Colorado

Colorado River through the Professor Valley can begin at the take-out for the popular Westwater Canyon run. The first 24 miles to Hittle Bottom are a mellow Class I float. Some come specifically for this sections while many bypass it by putting in at Hittle Bottom or Dewey Bridge at the Dolores confluence. For those who paddle this first section the absense of others and the presence of wildlife is notable from upstream or downstream.

While there's not any real action, a few whitewater rapids (class II/III), do break up the scenic float once you enter the Professor Valley past Hittle Bottom.

This 18 mile stretch in the middle of the run makes a good overnight trip.

It IS popular so don't expect to have the river to yourself and camping is restricted to designated sites with roadside ranger enforcement.

Boaters can continue their trip downstream to Cataract Canyon (Permit required past the Green River confluence) or take advantage of boating opportunities on the upstream sections of the Colorado or Dolores which come together just downstream of the Rose Ranch put-in:

• 07) Colorado River, Loma (CO) to Westwater, Horsethief and Ruby Canyon, 27 miles, I-II

• 08) Colorado River, Westwater to Cisco (Rose Ranch), Westwater Canyon, 17 miles, I-IV

• 1) Dolores River, Bradfield Launch to Dove Creek Pump Station, 19 miles, II-III

• 2) Dolores River, Dove Creek Pump Station to Slickrock, 28 miles, II-III+(IV)

• 3) Dolores River, Slickrock to Bedrock, 50 miles, II+(III)

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