La Plata Canyon Jeep Trail tour

Trip provisions • what to bring

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 Trail Tour 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 Trail Tour 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

What to Bring/Wear on 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 (great family Christmas card photo opportunities).

*Car seats: Colorado Car Seat Law is up to 4 and 40lbs must be in an appropriate car seat. Children ages 4 to 6 must ride in a booster car seat, unless over 55 inches tall.

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