La Plata Canyon Jeep Trip

Educational Jeep Trips for the Whole Family!

Discover beautiful La Plata Canyon, just 20 miles from Durango, and its beautiful U-shaped canyon formed by glaciers during the glacial era on this jeep trip. Several small waterfalls and cascading rivers follow the jeep trails in the springtime along with lots of wildlife such as marmots, white-tailed deer, elk herds, juncos, kingfishers, turkey vultures, red-tailed hawks and bald eagles.

On the jeep trip you will see numerous wildflowers, high-alpine meadows, and avalanche gullies. Following the La Plata River (meaning "Silver" in Spanish) to La Plata City, an old mining town established in 1875, you’ll discover the remnants of old mining claims. These include a tall intact chimney left from the crew quarters, the framework of old cabins, and tailing piles from actual mining areas. Continue to the peak, Kennebec Pass at 12,000 feet above sea level (also above tree-line).

Grand mountain vistas can be seen all the way to Cortez and Telluride from the peak! High mountain peaks, river valleys, spruce-fir forests and high alpine-meadows can be observed from a bird’s eye view. The jeep trip returns the same route so that guests will be sure not to have missed anything on the way up!

Jeep Trip Highlights

• Stunning Panoramic Vistas
• Tumbling Waterfalls and Cascading Creeks
• Old Mining Remnants from a Deserted Ghost Town
• Wildlife: Elk Herds, Juncos, Turkey Vultures, Bald Eagles
• Gorgeous Colorado Wildflowers
• Adventurous Roads Where You Would Not Want To Drive or Take Your Own Vehicle!
• Interpretive, Knowledgeable Guides

Jeep Trip Provisions

• Quailty and Maintained Custom 4x4 Vehicle
• Professional, Highly Trained and Educated, Skilled Jeep Trail Driver Guides
• Safety Orientation
• Rain Jacket
• Healthy Snacks
• Unlimited Water and Lemonade
• Fleece Blanket
• Gas

Required Additional Provisions

• 3% Forest Service Fee
• Warm Clothes

What to Bring/Wear on This Jeep Trip

Wear layers, Layers, Layers including warm jacket, hat and gloves if possible!! The temperature can change dramatically on this jeep tour as you venture high into the Rockies. Fleece jackets are available for rent (see Rentals). Bring sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, your camera and at least 2 rolls of film are recommended (great family Christmas card photo opportunities).

Launch Days

All Days

Meeting Place

Our office is located at 50 Animas Dr., which is located at the north end of Main Street in Durango. If you are coming from the downtown area or the south end of town you want to head north on Main St. You will pass City Market and 32nd St., go another 6 blocks and Animas View Dr. will be on the right side of the road. We are diagonally across from the Hampton Inn. You will be able to see our building and busses from Main St.

If you are coming from the north, head south on highway 550 towards Durango. When you get to Durango you will pass the Iron Horse Inn on the left, continue about another 1/2 mile and you will see Animas View Dr. on the left. We are the first building once you turn onto Animas View Dr.

View Durango Map with Mild to Wild Location

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