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  
   
   Jim Wade 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was an amazing experience.Jared the guide stopped along the way and explained all the amazing sights that we came to. Highly recommend this trip to everyone.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Christopher Teaf 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent in every respect
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Cindy McCullough 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our guide was Jay. He was great. Lots of beautiful views and a history lesson along the way. Thank you 🥰
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kimber R 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic!!! The experienced guides made it especially enjoyable. Anthony D. went above and beyond to help coach and encourage me as a first time white water kayaker. He is awesome!! Highly recommend! Highlight of my trip!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Chris Joyce 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Peyton and Dillon were our guides for our trip. They were friendly and professional. We had a great time!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Deanna Myers 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our guide, Miles, was very knowledgeable. It was a great trip. Would give it 4.5 stars only because it wasn't a jeep and there were 11 people.  We were all compatible, but that is not always the case with a group that large. Overall, the trip was great.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mr. Debatable 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Such an amazing trip today our tour guide miles was beyond amazing he answered every single one of my questions even though I had about 10,000. He was extremely knowledgeable and courteous and made our trip that much more memorable. I would highly recommend to anyone going to the area and I will definitely do another tour next time I visit
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Melody Urso 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I did the Mesa Verde Tour with lunch and Ann Rapp, our guide, was the best! She not only provided us with in-depth information, history and theories about the sites we were seeing, but also took a lot of time at some of the less “popular” dwellings so we could understand the varied communities. I can’t speak highly enough of our tour and I think this is an ideal way to experience a broader picture of Mesa Verde and its history.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Krystal Folsom 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tim paid close attention to our conversation on the way to the trail from Durango to Silverton Colorado and used what he learned about us to create the perfect off-roading experience. The route was exciting, scenic, and perfectly suited to our interests—a personal touch we truly appreciated. Even the snacks arrived at exactly the right moment! Tim made us feel comfortable, cared for, and completely immersed in the adventure. It was a memorable experience from start to finish, and we highly recommend both Tim and Mild to Wild!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alan Phillips 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an absolutely great time! Tim was our tour guide and he was awesome! Tim was very personable, very informative and super nice. He made sure to keep us hydrated and was always at our need. I highly, highly recommend this tour, this guide and this company!

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.