Exciting rapids, desert scenery and towering pines

Ponderosa Gorge

yellowgraphic

Ponderosa Gorge Trip Search:

Trip

State

Rivers

Trip Length

Difficulty Level

ponderosa gorge overview

In Ponderosa Canyon, the Dolores is a river in transition from a mountain stream to a desert river. It flows through a red sandstone canyon covered in brilliant green scrub oak. The shore is lined with willows and ponderosa pines, and the river is charged with exciting, rocky rapids. The biggest and most famous rapid on this section is Snaggletooth, which should be scouted before running.

Recommended For: Boaters comfortable in the wilderness and experienced at class III-IV whitewater.

Recommended Trips on Ponderosa Gorge – Dolores River:

Ponderosa Gorge 3 Day Trip

Raft fantastic early season whitewater on the Dolores River – a true gem in the southwest. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the red rock cliff gorge while you navigate exciting class III-IV rapids. Departing near Durango and Cortez, CO, raft during late May-early June on this trip suitable for all skill levels and ages 10+.

A red rock cliff on the Ponderosa Gorge

Adult price : $749

LEARN MORE

Ponderosa & Slick Rock 6 Day Trip

Take time to unwind on this desert getaway that combines two breathtaking sections of the Dolores River. The fast-paced rapids of Ponderosa Gorge give-way to the mild, winding water of Slick Rock Canyon. Located near Durango and Cortez, CO, raft in late May-early June. Those ages 10+ and all skill levels are suitable for this adventure.

Adult price : $1369

LEARN MORE

Dolores River 10-Day Utah Rafting in Gateway Canyon

This trip combines Ponderosa Gorge, Slick Rock, and Gateway Canyons to create one of the longest raft trips in the West. Exciting whitewater, fascinating geology, Indian ruins, interesting side creeks, and stunning sunsets will fill your days on this adventure of a lifetime.

Rafting the Dolores River

Adult price : $2289

LEARN MORE

panderosa gorge sections

Dolores River – Ponderosa Gorge Whitewater Rafting Details:

Difficulty: Class III-IV (What does this mean?)
Elevation: 6457′ to 5472′
Average Gradient: 20.8′ per mile

Access to Access

Bradfield Bridge to Mountain Sheep Point: 19 miles
Mountain Sheep Point to Slick Rock: 28.3 miles
Total Mileage: 47.3 miles

Click Here for Current Water Flows

reviews

yellowgraphic4

What people are saying

  • Lydia filled us with confidence. She was skilled and knowledgeable and explained each set of rapids so we knew what to expect. She was great company and we had the best experience. She was brilliant.

    Dwight W. Rafter
  • I cannot wait to come back! Also loved how funny all the guides were. It was the most I’ve seen my sister laugh in a long time! Thank you so much for this amazing experience.

    Lexi R. Rafter
  • I spent several days researching various rafting options and after speaking w/your team was sold. We were not disappointed-the trip is spectacular and our guide Sean was informative, lively professional and entertaining.

    Lauren C. Rafter

resources

Information for Dolores Self-Guided Boaters:

The Dolores River (Ponderosa Gorge and Slick Rock Canyons) are managed by the Bureau of Land Management out of Dolores, CO.

  • Boating Permit Required: NO
  • Permit Details: No fee of any kind is required to float the river, although there are group size limits.
  • River Manager: U.S Bureau of Land Management – Tres Rios Field Office
    29211 Hwy 184, Dolores, CO 81323
    970.882.7296 ~ www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/sjplc.html

Shuttles:
Please contact the river manager (above) for information on shuttles.

stuff we are proud of

Start typing and press Enter to search