The Ultimate Dolores River Odyssey

PONDEROSA & SLICKROCK 6-DAY TRIPS

COLORADO RAFTING

PONDEROSA & SLICKROCK 6-DAY TRIPS

Immerse yourself in the ultimate 6-day Dolores River adventure, combining the best of Ponderosa Gorge and Slick Rock Canyon trips. Encounter towering pine forests, ancient Anasazi ruins, and exhilarating rapids in Ponderosa Gorge, then marvel at the vast Big Gypsum Valley and towering sandstone walls of the Dolores River Canyon Wilderness Study Area in Slick Rock Canyon. This extended wilderness expedition promises a serene and crowd-free experience.
Starting at
$1,339
Per Person
DETAILS
  • May and early June, water permitting
  • Beginner/ Intermediate class II-IV rapids
  • Experienced guide on each raft
  • Located near Cortez, CO- near Durango and Four Corners region
  • Ages 10 and up*

*Minimum age is subject to increase due to high water.

Ponderosa & Slickrock 6-Day Rafting Trips

Are you torn between the 3-Day Ponderosa Gorge and the 3-Day Slick Rock Canyon trips? Want to extend your adventure? Combine the towering Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir-dotted desert landscape, Anasazi ruins, and thrilling rapids of Ponderosa Gorge with the awe-inspiring vistas of Big Gypsum Valley and the towering sandstone walls of the Dolores River Canyon Wilderness Study Area in Slick Rock Canyon.

From the shaded campsites of Ponderosa Gorge to the sun-drenched beaches of Slick Rock Canyon, this trip offers one of the most diverse rafting experiences in the Southwest.

If you seek an extended scenic wilderness journey far from the crowds, this trip is tailored for you! Departing less than an hour from Durango near Cortez, CO, it promises an unforgettable adventure.

Pricing

  • Adult: $1,369
  • Youth (10-12): $1,339

Price listed includes transportation to the put-in and back to your vehicle. Price listed does not include land and water access fees (9%) or gratuity for your guide.

What To Look Forward to:

  • 100 miles on the river
  • Meals included from lunch on day 1 through lunch on day 6.

CHOOSE YOUR OPTION

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We survey over 5,000 guests each year to find out what made their experience with us exceptional and what we could do to make it even better. Using that input, here are a few examples of the efforts we have made that set us apart as a leader in the outdoor industry:

• 1/2 to 10-day adventures on six Colorado and Arizona rivers
• Outstanding safety record
• Elite handpicked guides – some of the most highly trained professionals on the river
• Helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly office staff
• First class amenities – clean restrooms, retail store, and licensed food preparation facilities
• Top-of-the-line equipment – cleaned and upgraded regularly
• 2-way radios for better safety
• Custom-tailored trips to provide you with the best possible experience
• Free use of our dog kennel

For full-day trips, we provide all rafting equipment, including Coast Guard-approved lifejackets, rain ponchos, wool sweaters, and waterproof storage for your personal items. Transportation to and from the river is included, and we serve a deli-style lunch. Wetsuits, booties, and paddle jackets are available for rent if needed.

On multi-day trips, in addition to everything offered on full-day trips, we provide fresh meals from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day. We also set up a kitchen shelter, camp chairs, and a portable toilet at camp. Special diets can be accommodated with advance notice.

For full-day trips, bring quick-dry clothing (shorts and a swimsuit are recommended), sunscreen, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle. We’ll have water refills available at lunch. We also provide a complete packing list for your convenience.

For multi-day trips, in addition to your river gear, pack a change of clothes for camp, toiletries, personal drinks (if you’d like to supplement the provided lemonade and water), and entertainment. You can bring your own tent and sleeping bag, or rent them from us if needed. A full packing list is available for trips as well.

A guide captains every boat. Our guides represent the most qualified professionals in the industry. Guides must attend a 5-day interview trip prior to being hired. They are thoroughly experienced in the techniques of river running and are first-aid and CPR-certified. Before guiding their first commercial trip, our guides receive river training that far exceeds the state requirement. What sets our guides apart is the personal attention they give our guests. Our crew of fun-loving professionals is dedicated to making each and every trip the finest possible.

We regularly conduct interpretive workshops to provide our guides with additional information on the natural, cultural, and political history of the rivers we run. We are proud of our staff and we know you will enjoy this fine group of people.

Up to seven guests plus the guide can paddle in a raft. We can take eight people if someone is willing to ride in the middle of the raft as a passenger. Groups larger than eight people must split between multiple rafts. We reserve the right to split groups as necessary and may adjust the maximum boat loads based on water levels.

Cancellation Policy (NON-discounted reservations): If your group or any person in your group cancels more than 14 days before the trip’s check-in time, a full refund will be provided. If cancellations are made within 14 days, no refund will be provided for any reason.

Cancellation Policy (DISCOUNTED reservations): If your reservation has a discount applied and you wish to cancel, you will not receive a refund. You may reschedule or receive a trip credit (digital gift card code) with the purchase of cancellation insurance.

Discounted Trip Cancellation Insurance: Available for 7.5% of the total trip cost at the time of booking. With insurance, giving at least 24 hours’ notice for single-day trips or 5 days’ notice prior to multi-day trips would allow discounted trips to be rescheduled one time or cancel and receive a gift certificate valid for one calendar year. Rescheduled trips become non-refundable.

Tipping is appropriate, particularly if you have received exceptional customer service. Our guides are high quality service workers. A tip of 10 – 15 percent per guest is customary. You will have the opportunity to tip your guide directly at the conclusion of your trip.

If you had the time of your life, then the sky is the limit! We also appreciate your comments. We use your feedback to recognize extraordinary customer service and to discover areas where we can make improvements. Our goal is to exceed your expectations!

In Colorado, we rarely have an entire day of bad weather. It is sunny in the morning almost every day. Afternoon thunderstorms are fairly common in July and August and are typically mild and short-lived. In Arizona, it can still get chilly in March, and during that time we typically suggest you wear a wetsuit, etc. In April and early May in Arizona, it is typically very warm or hot.

We raft rain or shine. We will not cancel or cut short trips due to rain and/or thunderstorm conditions (including lighting).

Many people come with only their normal vacation attire. We can outfit you with anything you need that is special for rafting or camping. See our full FAQ page for more information.

Drugs or alcohol are not to be consumed before or during your trip. This includes marijuana. No refund will be given to those drinking alcohol or using drugs prior to the trip. On multi-day camping and rafting trips, alcohol may be consumed while at camp. Please remember that rafting trips operate in a very remote area with difficult access for emergencies. Try to avoid glass containers.

If you join us on a multi-day trip, we can offer whitewater merit badges instruction!

PREPARE FOR YOUR TRIP

Get set for your adventure! Here, you’ll find everything you need to gear up and get ready. From essential packing lists and detailed directions to convenient waiver forms and comprehensive river maps, we’ve got you covered. Prepare to dive into the excitement of white water rafting with confidence and ease.

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