ED Ventures:

Rafting the Dolores River

History, Employment, Scholarships, Mission

Hiking, Rafting, Tours, School Programs, Guides, GREE

A Beautiful and Exciting Trip

...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 trip planning - contact CFI with at least 30 days notice, fees to vary with starting location and if motel orientation/stay included pre trip. Bradfield to Slickrock (starts 1 day upstream of Dove Creek) 2 nights Challenging rocky whitewater May, depending on water level Class III-IV (adult or 12 years and older) Slickrock to Bedrock, CO 4 nights A perfect trip for the entire family May, depending on water level Class II water - Adult or 6 yrs and older Gateway to Dewey Bridge 2 nights Several famous class III and IV rapids June, depending on water level Class I-IV Adult or 12 years and older		OUR SCHEDULED TWO NIGHT TRIP For adults or 12 years and older We are thrilled to be able to explore the Dolores this year; our scheduled two night trip runs from Bradfield Bridge to Slickrock Colorado which launches in a lovely Ponderosa Pine forest and then mid trip drops into red rock desert; 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 trip where you receive your river bags and pack for the overnight trip. 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 trip 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 trip with 30 days notice as a custom trip for your group) Read the Fine Print: Important Program Policies Current Trip Dates & Fees Gear Rental is Available