Exciting & Active

Dolores River 3 Day

This 47-mile run is full of intermediate Class III rapids with one easily scouted Class IV+ rapid thrown in to keep everyone on their toes. Tawny canyon walls are interspersed with tall Ponderosa pines. Box Elders soon appear as the canyon walls begin to back off from the river banks.

 

The Highlights Of Your Trip

Starting 12 miles below McPhee Reservoir, the Dolores River trip runs from Bradfield Launch to Slickrock, also known as Ponderosa Gorge. The first day of your trip is spent preparing gear and then traveling to the river. At the river you will start your excursion at the base of the 14,000-foot San Juan Mountains, and float through pink Navajo and red Wingate sandstone walls as the Dolores carries you into the canyon. Take in Anasazi ruins and petroglyphs, an abundance of wildlife, and spectacular scenery as you take on fun Class II and III whitewater.

Each day you will stop late in the afternoon to set up camp. Kick back and relax, or explore the area with a quick hike. Cool off by jumping in the river, or break out your fishing pole. Meanwhile, your guides will make sure your tents are pitched and prepare a hot dinner. Fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the Dolores.

Book this trip

1

How much

Pricing

From $699

for ages 10+

2

What's included

Activities

  • Rafting
  • Overnight Trips
3

Trip Length

Duration

3 Days, 2 Nights

4

How Hard

Difficulty

Exciting & Active
5

Who can go

Minimum Age

10 years old & Up

What to Expect on Our 3 Day Dolores

Winter Rafting in Grand Canyon

The Basics

Departs from Cortez, CO
This trip is 3 days and 2 nights
Only offered in May/June with limited dates (call for specific availability)
We provide tents and sleeping pads. We also provide you a waterproof bag to pack your belongings
Your meals will all be prepared for you by our guides

Two tents next to the river with the morning sun shining over the mountain in the background

What's Included

We’ve constructed suggested items and gear lists so you can be fully prepared for your overnight rafting trip with AVA Rafting & Zipline, but you won’t have to worry about nearly all your camping equipment – we’ll hook you up. All you have to bring is a sleeping bag!

MEALS

  • Day 1: Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 3: Breakfast, Lunch

EQUIPMENT

  • PFD
  • Wetsuit
  • Splash jacket
  • Helmet
  • Tents
  • Sleeping Pads

ACCOMMODATIONS

  • Riverside Camping
Group of rafts paddling through Brown's Canyon on the Arkansas River

Itinerary

DAY 1

  • Meet at the Mesa Verde Inn in Cortez, CO
  • Raft
  • Break for Lunch
  • Raft
  • Set up Camp
  • Dinner
  • Camp

DAY 2

  • Riverside Breakfast
  • Raft
  • Break for Lunch
  • Raft
  • Set up Camp
  • Dinner
  • Camp

DAY 3

  • Riverside Breakfast
  • Raft
  • Break for Lunch
  • Raft

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