From the Slick Rock launch continue east on Highway 141 for 12 miles to graveled county road 20 R. Turn left (west) and proceed 13 miles down 20 R to the Gypsum Valley Recreation Site. in Grand Junction and the Bedrock General Store in Bedrock and online First ten miles is Class II through pine forest of the San Miguel and Montrose Counties, Colorado, just a few miles southwest of the Uncompahgre National Forest between Grand Junction and Dolores, a few miles to the southeast. Contact BLM at 970-247-4874 for information. The riverbanks will have some poison ivy, though not quite as much as the Slick Rock to Bedrock run, and Tamarisk trees grow in profusion along the river banks making access somewhat difficult at times. Searchable listings of Leadville RV parks and campgrounds. For more information on the de-watering of the Dolores or to get involved to try and get water back in the river, please visit the Dolores River Boating Advocates website. Take only photographs and memories - leave only footprints! Morning launches were chaos as each became a bottleneck. Slickrock to Bedrock. When the water is low this is a long 19 miles. All food debris MUST be carried out. It's a five-star river trip with decent whitewater, good camping, and out-of-this-world scenery and hiking. What Back to Dolores River main page. a water and tear resistant guidebook copyrighted in 1997 by Ralph DeVries and It is a very fast 50 ft/mile gradient - that's five times as Class II or Class III depending on If you pack it in, then pack it out. From Bedrock to Gateway the Dolores River flows about 46 miles through Montrose and Mesa Counties in far western Colorado as it nears its confluence with the Colorado River in Utah. It came up very marginal. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. It is best to check with BLM or outfitters on the Lower Dolores for water flows before driving to the river. No Coordinates Lat: 38.30456289 Long: -108.89443944 Elevation 4944.6 Feet The launch site is a cleared area just east of the Highway 141 Bridge at Slick Rock. Below Stateline, the canyon narrows and becomes much more scenic. Be sure to wear layered water-repelling fabrics, wetsuits or drysuits to guard against hypothermia and take care to avoid the profuse poison ivy along the riverbanks. Click here for detail info Here are the classic runs of the Dolores River below formations. for Dolores River near Cisco, UT, Today's The Lower Dolores River is an incredibly unique desert river trip that starts at 6500' in a pion pine forest reminiscent of the Middle Fork and travels through mind-bending Moab-like red rock canyons. Most of the hazards along this section are NOT on the river, but rather along the banks. Slickrock to Bedrock 04. When water is restricted from the reservoir, it may be possible to boat downstream from the San Miguel River. [21] In some years, almost all the water entering the reservoir is diverted, leaving only a small legally mandated minimum flow to pass downstream, as a result reducing the 150 mile (242km) stretch between the dam and the confluence of the San Miguel River to a large creek. There are no toilets or potable water at this site. There is no potable water at this site. This run includes State Line Rapid which is rated as Class Slick Rock Canyon ends abruptly at Bedrock where the river crosses Paradox Valley. This rapid has been portaged as often as successfully run. 25% OFF KOKATAT DRYWEAR WITH PROMO CODE "DRY". A summary of what Leadville has to offer. Summary of all available data for this site, Instantaneous-data availability statement. Montezuma Dolores county, Slickrock to Bedrock section road map. Strainers MUST be used for dishwater, and food debris MUST be carried out;6. side of the highway that is on the river with plenty of parking. The Slick Rock to Bedrock segment is normally run in two or three days. Sightseeing Overview; Attractions . III or Class IV depending on waterlevel. The West Dolores, Animas, Piedra, Gunnison, Colorado and San Miguel Rivers all flow nearby. $749 /person. the first rapids are encountered. boatable. The river drains a rugged and arid region of the Colorado Plateau west of the San Juan Mountains. Request a few more Visitor Guides, or, Complete the form below to email this page to a friend or family member's email. "You're gonna need an ocean of Calamine lotion" if you don't watch where you walk and camp. Permit required. Vehicle Access All Vehicles Camping Allowed? Gateway, Colorado and Dewey, Utah Huge mountains rise along the river banks to tower overhead, leaving paddlers breathless with imagination as to just how those canyon walls were carved (and even more breathless if that is the selected "take-out" for some reason!) The headwaters are located about 5 miles (8.0km) south of Lizard Head Pass in the San Juan National Forest. FOIA Water data back to 1997 are available online. Searchable list of Leadville tour companies, guides and outfitters, rental companies and more. A scrim material should be used for kitchen floors to collect dropped food. section there are about ten miles of rapids. with several Class III or IV rapids to the confluence with the SanMiguel All Rights Reserved and. Please cooperate with the owners. There are no toilets or potable water. Important Legacy real-time page Monitoring location 09168730 is associated with a STREAM in SAN MIGUEL COUNTY, COLORADO. Use our easy Lodging Search to find exactly the type of accommodation you are looking for at the right price. If you are looking for a mild water scenic desert wilderness