A raft trip on the Dolores River offers more unbroken miles of wilderness river scenery and whitewater rafting thrills than any river trip in the lower 48 states. This is one of America's best rafting runs and ranks only behind the "Grand Canyon" of the Colorado and "Middle Fork" of the Salmon as a classic paddling experience. The Dolores River is at its most runnable state in early spring run (mid-April thru mid-June) for whitewater rafting trips.
This four or five-day rafting excursion covers both the Ponderosa Gorge (47 miles of Class III-IV rapids), and Slickrock Canyon (50 miles of Class II-III rapids).
At Ponderosa Gorge the river flows down through the high country, clear green and cold, teeming with trout. Camping under the branches of ancient 100' Ponderosa pines, you can listen to the roar of the legendary Class IV Snaggletooth Rapid, the beginning of one of the most challenging stretches of whitewater in the West, culminating in the fury of the Narrows ten miles downstream.
The river slows its flow as it enters the grottos and side canyons of Slickrock. Float past towering walls streaked with desert varnish that form the most enchanting and beautiful desert canyon in the American Southwest. Hidden in the mysterious corners of the canyons are prehistoric Anasazi pictographs and ruins. More moderate rapids in this section of the river provide a good stretch for instructional kayak, canoe or inflatable kayaking. Camp beneath overhangs where the "Ancient Ones" camped thousands of years ago.
Trip Details
Duration
4-5 Days
Location
Dolores River, Ponderosa Gorge & Slickrock Canyons
Season
March - June
Trip Type
Paddle & Oar
Nearest City
40 Miles from Cortez, CO
Physical Condition Required
Good
Destination(s)
Colorado, United States
Rated Classes
II-IV
Guest Capacity
21
Minimum Age Limit
10
Distance Traveled
97 Miles
Inflatable Kayaks
Yes, With Instruction Provided
Hard Shell Kayaks
Yes, With Instruction Provided
Additional Activities
Fishing, Swimming, Off River Hiking/Exploring, Volleyball, Horseshoes
Dining
All Meals Included
About Liquor
BYOB for Evening
Rates
$614.00 - $839.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
Additional Rate Info
Government fees/taxes, gratuity, equipment rentals.
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Reservation Policy
25% deposit required.
Cancellation Policy
If cancellations made more than 45 days prior to the trip, a non-refundable $50. Under 45 days up to 14 days prior to trip, the 25% is not refundable. Under 14 days, no refund is given.
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