Lower Dolores River river run
Lower Dolores River
The Lower Dolores River is known for its many rapids and obstacles, including Snaggletooth, Stateline, and Pinball. Snaggletooth is a Class III+ rapid that requires precise maneuvering to successfully navigate. Stateline is a Class III rapid that features a large hole at its center, and Pinball is a Class III+ rapid that requires careful navigation through a series of boulder-filled channels.
There are specific regulations in place for the Lower Dolores River. The river is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, and permits are required for all overnight camping trips. In addition, there are restrictions on campfires and other activities in order to protect the environment and maintain the natural beauty of the river.
In conclusion, the Lower Dolores River is a challenging and exciting whitewater river run with a variety of rapids and obstacles to navigate. It is important for paddlers to be aware of the ideal streamflow range, class rating, segment mileage, specific river rapids/obstacles, and specific regulations to the area in order to have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Plan your run down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram; rain ahead of a run typically lifts flows 12-48 hours later depending on the basin.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks -- the upstream story that drives next week's flows.
Plan a longer trip
The closest boat launches, other paddle runs, and campgrounds so a day on the water can grow into a full weekend.
Other river runs
- San Miguel River Segment 6
- Dolores River Segment 2
- Little Gypsum Valley Bridge To One Mile Above Hwy 90 Bridge
- Paradox And Mesa Canyon (Bedrock To Gateway)
Campgrounds
- Dolores River Camp 1
- Dolores River Camp 2
- Dolores River Camp 3
- Free Campground (The Ball Park)
- Dolores River Camp 4
- Dolores River Camp 5
Fishing spots
Whitewater safety
- Check the flow before you run
- Use the linked-gauge card and Regional Flow panel above. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV+ at high water.
- Know your skill ceiling
- Pick runs comfortably below your ceiling. Cold-water and big-water runs raise the consequences of any mistake.
- Wear the right gear
- Helmet, PFD, drysuit / wetsuit when water is below 60°F. Throw bag, knife, and whistle on your person, not in the boat.
- Scout, set safety, and run with a team
- Scout new rapids on foot, set safety with throw bags above the consequence pool, and run with at least one other competent paddler.
- Respect the river
- Strainers, undercuts, low-head dams, and wood can kill at any class rating. When in doubt, portage.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Lower Dolores River as a favorite, set a discharge threshold (e.g. "alert me when flow hits 600 cfs"), and the iOS app pushes the moment the linked gauge crosses.
About Lower Dolores River
What's the optimal flow for Lower Dolores River?
The optimal flow depends on the section and the craft. Check the Run Details panel for the linked gauge and current status.
How fresh is the cfs reading on this page?
The linked USGS streamgauge reports continuously (every 15 minutes); Snoflo refreshes throughout the day. Hover the streamflow sparkline to read individual datapoints.
What's the whitewater class?
See the Run Details panel for the class rating Snoflo tracks for this run. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV in high water.
Where do I put in / take out?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions to the put-in. For shuttle planning, check the Nearby Boat Launches panel and the river run operator's site.
Can I get alerts when flows hit the optimal range?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this run, set a discharge threshold, and you'll get a push the moment the gauge crosses.
Other runs near here
Snoflo-tracked paddle runs within driving distance of Lower Dolores River.