Dolores River Rafting
Cortez, CO
We will unfortunately not be running any commercial Dolores River Rafting trips this year due to low water. We are rafting the nearby San Miguel River starting in May!
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 Anasazi ruins along the way
- Close to Durango & Telluride, Colorado
- Predictable flows only once every decade
- Great trip for families, friends, groups & reunions

Adventure Level
Rafting: Intermediate

Season
May 22 – June 23

Restrictions
Raft: Ages 7+ (dependent on section)
Launch Dates & Prices
Ponderosa Section:
1-Day:
- Adult: $229
- Youth: $199
2-Day:
- Adult: $629
- Youth: $589
3-Day:
- Adult: $899
- Youth: $829
Slickrock Section:
3-Day:
- Adult: $999
- Youth: $929
Ponderosa & Slickrock Combo:
6-Day:
- Adult: $1,499
- Youth: $1,299
Call or Livechat for most current launch dates
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 Anasazi 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.
Payment & 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.
Cancellation Policy
2019 Dolores Trip Reservations are final. There will be no refunds. If water levels are to low to run the trip, Mild to Wild reserves the right to switch the trip to the San Miguel or another river. If trips are switched there are still no refunds.
Fees
In addition to the listed trip cost, we collect an additional 8% for River and Land Access Fees (ie. Forest Service, BLM, City, Private Land Use).