Upper
Dolores Canyon
1, 2, 3 & 4 days
Class II, III, &
IV.
Late April - Mid June
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Here for More Information
Born amid the rugged peaks
of the San Juan Mountains in Southwest Colorado, the Dolores River has carved a
magnificent gorge exposing a colorful panorama of the earth's geological
history.
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Beginning in the stately
Ponderosa Pines, the Upper Dolores Canyon provides rollicking whitewater
excitement that culminates in the notorious Class IV drop of Snaggletooth
Rapid.
This "Wild and Scenic"
candidate gradually transitions into the high desert country, while splashing
through the lengthy roller coaster ride/slalom course of Three Mile
Rapid. |
Slickrock
Canyon
2, 3, & 4 days
Class II & III
Late April
- Late June.
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Slickrock Canyon of the
Dolores is a unique and intimate journey through country that is often compared
with Glen Canyon that is now lost in the depths of Lake Powell.
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With cottonwood trees framed
in sandstone alcoves as if enshrined, and massive rounded "slickrock" walls at
river level, this magical canyon has been proposed not only for "Wild and
Scenic" protection, but also Wilderness status.
Several beautiful side
canyons offer the opportunity for casual hiking, and the whitewater is suitable
for the intermediate inflatable kayaker. |
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Upper
Dolores and Slickrock Canyons
May be done together to
provide one of the few and
most spectacular five-six day
trips in the country.
Contact Peregrine River
Outfitters for further information.
Gateway and the Lower Canyons of the Dolores
3, 4.
& 5 days
Class I, II, & III
Late April - Mid July
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Just beyond Slickrock
Canyon, the Dolores flows lazily across the Paradox Valley, and then enters the
Class III rapids of Carpenter Canyon before meeting its largest tributary, the
San Miguel RIver. Upstream from Gateway, Co., is Maverick Canyon that contains
Dinosaur tracks, spring fed pools, and Juanita Arch - one of the largest
natural arches in the world.
Following Gateway, the
canyon dramatically opens up and enters Utah at the long, technical Class
III/IV drop of Stateline Rapid. As the sandstone rock strata begins narrowing
and receding, the Dolores becomes more of a desert river with a great abundance
of wildlife. The Dolores then flows into the Colorado just northeast of Moab,
Utah.
The Dolores River Odyssey - 10 days
Combine all the
canyons of the Dolores (Upper Dolores Canyon, Slickrock Canyon, and
Gateway and the Lower Canyons of the Dolores)
and float one of the longest trips in the country at a special
price.
San
Miguel
2, & 3 days
Class I,
II, & Lots of III
Late April - Late July
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Here for More Information
San Miguel - Flowing from
the mountains near Telluride, Co., the San Miguel is a spunky Class II &
III run with excellent camping in Norwood Canyon. In low water years or late
season, the lower sections of “hanging flume” canyon can be run in
conjunction with the Lower Dolores for an extended multi day trip.
Alpine
Spectacle...Whitewater Thrills
Upper
Animas
1, 2, & 3 days
Class III, IV, & V
Late
May - Early August
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Information
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With an average drop of 85
ft./mile, and towering peaks rising virtually from the banks of the river, the
Upper Animas is well established as a benchmark of the alpine whitewater
experience.
This trip is for serious
whitewater enthusiasts only, and previous experience with paddling is required.
Beginning in historic
Silverton, Co., the trip runs through the rugged San Juan Mtns. paralleling the
famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Class III, IV, & V
rapids provide exhilaration matched the spectacular mountain scenery. The trip
ends in a most appropriate manner with a relaxing and scenic ride on the train
back to Durango. |
Piedra
1 & 2 days
Class III, IV, & V
Early April - Mid June
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Information
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For those looking for the
more intense whitewater adrenaline rush.
This is an advanced river
with five Class V rapids, and lots of Continuous Class III+.
Previous experience with
paddle rafting is required on this "Wild and Scenic" candidate.
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Whitewater & Gold Medal Trout...
Gunnison
Gorge
2 & 3 days
Class II, & III+
Late April
- Late September
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A likely prospect to receive
"Wild and Scenic" protection, the Gunnison flows through a canyon displaying
some of the oldest rock on earth.
"Gold Medal" trout fishing
punctuated by dozens of Class III rapids provide an exceptional whitewater
trip.
The mile hike down to the
river is an invigorating introduction to this memorable river.
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Dominguez/Escalante Canyons of the Gunnison
1, 2 &
3 days
Class I, II, & III
Late April - Mid Oct
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A placid stretch of river
with moderate rapids suitable for novices in inflatable kayaks.
The trip is highlighted by
the hike to the spring fed pools and pictographs in Big Dominguez Canyon.
Because of dam releases
upstream, this trip is a reliable option in late season.
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Utah San
Juan River Avenue of the Ancients
3, 4, & 6 days
Class
I, III, & III
Mid March - Mid October
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Here for More Information
Located just north of
Monument Valley in Southern Utah, this beautiful desert stream provides ready
access to the awe inspiring ruins and petroglyphs of the centuries-old
Ancestral Puebloan Indian culture.
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The Class II & III
whitewater is perfect for families, and several side canyons contain fresh
water pools for refreshing swim breaks.
Inflatable kayaks are
available throughout the season, and are a preferred craft for navigating the
temperate waters and intermediate rapids. |
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Alpine
San Juan
Class II & III
Late April - Early July
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This Class II & III
river, located near Pagosa Springs, offers views of the towering San Juan Mtns.
The beauty of the remote
alpine canyon country make this one of the finest floats in the Southwest.
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Ruby and
Horsethief Canyons of the Colorado
Class I, II, & III
Late April - Mid Oct.
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Information
This placid section of river
is ideal for families with its temperate water in late Spring and Summer, and
remote expansive camps.
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Several side canyons give
the opportunity for exploring the geological wonders of this area, and the
option of inflatable kayaks adds to the fun and adventure even for beginners.
Because group sizes are more
liberal, this is an ideal river for large youth groups. |
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Scheduling on Multi-Day
Trips: Except the Dolores, San Juan, and Gunnison, trips dates are left open to
more easily accommodate your itinerary. As the season progresses, trip dates
and length become more established with specific reservations.
If you require a trip
date other than those listed, contact P.R.O. as soon as possible and we will
try to accommodate your itinerary.
