Meandering and mellow with unbelievable beauty

Slick Rock Canyon

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Slick Rock Canyon Trip Search:

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slick rock canyon overview

Downstream of the small hamlet of Slick Rock, where Highway 141 crosses the river, the Dolores River twists and turned between the tall and stunning red sandstone cliffs of Slick Rock Canyon. By the time the Slick Rock Canyon section of the Dolores ends at the tiny outpost of Bedrock, it has matured into a sweeping desert river.

Recommended For: Families and groups looking for a mild and relaxing multi-day river adventure.

Recommended Trips on Slick Rock Canyon – Dolores River:

Slickrock Canyon 3 Day Trip

Travel deep into the desert southwest on the isolated and tremendously beautiful Dolores River. Located in southwest Colorado near Durango and Cortez, raft mellow, mild rapids and take in the stunning red canyon walls that rise tall alongside the river. Suitable for all skill levels and ages 10+, raft during run-off season between late May-early June.

The Dolores River flows through Slick Rock Canyon

Adult price : $749

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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

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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

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slick rock canyon sections

Slick Rock Canyon Whitewater Rafting Details:

Difficulty: Class II-III (What does this mean?)
Elevation: 5472′ to 4939′
Average Gradient: 10.7′ per mile

Access to Access

Slick Rock to Gypsum Valley: 13.8 miles
Gypsum Valley to Bedrock: 35.7 miles
Total Mileage: 49.5 miles

reviews

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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 is 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.

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