La Plata Canyon Jeep Tour from Durango: 4-hour backcountry drive

Drive into La Plata Canyon's backcountry without the all-day commitment

A four-hour Jeep tour from Durango heads west into La Plata Canyon and up Kennebec Pass in the San Juan National Forest, with a live English-speaking guide leading the route through scenic mountain terrain. The 15–20 minute highway drive gets you to the trailhead fast, leaving most of the day free. Bottled water and snacks are included. Children from age 2 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Jeep tour to La Plata Canyon

• Drive west of Durango
• Explore La Plata Canyon
• Visit Kennebec Pass summit
• View mountain scenery and waterfalls
• See historic mining sites
• Watch for wildlife

The experience

La Plata Canyon sits just west of Durango, close enough that the highway drive takes only 15–20 minutes. That proximity is the whole point: you get into genuine backcountry without losing a full day to the road. The Jeeps are customized for off-road comfort, and the guide navigates you up to Kennebec Pass, where the views open across the San Juan peaks. Waterfalls cut through the canyon walls, and the route passes historic mining sites that mark the region's past.

Wildlife sightings are possible along the way (elk, mule deer and smaller animals move through the forest), though no encounter is guaranteed. The terrain is rough enough to feel remote, but the Jeep handles it and the guide knows the route. Four hours covers the drive up, time at the pass, and the return to Durango, so you're back by early afternoon.

Bottled water and snacks travel with you. Bring sunscreen and a camera. The canyon can be cool even in summer, so a light layer helps. Children from age 2 ride along, though the bumpy road and the altitude (Kennebec Pass sits above 10,000 feet) shape the experience for younger passengers.

What’s included

• Bottled water and snacks.
• live guide in English.
• customized off-road Jeep with seating for your group.
• route through La Plata Canyon to Kennebec Pass with stops for views and photos.

Before you book

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 to 85 years) · Child (2 to 11 years)

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

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

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 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Colorado Outback Adventures

Is this one for you?The four-hour length and the bumpy off-road ride mean this tour suits travelers who can handle a rough Jeep drive and want genuine backcountry without spending the whole day traveling. The short highway distance from Durango leaves your morning or afternoon free for other plans.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years).

What is La Plata Canyon like as a drive?

La Plata Canyon is a narrow, scenic valley cut by a creek, with steep forested walls and open meadows. The road climbs from the canyon floor toward Kennebec Pass, gaining elevation steadily. You'll see waterfalls, rock formations, and the remains of old mining operations scattered along the route.

How rough is the Jeep road?

The road is unpaved and rocky, with washboard sections and stream crossings that make for a bumpy ride. The Jeeps are built for it, but the motion is real, not a smooth highway drive. That roughness is what keeps the canyon remote and limits traffic.

What should I expect to see at Kennebec Pass?

Kennebec Pass sits at the top of the climb and opens views across the San Juan Mountains. On clear days the vista stretches for miles. The pass itself is a natural saddle in the ridge, and the guide stops there so you can step out and take in the landscape.

Is this tour suitable if I have a bad back?

The Jeep ride is rough and the bumping can aggravate spinal issues. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries. If you have back concerns but no diagnosed injury, talk to the guide before booking.

How much walking is involved?

Most of the tour happens inside the Jeep. You'll step out at Kennebec Pass and at scenic stops, but there's no sustained hiking. The walking is minimal and at your own pace.