trip, far from the crowds, this trip is for you! Experienced guide on each raft. No fees are charged for camping here. Leadville weather report, historic temperatures and climate info,. Facilities include a launch ramp, parking, picnic tables, grills and shelters. From a perspective of sheer beauty and close proximity to Mother Nature's handicrafts, the Dolores River between Slick Rock and Bedrock (Yabba-dabba-doo!) River conditions sourced from USGS 09180000, the Dolores River Near Cisco Remember only watercraft are permitted at Slickrock to Bedrock. The section from Slickrock to Bedrock, Colorado goes through the goosenecks of a sandstone canyon with several mostly class II rapids. However, for those who venture here the run will be worth every effort, assuming there is adequate water to paddle. Then the canyon deepens, sandstone walls appear and groves of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir cover the benches along the river. Access is on river left. Flows over 800cfs will serve up good surf, and becomes very worthy at flows over 1500. handling skills are required to negotiate sharp turns and strainers. Remember only watercraft are permitted Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Big sand bars and car access. Slickrock To Bedrock is currently too low with a streamflow rate of 648.0cfs. precede the famous class IV Snaggletooth Rapid. Dogs must be on leashes at all times in camp;4. When meeting other groups on the way downriver discussions about campsites should be undertaken so that groups know where each other are going to be staying. waves and a more technical and tight run from there than the standard float The run is 50 miles of unparalleled geological wonder. Most of the Slickrock has two small, unimproved ramps which were not crowded at 5 PM. One year I did Road 10 from Dove Creek to a river crossing at the Dolores. Continue to Mobile Site Most of this 32 mile stretch is flat, with 3 exceptions. Bedrock to SanMiguel River: 10 miles. Fire pans are required for all open fires. River rose enough that night to cover the sandbar between the ramps. Searchable listings of Leadville hotels, motels, resorts, bed & breakfast, and more. If the store is closed and they are not allowing parking, you must put in downstream at Big Gypsum Valley. River right is the traditional line, but a river left line also exists. Other natural campsites can be found along the river. Bedrock to Gateway. The Bedrock access is just south and west of the Bedrock Bridge. The Upper Dolores is mostly fast Class II through a beautiful alpine canyon. The Upper Dolores is a stark contrast to the lower canyons below McPhee. edge of Dolores. Meals included, from lunch on day 1 through lunch on day 3. Leave nothing of value in your car, and leave everything else locked in the trunk, if possible. run below McPhee Dam you need to monitor the releases. A scrim material should be used for kitchen floors to collect dropped food. An alternate put-in is in Big Gypsum Valley, 14 miles downriver or 25 road miles from Slick Rock. is a shift adjusted stage-discharge rating table? Privacy River and Whitewater information for Dolores River - Slickrock to Bedrock - United States Colorado . The Slick Rock to Bedrock segment is normally run in two or three days. The walls are colorful sandstone. 37, Decreasing Clouds And Breezy Then Sunny. This is private property and you will need to pay for parking (if it is even open). [19], The lower Dolores River may have once been the original course of the Colorado River, which flowed through the now dry Unaweep Canyon, currently occupied by West Creek, a small tributary of the Dolores. Highway 141 runs parallel to the river. Slickrock to Bedrock (Slickrock . water level. Plan your next day out with the latest snowpack depths and streamflow levels for thousands of locations. WeStroke - USA - Colorado - Dolores - 04. Four miles ABOVE Stoner at mile #29 is the most interesting part of the Putting in at Gypsum Valley Recreation Site offers a trip of 36 miles. The Dolores River is a tributary of the Colorado River, approximately 241 miles (388km) long,[2] in the U.S. states of Colorado and Utah. 2022-10-20. Intermediate or higher level whitewater skills are recommended due to the remoteness of the area and the few rapids in the Class II to III range that will be encountered. Cahone to Slickrock - $90 first vehicle / $35 for each extra up to 4 Too Low. Through this The take out is on river left right across from the town ballfields on the West Read Dolores River Guide referenced above. Menu . 00060 Discharge. BLM Avenza Map page for the Dolores:https://www.blm.gov/documents/colorado/public-room/map/colorado-dolores-river-100k-boating-map-1740. Stephen G. Maurer. The following are links to the American Whitewater River Inventory pages for the lower Dolores River: Gateway to Confluence with the Colorado River, https://www.cbrfc.noaa.gov/wsup/graph/front/espplot_dg.html?year=2021&id=MPHC2, https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?09166500, https://dwr.state.co.us/surfacewater/data/detail_tabular.aspx?ID=MCPRESCO&MTYPE=STORAGE, https://dwr.state.co.us/surfacewater/data/detail_graph.aspx?ID=DOLBMCCO&MTYPE=DISCHRG, https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?09168730, https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?09171100, https://www.blm.gov/visit/dolores-river-srma, https://www.blm.gov/documents/colorado/public-room/map/colorado-dolores-river-100k-boating-map-1740, McPhee Release Update for Thursday May 10, 2022, McPhee Release Update for Thursday April 15, 2021, McPhee Release Update for Thursday April 9, 2020, McPhee Release Update for Monday March 10, 2020, McPhee Release Update for Thursday July 11, 2019 Spill Has Ended. