If you’re after a way to truly experience Colorado’s rugged beauty without dedicating an entire day, the Durango Half Day Jeep Tour to La Plata Canyon might just be the perfect fit. This tour offers a window into the wild side of the San Juan Mountains, combining scenic views, wildlife spotting, and a touch of history—all from the comfort of a customized open-air Jeep.
What really drew us in are the expert guides who make the experience enjoyable and informative, and the breathtaking vistas you’ll encounter along the way. It’s a great way to get off the beaten path without the commitment of a full-day adventure. However, keep in mind that this tour operates in all weather conditions, so dressing appropriately is a must. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy a mix of scenic beauty, light adventure, and storytelling, making it ideal for folks wanting an active yet relaxed excursion.
Key Points:
- Stunning scenery of glacier-carved La Plata Canyon and high mountain passes
- Knowledgeable guides who enrich the experience with local history and wildlife spotting
- Flexible timing with morning and afternoon departures
- Accessible for most travelers, with a maximum group size of 12
- Cost-effective at around $130 per person for a 4-hour adventure
- Weather-ready experience with provided blankets and ponchos
Why You Should Consider This Tour
If you’re the kind of traveler who loves scenic drives with a dash of adventure, this tour offers a lot. It’s not just about looking out the window; it’s about being immersed in the landscape, understanding its stories, and maybe even catching a glimpse of wildlife. We loved how the guides are clearly passionate and knowledgeable—one even pointed out wild gooseberries for the group to try, which added a fun, personal touch.
The tour’s 4-hour length strikes a good balance, giving you enough time to see the highlights without feeling rushed or exhausted. Plus, departing from Durango means it’s easy to add on if you’re already planning to explore the area. The open-air Jeep ensures you’re not hidden away inside a stuffy vehicle, so you can really feel the mountain breeze and take in the fresh air.
That said, a potential downside is the weather. Since the trip operates in all conditions, you might find yourself in rain or cooler temperatures if the mountain weather shifts unexpectedly. Luckily, the tour provides blankets and ponchos, which can make the experience more comfortable. Just remember to dress in layers.
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What to Expect from Your La Plata Canyon Jeep Tour
Starting Point and Overall Flow
Meet your guide at the Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours office in Durango, just a quick 20-minute ride from town. The group is capped at 12 people, creating a cozy atmosphere where everyone can ask questions and enjoy the scenery without feeling lost in a crowd.
Once aboard, your journey begins on a well-maintained trail that gradually transitions into more rugged terrain. The first part of the drive is relatively smooth, but as you climb higher into the canyon, the roads become bumpier, giving you that authentic off-road feel.
The Scenic Highlights
One of the key attractions is La Plata Canyon itself—a U-shaped valley carved by glaciers, flanked by towering peaks. The views here are what you’d expect from Colorado’s Rockies: dramatic, expansive, and deeply inspiring. The guides are adept at pointing out features like mountain rivers and waterfalls along the trail, which add to the sense of wildness.
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, as many reviews mention sightings of deer, marmots, foxes, and birds of prey. If you’re lucky, you might spot a moose or even a bear, though these encounters aren’t guaranteed. Our guides are good at sharing tips about what to look for and how to spot animals.
Reaching the High Point: Kennebec Pass
One of the trip’s highlights is reaching Kennebec Pass at 12,000 feet. From here, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Cortez and Telluride, with the chance to look down at lush forests and winding rivers. The altitude makes this a memorable moment—standing on a mountain pass with panoramic views all around.
Exploring the Old Mining Town
A unique feature of this tour is visiting La Plata City, an abandoned mining settlement dating back to 1875. You’ll see remnants of old buildings and mining claims, giving a tangible sense of Colorado’s frontier past. The guide often shares stories about the miners and the town’s history, enriching your understanding of the area.
Returning to Durango
After soaking in the views and exploring the old camp, the Jeep traces its way back down the canyon, passing waterfalls and meadows along the way. The whole trip lasts roughly four hours, which feels just right—enough time to see a lot without losing enthusiasm or comfort.
