Section 1
Bradfield to Mountain Sheep
The first 19 miles provide an early exit and access to the upper canyon.
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Colorado / Utah river guide
Lower Dolores · Bradfield Bridge toward Gateway
A long, remote desert river whose rare boatable releases make flow alerts, flexible crews, and staged shuttle plans unusually important.
River miles
Up to 102 miles in the Colorado SRMA
Typical trip
Section-dependent multiday
Difficulty
Class II–IV
Permit
Free permit currently directed through Recreation.gov for the Colorado reach; separate Utah requirements may apply
Section 1
The first 19 miles provide an early exit and access to the upper canyon.
Section 2
Remote canyon travel and the Class IV Snaggletooth Rapid define the upper multiday section.
Section 3
A broad desert reach with access and private-land details that must be confirmed.
Section 4
The lower river adds technical features, long shuttles, and a separate management context.
Put-in
Bradfield Bridge
Takeout
Mountain Sheep Point, Slickrock, Gypsum Valley, Bedrock, or Gateway by itinerary
Common season
Release dependent; often mid-April to mid-June when available
Current conditions
Use the linked official gauge or flow source before departure
Dolores / Cortez
Upper-river food, lodging, repair, and staging
Dove Creek
Bradfield and Mountain Sheep access corridor
Gateway
Lower-river takeout services
Moab
Regional river equipment and post-trip hub
Upper-river access and release guidance
Official access, map, flow recommendations, and contacts.
WebsiteRelease information
Check current McPhee operations and boating-release announcements.
WebsiteUtah reach permits
Confirm current permit process for any Utah itinerary.
WebsiteFree permit currently directed through Recreation.gov for the Colorado reach; separate Utah requirements may apply
Trip leader, group size, equipment, camping, fire, launch, and access rules may change. Carry the issued permit and the current agency stipulations.
Some years have no boatable release, so a launch can be a true event.
Access points allow groups to match available days and flows.
The 102-mile Colorado reach mixes forested canyon, red rock, and open desert.
Checked against the linked managing-agency guidance on August 3, 2026. Conditions, access, permits, and provider availability can change; confirm before departure.
TripForge
Keep crew, boats, meals, gear, permit files, shuttle contacts, and launch checks together.