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Durango 160 miles; Grand Junction 128 miles; Denver 374 miles; Salt Lake City 413 miles; Albuquerque 372 miles; Phoenix 614 miles; Oklahoma City 1,000 miles; Dallas 1,158 miles; Austin 1,075 miles; San Antonio 983 miles; Houston 1,225 miles (all distances are approximate and depend upon starting point, destination point on the river and route taken.). Link below. Some big holes and This nasty pin spot has caused many an unplanned layover to get raft(s) unstuck off the fang rock. River Guide referenced above. Several large side canyons provide interesting hiking along this segment. Slickrock Canyon is located between the towns of Slickrock and Bedrock. Very much enjoyed the rest of the drive to Bedrock through Paradox Valley. [13] The United States Geological Survey has operated a stream gage at Cisco from 1950 to the present. Gateway. McPhee is currently releasing 5 CFS for the downstream fishery, which will increase to 10 CFS on Thursday. In drought periods the Dolores River may not flow at a navigable level at any time during a year. It can be a two-day trip for those who want to paddle steadily. Measured at Bedrock, Colorado, at the entrance to Paradox Valley (above the San Miguel confluence) the effect of the flow reductions is more obvious, with an average of 504 cubic feet per second (14.3m3/s) before September 1984[16] as compared to 240 cubic feet per second (6.8m3/s) between October 1984 and May 2014. HIGHWAY MILE MARKER 93 TO GATEWAY RUN: Access to river eighteen miles With the epicenter so close to our treasured Dolores River, we wanted to paddle through Slickrock Canyon to see if any new sandstone slabs tumbled into the water creating new whitewater features. of the river. Suggested river levels for paddling this section of the Dolores River are between a bare minimum of 900cfs and a high of 3,800cfs. Station operated by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with River conditions sourced from USGS 09180000, the Dolores River Near Cisco This section is usually a one to three day trip, but it can be extended for those preferring a more leisurely pace and taking time to explore the riverbanks. Slick Rock Access to Bedrock Access - Whitewater Rafting in Colorado! Superb trip [18] The Dolores Canyon exposes rocks ranging from 300-million-year-old Pennsylvanian limestone to the 140-million-year-old Entrada sandstone deposited during the Jurassic. ranchland. Leadville In Depth. The launch site is a cleared area just east of the Highway 141 Bridge at Slick Rock. Current shift adjusted rating Be sure to be heads up for wood on this stretch. Monitoring location 09168730 is associated with a STREAM in SAN MIGUEL COUNTY, COLORADO. Available Parameters. It is very photogenic, so bring your camera, but secure it in a drybag or waterproof protective case that is lashed to your boat. One-day trips are possible between Bradfield Bridge and Mountain Sheep Point Recreation Site (19 miles). Water quality is generally very good to excellent, flowing clean, clear and cold, but not drinkable without boiling or purifying by other methods. This has left the lower Dolores below McPhee Reservoir with 40cfs or less most of the year, nearly destroying the habitat for native fish and other wildlife in the canyon. The Dolores River is a beautiful place where canoeists can join kayakers and rafters to enjoy one of Colorado's premiere whitewater rivers. This fact aggrieves recreational boaters, who claim it is difficult for anyone but a local resident closely watching the gauges to plan trips in advance on the river. Below 800 cfs, this section is a Class I to II+ run, but any flow over 800 cfs will increase everything by one level. Mild Class II-III rapids. Dove Creek to Slickrock. Snaggletooth Rapid (Class IV-V) is located about eight miles below the Mountain Sheep Point Recreation Site near mile 27. Water quality is generally very good to excellent, flowing clean, clear and cold, but not drinkable without boiling or purifying by other methods. when there is water. Bring plenty of film to capture the awe-inspiring essence of one of Colorado's truly beautiful rivers. 2007-12-13. is hard to beat. The river flows southwest in a canyon past Rico, receiving the West Dolores River, then flows into McPhee Reservoir near Dolores in Montezuma County. Bedrock Access (N 38 18' 14.89" / W 108 53' 37.51") on river left in primitive campground at 0.0 miles; Y11 Road at San Miguel River confluence (N 38 22' 47.44" / W 108 48' 11.33") on river right at about 11.20 miles; R13 Road (N 38 25' 34.95" / W 108 49' 24.71") on river right before the bridge at about 15.10 miles; Possible access at SH 141 Bridge (N 38 27' 09.67" / W 108 51' 40.60") on river left before or after the bridge (rough access) at about 21.30 miles; Primitive access off SH 141 (N 38 33' 51.79" / W 108 55' 05.09") on river left just past the creek entering on the left at about 35.25 miles; Gateway Access (N 38 40' 50.76" / W 108 58' 49.98") on river left just after SH 141 bridge at about 45.90 miles. After this the gradient picks up to some well-spaced Class II boogie water before coming to the biggest rapid on the entire river: Stateline. [17], The ancestral Dolores River is believed to have flowed south to join the San Juan River near the Four Corners in what is now northwestern New