Colorado whitewater - Dolores River, Dolores / Montezuma County

Dolores / Montezuma county, Rico to McPhee Reservoir section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.

 

CLASS II-III     39 miles
  This stretch of Dolores River in Dolores / Montezuma County is 39 miles long and is according to American Whitewater a class II-III section of whitewater. Whitewater rafting and kayaking in Colorado is often tougher than elsewhere, so if you're visiting here do keep in mind that the rivers in this state are less manageable. There's camping available near Dolores River. You might be into whitewater rafting or kayaking or both, doesn't matter, around here you won't find a large number of other rivers. This is the only paddling section along Dolores River.
    The scenic beauty of Colorado and the water flowing gracefully down Dolores River are reasons enough to come here and paddle. The nearby hotels are a bit away from the river, but you'd better reserve in advance because these hotels fill up quick. Now this is a pretty long section,
so better bring your camping gear along. Getting some good exercise and a chance to spend some time outdoors will have you coming back for more.

Briefly about the general area:
At Dolores River through the summertime months highs are in the 70's. For the duration of the moonlight hours it's generally in the 30's. All through the wintertime the highs are mostly in the 30's, and after the sun is down all through the winter temperatures at Dolores River drop into the 0's. It is very arid here at Dolores River mostly; the month with most of the
 
snow is March, and June on the other hand is the driest.
Hiking along the Eagle Peak Trail is glorious fun, and a tour to Dolores River wouldn't be complete without taking a look at Drift Fence Spring. Take a hike on the Lost Canyon Stock Driveway, and Loading Pen Canyon is another tremendous spot to take a look at nearby. This river is a great place to visit.

Dolores River, Rico to McPhee Reservoir road map
Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.

QUICK STATS
AW Class: II-III
Length: 39 miles
  
Putin Location Coordinates:
Latitude: 37.69369
Longitude: -108.03071

Takeout Location Coordinates:
Latitude: 37.4706
Longitude: -108.502

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Current weather conditions at Dolores River, Colorado
WXPort

Local climate location: RICO 19 miles away


RAFTING TRIP OUTFITTERS

There are no whitewater outfitters currently listed for this river.

Echo Basin Dude And Guest Ranch, LLC, Mancos
13 miles away
Echo Basin Ranch located in the Four Corners area of Southwestern Colorado and is sthe perfect location for your next vacation. We are a non-structured guest ranch where YOU plan for your own individ...

Dunton Hot Springs, Dolores
14 miles away
This perfectly restored ghost town thrives on contradictions, hand-hewn log cabins exquisitely furnished, a life-worn saloon serving food of startling quality, lung torturing trails followed by pamper...

Cortez-Days Inn, Cortez
24 miles away
The Cortez-Days Inn has much to offer. Shopping is minutes away, or enjoy a round of golf at the beautiful 18-hole course. Nestled in the heart of Mesa Verde Country, the home of the Anasazi Indians...



OTHER_INFO
  All Colorado Whitewater
Complete list of all the whitewater paddling spots in Colorado.
Books about whitewater paddling on Dolores River, Colorado
List of books from Amazon.com that cover whitewater paddling on Dolores River, Colorado.
Find a whitewater outfitter in Colorado

Whitewater Basics
If you're new to whitewater paddling please take a look at this basic whitewater info.
Outdoors Recreation Near Durango, Colorado
Very comprehensive list of a variety of outdoors recreation in the vicinity of Durango, Colorado, the metro area neareast to Dolores River. Find info on campgrounds, hiking trails, ski resorts, lakes, beaches, parks, whitewater and more.
 

   

OUTDOORS
These outdoors activities are available near Dolores River.
 Whitewater Near Dolores River:
Hermosa Creek, La Plata County , 27 miles away, Class IV-V - 24 miles long (Hermosa Park to US 550)
San Miguel River, San Miguel/ Montrose County , 30 miles away, Class III - 7.3 miles long (Silverpick Road to Fall Creek Road)
 Ski Areas Near Dolores River:
Hesperus Ski Center, Colorado , 21 miles away, 700 vertical feet
Durango, Colorado , 31 miles away, 2029 vertical feet
Telluride, Colorado , 34 miles away, 3530 vertical feet
Silverton, Colorado , 43 miles away, 3000 vertical feet
Kendall Mountain, Colorado , 47 miles away, 400 vertical feet
Powderhorn, Colorado , 82 miles away, 1650 vertical feet
Wolf Creek, Colorado , 102 miles away, 1604 vertical feet
Irwin Lodge, Colorado , 114 miles away, 2100 vertical feet
Crested Butte, Colorado , 115 miles away, 3062 vertical feet
Sunlight Mountain, Colorado , 118 miles away, 2010 vertical feet
 Hotels Near Dolores River:
Echo Basin Dude And Guest Ranch, LLC, Mancos , 13 miles away
Dunton Hot Springs, Dolores , 14 miles away
Cortez-Days Inn, Cortez , 24 miles away
Holiday Inn Express Cortez, Co, Cortez , 24 miles away
Budget Host Inn Cortez, Cortez , 24 miles away
 Camp Grounds Near Dolores River:
West Dolores Campground, Dolores County, 4 miles away
Mavreeso Campground, Dolores County, 4 miles away
Emerson Campground, Dolores County, 5 miles away
 Trails Near Dolores River:
Lost Canyon Stock Driveway, Montezuma County , 2 miles away
Eagle Peak Trail, Dolores County , 4 miles away
Morrison Trail, Montezuma County , 4 miles away
Stoner Mesa Trail, Dolores County , 6 miles away
Spring Creek Trail, Dolores County , 6 miles away
 National Parks Near Dolores River:
Mesa Verde National Park, Mesa Verde National Park - CO , 19 miles away
Yucca House National Monument, Mesa Verde National Park - CO , 19 miles away
 Lakes Near Dolores River

Outdoors related information copyright © Stratus-Pikpuk, Inc. - Detailed hotel information copyright © Interactive Hotel Solutions
Some content, including Reach Name, Class, and Length, comes from American Whitewater