Dolores River State Wildlife Area

About

The Dolores River State Wildlife Area provides a moderate fall hiking experience along the Dolores River in Pleasant View, Colorado. The site is managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife as critical habitat, meaning visitors must hold a valid hunting or fishing license or purchase a specific State Wildlife Area (SWA) pass if they are 16 or older. The terrain follows the river, offering a typical 2-hour outing at an elevation of 6,962 feet. Parking is available, and the area is pet-friendly. Access is open from September through November, though conditions can vary from dry and dusty to muddy following rainfall. Hikers should practice Leave No Trace principles, staying on durable surfaces like rock and gravel, and packing out all trash and spent shells if shooting is permitted.