Discover the spectacular scenery of La Plata Canyon only 20 minutes from Durango!

La Plata Canyon was carved by an ancient glacier not-so-long-ago, geologically speaking anyway. Today, the rugged ravine is doused in alpine paradise where you’ll find small waterfalls cascading down the cliffs, hallways of glimmering aspens, and wildlife scurrying between meadows. Like we said, paradise!

La Plata, meaning “Silver” in Spanish, was mined for many years before the price of silver dropped in the early 20th century. Somehow after hundreds of harsh winters, remnants of “La Plata City” (established in 1875), still stand in the canyon today.

The La Plata Canyon route follows the La Plata River, naturally— and starts fairly smooth until about halfway up the canyon. The road becomes quite rutted and steep where high clearance, 4WD, and an affinity for the person sitting next to you is required.

En route to the panoramic viewpoint of these Rocky Mountain peaks, you’ll see avalanche gullies, multicolored meadows, and hopefully some critters! Some of the residents in La Plata Canyon include marmots, mule deer, elk, juncos, kingfishers, turkey vultures, red-tailed hawks and bald eagles.

Durango Jeep Tours start at $99.00