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
Itinerary
Mesas & Trails
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+
Payments & Cancellations
Payment Options
- 1/2 down, 1/2 charged 30 days prior to trip.
- 1/3 down with remaining balance charged in thirds.
- Call for other arrangements!
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.
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).
Cancellation Policy
Receive a full refund with written notice 24 hours or more before the trip.
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.
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.
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.
Plan Your Trip
National & State Parks
National Monuments
Where to Stay
Best Times to Visit
Museums
Moab with Kids
Meet Location & Directions
- Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours
- 970-247-4789
- 50 Animas View Dr., Durango, CO 81301
- Get Directions
Related Adventures
Durango, CO
A full day tour! Includes lunch and tickets for Cliff Palace.
- Standard: Adult $189 | Youth $159
- Premium: $279
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
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