McPhee Reservoir

McPhee Reservoir was completed in 1985 and is the principal feature of the Dolores Project in southwestern Colorado. The Dolores Project is a participating project authorized with the Colorado River Storage Project. The reservoir has a maximum surface area of 4,470 acres and is located on the Dolores River in the San Juan National Forest north of Cortez, Colorado. The Lone Dome Recreation Area is located below McPhee Dam and includes over 10 miles of public access to the Dolores River. The reservoir provides important recreation, fish and wildlife benefits; however, its primary purpose is to provide irrigation water, flood control, and hydroelectric power. Recreation at McPhee is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, San Juan National Forest, 970-247-4874.The Anasazi Heritage Center in Dolores, Colorado, is an archaeological museum that displays artifacts found during the reservoir's construction. The exhibits include a reconstructed prehistoric dwelling. The Anasazi Heritage Center also maintains a 1/2 mile interpretive trail that leads to Escalante ruins.

Take U.S. Highway 160 west from Durango, Colorado to the intersection of State Highway 184 in Mancos, about 27 miles. Turn right and take State Highway 184 north from Mancos to the intersection of State Highway 145, about 18 miles. Turn left on State Highway 145 for 1/2 mile to intersection of State Highway 184. Turn right and take State Highway 184 north to the intersection of County Road 25, about 5 miles. Turn right on County Road for 1/4 mile, then right to Forest Road 271 to McPhee Reservoir, about 2 miles.