in the Four Corners - Mancos, CO

(866) 529-2480  (US, Canada)

Celebrating 13 years in business!

38890 Hwy 184, Mancos, CO 81328   (866) 529-2480 (US, Canada) 970-533-1504
Copyright, Sundance Bear Lodge, 2010

Dolores, Colorado - on the Dolores River
           15 miles NW of Sundance Bear Lodge

Leave your cell phone behind (they won't work here), and enjoy the small town of Dolores, deep inside the ridges that outline this beautiful river valley. The river defines the area – providing drinking water, irrigation, fishing, rafting and incredible beauty! In recent years the county has taken steps to protect the water quality and limit development in this fragile corridor.

1.5 miles downstream from today's town of Dolores was the Big Bend settlement of 1877. Big Bend was abandoned and residents moved next to the Rio Grande RR tracks at Dolores' present town site. Be sure to stop and learn about the Galloping Goose railcar and museum; maybe one day the tracks will be replaced and the Goose will ride again!

Damming of the Dolores River to settle Indian water rights resulted in creation of McPhee Lake, one of the largest bodies of water in Colorado. Federal, state and local agencies are working together to plan recreational uses and facilities for this wonderful farming and boating resource. The Dolores River and McPhee lake offer great fishing, bird watching, boating, kayaking and rafting.

To compensate for historical sites buried under the lake waters, the BLM established the Anasazi Heritage Center, a unique federal museum, research center and curation facility. The AHC is the information center for Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, established at the end of the Clinton presidency.  It handles questions about Hovenweep, and is a "must see" for families en route to Mesa Verde, two archeological wonders on Trail of the Ancients.

Save time on a visit to this area to drive the magnificent San Juan Skyway, a state and federally designated scenic by-way, called "America's Most Beautiful Drive." Gorgeous at any time of year, it is truly breath-taking in the fall! Visit Telluride, Ridgeway, Ouray, Silverton and Durango in a big, high altitude loop through the San Juans.

Annual celebrations in Dolores include River Fest/Art show in June, Escalante Days and the Duck race on the river in August, and Christmas in Dolores.