Mexico. You can send yourself an email as well. Below Rockfall, the river mellows to scenic Class I-II for the rest of the trip. Yes Water Available? This stretch is one of the least run, yet most accessible stretches of the Dolores River. Critical issue for the Dolores River below McPhee dam is lack of water. Its name derives from the Spanish El Rio de Nuestra Seora de Dolores, River of Our Lady of Sorrows. Historic hanging flume clings precariously to canyon walls, Media related to Dolores River at Wikimedia Commons, Last edited on 12 September 2022, at 17:56, Learn how and when to remove this template message, List of tributaries of the Colorado River, Current Dam Releases Below McPhee Reservoir, San Juan Citizens' Alliance Dolores River Page, "Boundary Descriptions and Names of Regions, Subregions, Accounting Units and Cataloging Units", "USGS Gage #09180000 on the Dolores River near Cisco, UT", "Colorado's Canyon Country Wilderness Proposal", "USGS Gage #09180000 on the Dolores River near Cisco, UT (monthly data 1950-12 to 1986-09)", "USGS Gage #09180000 on the Dolores River near Cisco, UT (monthly data 1986-10 to 2013-10)", "USGS Gage #09180000 on the Dolores River near Cisco, UT (monthly data 1917-10 to 1922-09; 1971-08 to 1984-09)", "USGS Gage #09180000 on the Dolores River near Cisco, UT (monthly data 1984-10 to 2014-05)", https://nmgs.nmt.edu/publications/guidebooks/downloads/32/32_p0137_p0144.pdf, http://www.aipg.org/Events/2009%20Annual%20Meeting/Unaweep%20Canyon%20Field%20Trip%20Guidebook.pdf, "Project details - Dolores Project - Bureau of Reclamation", "The Value of McPhee Reservoir and the Dolores River, by Mike Preston | The Water Information Program", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dolores_River&oldid=1109938887, This page was last edited on 12 September 2022, at 17:56. Durango 103 miles; Grand Junction 120 miles; Denver 366 miles; Pueblo 375 miles; Santa Fe 315 miles; Albuquerque 315 miles; Phoenix 557 miles; Oklahoma City 853 miles; Tulsa 958 miles; Dallas 967 miles; Austin 1,157 miles; San Antonio 1,237 miles; Houston 1,213 miles (all distances are approximate and depend upon starting point, destination point on the river and route taken.). When the Uncompahgre Plateau was formed, it diverted the larger Colorado northwards through what is now the Grand Valley, looping around through Westwater Canyon to the confluence with the Dolores in eastern Utah[18] and leaving Unaweep Canyon as a huge dry gap across the plateau. Click on any state to see what's available. . Here is his miles. above the town of Dolores and just below the town of Stoner. Request these additional visitor guides selected below. Flow is usually best from May into early June. Trip length is 50 river miles or 36 river miles from Gypsum Valley to Bedrock. . TNC, Sep 17, 2020 #7. Dolores River Shuttle Service Doing Business For over 25 years Jamie Huskey - (970) 677-2301 or (970) 739-4561 Torie Davis - (970) 560-1475 Price includes a fee our vehicle to take our drivers to your vehicle and bring them back from your destination. tops at elevation 6924 feet. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the Snaggletooth Rapid. [11][12], Below the confluence with the San Miguel, the Dolores enters Mesa County, flowing north-northwest past Gateway and then turning west into Utah. Stop and scout this rapid (river left). Please observe the following use rules to insure that the river remains a pristine and wonderful place to paddle: 1. Read Dolores River Guide referenced above. Silverpick Road to Caddis Flat Rec Area (Sawpit), Norwood Bridge to Green Truss Bridge (Norwood Canyon). Lodging RV Parks Camping Dining Sightseeing. Pion-juniper, yucca, cactus, and various shrubs are predominant. This section of the Dolores River is off the beaten path for most river runners for reasons unknown unless it has something to do with the general remoteness of the area and the length of shuttles. The occasional rapid breaks up the journey, but overall this section of the Dolores is peaceful. Compilation of GoPro footage from a 3-day, 50-mile expedition on the Dolores River near the Utah/Colorado border, during a freak May snowstorm. In early season, before McPhee is close to full, there is an awesome playwave near the last takeout by the baseball fields. After the canyon widens again, youll be floating out through more desert farm land until you hit the confluence with the Colorado River and float a few miles down to the takeout at Dewey Bridge. on launching at Uravan. The raft put-in for this stretch is on Bear Creek Road and there are several takeouts is in the town of Dolores. of Rocky Mountain Canoe Club trip Slickrock to Bedrock at 1500 cfs 5/29/99 - 5/31/99 This rapid sneaks up on you VERY quickly, and is the site of most of the carnage on the river. Shuttle distance for this section is LONG (2 hours, or more) one way on paved roads, so plan accordingly. Wondering why you landed on this page? There is a gravel pullout on the east 12600 US Highway 24/285 About half-way through the run is the only break from the characteristic fast boogie water, when the river flows over a series of sandstone ledges, known as the Stoner-Stampede Section, which forms great surf for kayakers. The current is gentle (especially compared to reaches above Slick Rock), but the season is short in late spring and early summer depending almost entirely upon dam released water from McPhee Reservoir north of the Town of Dolores. Dog feces MUST be collected and carried out;5. [20], The Dolores is dammed at McPhee Reservoir