La Plata Canyon Jeep Tour Waterfalls, Ghost Town,Great Views

The best part of this La Plata Canyon Jeep tour is the access. You go beyond the usual road into private areas, including a 25-foot waterfall on an old early-1900s mining claim. The route also reaches near tree line at about 12,000 feet, where the views open up and the canyon’s glacier-carved shape becomes easier to understand.

I like the mix of scenery and local history, especially the old mines and ghost towns that give the ride a sense of place. I also like the small group, capped at eight, and guides such as Hayden and Tyler, who explain what you are seeing instead of simply driving. The catch is simple: this is a bumpy, dusty open-air ride, and the weather can feel very different at high elevation.

Key points to know before you book

• Private waterfall access: Reach a 25-foot waterfall on private land that other tour companies cannot access.
• High-elevation views: Travel near 12,000 feet and the tree line in the San Juan Mountains.
• Old mining country: Hear about early mines and ghost towns in La Plata Canyon.
• Wildlife possibilities: Deer, elk, marmots, birds, bears, and even mountain lions have been spotted in the area.
• Small-group format: The vehicle carries no more than eight participants, allowing for easier conversation with the guide.
• Half-day timing: Four hours leaves room for another Durango activity, such as rafting on the Animas River.

Riding into La Plata Canyon from Durango

La Plata Canyon sits about 20 minutes west of Durango, making this an easy half-day outing from town. You meet at the activity site, where free parking, restrooms, and changing areas are available before departure.

From there, you board an open-air vehicle and head toward the canyon. The operator generally uses an open-air Jeep, but a Jeep Wrangler may be used if needed. That detail matters because the open sides give you a better view and fresh mountain air, but they also expose you to dust, sun, wind, and sudden temperature changes.

You should think of the vehicle as part sightseeing machine and part rugged mountain transport. This is not a smooth coach ride. The route is a moderate 4×4 trip, and the rough sections are part of the experience. If you prefer paved roads and quiet seating, this will feel demanding. If you enjoy being close to the terrain, the bumps help make the ride feel more connected to the canyon.

The group limit of eight is a real advantage. You are not lost in a large convoy, and it should be easier to hear the guide and ask questions. Guides including Hayden and Tyler have been praised for explaining the area and keeping the vehicle moving safely along the route.

Waterfalls, canyon walls, and glacier-carved rock

La Plata Canyon is not simply a high road with a few viewpoints. The canyon itself is one of the main subjects of the tour. Ancient glaciers carved through the rock, leaving the steep canyon form you see today.

Your guide can point out how the rock and slopes were shaped over time as you move higher. This geological context adds value to the scenery. Without it, you might see a beautiful mountain road. With it, you begin to understand why the canyon has its particular shape and why the route changes as it climbs.

Waterfalls are another major draw. You can see falls along the way up and back, with the water and mountain setting changing as the vehicle gains elevation. The private 25-foot waterfall is the most distinctive stop because access is reserved for this operation. It sits on an old mining claim dating to the early 1900s, bringing together the area’s natural and human stories in one place.

The waterfall stop may be especially appealing if you want more than a roadside photograph. You get close to the feature rather than viewing it from far away. Still, bring sensible shoes. The operator recommends hiking shoes, and uneven ground around a waterfall is not the place for thin sandals or smooth soles.

Climbing toward 12,000 feet

The tour climbs to about 12,000 feet, at or near the tree line. That elevation changes the feel of the ride. Lower in the canyon, you have more vegetation and the enclosed walls of the canyon. Higher up, the views become broader, the air can feel cooler, and the route takes on a more exposed mountain character.

The exact conditions will depend on the day. A jacket is important even if Durango feels warm when you leave. Extra jackets and blankets are available if needed, but you should still arrive prepared with sunscreen and clothing that can handle wind and dust.

The elevation also gives the tour some practical limits. You are not just taking a short drive with a high viewpoint at the end. The mountain road can be rough, and the changing altitude adds to the physical feel of the trip. The itinerary is four hours, so there is enough time for the guide to make the journey part of the experience rather than rushing straight to one photo stop.

I would keep your schedule flexible afterward. The tour is designed as a half-day activity, but four hours in an open vehicle can leave you ready for a meal or a slower afternoon. If you want to pair it with something else, rafting on the Animas River is specifically suggested as another Durango-area option.

Ghost towns and the story of mining country

La Plata Canyon has a history shaped by mining. Old mines and ghost towns appear along the route, giving your guide plenty to discuss as you travel through the canyon.

These remnants help explain why roads and claims reached such remote places. The old structures and mining areas are not separate museum displays. They are part of the same mountain setting as the waterfalls, high ridges, and glacier-carved rock.

The private waterfall’s location on a mining claim from the early 1900s makes this connection especially clear. You are not only looking at a natural feature. You are also seeing a small piece of the area’s mining past.

Do not expect a large preserved ghost town with rows of intact buildings. The information provided describes old ghost towns and mines along the way, but not a full town-site museum or a fixed list of structures. The appeal is the guide’s explanation and the chance to see traces of mining in the setting where it happened.

This is where the guide makes a difference. Hayden and Tyler are among the guides associated with the tour, and the experience works best when you ask about the mines, the claims, and how people worked in such remote country. The ride has plenty of visual appeal on its own, but the historical context keeps it from becoming just a scenic loop.

Watching for deer, elk, marmots, and birds

Wildlife is possible throughout the ride, though no sighting can be guaranteed. Deer, elk, marmots, birds, bears, and even mountain lions have been seen on these tours.

