The Dolores River

The Dolores is a beautiful canyon country river, lacking only in water due to limited releases from the McPhee Reservoir upstream. When the water flows, the Dolores makes for an outstanding trip or trips, as the river can be reached at several points to select trips of various lengths. Given sufficient water, the total boat-able length is approaching 175 miles.

Put-In: Various points, see map

Take-Out: Dewey Bridge over Colorado River

Miles: 175 maximum

Managing Agency: BLM

Campsites: Dolores Campsites

  • A bend in the muddy Dolores River flowing through green meadows and past steep red cliffs
    A huge rock formation with the Dolores river flowing around it
    The remains of a wooden flume from the 1800's attached high on a red cliff face
  • Dolores River Scenery
    Looking downstream from Bull Canyon Camp
    Dolores River Scenery
  • Detail of the High Flume
    Bull Canyon Camp
    Dolores River Scenery
  • Dolores River Scenery
    Plunge Hole Arch
    Ponderosa Gorge
  • Dolores River Scenery
    Dolores River Scenery
    Dolores River Scenery