Dolores River Rafting

Whitewater rafting on the Dolores River, one of the Southwest's best-kept secrets, offers a unique combination of solitude, scenery, wildlife, plant life and ancient rock art. Named by early Spanish explorers, the river begins at the base of the 14,000-foot San Juan Mountains, about 25 miles north of Cortez, Colorado. Carving its way through two canyons of pink Navajo and red Wingate sandstone, the Dolores flows past rocks with a geological history spanning 250 million years. During the river rafting season, temperatures range from lows in the 40s to highs from the 60s to the 80s. Days are sunny with occasional afternoon showers. Both paddle-powered and oar-powered boats will be utilized on these whitewater rafting trips.

This whitewater rafting adventure begins near Cortez and ends at Slick Rock, an outpost along the way. Covering 45 miles, the trip splashes its way through Class III and IV rapids. As you travel the river, you will stop for short hikes to visit cliff ruins of storage sites and temporary shelters built and used by the ancient Anasazi. You will camp along the banks of the Dolores where you will enjoy meals prepared by your guides.

The itinerary for the first half of this 97-mile whitewater rafting adventure matches that of our three-day trip. In contrast to the first portion of your adventure, the lower section of the Dolores winds its way through sheer canyon walls. On the second half of the six-day journey, you will blast through Class III rapids. Sights include ancient Freemont Culture rock art accessible via a short hike, as well as dinosaur tracks preserved in nearby rock. Camping in this area is spectacular. Unique campsites include areas situated under sandstone cliff overhangs etched with Freemont rock carvings.

Visitors to the Dolores River should consider extending their stay to visit several area attractions. Nearby Mesa Verde National Park offers the fascinating ruins of Anasazi dwellings, built as long ago as 1100 AD. Anglers will find excellent fishing on the Dolores River below McPhee Reservoir. Day trips to Telluride, a former mining town turned ski resort, and Durango, home of the Durango Silverton Railroad, make worthwhile opportunities for sightseeing.