The Dolores River - An Experience Worth Preserving
Dolores River Rafting
Cortez, CO
Dolores River Rafting Trip Highlights:
· The longest flowing western river canyon in the US next to the Grand Canyon
· Due to limited dam releases, access to this magnificent waterway is only every few years.
· A legendary river with red rock hues and towering ponderosa pines
· The infamous Snaggletooth Rapid
· 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
Restrictions
Ages 7+
Info
No Dolores River Trips for 2024
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
San Miguel near Telluride
Dolores River Rafting
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.
