The climate in Dove Creek is milder than nearby mountain communities, but it
does experience the ever-changing weather conditions of Colorado.
The elevation is just under 7,000 feet, so the region does experience the full
four seasons of the year. Winter season includes an average of 26" of
snowfall, but temperatures rarely dip below freezing. Summer weather is often
fairly hot and dry, with temperatures climbing into the 90’s.
Recreation
There is plenty to see and do in the 4-Corners region, especially if you
enjoy the outdoors. Hunting and fishing is popular with the locals, who also
enjoy snowmobiling and jeeping in their spare time. Winter downhill skiing is
within a couple hours drive to either Telluride or Durango.
Rafting and kayaking enthusiasts enjoy the Dolores
River, which makes its way through
the Dolores River
canyons. Camping, biking, hiking, golfing, cross-country skiing, boating and
motorcycle racing are also popular recreation activities in the area.
The Dove Creek area is rich in ancient archaeological sites. Mesa
Verde National Park
is located within an hour’s drive, as are other popular historical sites such
as Hovenweep National
Monument, Ute
Mountain Tribal Park,
Monument Valley
and the Anasazi Heritage
Center.
Pick n’ Hoe
Dove Creek’s population multiplies exponentially on the Fourth of July
weekend due to its annual Pick n’ Hoe celebration. For fifty years Dove Creek has
held this festival to honor the farmers and miners who settled and built the
community. The festivities are sponsored by the fundraising efforts of the Pick
n’ Hoe Royalty: Queen, King, Little Miss, Little Mister, and new in 2005,
Grouch of the Year. During the three or four days of festivities locals enjoy a
parade, softball, volleyball, and horseshoe tournaments, old fashioned style
kids and adults games, a street dance, a classic car show, and a concert (Gene
Watson in 2005). For lunch on the Fourth, there is a tremendous pit barbecue
lunch, complete with homemade beans and coleslaw, served with tortilla and
watermelon. The beef is cooked underground for 36 hours, making it super tender
and tasty. The whole meal is only $5.00. The locals know that the best part of
the day is the great greased pig-chasing contest. Males and females from three
years and up compete in age groups to catch a greased pig. The prize? The pig,
of course. The whole event is capped off with the fireworks display. The whole
town and then some gathers on blankets at the football field to watch the
beautiful explosions together.