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  
   
   Jim Wade 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was an amazing experience.Jared the guide stopped along the way and explained all the amazing sights that we came to. Highly recommend this trip to everyone.
  
 
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   Christopher Teaf 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent in every respect
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Cindy McCullough 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our guide was Jay. He was great. Lots of beautiful views and a history lesson along the way. Thank you 🥰
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kimber R 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic!!! The experienced guides made it especially enjoyable. Anthony D. went above and beyond to help coach and encourage me as a first time white water kayaker. He is awesome!! Highly recommend! Highlight of my trip!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Chris Joyce 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Peyton and Dillon were our guides for our trip. They were friendly and professional. We had a great time!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Deanna Myers 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our guide, Miles, was very knowledgeable. It was a great trip. Would give it 4.5 stars only because it wasn't a jeep and there were 11 people.  We were all compatible, but that is not always the case with a group that large. Overall, the trip was great.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mr. Debatable 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Such an amazing trip today our tour guide miles was beyond amazing he answered every single one of my questions even though I had about 10,000. He was extremely knowledgeable and courteous and made our trip that much more memorable. I would highly recommend to anyone going to the area and I will definitely do another tour next time I visit
  
 
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   Melody Urso 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I did the Mesa Verde Tour with lunch and Ann Rapp, our guide, was the best! She not only provided us with in-depth information, history and theories about the sites we were seeing, but also took a lot of time at some of the less “popular” dwellings so we could understand the varied communities. I can’t speak highly enough of our tour and I think this is an ideal way to experience a broader picture of Mesa Verde and its history.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Krystal Folsom 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tim paid close attention to our conversation on the way to the trail from Durango to Silverton Colorado and used what he learned about us to create the perfect off-roading experience. The route was exciting, scenic, and perfectly suited to our interests—a personal touch we truly appreciated. Even the snacks arrived at exactly the right moment! Tim made us feel comfortable, cared for, and completely immersed in the adventure. It was a memorable experience from start to finish, and we highly recommend both Tim and Mild to Wild!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alan Phillips 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an absolutely great time! Tim was our tour guide and he was awesome! Tim was very personable, very informative and super nice. He made sure to keep us hydrated and was always at our need. I highly, highly recommend this tour, this guide and this company!

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.