Dolores River Rafting - Dolores White Water Rafting | AVA Rafting
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Dolores River

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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.

 

 

 

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Fast Facts about the Dolores River

  • Location: Cortez, CO
  • Drive time from Durango: 55 Minutes
  • Best time to raft: May – June
  • Ages: 10 years old and up
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Our Dolores River Rafting Trips

  • Dolores River 3 Day

  • Age Minimum: 10 years old

    Rapids: Class III

    Best Time to Go: May – June

    Location: Cortez, CO

    Price: Starts at $599/person

  • Dolores River 6 Day

  • Age Minimum: 10 years old

    Rapids: Class III

    Best Time to Go: May – June

    Location: Durango, CO

    Price: Starts at $999/person

  • Dolores River 10 Day

  • Age Minimum: 10 years old

    Rapids: Class III

    Best Time to Go: May – June

    Location: Durango, CO

    Price: Starts at $1699/person

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Rafting on the Dolores River

Overnight Rafting Trips

The Dolores River is known for its thrilling and scenic overnight rafting trips. Join us on the Dolores River in southwest Colorado for a 3, 6 or 10-day overnight rafting adventure.

WHAT TO WEAR

AVA Rafting & Zipline will have things like wetsuits and splash jackets for you to take advantage of. You will want to wear shoes that stay securely on your feet (Chaco or Teva sandals will work) and maybe some alternative footwear that you can wear off the river instead of the ones that got wet on the river all day. Make sure to bring clothing that can dry quickly, so avoid cotton! Bring a change of clothes or two so that you can change into dry clothes once you are off the river for the day.

WHAT TO BRING

We will cover the meals, tents, and other overnight camping gear. Sunglasses are a must! Croakies, and maybe a hat to wear under your helmet are also things that many prefer to bring. Bring some extra clothes with you and a sleeping bag (if you don't have one just let us know, we have them available to rent). Refillable water bottles, and sunscreen are two other good things to help ensure you have the best experience on your trip.

Great Family Adventures

Dolores River overnight rafting trips are great for families with kids aged 10 and up. The Class II/III whitewater of the Dolores offers sections of scenic floating as well as heart pumping rapids.

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Frequent Questions about the Dolores River

  • When can I raft on the Dolores River?

    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.

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More Information

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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Trips on the Dolores River