BLM•Dolores, CO•12.5h from Austin

Dolores River Canyon — Bradfield Recreation Site

canyonriverdesert

Accessibility baseline: Sites on this platform are reviewed for access with a standard 2WD pickup truck towing a 21-foot travel trailer unless otherwise noted below.

Fee

$8/nt

Hookups

No hookups

Trailer

Accessible (2WD pickup + trailer)

Cell Signal

No signal

Water

On-site

Toilets

Yes

Best Season

Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct

Reservations

None — first-come

Max Length

30 ft

Highlights

▶ Red-sandstone canyon camping below McPhee Reservoir — entirely different geology and character from Mesa Verde NM 18 mi south
▶ During spring McPhee releases (Apr–Jun), the lower Dolores is one of the only runnable whitewater rivers in SW Colorado; camp fills with boaters
▶ Dark, remote canyon corridor with cottonwood riparian habitat and exceptional birding

Planning Notes

17 sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and two vault toilets. Seasonal potable water April–September. Final 2 miles from CO-145 are improved gravel. Avoid Box Elder CG upstream (requires high clearance). No cell service — plan for self-sufficiency. Cortez is 18 mi for resupply.

Contact: (970) 882-7296

Always call ahead to confirm conditions, closures, and road accessibility.