McPhee Reservoir is the fifth largest lake in Colorado and has a really fun trail that goes along the rim. We’ve ridden it before and love this ride so did it again! The dam was constructed and is operated by the United States Bureau of Reclamation and dams the Dolores River to furnish municipal and irrigation water for Montezuma and Dolores Counties and the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reservation. After the snowy winter, the reservoir is currently 118% of normal water level and it looks very refreshing.
We will be back to paddle, but this day was about the ride. Most of this ride takes place from 7-7800′ so be prepared to feel it if you aren’t used to altitude. It isn’t overly technical but it’s a lot of miles and remote. Warning – we have seen big bear paw prints several times up in this area.
If you are able, a great option would be to shuttle this trail by driving out towards the House Creek Campground where the new Tav’a Y’aakwi trail crosses the road and take it all the way back into town where it dumps out along the river at the McPhee Overlook parking lot in Dolores. Otherwise, it’s an out and back with a lot of effort.
I highly recommend this ride for the quiet trails and amazing views. If you hang around town long enough, Dolores River Brewery opens at 4!
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