What Our Reviewers Say
Based on over 240 reviews, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. One reviewer noted, “We saw some of the most amazing scenery that we would never have seen without being on the jeep tour,” emphasizing how the guides’ knowledge made the experience stand out. Comments often highlight guides like Jared, Jay, Lee, and Tosh, praising their friendliness and expertise.
Many reviewers also appreciated the personal touches, such as stopping at streams to look for rocks, or picking wild gooseberries—small moments that turn the trip into a more engaging adventure. Several reviewers mentioned the views at Kennebec Pass as spectacular, with some describing it as a “birds-eye view of peaks, forests, and valleys.”
A common theme in the reviews is how guides make the tour fun while also sharing interesting tidbits about the history and wildlife, which keeps everyone engaged. One even said, “Enjoyed the back woods way off the trail with Jerid and his knowledge of the mountain and foliage,” highlighting the personalized nature of the experience.
The Value of the Tour
At around $130 per person, this tour offers a lot for the price. Four hours in the mountains, guided by knowledgeable experts, with the chance to see wildlife and stunning scenery, makes it a good deal.
Compared to full-day excursions or more commercialized tours, this half-day option strikes a sensible balance for travelers who want a taste of Colorado’s mountains without a big time commitment. The personalized nature of the small group enhances the experience—no long bus rides or crowded cars, just a small adventure with good company.
The included amenities like blankets and ponchos mean you’re prepared for weather changes, which definitely happen in the mountains. Plus, the fact that it’s an open-air Jeep really helps you feel connected to the environment, making the scenery even more vivid.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This tour is particularly suited for travelers who enjoy scenic drives, wildlife spotting, and a bit of adventure without the strenuous hikes or long hours. It’s great if you want an easy but immersive way to see Colorado’s rugged landscape. Nature lovers, history buffs, and those who appreciate a good guide will find plenty to enjoy here.
While it isn’t specifically tailored as a family adventure, families with older children who are comfortable in vehicles and enjoy outdoor scenery might find it a memorable outing. However, if you’re traveling with very young children, be mindful of the rugged terrain and weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but if children require car seats, you must bring your own. The tour’s nature and terrain are suitable for older children who can handle a bit of bumpy riding.
What should I wear?
Since the tour operates in all weather conditions, dress in layers and bring weather-appropriate clothing. The company provides blankets and ponchos to help stay comfortable despite rain or chill.
How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 4 hours, including travel time and stops. It’s designed to fit comfortably into a half-day.
What does the tour include?
Guides are knowledgeable and engaging, the Jeep is customized and open-air, and amenities like water, granola bars, blankets, and ponchos are provided. You’ll also get to explore an abandoned mining town and reach high mountain passes.
How many people are on each tour?
A maximum of 12 travelers makes for an intimate experience, allowing for better interaction and more personalized attention from your guide.
What if the weather is bad?
The tour operates regardless of weather, so be prepared for rain or cold. The company provides ponchos and blankets to improve comfort in poor weather conditions.
Final Thoughts
The Durango Half Day Jeep Tour to La Plata Canyon delivers a compelling mix of scenic beauty, wildlife watching, and historical exploration—all brought to life by guides who know the landscape inside out. It’s a smart choice for travelers seeking a half-day adventure that’s both relaxing and engaging, without sacrificing the sense of adventure that makes Colorado special.
You’ll love the views from Kennebec Pass, the stories about the old mining town, and the chance to see Colorado’s mountains from a different perspective. The small group size, knowledgeable guides, and flexible timing make it a reliable option for a memorable mountain outing.
While weather can be unpredictable, the tour’s thoughtful amenities and the rugged beauty of La Plata Canyon make it well worth considering. Whether you’re into photography, wildlife, history, or just want a fun way to experience Colorado’s wilderness, this Jeep tour hits the mark.
Durango Half Day Jeep Tour – La Plata Canyon
“We saw some of the most amazing scenery that we would never have seen without being on the jeep tour. We had an extremely knowledgeable guy name Ja…”
Ready to Explore?
If you’re in Durango and want a way to see the mountains without long hikes or full-day commitments, this tour offers great value. Just remember to come prepared for whatever the mountain weather throws at you, and you’ll be rewarded with some truly stunning views and stories to tell.
Enjoy your journey into Colorado’s wild side!
