moderate
3 days and 2 nights
Participants should be in good physical condition, able to paddle for multiple hours a day, and comfortable with outdoor camping.
Take on the exhilarating Dolores River on a rare 3-day rafting trip through Ponderosa Gorge. Navigate exciting rapids, camp riverside, and enjoy unforgettable Colorado scenery.
Embark on a thrilling three-day, two-night rafting journey through Ponderosa Gorge on the Dolores River with Durango Rivertrippers. This private adventure invites participants ages 10 and up to paddle through Class II-III rapids, including the thrilling Snaggletooth Rapid, set against the rugged beauty of southwestern Colorado. Over the course of this trip, you'll be guided by experienced rafters who know the river intimately, ensuring a safe yet exciting experience for all skill levels. Between the rapid runs, enjoy delicious riverside meals prepared fresh over the campfire. Evenings are spent camping under dark skies, perfect for stargazing and swapping stories about the day’s highlights. This rare experience, only offered every few years due to ecological and regulatory limits, provides a unique chance to explore one of Colorado’s most dramatic river corridors in an intimate and uncrowded setting. Whether you're an adventure seeker or a nature lover, this rafting trip offers stunning canyon views, wildlife sightings, and memorable camaraderie along the riverbanks.
Clothes made from synthetic materials help you stay comfortable when wet and dry quickly between rapids or at camp.
A dry bag or waterproof container is crucial to keep your phone, camera, and personal items safe from splashes and accidental drops.
Carry a refillable water bottle and drink regularly to avoid dehydration during paddling and outdoor meals.
Use sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and bring polarized sunglasses to protect yourself from UV rays and glare off the water.
The Dolores River has long been an important waterway for indigenous peoples, traders, and settlers in southwestern Colorado.
The limited frequency of river trips helps protect the fragile canyon ecosystem and supports sustainable tourism practices.
Helps keep you comfortable and dry during paddling and camping.
summer specific
Keeps your valuables and electronics safe from water damage.
Protects against sun exposure while on the river.
summer specific
Ensures warmth during cool nights camping riverside.
spring|fall specific