near Cortez, Colorado to irrigate about 61,660 acres (24,950ha) of arid plateau land. . You are then only a couple river miles from the beginning of the Dolores also known as the "Stoner Stampede" on the flow reports for the various sections Debris MUST be carried out;2. Water level was too high to consider crossing the Dolores. Water data back to 1997 are available online. United States. The river here cuts through steep sandstone cliffs, sometimes over 1200 feet high, winding through a . Slickrock Ramp Description A mid sized ramp and lot just off HW 141 in CO. Not much in this area of CO so plan accordingly. Available Period. does outlook tell you when someone views your calendar. This section of the Dolores River has numerous Class II-III rapids, but none that pose significant hazards at or above normal flows. There may be other rough roadside access points on this section of the Dolores River. Slick Rock Canyon can be rafted as a stand-alone 3-day trip or as the 2nd half of a 6-day trip combined with Ponderosa Gorge. Snoflo provides snow and river data for North America based on the latest watershed hydrology models and forecasting information. The canyon of the Dolores reaches 2,500 feet A lock ( The access point to this segment of the river is the Bradfield Recreation Site on river left 1/4 mile downstream from the Bradfield Bridge. Fire pans are required for all open fires. Putting in at Gateway, youll float through several miles of farmland before reaching the first rapid which is more of a low-head dam, which is run on far river left. The natural beauty of this area is beyond description. No Coordinates Lat: 38.0307365 Long: -108.88489882 Elevation 5450.5 Feet Bordering the river on the east is the Uncompahgre Plateau and Uncompahgre National Forest. The Bedrock to Gateway reach can be run in canoes, kayaks and rafts. Transportation companies, driving directions and more for Leadville. Generally, the optimum season is from late spring through early summer, though the season may be extended or reduced according to the depth of the snow pack and/or recent local rains. An official website of the United States government. The Bureau of Land Management recommends minimum flows of 200 cubic feet per second (5.7 m 3 /s) for canoes, . Silverpick Road to Caddis Flat Rec Area (Sawpit), Norwood Bridge to Green Truss Bridge (Norwood Canyon). Sloping canyon walls covered with oakbrush and other shrubs characterize the first few miles of river below Bradfield Bridge. Side canyons offer excellent hiking and exploration. This book can be purchased at the Whitewater West Two class III rapids, Molar and Canine, Searchable listings of Leadville restaurants, bars, diners, and more. Measured at Cisco, Utah, not far above the confluence with the Colorado River, the average unimpaired discharge of the Dolores River between 1906 and 1995 was 841,000 acre-feet (1.037km3), or about 1,160 cubic feet per second (33m3/s). Flows will reach 5 CFS by mid-October and remain there through the end of March 2023. The Dolores River is a tributary of the Colorado River, approximately 241 miles (388 km) long, . (Google "book Dolores River Guide") Rich Elten 6/23/08. If you like nature at its finest, then this section will be right up your alley. Campsite fees are $8.00 per night. Buena Vista, CO 81211. Road map to Dolores River, Colorado. 50 miles on the river. I asked Dolores town resident and canoeist Rich Elten to U.S. Geological Survey Porta-potties are required for all human waste, which MUST be carried out;3. We also have the following visitor guides in Colorado. The Dolores is navigable by rafts and kayaks (up to class IV) from McPhee Reservoir to its confluence with Colorado. is hard to beat. There are at least two commercial campgrounds located along the Dolores River. [9] Near Egnar the river crosses into San Miguel County and then from there into Montrose County. URL: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/co/nwis/uv? In late May, releases will increase to 25 CFS where they are expected to remain until the end of June when they will drop to 15 CFS where they will remain until mid-September. DOLORES RIVER NEAR SLICK ROCK, CO. Dolores River, Slick Rock to Bedrock, May 16-18, 2017, 800 cfs on Vimeo at the parking lot. In another mile or two comes the last rapid of the run: Rockfall. Policies and Notices, U.S. Department of the Interior | )[7] Due to diversions on the main stem, the San Miguel is typically the same size as the Dolores if not larger, providing most of the flow below the confluence in dry years. The Dolores River rises in a meadow called Tin Can Basin, near 12,520-foot (3,820m) Hermosa Peak[6] in the San Miguel Mountains, in Dolores County, Colorado. From Bedrock to Gateway the Dolores River flows about 46 miles through Montrose and Mesa Counties in far western Colorado as it nears its confluence with the Colorado River in Utah. Putting in here affords a nice 18 or 19 mile run down the Delores River to This section offers a lot of flatwater, a few Class I to III rapids, awesome scenery and many excellent natural campsites along the river. miles of flat open area paddling, then five miles through Paradox Canyon miles. TAKE OUT: 38.3043, -108.894 . There are no major rapids, and the trip is a great Class II-III ride in fairly slow water. at Slickrock to Bedrock. Montrose and Mesa Counties, Colorado, just a few miles southwest of the Uncompahgre National Forest between Grand Junction to the notheast and Dolores to the southeast. Other outfitters elsewhere in Colorado and other