Rafting Rivers of the World- Colorado USA
Rafting The Dolores River
Situated 30 miles to the northwest of the Mesa Verde National Park, the Dolores River is within easy driving distance from the Telluride and Durango. Originating in the Rocky Mountains, the Dolores River travels through 250 miles to meet the Colorado River. However, of this total length, only ninety eight miles are suitable for whitewater rafting. The best time to raft through the Dolores River is during May- June when the water released from the McPhee Dam determines the water level of this river.
Rafting through the Dolores River can be a unique experience you will treasure for a lifetime. Set amidst a magnificent desert backdrop, the landscape surrounding the Dolores River is a brilliant contrast of big Ponderosa pines and vermillion sandstone cliffs. As you raft through the Dolores River, the unspoiled, primitive beauty of the surrounding landscape will surely create memories you will cherish for a lifetime. One of the unique features that characterize the Dolores River is its changing scenery through five western zones. While you get to view alpine life at its headwaters, as you travel down lower, you reach the Upper Sonoran desert terrain.
In contrast to its name of “River of our Lady of Sorrows”, the Dolores, with its surrounding scenic landscape, provides you glimpses of rare natural beauty. While you raft along the length of the Dolores River, you can enjoy watching wild turkeys, peregrine falcons and bighorn sheep.