Dolores River Permits (Gateway, CO to Dewey Bridge, UT)
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:
- You must have a printed permit with you during the trip. Permits are available to print 14 days prior to the launch date.
- Alternate trip leader must be entered upon reservation. This cannot be added or changed after the reservation is made.
- Please review the Stipulations for the Lower Dolores River private permits.
- Permit reservations are for private, non-commercial use only.
- Commercial and organized groups (including universities, schools, and groups sponsored by other organizations) must contact the Bureau of Land Management, Moab Field Office for information on BLM Special Recreation Permit requirements.
- You must be 18 years of age, or older, to apply for or obtain a permit.
- Maximum group size is 25.
- Pets are allowed on the Dolores River.
- One person may hold up to three permits at one time.
Your Safety:
- Bring all of your drinking water. There are no potable sources of drinking water on the Lower Dolores. Filtering water is difficult because the Dolores River tends to be silty and full of sediment. A minimum of one gallon per person, per day is recommended when traveling in the desert environment.
- The Grand County Sheriff’s Department has search and rescue jurisdiction on public lands and normally takes the lead for such operations. For emergencies, call 911.
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.
- Can your child climb in and out of a boat without the assistance of others?
- Is your child strong enough to hold on while in a moving or bouncing boat without being assisted by an adult?
- Does your child have the knowledge, strength, and skill to grab a hold of a throw bag/rope?
- Does your child have the knowledge, strength, and skill to survive a swim in cold, moving water or rapids?
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