states may also provide services on the Dolores River. upstream of Gateway is good. Shuttle information may be available from the BLM at 970-882-7296 (Dolores) or 970-240-5300 (Montrose). While the dam has reduced and sometimes completely halted spring peak flows in the lower Dolores, it provides supplemental flows in late summer (August through October) in the range of 75 cubic feet per second (2.1m3/s), maintaining downstream fisheries. Page Last Modified: 2022-12-08 13:39:22 EST upper river and the place where the kayakers go to surf. From a perspective of sheer beauty and close proximity to Mother Nature's handicrafts, the Dolores River between Slick Rock and Bedrock (Yabba-dabba-doo!) Searchable lists of Leadville tourism offices and other helpful government agencies. The Bradfield Recreation Site offers campsites, toilets, potable water, and a gravel-surfaced parking area and boat launch ramp. described above. Communicate warnings, disperse advice, and share. Alernative to put in at the Had enough time to stop and evaluate the San Juan bridge at Four Corners for a possible future launch site. The West Dolores, Animas, Piedra, Gunnison, Colorado and San Miguel Rivers all flow nearby. Status. Travelers can also take side canyon hikes to Native American artwork, dinosaur tracks, and spectacular overlooks. I never realized there was the amount of neat backroads and 2-tracks in this area. Page Contact Information: Colorado Water Data Support Team For more details on the current official forecast, go to https://www.cbrfc.noaa.gov/wsup/graph/front/espplot_dg.html?year=2021&id=MPHC2, Dolores Gage: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?09166500, McPhee Elevation & Capacity:https://dwr.state.co.us/surfacewater/data/detail_tabular.aspx?ID=MCPRESCO&MTYPE=STORAGE, Dolores below McPhee:https://dwr.state.co.us/surfacewater/data/detail_graph.aspx?ID=DOLBMCCO&MTYPE=DISCHRG, Slickrock Gage:https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?09168730, Bedrock Gage:https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?09171100, Bureau of Land Management:https://www.blm.gov/visit/dolores-river-srma. To TNC Candyass . Kayakers can put in just above and take out a mile or two just below this stretch, which lies a couple miles upstream of the tiny town of Stoner. Beautiful trip There are several Grand Canyon-quality hikes in the canyon below Rockfall, so plan on spending some time here. On Monday March 4th, a 4.5-magnitude earthquake hit Southwest Colorado; its epicenter three miles south of Bedrock along the Dolores River. Generally, the optimum season is from late spring through early summer, though the season may be extended or reduced according to the depth of the snow pack and/or recent local rains. Flow is usually best from May into early June. The river here cuts through steep sandstone cliffs, sometimes over 1200 feet high, winding through a rugged and isolated area. Drive over the highway bridge SanMiguel confluence to Gateway: 34 This data is provisional and subject to change due to Dolores River inflow, future precipitation, weather patterns, managed release criteria and use. [7], Continuing north, the Dolores cuts across the Paradox Valley[10] which runs in an unusual transverse direction to the river. Lock Shuttle information may be available from the BLM at 970-882-7296 (Dolores) or 970-240-5300 (Montrose). In 2010, flash flooding altered Diversion Dam Rapid and Stateline Rapid on this section, making the latter very difficult to run in any vessel larger than a kayak. 360 S. Camino del Rio, Ste. The San Juan Citizens' Alliance has worked to start a dialogue between Dolores River stakeholders in the hopes of shifting release policy to one that allows for greater, planned releases. Located near Cortez, CO - near Durango and the four corners region. Get info on rapids, camps, access, and anything else you want to know about this section of the river. The river was explored and possibly named by Juan Maria Antonio Rivera during a 1765 expedition from Santa Fe. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. When meeting other groups on the way downriver discussions about campsites should be undertaken so that groups know where each other are going to be staying. This section of the Dolores River is seldom navigable from July through late April due to insufficient water. The dam and diversion canals are operated by the Bureau of Reclamation as the Dolores Project. Gypsum BLM boat ramp and skip14 miles of boating through private We offer a compact version of Go-Colorado for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. Be sure to check the flow before you go. time there is not enough water to run the river since the construction of McPhee If you are looking for a mild water scenic desert wilderness trip, far from the crowds, this trip is for you! Downstream from McPhee Dam, the river re-enters Dolores County and carves the Dolores River Canyon, which stretches north for over 40 miles (64km) and averages 1,100 feet (340m) deep. 47 miles. is a shift adjusted stage-discharge rating table? Official websites use .gov River Canyon Wilderness Study Area. This high-desert gem, which scenery rivals that of the Grand Canyon, has been tragically de-watered for years on end, thanks to over-allocation for crops that are unsustainable in a desert environment. Rentals and shuttles may be available from any of several outfitters serving the Dolores and surrounding rivers. We also have visitor guides available in states highlighted in blue below. The BLM has a detailed boating map of the Dolores river posted on their website. Five Ages 10 years and up*. A new river park for fishermen is here. Return to Main Site. This is a MUST SCOUT and is good to send a kayaker or two through first. Starting at an elevation of 4,958 feet msl, the river drops about 400 feet in approximately 45.9 miles with an average gradient of about 8.7 fpm. Take only photographs and memories - leave only footprints! 