The Dolores River: 13 Cool Facts About Colorado's Hidden Gem

Colorado's Dolores River covers a ton of ground on the Western Slope and helps supply water for drinking and agriculture to several communities. Did you know Colorado's Dolores River is almost as long as the Grand Canyon?

Keep reading to learn 13 facts about this tributary of the Colorado River and discover one of the best places for rafting and kayaking in the Centennial State.

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Where is Colorado's Dolores River?

The Dolores River in Colorado begins in the San Juan Mountains near Lizard Head Pass. It travels southwest toward Dolores and turns north at McPhee Reservoir before heading into San Miguel, Montrose, and Mesa Counties before joining the Colorado River in Utah.

How Long Is Colorado's Dolores River?

Colorado's Dolores River stretches nearly 241 miles from its headwaters to the historic bridge in Dewey, Utah, about 30 miles from Moab. The U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management have designated the Dolores as one of America's Wild and Scenic Rivers.

Rafting and Kayaking on the Dolores

The Dolores River is one of Colorado's best places for rafting and kayaking. You can ride the river anywhere North of McPhee Reservoir into Utah, where the Dolores joins the Colorado River. As you journey through the Dolores River Canyon, you'll see rock art that is thousands of years old, and you'll find some of the best fishing and camping spots on the Western Slope.

Keep scrolling to check out some beautiful photos, and learn 13 facts about the Dolores River.

13 Cool Facts About Western Colorado's Dolores River

Only a small number of rivers around the world flow Northward, and Colorado's Dolores River is one of them. Stretching for nearly 241 miles, the Dolores River is almost as long as the Grand Canyon. Its waters help the Colorado River continue through Utah and reach millions of Americans West of the Centennial State.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

KEEP GOING: 12 Facts You May Not Know About Colorado’s San Miguel River

Colorado's San Miguel River is one of the best places to enjoy floating, fishing, and hiking on the Western Slope from July to September. Beginning high in the San Juan Mountains south of Telluride, the San Miguel River travels along the Uncompaghre Plateau into Montrose County, where it joins with the Dolores River.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

LOOK: Thirteen Cool Facts About Colorado’s Uncompahgre River

Western Colorado is home to the Colorado River, the Gunnison River, and the Uncompahgre River. As the smallest of the three, most people aren't as familiar with this important waterway serving Ridgway, Montrose, and Delta. Keep going to learn thirteen cool facts about the Uncompahgre River in western Colorado.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams