Exciting rapids, desert scenery and towering pines
Ponderosa Gorge


Ponderosa Gorge Trip Search:
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:
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 on a river surrounded by towering pine trees. Departing near Durango and Cortez, CO, raft during late May-early June on this trip suitable for all skill levels and ages 10+.
Adult price : $674
Take time to truly unwind on this superb desert getaway that combines two breathtaking sections of the Dolores River. The fast-paced rapids of Ponderosa Gorge giveway to the mild, winding water of Slick Rock Canyon. Located near Durango and Cortez, CO, raft in late May-early June through both exciting rapids and mild water. Those ages 10+ and all skill levels are suitable for this adventure.
Adult price : $1219
Emerging from Slick Rock Canyon the river enters Paradox Valley, an interesting geologic phenomenon where the river cuts across the valley rather than through the middle of it! This valley was extensively occupied by Pueblo Indian culture and was also famous in western history as a route through which rustlers traversed to sell stolen stock in the mining camps. In the spring, nesting waterfowl abound in the natural but unprotected refuge.
Adult price : $2039



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
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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.


