Dolores River Canyon
Dolores River Canyon is a dramatic gorge cutting through southwestern Colorado, known for steep cliffs, red rock formations, and outdoor recreation. From whitewater paddling and fishing to multi-day hikes and Native cultural sites, the canyon offers a raw cross-section of desert rafting, canyon hiking, and historic trails.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Colorado Plateau |
| Subregion | Colorado Plateau |
| Country | United States |
| State | Colorado |
| County | Montrose County |
| District | Dolores County |
| Timezone | AmericaDenver |
| Latitude | 37.243 |
| Longitude | -107.629 |
| Maps |
7:15 PM LOCAL TIMEDolores River Canyon carves a rugged swath through southwest Colorado, flowing from high mesa country southward toward the Colorado Plateau. The canyon's steep walls—which rise from around 1,500 meters near the river to over 2,600 meters at trail overlooks—are layered with red sandstone and dark shale, revealing geological history and natural resilience. Visitors come for whitewater rafting, river fishing, and multi-day float trips, often linking river access points with backcountry campsites and Native American heritage sites. On land, trails like the Difficult Trail and options accessed from the San Juan Skyway provide canyon rim viewpoints, multi-use hiking, and routes that connect to regional road corridors. Engineering landmarks such as the historic Silver Bridge and remnants of old mining railways tell stories of settlement and resource extraction, contrasting with the area's native and geological character. Whether paddling through rapids, exploring archaeological sites, or simply gazing into the deep red-lit depths from a canyon rim, the Dolores River Canyon invites a visceral mix of adventure and place-based discovery.
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