Dolores River Rafting

Cortez, CO

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 your next chance to experience Dolores River rafting. Who knows how long it will be until you can ride this river of lore again.

While you’re waiting, don’t let adventure pass you buy and check out our other Colorado rafting trips!

Trip Options

No trips available for 2026 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

Reviews from our Guests

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   cynthia forbis 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had an awesome experience on a jeep ride through La Plata Canyon with Jared. He was knowledgeable and a skilled driver, we were in good hands. The scenery was gorgeous and we enjoyed seeing this beautiful place. Thanks Jared!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tim Swope 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tim was an awesome guide……with all of his knowledge and stories and enthusiasm for the Colorado mountains it made for a great trip!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   vicki fathallah 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tim was amazing. Very informative and very pleasant tour guide. I would recommend him for your next tour. I enjoyed it very much
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Claudia Hartley 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our guide Jared was knowledgeable and personable.  It was a great experience.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alberto Gonzalez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We did the Silverton Jeep Tour Package on 9/28/26 and it was a once in a lifetime experience. Our guide, Tim, took us to picturesque landscapes while giving us knowledge of the history surrounding the mountains of Silverton, all while it was raining I should say. Plus we were able to see and experience first hand snow falling at a higher altitude. We were given ample time to shop around town before departing on the train back to Durango. Only minor thing I would critique was that the roof cover, for the 6 seats in back, was not 99.9% waterproof because their were water drops falling from the cover while it was raining but it was no biggie for us and part of the adventure to be honest (we were given waterproof blankets to cover our bodies from the beginning). PLEASE BRING LAYERS AS MENTIONED ON THEIR WEBSITE (YOU'RE GOING TO NEED THEM)!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Holly Gibson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our tour to Mesa Verde with Ann as our guide was truly amazing! She was so knowledgeable, answered questions and gave us so much to think about regarding Mesa Verde. The lunch provided was filling and there were plenty of refreshments offered throughout the day.
I highly recommend the full day tour! Visiting Cliff Palace is so worth it!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sam Lyons 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing! We had the best time. Our guide Dylan made us feel very safe, while taking us through fun rapids.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Josh Jessop 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our tour guide Ann made this already beautiful tour absolutely incredible! We were so grateful to spend the day with her. She was a wealth of enthusiasm and knowledge. Overall a great day with great people.

What are you waiting for? Call today (800) 567-6745 OR (970) 247-4789

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.