CuteCamper
Dolores River SRMA
This 102 mile stretch of river carves its way through broad valleys and incised canyons with sheer canyon walls. The river passes through multiple 'special areas' including a Wilderness Study Area, a Special Recreation Management Area, and Lands managed for Wilderness Characteristics. Whitewater boating ranges from flatwater to Class IV rapids (Snaggletooth Rapid), with access points at Bradfield Bridge, Mountain Sheep Point, and Gypsum Valley recreation sites. Depending on private land owner approval access may also be provided at Slick Rock. The Lower Dolores is situated below McPhee Reservoir and therefore flow is based on release from the McPhee Dam. Flows can be as low as about 10cfs or as high as 5000 cfs and downstream releases are dependent upon the ability to fill the reservoir. Ideal boatable flows are at least 200 cfs for canoes and kayaks, 800 cfs for rafts up 14 feet, and 1,000 cfs for rafts larger than 14 feet. The 'sweet spot' is generally considered to be between about 1,200 cfs and 2,000 cfs. In many years, there are no boatable releases. However, if releases due occur, they are generally between the middle of April and the middle of June. For more information, please contact the Tres Rios or Uncompahgre Field Office.
RecAreaDirections
The Bradfield Bridge Recreation Site is the furthest upstream of several access points and can be accessed from County Road R off of Highway 491 (on the northern end of the town of Cahone, Co). Turn East off of CR R and drive approximately 3 miles to County Road 16. Turn South on CR16 and drive approximately 1.25 miles to County Road S. Turn East on CR S and drive approximately 1 mile to the entrance to Bradfield Bridge Recreation Site.
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| Stay Limit | 14 Day Stay Limit |
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Permits info
Facilities
Bradfield Recreation Site Facility
Bradfield is a large, open campground with a day use area and boat ramp. There are 17 designated camping spurs with picnic tables and fire rings. Ten of the sites have shade structures and one site is fully accessible for those with disabilities. There are two vault restrooms and two potable water hand pumps (seasonally operational, generally April 1st -Sept 30th). There is also an additional camping loop geared toward more dispersed camping for equestrian users (a rustic and un-maintained non-motorized trail leads downriver from here for about 8 miles, with several river crossings). The day use area has three picnic tables and shade trees. There is an $8/night camping fee on a first come first served basis. The busiest time of year is when there is a 'boatable release' on the lower Dolores from McPhee Reservoir, generally mid-April to mid-June. For more information, please contact the Tres Rios Field Office.
Box Elder Facility
BLM's Box Elder Campground is located within the Dolores River Canyon 6 miles NE of Dove Creek. The campground has 11 campsites with fire rings and picnic tables along with two vault toilets. Towering canyon walls cut by the Dolores River dominate this site, and when combined with the shade of the box elder grove and the proximity of the river, provide an element of relief from the summer heat.
There is no fee at this site, and camping is on a first come, first served basis. The busiest time of year is when there is a 'boatable release' on the lower Dolores from McPhee Reservoir, generally mid-April to mid-June. Holiday weekends during the summer can also fill up this small campground. For more information, please contact the Tres Rios Field Office.
Mountain Sheep Point Rec Site Facility
Mountain Sheep Point Rec Site, also known as ‘Dove Creek Pumps’ is approximately 19 miles downriver from Bradfield is the Mountain Sheep Point Recreation Site, which can be accessed by driving about 6 miles east from Dove Creek along gravel and dirt county roads. This site is used primarily as a river access point during 'boatable releases' on the Lower Dolores River and can be extremely busy during those periods. The rest of the year this site serves as a small day use site located with an extremely scenic portion of the Dolores River Canyon. Sheer Redrock cliffs and frequent appearances by bighorn sheep make this a great place to have a picnic lunch and dip your toes in the river. The site consists of a boat ramp, vault toilet, two picnic tables, one fire ring, interpretive panel, and parking. For more information, please contact the Tres Rios Field Office.
Dolores River Overlook Facility
The Dolores River Overlook has 6 individual walk-in camp/picnic sites, as well as one walk-in group site (3 tables and rings). There is a vault restroom at the parking area and no other camping facilities. The views of the Dolores River Canyon from this Ponderosa Pine dominated site are amazing. A short walk to down the overlook trail (includes rock steps) to the end of the ridge is well worth the effort!
There is no fee at this site, and camping is on a first come, first served basis. The main use of this recreation site is for day use, though it is well suited to tent camping. While never busy, hunting season is when this site is visited most often. For more information, please contact the Tres Rios Field Office.