That list sets the right expectation: keep your eyes open, but do not book this as a guaranteed wildlife safari. The animals may be far away, hidden, or absent on your particular departure. A guide can point out signs of wildlife and help you notice movement along the route, but nature sets the schedule.

The open-air vehicle helps you stay connected to the surroundings. You have a better chance of hearing natural sounds and scanning the canyon than you would from behind a large bus window. The tradeoff is that dust and weather come with the view.

Bring sunscreen even on a cool day. At high elevation, the sun can feel strong, and the open vehicle leaves you exposed for much of the four-hour ride. A jacket is equally important because mountain temperatures can shift quickly.

What the ride feels like in practice

The most accurate description is a moderate 4×4 adventure, not a passive sightseeing trip. You will encounter bumps, dust, and dirt. The ride may be comfortable enough for many people, and one account specifically described the Jeep as comfortable and not too bumpy, but the route can still be rough by normal road standards.

If you have back or neck concerns, think carefully before booking. The provided information does not list medical restrictions, but it clearly warns that the ride can be bumpy. You should also expect some exposure to sun and wind because the vehicle is open air.

The tour is not suitable for children under 12. That rule, along with the rough road and high elevation, makes the outing better suited to older children and adults who can handle a four-hour mountain ride.

You will need to complete a liability waiver and emergency contact form before departure at the meeting point. That is a routine part of adventure activities, but it is worth knowing so you can arrive with enough time before the vehicle leaves.

Is $109 a fair price?

At $109 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the mountains around Durango. The value comes from what the fee combines: four hours of guided transport, access to private trails, a private waterfall, high-elevation views, wildlife opportunities, and local history.

A self-guided drive might cost less if you already have a capable vehicle and can reach public areas on your own. It would not provide the same access to private property, and you would need to manage the route, road conditions, and local interpretation yourself.

For me, the strongest value is the private access. The 25-foot waterfall on an old mining claim gives this outing something more specific than a standard scenic drive. The small group also matters because the guide can talk with you directly rather than addressing a crowd.

The cost makes the most sense if you want a guided adventure and do not have a suitable 4×4 vehicle. It makes less sense if you mainly want a quiet mountain viewpoint or a short waterfall walk. In that case, the dust, bumps, and four-hour commitment may feel like too much.

Free parking, restrooms, and changing areas at the meeting point keep the logistics simple. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the starting point.

Who will enjoy this La Plata Canyon tour?

You should consider booking if you want:

• A rugged mountain ride rather than a standard road tour
• Private access to a waterfall and trails
• A small group with time to talk to the guide
• Local stories about mines and ghost towns
• A chance to see wildlife in a natural setting
• A four-hour activity that leaves part of the day free

You may want another kind of outing if you dislike bumpy roads, dust, open vehicles, or high-elevation conditions. This is also not the right choice for children under 12, and anyone wanting a guaranteed animal sighting should adjust expectations.

The tour suits people who like variety. In four hours, you get canyon geology, waterfalls, mountain views, mining history, and the possibility of wildlife. You do not need to choose between a history tour and a scenic ride because the route brings both together.

Practical preparation for the four-hour ride

Wear hiking shoes with a firm sole. You may not be on a long hike, but the waterfall and private trail areas call for footwear suited to uneven ground.

Bring sunscreen and a jacket. The open-air vehicle exposes you to the elements, and the trip reaches high elevation. Extra blankets and jackets are available if needed, but your own layers will make the ride easier.

Plan for dust and dirt. Avoid wearing clothing that cannot handle a little grit, and keep anything delicate protected. The open vehicle is a major part of the visual experience, but it is not a clean, enclosed ride.

The tour operates in English with a live guide. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability before building the rest of your day around it.

Should you book the La Plata Canyon Jeep Tour?

Book it if you want an active, high-country outing with genuine variety and a clear sense of place. The private waterfall, old mining country, and access near 12,000 feet give the tour more substance than a simple scenic drive.

I would especially choose it for a small group, a first visit to the Durango area, or a day when you want something more adventurous than a paved attraction. Hayden and Tyler are among the guides, and the guide’s explanations are important to getting full value from the trip.

Skip it if you need a smooth ride, enclosed transportation, or guaranteed wildlife. For everyone else, the $109 price is reasonable for four hours of private-access scenery, mountain history, and open-air 4×4 travel in La Plata Canyon.

FAQ

Where does the La Plata Canyon Jeep Tour take place?

The tour takes place in La Plata Canyon, also known as Kennebec Pass, about 20 minutes west of Durango, Colorado.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts four hours. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability for the date you want.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $109 per person.

How high does the tour go?

The vehicle travels to about 12,000 feet, at or near the tree line.

What type of vehicle is used?

The tour uses an open-air vehicle. An open-air Jeep is generally used, but the operator reserves the right to use a Jeep Wrangler if needed.

Is the ride bumpy?

Yes. The activity is described as a moderate 4×4 tour and can be bumpy. Dust and dirt are also expected because the vehicle is open air.

Is the waterfall on private land?

The tour includes access to a private 25-foot waterfall located on an old mining claim from the early 1900s.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible wildlife includes deer, bears, marmots, birds, elk, and mountain lions. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Are children allowed?

The tour is not suitable for children under 12 years old.

What should I bring?

Bring hiking shoes, sunscreen, and a jacket. Extra blankets and jackets are available if needed.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Free parking is available at the meeting point, and the tour ends back there.

Can I cancel the tour?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.