The Dolores River float from Big Gypsum Valley to Bedrock is a classic southwestern Colorado river run through remote desert canyon country. Starting at the Big Gypsum Valley boat launch, this stretch of river flows through the Dolores River Canyon Wilderness Study Area, offering paddlers striking towering sandstone walls, winding meanders, and a sense of true backcountry solitude. The run covers roughly 30–36 river miles with a mix of flatwater and occasional Class II–III rapids, depending on water levels. Campsites along the route provide opportunities to break the trip into a multi-day adventure, and access at Bedrock features a take-out ramp with basic recreation facilities. Boatable flows on this section typically occur in spring and early summer when releases from McPhee Reservoir or natural runoff rise enough to support rafting and kayaking.
Snapshot
Important information for this section of river
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Water Level
FAQ: What's the current water level for Dolores River - Big Gypsum Valley to Bedrock?
46 CFS
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FAQ: What's the ideal range for this section of river?
800 – 5,000 CFS
Rapids
Community-contributed. Conditions change with flow. Scout everything.
No rapids logged yet for this river.
Boat Launches
Community-contributed. Conditions change with flow. Scout everything.
No boat launches logged yet for this river.
Camps
Community-contributed. Conditions change with flow. Scout everything.
No camps logged yet for this river.
Outfitters
Community-contributed. Conditions change with flow. Scout everything.
No outfitters logged yet for this river.
Common Questions
What paddlers most often want to know about Dolores River - Big Gypsum Valley to Bedrock.
Why does the Dolores River Big Gypsum Valley to Bedrock section only run in certain years?
The Dolores River depends on spring runoff and releases from McPhee Reservoir. In drought years or low snowpack years, the reservoir does not fill enough to support releases, leaving the river too low to paddle — sometimes for multiple consecutive years.
What flow levels does the Dolores River need to be runnable from Big Gypsum Valley to Bedrock?
The Big Gypsum Valley to Bedrock section is generally runnable between 800 and 5,000 CFS. Below 800 CFS the river becomes too shallow for most craft; above 5,000 CFS the character shifts toward more powerful Class III water.
How long is the Dolores River float from Big Gypsum Valley to Bedrock?
The Big Gypsum Valley to Bedrock section covers roughly 30–36 river miles through the Dolores River Canyon Wilderness Study Area, making it a 2–3 day multi-day trip depending on pace and water levels.
Do I need a permit to float the Dolores River from Big Gypsum Valley to Bedrock?
No permit is required for this section of the Dolores River. However, some campsites within the Wilderness Study Area may have Leave No Trace and fire restrictions to follow.
What class of rapids does the Dolores River Big Gypsum to Bedrock section have?
This section features Class II–III rapids at typical flows, with calm flatwater stretches between rapids ideal for enjoying the towering sandstone canyon walls and desert scenery.
Weather Forecast
What's the daily forecast at the put-in for Dolores River - Big Gypsum Valley to Bedrock?