A Beautiful and Exciting Tour

...in a steep narrow red rock canyon lush with pine and fir trees; challenging, rocky rapids

One of the most remarkable river trips in the West. The Dolores River with headwaters in the San Juan mountains of southwestern Colorado, flows for over two hundred river miles before it joins the Colorado River near Dewey Bridge above Moab, UT. In 1776, a Franciscan, Silvestre Velez de Escalante christened the river "Rio de Nuestra Senora de Los Dolores" - River of Our Lady of Sorrows.

The river running season on the Dolores is short, usually 6-8 weeks and varies with snowpack each year.

These stretches are available for your custom tour planning - contact CFI with at least 30 days notice, fees to vary with starting location and if motel orientation/stay included pre tour.

6 person minimum; 20 maximum; organizer receives 1 free spot once minimum is met. $185/day for adults and $135/day for youth (6-17 years, see below on minimum age for various stretches).

Bradfield to Slickrock (starts 1 day upstream of Dove Creek) 3 days, 2 nights

or Dove Creek to Slickrock -2 days, 1 night
For adults or 12 years and older
Challenging rocky whitewater
May, depending on water level
Class III-IV (adult or 12 years and older)

Start/end Dove Creek, CO

Slickrock or Gypsum to Bedrock, CO 4 days, 3 nights
A perfect trip for the entire family
May, depending on water level
Class II water - Adult or 6 yrs and older

Start/end Moab, UT

On the Ponderosa Gorge stretch we can run from Bradfield Bridge to Slickrock Colorado OR can do a shorter trip from Dove Creek to Slickrock. This stretch includes the infamous Class IV "Snaggletooth Rapid" and other active ClassI-III sections of whitewater as well as some lovely floating in geologically spectacular canyons.

Our trip features a small group and "learning" as well as adventure with our Naturalist-Guides. We meet in the town of Dove Creek, Colorado at 10 am the morning of the tour where you receive your river bags and pack for the overnight tour. We load into the CFI van at this point, you may leave your cars parked in Dove Creek. We travel onto the launch point at Bradfield Bridge. After an orientation, we put on the river and enjoy fun small rapids right away. We use self bailing small oar powered rafts or if the group is large enough, we will include a paddle boat.

Learn about the diverse natural history, Indian prehistory and Anglo exploration of the Dolores country as well as "pre- and post" McPhee Dam water management and issues. Enjoy delicious meals and a comfortable river camp. Bring your own tent and sleeping bag or rent from CFI. We return to Dove Creek by 5 pm the last day.

Fee includes lunch day 1 through lunch the last day;minimum 6 people and maximum 16 people group size. Lodging the night before and after the tour is on your own. (There is a National 9 Inn in Dove Creek or many motel options in Cortez, CO or Monticello, UT)

Don't miss this great opportunity!

(We can arrange this tour with 30 days notice as a custom tour for your group)

Slickrock to Bedrock - 4 day/3 night

The Slickrock to Bedrock section of the Dolores River is a mellow float through deep red rock sandstone canyons with class I-III whitewater. There are Native American rock art sites along the way and interesting geologic features carved in the sandstone walls as the river meanders its way through a beautiful wilderness study area. We will learn about the geology, ecology and history of the area while rafting and on short day hikes. This raft tour is a rare opportunity to float through a remote section of wilderness seldom seen as the river only flows a certain time of year. Water levels are dependant on snowpack and dam releases. A back-up tour on the San Juan River is planned in case of low water levels. We will know 2 weeks ahead of time which river we will be running.

This is a 4 day river tour with 3 nights camping and will start and end in Moab, Utah at CFI's office (1320 S. Hwy 191; Moab, UT). CFI will provide all meals and boating gear including row rafts, inflatable kayaks or paddle rafts depending on the tour and water levels. You should bring your own tent and sleeping bag/pad or arrange to rent one from CFI. An informational packet will be mailed to you about 6 weeks prior to the trip start. First time campers and rafters are welcome. For adults and kids age 6 and up. Group size is limited to 12 participants due to river regulations.

Read the Fine Print:
Important Program Policies

Gear Rental is Available