La Plata Mountains 4x4 tour from Durango: Colorado Trail views

Drive into the La Plata Mountains and reach the Colorado Trail at the top

This 4-hour guided 4x4 tour of La Plata Canyon, just west of Durango, climbs through San Juan National Forest to 12,000 feet, where you connect with the Colorado Trail at Kennebec Pass. A local expert guide covers native and mining history, geology, flora and fauna along the way. The tour includes snacks and water. Children from age 3 are welcome, and the terrain suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided 4x4 tour in La Plata Mountains

• Explore San Juan National Forest
• Visit Kennebec Pass and Colorado Trail

The experience

La Plata Canyon sits just west of Durango and opens into terrain that shifts as you climb. The 4x4 vehicle handles the rough road while your guide narrates the native history, mining heritage, and the landscape itself: the plants that grow here, the animals you might spot, the rock formations that tell the story of how this part of Colorado came to be. The route stays inside San Juan National Forest for the entire tour, so the scenery doesn't break.

The destination is Kennebec Pass at 12,000 feet, where the road meets the Colorado Trail. That's the high point of the day, and it's where the views open up. The climb takes 4 hours total, including the drive back down. Snacks and water come with you. Bring layers because the temperature drops as you gain elevation. The guide is trained in 4x4 backcountry driving and speaks English, so navigation and safety are handled.

This tour works for riders of all ages and skill levels. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. Service animals are allowed. The vehicle does the work, you sit inside it, so the physical demand is low, though the road is uneven and the ride can be bumpy. If you're sensitive to motion or prefer paved roads, this is not the tour for you.

What’s included

• Snacks and water throughout the tour.
• a trained 4x4 road driver and professional interpretive mountain guide.
• access to San Juan National Forest and the Colorado Trail at Kennebec Pass.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 9 Jan 2027

Book up to16h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

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.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Mountain Waters Rafting & Adventure Company LLC

Is this one for you?The 4-hour drive is steady and the road is rough, so the tour suits travelers comfortable with bumpy terrain and uneven roads. If you want high-altitude views without hiking to reach them, the 4x4 vehicle does the climbing for you.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What is the Colorado Trail and why does this tour reach it?

The Colorado Trail is a famous long-distance hiking route that runs across Colorado. This tour reaches it at Kennebec Pass, the high point of the La Plata Mountains drive, where the 4x4 road connects to the trail and the views open across the range.

How high does the tour climb and what should I wear?

The tour reaches 12,000 feet at Kennebec Pass. Bring layers because temperature drops as you gain elevation, and the weather can change quickly at that altitude. Sturdy shoes are a good idea for any walking around the pass.

What does the guide talk about during the drive?

The guide covers native history, mining heritage, geology, and the local flora and fauna. Since you're in San Juan National Forest the entire time, the guide can point out the landscape and explain what you're seeing as you climb.

Is this tour bumpy or rough?

Yes, the road is uneven and the ride can be bumpy because it's a backcountry 4x4 route. The vehicle is built for it, but if you're sensitive to motion or prefer smooth roads, this tour may not be comfortable for you.