Mesas & Trails

Mesa Verde & Durango Jeep Tour

About This Trip

Combining a visit to Mesa Verde with a Jeep Tour in La Plata Canyon is one of the best ways to experience Southwest Colorado’s rich history and impeccable scenery all in one day. On this tour, you’ll start your morning off better than anyone else by exploring the top sites of Mesa Verde National Park.

After you’ve experienced the fascinating history of the Ancestral Puebloans and the largest cliff dwellings in North America, you’ll become immersed in the jaw dropping scenery of La Plata Canyon outside of Durango, Colorado. Here, waterfalls and old mining cabins line the off roading trail that leads to Rocky Mountain peaks. Along the way, you may catch sight of the abundant wildlife that lives here, including fox, marmot, deer, and maybe a bear if you’re lucky!

Mesa Verde Tour Highlights:

Witness the largest archaeological preserve and cliff dwelling in the United States.
Explore ancient ruins atop the mesa for a snapshot into North American life 1,500 years ago.
Mesa Verde is so saturated with artifacts, pottery shards and arrowheads still scatter the ground throughout the park.
Views of the lush canyons, everlasting valleys, and surrounding mountain ranges are incredible sites all their own.
Experience a National Park that comes with serenity, where traffic is always light and sites can be enjoyed without crowds.

Durango Jeep Tour Highlights:

Stunning panoramic vistas
Tumbling waterfalls and cascading creeks
Old mining remnants from a deserted ghost town
Fascinating geology along the La Plata River Canyon
Wildlife: elk herds, juncos, bald eagles, marmot, moose, bear, deer
Gorgeous Colorado wildflowers in Spring
Large aspen groves that make for amazing Fall colors
Adventurous roads where you would not want to drive or take your own vehicle!
Interpretive, knowledgeable guides

Overview

Season

March – October

Restrictions

Ages 4+

Meet Time

8:00AM

Return

5:30PM

Trip Options

Standard Tour

Book Your Trip

Mesas & Trails Tour

Trip Planning

Itinerary

Mesas & Trails

8:00 AM

Meet your Guide at the Mancos Visitor Center

8:30 AM

Arrive at Mesa Verde National Park to explore ancient villages, kivas and views of the cliff dwellings!

12:00 PM

Arrive back at the Mancos Visitor Center

Drive back to Durango and grab yourself a quick lunch!

1:30 PM

Meet your Guide at the Mild to Wild Office

1:45 PM

Arrive at La Plata Canyon to explore waterfalls, meadows, old mining cabins and gorgeous views of the mountains!

5:30 PM

Arrive back at the Mild to Wild Office

Booking Options

Mesas & Trails

This one-day package gives you a perfect mix of Southwest Colorado history, combining the world-renowned archaeological sites of Mesa Verde National Park and the spectacular scenery of La Plata Canyon’s old mining hubs.

Ages 4+

Adult (12+)

$273.70

Youth (4-11)

$227.70

Reviews from our Guests

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   cynthia forbis 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had an awesome experience on a jeep ride through La Plata Canyon with Jared. He was knowledgeable and a skilled driver, we were in good hands. The scenery was gorgeous and we enjoyed seeing this beautiful place. Thanks Jared!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tim Swope 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tim was an awesome guide……with all of his knowledge and stories and enthusiasm for the Colorado mountains it made for a great trip!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   vicki fathallah 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tim was amazing. Very informative and very pleasant tour guide. I would recommend him for your next tour. I enjoyed it very much
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Claudia Hartley 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our guide Jared was knowledgeable and personable.  It was a great experience.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alberto Gonzalez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We did the Silverton Jeep Tour Package on 9/28/26 and it was a once in a lifetime experience. Our guide, Tim, took us to picturesque landscapes while giving us knowledge of the history surrounding the mountains of Silverton, all while it was raining I should say. Plus we were able to see and experience first hand snow falling at a higher altitude. We were given ample time to shop around town before departing on the train back to Durango. Only minor thing I would critique was that the roof cover, for the 6 seats in back, was not 99.9% waterproof because their were water drops falling from the cover while it was raining but it was no biggie for us and part of the adventure to be honest (we were given waterproof blankets to cover our bodies from the beginning). PLEASE BRING LAYERS AS MENTIONED ON THEIR WEBSITE (YOU'RE GOING TO NEED THEM)!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Holly Gibson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our tour to Mesa Verde with Ann as our guide was truly amazing! She was so knowledgeable, answered questions and gave us so much to think about regarding Mesa Verde. The lunch provided was filling and there were plenty of refreshments offered throughout the day. I highly recommend the full day tour! Visiting Cliff Palace is so worth it!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sam Lyons 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing! We had the best time. Our guide Dylan made us feel very safe, while taking us through fun rapids.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Josh Jessop 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our tour guide Ann made this already beautiful tour absolutely incredible! We were so grateful to spend the day with her. She was a wealth of enthusiasm and knowledge. Overall a great day with great people.

What are you waiting for? Call today (800) 567-6745 OR (970) 247-4789

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.

What to Wear & Bring

Dress in layers: T-shirt, sweat shirt and a warm jacket (Spring & Fall tours especially)
Warm Hat & Gloves (Spring & Fall Tours)
Sun Hat
Rain Jacket (for La Plata Canyon especially)
Light Hiking Shoes
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Water Bottle – the guides will have water for refills!
Snacks
Camera

How To Dress And What To Bring On A Colorado Jeep Tour

Important Considerations

The drive between Mancos and our Durango office is about 45 minutes. Be sure to plan for this!
You are on your own for lunch and will have around 45 minutes to grab something in Durango, or on the way back from Mancos. Feel free to pack snacks for both tours!
Colorado Car Seat Law states children up to 8 years old must be in an appropriate car seat. Please bring your own.
Summer is cool in the morning and hot by the afternoon. In fall and spring the temperatures / weather can fluctuate quite a bit. So bring layers with you just in case! The guides usually have blankets as well.
La Plata Canyon is prone to afternoon rain showers! Bring some rain gear.