Dolores County visitors face new permit rules, safety guidance on Dolores River

Permits are required year-round for all private, non-commercial use of the Lower Dolores River," the Bureau of Land Management states, a change that affects anyone planning to float the Gateway to Dewey Bridge stretch that runs into Dolores County. The BLM also says "there is no limit on the number of permits issued," and that "permits will become available beginning January 1st each year through Recreation.gov," though permit holders must present a printed copy during their trip because "you must have a printed permit with you during the trip. Permits are available to print 14 days prior to the launch date."

The permit authorizes groups of "1 to 25" people, and the BLM requires "you must be 18 years of age, or older, to apply for or obtain a permit." Agencies also require that an "alternate trip leader must be entered upon reservation. This cannot be added or changed after the reservation is made." "Permit reservations are for private, non-commercial use only," and "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."

Management differs upstream in Colorado. "For the portion of the Dolores River that flows through Colorado, please contact the Tres Rios Field Office. Private trips do not require a permit for boating the Dolores River through Colorado," the BLM says. Tres Rios lists an office at 29211 Hwy 184, Dolores, CO 81323 with phone numbers tied to specific segments: Bradfield to Bedrock at 970.882.7296 and Bedrock to Gateway at 970.882.6806. The Moab Field Office address for the Gateway-to-Dewey Bridge permit area is 82 East Dogwood, Moab, UT 84532; sources list both 435.259.7012 and 435.259.2100 for Moab contacts, and BLM guidance is explicit: "Do not call the recreation.gov call center with questions or concerns about the Dolores River permit system."

Seasonality narrows trip windows. "The Lower Dolores has a very short, erratic (and often non-existent) boating season. Flows typically peak between late April and early May," the BLM says, and it publishes suggested minimum flows of 200 CFS for canoes, pack rafts and kayaks, 800 CFS for rafts under 14 feet, and 1,000 CFS for rafts larger than 14 feet. The Dolores Water Conservancy District and USGS streamflow data are referenced for current flow information.

Safety remains a top concern on the stateline. "The 'Stateline Rapid' is a mile-long rock garden and requires excellent scouting (from river right) and quick maneuvering at all water levels. Mistakes in this rapid can result in a very long and dangerous swim. Many groups choose to put in below this rapid," the BLM warns. The agency also stresses desert logistics: "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." For emergencies, "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."

Practical trip details include Upper Dolores access points at Rico, Bear Creek, West Fork, Big Rock and Dolores for the March-to-June window, the river confluence just upstream from Dewey Bridge on Utah Highway 128, and coordinates 38.491429, -109.16504 for mapping. Shuttle contacts listed in regional guides include Dolores River Shuttles at (970) 560-1475 and Rimrock Adventures at 888-712-9555. Photo credit for BLM imagery is Bob Wick - BLM.

Some regional trip listings include different booking windows, daily caps and fees; one listing states "launches become available 2 months prior" and notes limits and fees, but the BLM text for Lower Dolores maintains there is "no limit on the number of permits issued." Before launching, confirm permit printing rules, fee and daily-cap status with the Moab Field Office and review the full Dolores River stipulations. Plan trips around the late April-early May flow peak, carry the printed permit, bring at least one gallon of drinking water per person per day, and scout Stateline Rapid from river right or put in below it if conditions warrant.