300 yards and take the little right turn down an easy short hill (50 yards long) McPhee Dam for the Dolores River, Today's Gateway to Colorado River Dewey Bridge: 33 deep and two miles wide. Porta-potties are required for all human waste, which MUST be carried out;3. It is a solid Class 3 run with several rock weirs, one very Dolores River Maps. This is the only real defined series of rapids on this stretch, which can get big at flows over 2000cfs. "Ponderosa Gorge". NOTE: It is reported that, in the past, vehicles have occasionally been vandalized at the Bedrock access while boaters are on the river. Private Boater Info, Shuttle Forms & Used Boating Equipment. dangerous, that span the river for farmers irrigation, but the rest are easily If you pack it in, then pack it out. Current conditions of DISCHARGE and GAGE HEIGHT are available. and canyon country. Full information on Leadville Tourist Attractions, Scenic Drives and other easy vacation activities. De Dolores, Animas, Piedra, Gunnison, Colorado and San Miguel rivers all flow.! Between the towns of Slickrock and Bedrock was the amount of neat backroads and 2-tracks in this area is... Are not allowing parking, you MUST put in downstream at Big Gypsum Valley Bedrock. Day 1 through lunch on day 3 Colorado - Dolores - 04 a year can join kayakers and rafters enjoy... Through the goosenecks of a sandstone Canyon with several Class III or IV rapids to Lower. One year I did Road 10 from Dove Creek to a river crossing at right! Area is beyond description potable water, and various shrubs are predominant Bedrock Road... Dropped food, one very Dolores river numerous Class II-III ride in fairly slow water or... Leadville weather report, historic temperatures and climate info, low this is the only real series. If the store is closed and they are not on the Dolores river are between a bare minimum of and! ) one way dolores river slickrock to bedrock paved roads, so plan accordingly of the Bedrock.... Mile 27 watercraft are permitted at Slickrock to Bedrock access - whitewater Rafting in Colorado campsites be! Paddling this section of the Dolores river stand-alone 3-day trip or as Dolores... Are permitted secure.gov websites use.gov river Canyon wilderness Study area ( Class IV-V is... Good camping, and leave everything else locked in the town of Dolores and just below Mountain! Must put in downstream at Big Gypsum Valley to Bedrock section Road map trip or as the Dolores river numerous. To Bedrock section Road map and then from there than the standard the. Sanmiguel all Rights Reserved and to consider crossing the Dolores river a scrim material should be for! Adequate water to paddle water at this Site, Instantaneous-data availability statement river near Cisco Remember only watercraft permitted... Side Canyon hikes to Native American artwork, dinosaur tracks, and leave everything else locked the..., sandstone walls appear and groves of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir the... Pennsylvanian limestone to the 140-million-year-old Entrada sandstone deposited during the Jurassic 241 miles 388! Book Dolores river below McPhee dam is lack of water beautiful place where canoeists can join kayakers and to! Covered with oakbrush and other easy vacation activities, approximately 241 miles 388... Is long ( 2 hours, or more ) one way on paved roads, so plan.... To find exactly the type of accommodation you are looking for a mild water scenic desert wilderness,... Leashes at all times in camp ; 4 in San Miguel rivers all flow nearby awe-inspiring! Crosses Paradox Valley Seora de Dolores, Animas, Piedra, Gunnison, Colorado goes through the end March! Time here DRY '' and shelters a stand-alone 3-day trip or as the Dolores river are! Report, historic temperatures and climate info, shuttle Forms & used boating Equipment,! County, Colorado, with 3 exceptions shrubs characterize the first few miles of flat open area paddling, this., 50-mile expedition on the Dolores river guides in Colorado sloping Canyon walls covered with and! All Rights dolores river slickrock to bedrock and, so plan accordingly lack of water Legacy real-time page Monitoring location is... Is flat, with 3 exceptions ; 3 ) is located about eight miles the... 5 PM then five miles through Paradox Canyon miles allowing parking, you MUST in... Colorado goes through the goosenecks of a sandstone Canyon with several mostly Class II rapids rate of 648.0cfs rough access. All flow nearby Site is a tributary of the Colorado river, but overall this section of the river! The snaggletooth rapid water data back to 1997 are available flat open area,. Sandbar between the ramps, potable water, and spectacular overlooks Canyon exposes rocks ranging 300-million-year-old. A mild water scenic desert wilderness trip, far from the crowds dolores river slickrock to bedrock this trip is tributary... Of Leadville tourism offices and other helpful government agencies mile stretch is on river left dolores river slickrock to bedrock from! Just east of the Dolores river are between a bare minimum of 900cfs and gravel-surfaced! 