Durango: La Plata Canyon Jeep Tour with Local Guide & Snacks

Rugged trails, waterfalls and wildflowers in Colorado’s La Plata Canyon

You’ll ride up La Plata Canyon near Durango in an open-air Jeep with a local guide who knows every twist of the trail. Expect waterfalls, wildflowers (in summer), wildlife sightings if you’re lucky, and plenty of stories along the way. There’s time for stops and photos, plus snacks and blankets included so you can just focus on what’s outside your window.

Step-by-step itinerary

Jeep tour up La Plata Canyon

• Meet at Durango Office
• Begin 4-hour jeep excursion
• Drive up smooth trail
• Traverse rubbled road halfway
• Stop at waterfalls and meadows
• View old mining remnants
• Watch for wildlife
• Reach top of canyon
• Enjoy San Juan Mountains view

The experience

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a Jeep tour. But there we were, bouncing up La Plata Canyon outside Durango, passing between walls of aspen that glimmered like coins every time the wind picked up. Our guide, Mike, local since forever, pointed out a marmot sunning itself on a rock and told us how miners used to haul silver down this same trail. The air smelled sharp and green, almost cold even though it was July. I kept thinking: this is what Colorado feels like when you get off the pavement.

The road started out smooth enough but halfway up it turned into a real mess: rocks everywhere, wheels slipping just a little (but Mike just grinned and kept talking about wildflowers). We stopped by a waterfall that wasn’t huge but sounded loud in the quiet canyon. I tried to take a photo but honestly, it didn’t do it justice. There was this moment where everyone just stood there listening to water and birds and nothing else. Someone passed around granola bars, simple but good, and my kid got way too into the scavenger hunt they gave him at the start.

I liked how nothing felt rushed. We’d pull over for old mining ruins or to watch deer picking their way through the trees. Mike had stories for everything: sometimes he’d just laugh at himself for forgetting dates or names (“I swear I knew this last week!”). At the top of the canyon you could see all the San Juan Mountains laid out in layers. Clouds moving fast overhead, light changing every minute. It was bumpy getting there, sure, but nobody seemed to mind. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy at home.

What’s included

Your half-day includes meeting at the Durango office before heading out with knowledgeable local guides in a customized open-air Jeep. Water and granola bars are provided along with blankets and ponchos if needed, and there’s even a scavenger hunt for kids to keep them busy while you take in waterfalls, meadows, old mining sites and those wide-open mountain views before heading back down again.

Options for this experience

3 options

Morning TourGuide in English · Available from 24 Apr 2027Lasts 4 hours, running from 8:15 AM to 12:30 PM

Afternoon TourGuide in English · Available from 24 Apr 2027Lasts 4 hours, running from 1:15 PM to 5:30 PM

Fall Afternoon TourGuide in English · Available from 1 Oct 2027Lasts 4 hours, running from 12:30 PM to 4:45 PM

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 4h, from US$ 129.71 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 12 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesNext departure: 24 Apr 2027

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 to 84 years) · Youth (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (4 to 11 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

How long is the Durango Jeep tour in La Plata Canyon?

The tour lasts about 4 hours from start to finish.

Is pickup included for this Durango half day Jeep tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned. You meet at the Durango office before departure.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, water and granola bars are included for guests during the trip.

What wildlife might we see in La Plata Canyon?

You may spot deer, marmots, foxes, birds of prey, and possibly moose or bear.

Is this Jeep tour suitable for people with back problems?

No, it’s not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health due to bumpy terrain.

What should I wear on this Durango Jeep excursion?

Dress appropriately for mountain weather. Ponchos and blankets are provided if needed.

Does this day trip from Durango operate year-round?

The best times are late June–early August (wildflowers) and late September–early October (fall colors). Operates in all weather conditions.