Dolores is the jump-off point for outdoor adventure, and Dolores Outfitters has been providing the camping, jeeping, hunting, fishing and boating gear for locals and visitors since 2017.
Out of appreciation for serving the community recreation needs, owners Cody Folsom and Katie Ward were awarded the 2018 Business of the Year by the Dolores Chamber of Commerce.
“They are a true outdoor mercantile and take great pride in serving their customers,” Lainey Beyhan said during the awards ceremony Saturday.
Folsom said the award means a lot and thanked the crowd for their support.
“We’re so excited to be here in Dolores,” he said. “I’m especially lucky to have Katie as a business partner, and as my fiancée!”
The friendly couple revived the outfitter store and gas station, which has historical roots in Dolores.
Besides outdoor gear, they offer licenses and permits for hunting, fishing, off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles. They also rent out Jeeps, ATVs, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and inner tubes.
“We’re looking forward to having a full reservoir and river this year for all that recreation,” Folsom said. “I’m planning on having some casual fishing contests this summer, and we have expanded our inventory.”
Employees take pride in their knowledge about local fishing holes, hunting, Jeep trails and hiking and camping spots.
“I love talking to locals and tourists about where to go. They get so excited because a lot of them don’t realize all the amazing places to visit,” Ward said.
Dolores Outfitters is seeing an uptick in fishing and hunting interest and have been keeping up on the changing hunting regulations to inform customers, she said.
Besides providing a base for outdoor gear, they also host events including a recent CPR course and welcome home party for a local injured teenager.
As a Dolores town board member, Folsom helped organize a recent economic summit, and he is alternate on the planning and zoning board.
“We want to continue to improve our business and our town,” Folsom said. “Strength in a community is created through diversity and working together.”
Dolores Outfitters is at 341 Railroad Ave. in Dolores. Its phone number is 970-676-0066.
