The Dolores Rafting Experience:
The Dolores River begins in the deeply forested Rocky Mountains and flows down into steep canyons of flame-red rock. The Dolores is a classic western river: unspoiled with a majestic desert backdrop. The contrast of colors in Dolores Canyon is stunning: the deep green of the Ponderosa Pines growing beneath sheer sandstone cliffs of burnt orange hue. Pinion pine, juniper and Douglas Fir also populate the canyon.
 Water levels are dependent on the releases from the McPhee reservoir dam, and are usually only run-able until early June during a normal water year. The whitewater in the beginning of this section is mild-mannered with mellow Class II rapids. Downstream, the rapids get decidedly more rowdy, climaxing with the quarter-mile long Snaggletooth rapid-a steep, boulder-strewn cascade rated at Class IV.
This trip runs through two stunning canyons: Dolores Canyon and Slickrock Canyon. Dolores Canyon has the greater number of large rapids, and is an alpine area, with many beautiful pine trees, some growing as tall as the canyon walls. There are side hikes to ancient granaries, and many beautiful side canyons to explore.
Slickrock Canyon does not have as many rapids but makes up for it in its sheer beauty. This is the deepest canyon on the Dolores River and is classified a "Wild and Scenic" area. The sandstone canyon walls rise an immense 1,200 feet above the river. Side hikes to Native American rock art sites and fossilized dinosaur prints are second only to the geological formations revealed in the canyon layers.
Looking for a Quiet Retreat?
A place to rejuvenate your mind and spirit? Leave civilization behind and join us on the river. Your body naturally slows down to a peaceful rhythm, moving with the flow of the water. A few days in these remote canyons rejuvenates and energizes you. Then you take the peace and serenity of the canyons back with you to your daily life.
The Sheri Griffith Difference:
Sheri Griffith Expeditions
brings the experience of 39 years in the outdoor recreation industry to the
" Dolores river trip" . Through out this time we've learned how to make
you feel comfortable and safe on the river. This knowledge has helped us create
comforts that many other outfitters can't provide. Through extensive training
and workshops, our company's experience has been built upon and passed down
throughout all of our 39 years in business. You will see our experience in the
quality of equipment, food, and staff on each trip.
Our guides are
professional, exceptional people with outstanding talents, who are eager to
share their knowledge, experience, and enjoyment of life in the outdoors. This
group of guides is by far the best on the river. They continually strive to
perfect their understanding of our wilderness and its secrets. This is their
way of life, and their passion is to share this adventurous way of life with
you.
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