Durango Half Day Jeep Tour - La Plata Canyon
Make your way to the tour office for morning or afternoon departure, then board an open-top Jeep for the trip to La Plata Canyon, which has the distinctive, U-shaped landscape left by ancient glaciers. With peaks on either side of the scenic canyon, enjoy great views throughout the drive, while riding higher and higher into the mountains. Watch for wildlife as you follow rugged Jeep trails past several small waterfalls and mountain rivers. Climb to alpine meadows to find bright wildflowers, then discover La Plata City, an abandoned mining town that was first established in the frontier days of 1875, with visible remnants of old mining claims. Reach Kennebec Pass at 12,000 feet (3,658 mt.) above sea level, with majestic views to Cortez and Telluride, and a bird’s-eye perspective on spruce tree forests, peaks, and river valleys. Following your time at the pass, trace the Jeep roads back out of La Plata Canyon and return to the original departure point, where this tour concludes.
Highlights
- ✓Jeep tour of La Plata Canyon
- ✓Travel through a glacier-carved canyon in an open vehicle
- ✓Take Jeep tracks to a high mountain pass
- ✓Watch for wildlife and wildflowers
- ✓See an abandoned 19th-century mining encampment
- ✓Choose between morning and afternoon departures
What you'll see & do
- ✓Meet us at our Durango Office in the morning or afternoon for a 4-hour excursion up the ruggedly beautiful wilderness of La Plata Canyon, just 20 minutes from town. The trail starts off smooth and slowly transitions into a rubbled road about half up the canyon. Get ready to rock around and get to know the person next to you! As we make our way up the mountain, we'll stop to check out some waterfalls, meadows, and old remnants from Colorado's wild mining era. On the way up, keep your eyes peeled for deer, marmot, fox, birds of prey— and if you’re lucky, a moose or bear! Once we've reached the top of the canyon, we'll take some time to enjoy a spectacular view of the San Juan Mountains, Colorado's most beloved Rockies! From late June to early August, this is the perfect off-roading trail for wildflowers. In late September to early October, the large aspen groves make for amazing fall colors
What's included
- ✓Scavenger Hunt for Kids
- ✓Water
- ✓Blankets
- ✓Ponchos
- ✓Knowledgeable guides
- ✓Customized, Open-Air Jeep
- ✓Granola Bars
What's not included
- ✓Gratuities
Good to know
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
You must bring your own car seats for children who require them. CO Car Seat Law states that children up to 8 years old must be in an appropriate car seat.
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Please arrive 10 minutes early to check in for the tour!
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.
Durango Half Day Jeep Tour - La Plata Canyon
Make your way to the tour office for morning or afternoon departure, then board an open-top Jeep for the trip to La Plata Canyon, which has the distinctive, U-shaped landscape left by ancient glaciers. With peaks on either side of the scenic canyon, enjoy great views throughout the drive, while riding higher and higher into the mountains. Watch for wildlife as you follow rugged Jeep trails past several small waterfalls and mountain rivers. Climb to alpine meadows to find bright wildflowers, then discover La Plata City, an abandoned mining town that was first established in the frontier days of 1875, with visible remnants of old mining claims. Reach Kennebec Pass at 12,000 feet (3,658 mt.) above sea level, with majestic views to Cortez and Telluride, and a bird’s-eye perspective on spruce tree forests, peaks, and river valleys. Following your time at the pass, trace the Jeep roads back out of La Plata Canyon and return to the original departure point, where this tour concludes.
Highlights
- ✓Jeep tour of La Plata Canyon
- ✓Travel through a glacier-carved canyon in an open vehicle
- ✓Take Jeep tracks to a high mountain pass
- ✓Watch for wildlife and wildflowers
- ✓See an abandoned 19th-century mining encampment
- ✓Choose between morning and afternoon departures
What you'll see & do
- ✓Meet us at our Durango Office in the morning or afternoon for a 4-hour excursion up the ruggedly beautiful wilderness of La Plata Canyon, just 20 minutes from town. The trail starts off smooth and slowly transitions into a rubbled road about half up the canyon. Get ready to rock around and get to know the person next to you! As we make our way up the mountain, we'll stop to check out some waterfalls, meadows, and old remnants from Colorado's wild mining era. On the way up, keep your eyes peeled for deer, marmot, fox, birds of prey— and if you’re lucky, a moose or bear! Once we've reached the top of the canyon, we'll take some time to enjoy a spectacular view of the San Juan Mountains, Colorado's most beloved Rockies! From late June to early August, this is the perfect off-roading trail for wildflowers. In late September to early October, the large aspen groves make for amazing fall colors
What's included
- ✓Scavenger Hunt for Kids
- ✓Water
- ✓Blankets
- ✓Ponchos
- ✓Knowledgeable guides
- ✓Customized, Open-Air Jeep
- ✓Granola Bars
What's not included
- ✓Gratuities
Good to know
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
You must bring your own car seats for children who require them. CO Car Seat Law states that children up to 8 years old must be in an appropriate car seat.
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Please arrive 10 minutes early to check in for the tour!
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.