What Makes It Fun on the Dolores River?

A little known fact is that Colorado, Utah and Wyoming offer some of the best canoeing in the world through their towering canyons in the Colorado Plateau.  It’s not about big rapids, but rather the freedom and exhilaration that comes from exploring and/or camping overnight in a remote area, the experienced guides, the mix of fun people we attract and the bonds that develop, excellent food, the evening campfire, and the splendor and serenity of a magnificent river landscape.

Near Gateway, CO, a typical Dolores River canoe trip is 3 days and averages 10 to 15 people (2 people per canoe) and 2 guides. This canyon-encased Colorado canoeing trip offers both peaceful paddling & a couple of thrills with some Class II rapids. Safety is always our main focus and we have a guide paddling at the front and back of the group. And at our riverside campsites, there’s an opportunity to explore, relax, or play in the river.

Personal Hygiene

We provide an enclosed portable bathroom facility on all trips because we understand that personal comfort and privacy are important in the backcountry. Your guides will make every effort to make you feel at home. The river provides a great opportunity for bathing after a long day on the river. Please bring your biodegradable soap and towel.

Meals

On multi-day trips, feast on hors d’oeuvres, wine, and cheese after setting up camp in the afternoon. A varied menu may include salmon fillets, barbequed ribs, fresh salad, rice and pie for dinner. If you have special dietary needs, we encourage you to bring the foods that you require in a cooler and we will be glad to cook them for you. On the 1-day trips, the lunch may include appetizers, croissant deli sandwiches, potato salad, fruit and cookies.

Safety & Paddle Instructions

No previous canoeing or sea kayaking experience is necessary for most of our trips. Basic paddle strokes and safety procedures will be taught the first morning at the river put-in and thereafter as needed. For our more advanced rivers (Dolores, Upper Colorado and Colorado River to Moab), we recommend 1 experienced paddler per boat & children be at least 13 years old. If you’d like to book private or group paddling instructions prior to your trip, call:

• South Suburban Recreation Center, Phil Waltz at 303-730-1022 X10 (Denver, CO area)
• Randy Hertzman at 970-527-4710 (Durango, CO)