La Plata Canyon Jeep Tour Colorado: 2.5-hour adventure

Glacial canyons, waterfalls and 13,000-foot peaks in an afternoon

This is a 2.5-hour guided Jeep tour through La Plata Canyon near Durango, Colorado, in custom open-air 4x4 vehicles navigating glacial terrain, narrow ravines and steep mountain roads. You'll see waterfalls, alpine meadows, aspen groves or wildflower fields depending on season, and watch for elk, deer, marmots and birds while your guide explains the area's mining past. Tours run mid-May through October with three departure times to choose from; water is included and the route tops out at 10,745 feet in Columbus Basin.

The Experience

You have an afternoon free in Durango and want to get into the backcountry without committing to a full half-day. This tour fits that gap: it covers the hallmarks of a Colorado mountain journey — cascading waterfalls, towering peaks, wildlife, and the remnants of La Plata City, a mining settlement founded in 1875 — all within 2.5 hours. The route climbs to 10,745 feet in Columbus Basin, high enough to feel like a real mountain experience but short enough to leave your evening open.

You ride in an open-air 4x4 Jeep, which means you're not watching the landscape through glass. The vehicle navigates ancient glacial paths, narrow ravines and steep terrain that a standard car cannot reach. Your guide handles the driving and shares the area's history — the stories of the miners, the geography of the canyon, and where to look for elk, deer, marmots and the birds that live at this elevation. Water is provided; bring a camera and layers, as the temperature drops as you climb.

The tour runs from mid-May through October. You choose between a morning departure, an afternoon departure at 1:15 PM, or an October-specific time slot, each suited to different schedules and seasonal conditions. The afternoon slot is popular for travelers staying in Durango who want to keep their morning free for town or breakfast.

What’s included

• Water.
• transportation in the custom open-air 4x4 Jeep.
• a 2.5-hour guided tour with a live English-speaking guide who shares the area's natural and mining history.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for back problems

Operated by Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours

Is this one for you?Book the afternoon departure if you're staying in Durango and want to explore the high country without reshaping your whole day. The 2.5-hour window fits between lunch and dinner, and the 1:15 PM start gives you the morning for other plans.

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Top questions

What's the difference between this La Plata Canyon tour and the longer one?

This tour reaches 10,745 feet in Columbus Basin and takes 2.5 hours, making it family-friendly and easy to fit into a busy itinerary. The longer La Plata Canyon tour climbs higher to Kennebec Pass at 12,000 feet and takes more time, offering a more intensive mountain experience for travelers with a full half-day available.

Can I see wildlife on this Jeep tour?

Yes. Elk, deer, marmots and various bird species live in the canyon and meadows. Your guide will point out where to look and explain what you're seeing, though wildlife sightings depend on the time of day and season.

What happens if I have a spinal injury or back problems?

This tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, as the Jeep navigates steep terrain and narrow ravines that create movement and vibration. If you have concerns about your back or mobility, contact the operator before booking.

When does this tour run, and what's the difference between the departure times?

The tour operates mid-May through October. You can choose a morning departure, an afternoon departure at 1:15 PM, or an October-specific time slot. The afternoon slot is popular for travelers who want to keep the morning free; seasonal conditions vary slightly across the three options.

What should I bring on the Jeep tour?

Bring a camera, sunscreen and layers, as temperature drops as you climb. Water is provided. Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip for any short walks, and be prepared for an open-air vehicle — the Jeep has no roof or sides.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes. The tour is family-friendly and suitable for all physical fitness levels. The 2.5-hour duration and moderate elevation (10,745 feet) make it accessible for families, though children should be comfortable riding in an open-air vehicle on mountain roads.