Long known as one of the most remarkable multi-day river trips in the U.S., the Dolores offers towering canyon walls, meandering curves, beautiful campsites and exciting whitewater. The Dolores typically runs on limited dates in April, May, and June.
Age Minimum: 10 years old
Rapids: Class III
Best Time to Go: May – June
Location: Cortez, CO
Price: Starts at $599/person
Age Minimum: 10 years old
Rapids: Class III
Best Time to Go: May – June
Location: Durango, CO
Price: Starts at $999/person
Age Minimum: 10 years old
Rapids: Class III
Best Time to Go: May – June
Location: Durango, CO
Price: Starts at $1699/person
This river is one of the best kept secrets of Southwest Colorado and part of that reason is because of the elements have to be lining up just right for it to be raft-ready. The best time to try and raft this river is somewhere during May or June. It can be tricky to predict when and if the water levels will get to a good level to raft on but during this May-June time period is always when we recommend aiming for trip dates.
Our meeting area for these trips are typically in Cortez, CO which is about 45 miles west of Durango and takes about 55 minutes to make the drive.
All rafters must be at least 10 years of age to raft the Dolores. If water levels reach a certain height the rapids could become more difficult and it is possible for this minimum age to change.
2019 DOLORES TRIP DATES TBD
RAFTING THE DOLORES RIVER
We offer launch dates in May and June each year for this 175-mile section of river. Choose part or all of the river to float. We’ll take care of all the details so that you can unplug, relax and reconnect with your loved ones. Your heart and tummy will be full while you recharge your batteries with the astounding scenery, side hikes, outstanding whitewater and starry evenings around the campfire.
ABOUT THE DOLORES RIVER
The Dolores River is a truly unspoiled western river, framed by the remote desert of southwestern Colorado. The banks of the Dolores are lined with huge Ponderosa pines, which create a stark contrast against the red and orange sandstone cliffs. Join us to explore this famed river, to hear a canyon wren’s descending spiral call within its corridors, or see cacti in bloom on a side-canyon hike. We look forward to sharing this incredible trip with you!
DOLORES RIVER SCENERY
Needless to say the surrounding scenery of the Dolores is absolutely stunning. It truly captures the essence of remote western wilderness. You check-in at the historic Mesa Verde Inn, located outside of Mesa Verde National Park. Mesa Verde is famous for over 600 cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Pueblo people.
This operation is conducted on public lands under special recreation permit with the Bureau of Land Management Tres Rios Field Office.
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