Dolores River Rafting Trips

Immerse yourself in nature

Live the river lifestyle

Family-friendly (ages 6+) whitewater rafting with Class I-III rapids in most flows. Class IV rapids at highest flows.

Off the beaten path

Explore one of the most truly wild, remote areas of Colorado.

Paddle through history

You'll see relics of ancient Puebloans and explore dinosaur print fossils and indigenous rock art.

Canyon colors

Float underneath 1,200 foot sandstone canyon walls with a variety of vibrant oranges and reds.

October 2, 2024 Update

What to expect

Spend your days winding through roughly 50 miles of the Dolores River.
Travel from the San Juan Mountains toward the Colorado River.
Great for beginners, families, and groups.
Minimum (suggested) age 6+ years depending on section of river
Lunch will be served on the river bank as birds soar above you.
Spend each night under a sea of stars unspoiled by light pollution.
Departs near Cortez, Colorado.
The Dolores River runs only rarely - very limited availability

The full story

When the Rocky Mountains are still full of snow, the waters of the Dolores River are already ready to raft. If you can’t hold out for summertime rafting closer to the city, head to sunny Southwestern Colorado for a springtime Dolores River rafting trip.

Dolores River white water rafting multi-day trips offer an ideal balance of exhilarating rapids and lightly rippling water. Explore relics of ancient tribes as you experience the power of the river that has brought life to this area for thousands of years. On our Dolores River rafting trips you will hike through scenic canyons, paddle down thrilling white water, and sleep underneath a canopy of stars.

One of the beauties of the Dolores River is the truly wild, remoteness of the river. This is a rare river adventure that is a true jewel. Due to the limited releases from McPhee Reservoir managed by a number of public land management agencies, the Dolore River rarely is allowed to flow at levels suitable for rafting. Contact our office to learn when the next window may exist for a Dolores River rafting trip.

3-Day Dolores River Trip $990

Adults and children.

5-Day Dolores River Trip $1,390

Adults and children.

6-Day Dolores River Trip $1,590

Adults and children.

Remote landscape and pristine water

An adventure to remember

Spend your days winding through roughly 50 miles of the river. You’ll paddle through exciting class II-IV rapids every day of your trip. Enjoy uninterrupted sunlight as you pass beneath vibrant sandstone cliffs. Your guide will fill you in on the history of this pristine stretch of water that takes you from the San Juan Mountains to the Colorado River.

White water rafting is so much more than rapids. This stunning river is the perfect place to “unplug.” When you take a break from rafting the Dolores river, you’ll go on hikes to explore dinosaur print fossils and Anasazi rock art. Lunch will be served on the river bank as birds soar above you. You’ll spend each night under a sea of stars unspoiled by light pollution. Best of all, we are here to plan everything so you can save your energy for paddling down the river!

What Else You’ll Find Rafting the Dolores River

As you float underneath 1,200 foot canyon walls, you’ll see a variety of vibrant oranges and reds. The colors and shapes of these beautiful rocks change as you float down the river. We’ll run into very few other people – you will truly be surrounded by awe-inspiring nature your whole trip.

We offer 3-day, 5-day, and 6-day rafting trips. If you’re able to escape for a full week, treat yourself and your friends and family to a trip you’ll remember forever. Even if you start out as a rafting novice, by the end of your 6-day white water rafting trip you will be ready to tackle some more intense rapids…just in time for summer!

All or part of this operation is conducted on Public Lands under special permit from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.