Dolores

This, the Highway 145 bridge on the north side of Rico, is one of several potential put-ins for this reach. It is about 2 miles downstream from the rarely-run Rico Falls (class V), and for most boating purposes is the beginning of navigable river. The upstream (east) side of the bridge is private and labeled as a helispot. On the downstream (west) side of the bridge, there is access but limited parking.

Bridge on the county line, next to a meadow often filled with multiple RVs. No boat ramp. The USGS gage for the Dolores below Rico is located here.

No boat ramp. Small eddy on river left downstream of bridge.

On the downstream side of the footbridge, there is a short trail between the parking lot and river. No boat ramp.

The biggest rapid of the Upper Dolores, about 1/4 mile long, with large waves. Private property on both sides makes this impossible to scout or portage without trespassing. At low flow it is class III, at high flow it is class IV.

Diversion dam with river-wide, double-drop diversion dam. The upper drop is U-shaped, and the lower drop is straight across. The lower drop is similar to a low-head dam; parts of it flush out, and parts recirculate. There is a horizon line. It can be scouted and portaged on river right. Shortly after the diversion there is another, smaller double-drop structure.

The location shown for the end of this reach is actually at the San Juan National Forest sign on Highway 145, not at Big Rock, which is about 4.8 miles downstream from the point shown (see 02. West Fork to Dolores).

There is no take-out at the West Fork, only a put-in which is on the West Fork about 0.17 mile upstream from the confluence. Thus, reaches 01 and 02 (beginning at the West Fork) actually overlap by several miles.