No Dolores River Trips for 2025.
This year’s snowpack did not supply enough water for a sizable release from McPhee Dam, so we unfortunately are not able to run the Dolores River this year. Fingers crossed for 2025!
Luckily there is still plenty of rafting to be had across Southwest Colorado. Here are some other great trips to consider nearby:
Lower Animas in Durango
Upper Animas Needleton Section near Silverton
Dolores River Rafting Trip Highlights:
- The longest flowing western river canyon in the US next to the Grand Canyon
- The infamous Snaggletooth Rapid
- A legendary river with red rock hues and towering ponderosa pines
- Due to limited dam releases, access to this magnificent waterway is only every few years.
- Ancient Ancestral Puebloan ruins along the way
- Close to Durango & Telluride, Colorado
- Predictable flows only every few years.
- Great trip for families, friends, groups & reunions
The Dolores River – An Experience Worth Preserving
More About This Trip
Once a free-flowing and mighty river, the Dolores River ran reliably every Spring through the magnificent Dolores River Canyon. The Dolores River Canyon is the longest flowing canyon in the U.S. only second to the Grand Canyon.
Known for its playful whitewater, legendary class IV “Snaggletooth” rapid, ancient ruins, and stunning scenery. These features combine to make for the trip of a lifetime.
Rafting the Dolores River is a special treat that few ever get to experience. Ironically, the Dolores River lives up to its name, the “River of Sorrow”. Due to limited releases of water from the McPhee reservoir, the Dolores isn’t always runnable.
Impounded by the walls of Mcphee Dam only every few years does mother nature overwhelm the heights of this blockage to allow water to cascade through the red rock and gold walls.
Tucked away in the Southwest Corner of Colorado, far away from the racing pace of everyday life, is the Southwest’s Dolores River Canyon. Don’t miss this chance to experience Dolores River rafting. Who knows how long it will be until you can ride this river of lore again.
Trip Options
No trips available for 2024 due to water levels.
Full Day Ponderosa
Dolores, CO
Full Day Dolores River rafting trip. Included lunch. Class I-III rapids.
2-Day Ponderosa Section
Dolores, CO
2-Day raft trip on the Ponderosa Gorge section of the Dolores River.
3-Day Ponderosa Section
Dolores, CO
3-Day raft trip on the Ponderosa Gorge section of the Dolores River.
3.5 Day Slickrock Section
Dolores, CO
3.5 Day includes 3 nights of camping, 3.5 days of rafting through Slick Rock Canyon.
6-Day Ponderosa Gorge & Slick Rock Canyon
Dolores, CO
Ponderosa Gorge & Slick Rock Canyon, Class II, III & IV Rapids
Payments & Cancellations
Payment Options
- 1/2 down, 1/2 charged 30 days prior to trip.
- 1/3 down with remaining balance charged in thirds.
- Call for other arrangements!
Free Courtesy Hold
We don’t want you to miss out on this trip so we’ll hold your spots, payment-free, for 24hrs while you make your final arrangements & prepare for payment.
Fees
In addition to the listed trip cost, we collect an additional 9% for River and Land Access Fees (ie. Forest Service, BLM, City, Private Land Use).
Cancellation Policy
- 60+ days: Receive a refund less $200 per person unrecoverable fees.
- 45+ days: Reschedule for another trip/date, or receive Mild to Wild gift certificate less $200 per person.
- Less than 45 days, unfortunately there will be no refund.
- RoamRight Travel Insurance is recommended to help cover unforeseen circumstances, such as cancelled flights, sickness or medical evacuations.
- Guests needing to be evacuated from the canyon will be charged a minimum of $1,000 per person.
Gallery
Plan Your Trip
More Info
Directions to Meet Location
2023 Press Release
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