Colorado whitewater, Dolores River Dolores Montezuma county, Rico to McPhee Reservoir section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS II-III     39 miles   The Rico to McPhee Reservoir stretch of Dolores River is 39 miles long and it is classified as a class II-III section by American Whitewater. The scenic beauty of Dolores / Montezuma County and the playfulness of the water will make you feel great. The Rico to McPhee Reservoir section is one of a few paddling sections in this river system. The average whitewater rafting or kayaking river tends to be a bit harder to master in this state than     those in other states, so better not forget that many of the rivers here are not very forgiving. A stretch of this length does require some preparations, so make sure you pack enough food along with your camping gear. Whether you're whitewater rafting or kayaking in this general area you won't find many other paddling places. A bit of exercise and just being out on the river for a while have a lot of people coming here. Not too many hotels nearby, you'll have to drive a bit to get to one, but you'd better reserve in advance because these hotels fill up quick. The campgrounds here at Dolores River are pretty good. Briefly about the general area: Near Dolores   River you find the Lost Canyon Stock Driveway which is a tremendous hiking trail, and Loading Pen Canyon is also a nice location to look at. A short visit to Drift Fence Spring is always worthwhile, and going for a hike on the Eagle Peak Trail is always a nice adventure. This is such a great river. Mancos State Park is a fine place to stretch your legs a bit. During the long summer days at Dolores River highs are mostly in the 70's. For the duration of the moonlight hours it's regularly in the 30's. Throughout the winter this place gets highs in the 30's, and after the sun is down throughout the winter temperatures at Dolores River drop into the 0's. Dolores River, Rico to McPhee Reservoir road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.     Map Detailed Map Stats Stats for this river stretch Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Dolores River.   Whitewater Near Dolores River: Dolores River, Dolores / Montezuma County, 17 miles away       Class II-III - 39 miles long (Rico to McPhee Reservoir) Hermosa Creek, La Plata County, 24 miles away       Class IV-V - 24 miles long (Hermosa Park to US 550)   Ski Areas Near Dolores River: Hesperus Ski Center, Colorado , 21 miles away, 700 foot drop, 2 lifts, 5 runs Purgatory, Colorado , 31 miles away, 2029 foot drop, 11 lifts, 85 runs Telluride, Colorado , 34 miles away, 3845 foot drop, 18 lifts, 115 runs Silverton, Colorado , 43 miles away, 3200 foot drop, 1 lifts, 1 runs Kendall Mountain, Colorado , 44 miles away, 400 foot drop, 1 lifts, 3 runs Powderhorn, Colorado , 82 miles away, 1650 foot drop, 4 lifts, 44 runs   Hotels Near Dolores River: Echo Basin Dude And Guest Ranch LLC, Mancos , 13 miles away Sophia Retreat Event Center, Dolores , 16 miles away Rico Hotel, Rico , 17 miles away Far View Lodge, Cortez , 23 miles away Days Inn Cortez, Cortez , 23 miles away   Campgrounds 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 , 2 miles away Eagle Peak Trail, Dolores , 4 miles away Morrison Trail, Montezuma , 4 miles away Stoner Mesa Trail, Dolores , 6 miles away Spring Creek Trail, Dolores , 6 miles away   Public Lands 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 Mancos State Park, Colorado , 10 miles away   Lakes Near Dolores River Joe Moore Reservoir, Montezuma , 9 miles away Summit Reservoir, Montezuma , 12 miles away Puett Reservoir, Montezuma , 13 miles away