Dolores River Rafting Trips

The Dolores River in Colorado is regarded as one of the most unique and pristine river environments in the country. This is a fantastic spring trip due to early snow run-off in warm southwestern Colorado. On its journey from the San Juan Mountains to the Colorado River, the Dolores River winds through isolated canyons, all unique and vastly different in appearance. Explore two consecutive canyons of the Dolores River with Echo Canyon this Spring.

Dolores River - Ponderosa Gorge, Class III-IV

Descend through towering ponderosa pines, thick piñon and juniper forests and brightly colored sandstone cliffs. We stop for a hike to an ancient Anasazi granary high on a cliff. Pass by several incredible groves of box elders with their new brilliant green leaves. Then the river steepens and suddenly drops into the notorious Snaggletooth Rapid, a quarter mile of frothing challenge. You can choose to challenge the rapid or walk around after scouting. The exhilarating rapids of 3-Mile Rapid are a rafter's delight. Alternating between quiet, peaceful calm and long continuous rapids, the Dolores continues to wind through giant boulders and steep cliffs. We often lunch at the trailhead to the long-lost Cowboy Cave. The river soon calms and canyon walls lessen as we approach Slickrock, the juncture between Ponderosa Gorge and Slickrock Canyon. (47 miles)

Dolores River - Slickrock Canyon, Class II-III

This 51-mile journey descends into Little Glen Canyon, flows through Big Gypsum Valley, and into the deepest canyon on the Dolores River, Slickrock Canyon. Float beneath 1,200 foot sandstone cliffs of breath- taking variety and color. The water here is fast, but of moderate difficulty with only a few rapids to interrupt the peaceful flow of the current.

Slickrock Canyon is perfect for quiet floating, side hikes, inflatable kayaking (we provide), and unwinding from the pressures of life. We will see ancient Indian artwork, hike to the fossilized dinosaur prints, and explore picturesque side canyons.

Location: The Dolores River is located in southwestern Colorado near Cortez and Mesa Verde National Park. Download our recommendations for lodging in the Cortez area. Durango Airport (La Plata County Airport) is the closest airport; with a variety of rental car options.

Dolores River Meeting Time & Place: Details regarding the specifics will be sent after deposit. We try to be flexible with the group's travel plans and do what works best for the majority since our trips are small. For those guests who prefer to have their own personal vehicle waiting at the take-out at the end of the trip, check out our recommended shuttle service providers.

Please call us at 1.800.755.3246 to reserve your trip.

All or part of this operation is conducted on Public Lands under special permit from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S.D.A. Forest Service and/or Colorado State Parks. These rivers include the Arkansas, Dolores, Colorado, Gunnison and Piedra.