Take a Private Jeep Trail Tour in La Plata Canyon
Private Jeep ride into La Plata Canyon with photo stops
Ideal For
Up to 4 people
Highlights
Ride in a private Jeep tour west of Durango and explore the La Plata Canyon backcountry at your group’s pace. Stop along the trail for photos and views before returning to town.
- Reserve a private Jeep for up to 4 people
- Choose an open-air vehicle option for groups larger than 4
- Explore La Plata Canyon as you head into the mountains
- Stop for photos of wildlife, waterfalls, and scenic views
- Hop out at the end of the Jeep Trail for more pictures
- Arrive at the property 30 minutes before departure
Things to know
Gratuity is not included; customary tips are approximately $25–$30 per person. A waiver is required for all participants.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel at least 72 hours before departure for a full refund. No refunds for cancellations or no-shows within 72 hours of departure.
FAQs
Yes. Every participant must sign a waiver before arrival.
No. Guide gratuity is not included. Customary tips for the private Jeep trail tour are about $25–$30 per person.
Dress in layers. Wear sturdy footwear for walking and hiking, and bring sun protection. A warm hat and gloves are recommended in spring and fall.
More about La Plata Canyon
La Plata Canyon cuts a dramatic swath through the rugged La Plata Mountains just west of Durango, Colorado, and it is the heart of this private Jeep trail tour. Carved by the La Plata River and framed by towering peaks that rise above 13,000 feet, the canyon blends old mining history with raw alpine beauty. Spanish explorers named the range La Plata, meaning silver, after the precious metals that drew prospectors here in the 1800s, and remnants of that boom era still dot the hillsides. Today, La Plata Canyon remains one of southwest Colorado's quieter backcountry treasures, a place where aspen groves, wildflower meadows, and rushing creeks replace the crowds you might find in more famous corners of the San Juans.
On this private Jeep adventure, your guide steers you up the rough forest roads that climb deep into La Plata Canyon, navigating terrain that ordinary vehicles cannot reach. Along the way, you will pass weathered cabins, abandoned mine sites, and stands of pine and aspen that shift color with the seasons. The air grows cooler and thinner as you ascend, carrying the scent of evergreen and damp earth, while the sound of the La Plata River tumbles alongside the trail. Your guide shares stories of the prospectors, the geology that shaped these peaks, and the wildlife that calls the canyon home, from elk and deer to the occasional black bear. Stops along the way invite you to step out, breathe in the high country, and take in views that stretch across ridgelines and hidden basins.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want a genuine backcountry experience without the effort of a long hike, including families, couples, photographers, and history enthusiasts. Because it is private, the pace adjusts to you, whether you want to linger at a scenic overlook or dig into the mining lore of La Plata Canyon. Visitors staying in Durango who crave something more rugged than a standard sightseeing trip will find this an unforgettable way to connect with the wild side of the San Juans. Come ready for adventure, and let La Plata Canyon reveal its secrets one trail at a time.
