Dolores River Permits (Gateway, CO to Dewey Bridge, UT)

Dolores River

Starting just upstream of the Dolores River Bridge in Gateway, Colorado, the lower stretch of the Dolores River offers technical rapids, stunning scenery, side-canyon hiking, and few crowds. The take-out is 32 miles downstream from the Dolores River Bridge put-in on the Colorado River at the Dewey Bridge Recreation Site.  

The Lower Dolores has a very short, erratic (and often non-existent) boating season. Flows typically peak between late April and early May. Suggested minimum flows are 200 CFS for canoes, packrafts, kayaks, and inflatable kayaks; 800 CFS for rafts under 14 feet; and 1,000 CFS for rafts larger than 14 feet.

The most challenging rapid is Stateline Rapid (class IV), which begins at the Colorado-Utah border. This mile-long rock garden requires scouting and quick maneuvering at all water levels.  

Please contact the Moab BLM Office with any questions regarding the Dolores River permit system, (435) 259-2100. Do not call the recreation.gov call center with questions or concerns about the Dolores River permit system.

Permit & Season Information

Permits are required year-round for all private, non-commercial use of the Lower Dolores River. There is no limit on the number of permits issued. Permits will become available beginning January 1st each year.  

The permit authorizes a group size of 1 to 25 to float the Lower Dolores River. A printed permit must be with you during the trip. Permits will be available to print starting 14 days from the launch date.

Need to Know

The Lower Dolores has a very unpredictable and short boating season. During high water years, flows generally peak between late April and early May. Learn more about current flows. 

Rules and Regulations:

Your Safety:

Infants and Small Children:

If you answer no to any of the following questions, then the Lower Dolores may not be appropriate for your child’s safety.  

Fee Policy

There is a reservation fee: There is a $6.00 non-refundable reservation fee.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy:

You may cancel anytime. The $6.00 reservation fee is non-refundable.

Change Policy:

You may change your permit anytime. If you choose to change your start date, you will have to cancel and reserve the desired date – reservation fee applies. 

Contact Information

Mailing Address

82 E Dogwood Moab Utah 84532

Phone Number

(435) 259-2100

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