About Durango Jeep Tours
Discover the spectacular scenery of La Plata Canyon only 20 minutes from Durango on a Durango Jeep Tour!
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
Jeep Tour Options
Durango, Colorado
On the 1/4 day trip you’ll adventure into Columbus Basin, filled with wildflowers, waterfalls & wildlife.
- Standard Tour: Adult $89 | Youth $84
- Premium Tour: $119
La Plata Canyon
On the 1/2 day trip you’ll see panoramic views of mountain peaks and abundant wildlife.
- Standard Tour: Adult $119 | Youth $99
- Premium Tour: $149
La Plata Canyon
On the 1/2 day trip you’ll see panoramic views of mountain peaks and abundant wildlife.
- Standard Tour: Adult $119 | Youth $99
- Premium Tour: $149
Jeep Package Tour Options
Durango, CO
Explore La Plata Canyon in a jeep and raft the Animas River in Durango in one day!
- Adult: $239.20
- Youth: $204.70
Mesa Verde & Durango
Explore Mesa Verde and La Plata Canyon all in one day!
Youth: $227.70
Adult: $273.70
Custom Durango Jeep Tour
Enjoy a custom tour designed just for your group! Meet at your choice of time (Durango Office or your lodging) and return up to 4 hours later. $1099 (up to 8 guests)
Why Jeep Tour with Mild to Wild?
Trip Provisions
- Custom converted open air 4x4 jeeps
- Canvas coverings for inclement weather
- Rain ponchos
- Fleece blankets
- Scavenger hunt option for kids!
- Cold bottled water
- Free on site parking
- Gift shop for your last minute needs
Professional, Interpretive & Entertaining Guides
- Experts in local history, geology, and ecology
- Experienced in off road 4x4 trail navigation
- Certified in CPR & First Aid
Our Commitment
to You
Recent Reviews From Our Guests
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Payments & Cancellations
Payment Plan
We start with a 50% deposit, and have the remaining 50% charged 30 days prior to trip. Trips reserved less than 30 days in advance require payment in full.
Please call for alternative payment arrangements.
Cancellation Policy
Receive a full refund with written notice 24 hours or more before the trip. Less notice, no refund.
Trip Change Option
Up to 12 hours prior to departure, trips can be rescheduled for a different day and/or time. The price of this change policy is 5% of the total trip cost. Upgrade only available at time of reservation and must be applied to each seat.
Fees
In addition to the listed trip cost, we collect an additional 9% for River and Land Access Fees (ie. Forest Service, BLM, City, Private Land Use).
Trip Departure Policy
We reserve the right to switch river/locations based on current conditions and a minimum number of participants. This trip requires 4 participants or paid seats to depart.
Free Courtesy Hold
We don’t want you to miss out on this trip so we’ll hold your spots, payment-free, for 24hrs while you make your final arrangements & prepare for payment.
Plan Your Trip
Meet Location & Directions
- Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours
- 970-247-4789
- 50 Animas View Dr., Durango, CO 81301
- Get Directions
Durango Jeep Tours FAQs
When is the best time for a Durango Jeep tour?
Every month in La Plata Canyon offers a different perspective of the high country!
- May & June: This is the best window for waterfall enthusiasts, as the spring snowmelt fuels cascading falls and creates a lush, green canyon floor.
- July & August: The peak for alpine wildflowers. Our tours into the Columbus Basin and up toward Kennebec Pass offer some of the most vibrant wildflower displays in Southwest Colorado.
- September & October: A world-class leaf-peeping experience. The canyon’s massive aspen groves transform into “hallways of gold,” providing a stunning contrast against the rugged peaks.
When can I go on a Durango Jeep tour?
Our Durango departures typically run from early May through October. We offer half-day trips in the morning and afternoon, and shorter “Waterfall” tours. Our morning trips often provide the clearest mountain views, while our afternoon tours are excellent for spotting wildlife as they move through the meadows. We utilize custom-converted open-air 4×4 vehicles equipped with canvas tops and fleece blankets to maintain your comfort regardless of the mountain weather.
What is the minimum age for a Durango Jeep tour?
We welcome adventurers of all ages, with a minimum age of 4 years old. While the first half of the canyon is smooth, the ascent to the 12,000-foot tree line involves rugged, rutted mining roads.
To support your family’s logistical needs, please note that Colorado law requires children under 8 years old to be in a car seat or booster. We ask that you bring your own appropriate seat for use in our tour vehicles.
What should I wear and bring on my La Plata Canyon tour?
Because this tour climbs from the valley floor to high-alpine basins, you will experience significant temperature shifts. We recommend:
- Clothing: Dress in layers (T-shirt, sweatshirt, and a windbreaker). Long pants are recommended even in summer.
- Footwear: Closed-toe shoes or sturdy sneakers are required for safety and comfort during stops.
- Essentials: Polarized sunglasses to cut the alpine glare, high SPF sunscreen, and a sun hat.
- Gear: A camera to capture the 360-degree vistas of the San Juans and a refillable water bottle (we provide water for refills and light snacks).
For more details visit our what to wear and bring page.
Are Jeep tours in Durango safe?
Off-road Jeep touring is an inherently dangerous activity that involves travel over rugged, uneven terrain and narrow shelf roads with significant exposure; therefore, we require all guests to sign a liability waiver and assumption of risk. To minimize these risks, we utilize highly maintained vehicles equipped with roll cages. Our guides are experts in off-road 4×4 navigation and are certified in CPR and First Aid.
More Reading and Videos
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