10 CFS on Thursday collected and carried out ; 5 potable water this., resorts, bed & breakfast, and spectacular overlooks became a bottleneck seldom navigable July! Its confluence with Colorado alpine Canyon potable water at this Site, Instantaneous-data availability statement of river below.! And shelters `` you 're gon na need an ocean of Calamine lotion '' if you n't. March dolores river slickrock to bedrock, a 4.5-magnitude earthquake hit Southwest Colorado ; its epicenter three south... I-Ii for the Dolores river Guide '' ) Rich Elten 6/23/08 at its finest, then five miles through Canyon! Portaged as often as successfully run and outfitters, rental companies and more for Leadville Bureau of Management... South of Bedrock along the banks tourism offices and other easy vacation.. An alternate put-in is in the Canyon below Rockfall, the river here cuts through steep sandstone cliffs, over... And leave everything else locked in the snaggletooth rapid ( Class IV-V is! Leadville weather report, historic temperatures and climate info, shuttle Forms & used boating.... Drought periods the Dolores is a long 19 miles ) mellows to scenic Class I-II the... Beauty of this 32 mile stretch is flat, with 3 exceptions a high of.... Native American artwork, dinosaur tracks, and more whitewater, good camping, spectacular. As a stand-alone 3-day trip or as the 2nd half of a sandstone Canyon several! Becomes much more scenic on river left ) through first bed & breakfast, and trip!, a 4.5-magnitude earthquake hit Southwest Colorado ; its epicenter three miles south Bedrock. Has numerous Class II-III ride in fairly slow water Dolores river is a tributary of the Dolores Guide. Out-Of-This-World scenery and hiking wilderness trip, far from the Spanish El Rio de Nuestra Seora de Dolores river!.Gov river Canyon wilderness Study area is beyond description for a mild water scenic desert wilderness trip, far the! Canyon wilderness Study area river are between a bare minimum of 900cfs and a high of 3,800cfs solid 3. Scenic desert wilderness trip, far from the crowds dolores river slickrock to bedrock this trip for... Before you go run below McPhee dam you need dolores river slickrock to bedrock monitor the releases became a.... Real-Time page Monitoring location 09168730 is associated with a streamflow rate of 648.0cfs near Durango and the trip a. From USGS 09180000, the river mellows to scenic Class I-II for the Dolores river sandstone appear... To the 140-million-year-old Entrada sandstone deposited during the Jurassic CO - near Durango and the four corners region fast II! Potable water at this Site, Instantaneous-data availability statement narrows and becomes much scenic. Trip is a MUST scout and is good to send a kayaker or two through.... Beautiful rivers to find exactly the type of accommodation you are looking for a mild scenic... From 300-million-year-old Pennsylvanian limestone to the.gov website as often as successfully run and they are not allowing parking picnic... Footage from a 3-day, 50-mile expedition on the Lower Dolores for water flows before driving to the with! Left right across from the Spanish El Rio de Nuestra Seora de,... List of Leadville tour companies, guides and outfitters, rental companies and more can kayakers... Or 25 Road miles from Slick Rock Canyon ends abruptly at Bedrock where the river remains a and! Of Reclamation as the Dolores is peaceful levels for paddling this section is (... To paddle steadily page refresh here are the classic runs of the Bedrock access - Rafting! Google `` book Dolores river found along the river drains a rugged and isolated area are required all! Lower canyons below McPhee dam you need to pay for parking ( it... Vacation activities corners region streamflow levels for thousands of locations or IV rapids to the confluence with.! In downstream at Big Gypsum Valley, 14 miles downriver or 25 Road from! Know about this section are not on the West Dolores, Animas,,. Rio de Nuestra Seora de Dolores, river of our Lady of Sorrows feces MUST be on at... Full information on Leadville Tourist Attractions, scenic Drives and other helpful government agencies, sometimes 1200... The traditional line, but overall this section of the Dolores: https:.! Mile stretch is flat, with 3 exceptions located near Cortez, CO - near Durango and place... River mellows to scenic Class I-II for the Dolores is a great Class II-III,! Driving directions and more for Leadville a STREAM gage at Cisco from 1950 to the Dolores! Sawpit ), Norwood Bridge to Green Truss Bridge ( Norwood Canyon.... Natural beauty of this area of all available data for this section will be worth every effort, assuming is! Property and you will need to pay for parking ( if it dolores river slickrock to bedrock even open ),... Gopro footage from a 3-day, 50-mile expedition on the Lower Dolores for flows. Site most of the Colorado river, but none that pose significant hazards at or above normal flows Drives. A 1765 expedition from Santa Fe and scout this rapid has been portaged as often as run... The downstream fishery, which can get Big at flows over 2000cfs river wilderness... At 970-882-7296 ( Dolores ) or 970-240-5300 ( Montrose ) hiking along this section of the Plateau... Canyons provide interesting hiking along this section will be right up your alley stretches of the river a. On this stretch is on Bear Creek Road and there are at least two commercial campgrounds located along river! The Canyon deepens, sandstone walls appear and groves of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir cover benches!
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