Big Gypsum Valley to Bedrock on the Dolores River

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.