Paradox and Mesa Canyon (Bedrock to Gateway)
Colorado – US
- Class
- II+
- Length
- 50 Mile(s)
- Gradient
- 10 FPM
- Put-in elevation
- 4,975 Feet
- Take-out elevation
- 4,552 Feet
- Typical season
- April to June
Current Flow
0 CFS
Gauge height: 1.71 FT
Reading from Jul 10, 2026 10:00 PM
▲ 0.01/hr (12h) ▲ 0.00/hr (24h)
Don't bother
- Primary gauge
- DOLORES RIVER NEAR BEDROCK, CO. Gauge detail & alternatives Live gauge ↗ NOAA river forecast ↗
Recommended levels
| Minimum | 500 |
| Average | 2,000 |
| Maximum | 4,500 |
Recommended use
- Kayaking
- Rafting
- Canoeing
- SUP
- Packrafting
- Fishing
Struck-through craft are not recommended for this run.
Flow history — last 6 days
No gauge history recorded in the last 6 days.
Photos
No photos added for this run yet.
Description
This 2 to 3 day stretch of the Dolores is a nice family scenic float (when the water is running). Paradox and Mesa canyons offer a nice wilderness experience and several camps. From Bedrock until you reach Paradox Canyon there is mostly flatwater.
Where the San Miguel river joins the Dolores in between Paradox and Mesa canyons you can expect more water below there.
Rapids
No rapids added yet.
Access
| Type | Name | Elevation | Camping | Water | Boat ramp | Vehicle access | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Put-In | Bedrock | 4,975 Feet | No | No | Yes | All Vehicles | This ramp is just south of Bedrock, CO. This is "out here" with not a lot of traffic or people around. In the past there have been issues with theft and vandalism here. Take appropriate measures when setting up shuttles. |
| Take-Out | Gateway | 4,552 Feet | No | No | No | All Vehicles | Highway 141 follows the Dolores from the south for quite a while. When you get to the Gateway Resort and the road crosses the bridge, look for the ramp on the southeast side of the bridge. |
Camps
No river camps added yet.
Permit
No permit is required, or permit info hasn't been added yet.
Fishing
No fish species have been associated with this run yet.
External Links & Resources
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Community Run Notes
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