Dolores River

Often overlooked by the Green and Colorado Rivers, the Dolores offers the type of whitewater rafting trips that even the world-famous Explorers Club would applaud. Class IV and V rapids are the norm rather than the exception, creating the wild-eyed sense of rafting Mom Nature's adrenaline gland.

Because of the Dolores River's 173 mile-length you can choose from several rafting trip options, ranging from two to 12 days. The closest trip to Moab covers 32 miles, beginning in the tiny town of Gateway, Colorado, near the Utah state line, and finishing at the Dewey Bridge, where the Dolores merges with the Colorado. The white-knuckle factor begins early into the trip around an island of rock known as the State Line Rapid. Depending on the water level this chute can range from Class III to V and does require scouting. From here the river winds into Gateway Canyon. Choked with slabs of sandstone the canyon offers a restless stretch of rapids that shame most theme park roller coaster rides. After emerging from the canyon the river eventually sobers into a prolonged calm for the final 13 miles of the trip.

Planning ahead is imperative. Due to the combination of a short spring run-off season and the McPhee Dam(n) rafting is limited to April and May and sometimes, June. Consequently, the river does get crowded, creating competitive jockeying for prime camping sites.

Duration: 2-3 days.

Permits, though free, are required. Call the Utah BLM at (435) 259-7012 to obtain a permit.