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

Summary

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.

What’s the experience like?

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.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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

Top questions

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.

Can children join this La Plata Canyon Jeep tour?

Yes, children can join but you must bring your own car seat if required by law.

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.

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.