Durango: La Plata Canyon Scenic Waterfalls Jeep Tour

Waterfalls are only the beginning. This 2.5-hour Jeep trip takes you from Durango into La Plata Canyon, with three waterfall stops, old mining structures, and high mountain views near 10,000 feet. I like the small groups of up to eight people, which keep the ride personal, and I like that the tour offers a shorter, milder alternative to the full four-hour canyon trip. The main tradeoff is the open-air vehicle: dust, wind, cold air, and rough roads are part of the deal.

I also appreciate the family-friendly pace. You get out at several stops, but this is not a demanding hiking outing. The last waterfall sits on private property that only the operator can access, giving the trip a special stop that independent visitors cannot easily copy. Bring a jacket, even in warm weather, and expect the mountain road to shake you around a bit.

Key points at a glance

• Three waterfall stops: The tour builds from one scenic water feature to another as the Jeep climbs farther into La Plata Canyon.
• A 25 to 30-foot waterfall: The final stop gets you close to a larger fall, with old mining structures scattered nearby.
• Views near 10,000 feet: The highest point offers broad mountain scenery without requiring the full four-hour tour.
• A mild off-road outing: You will face bumpy dirt roads, dust, and open-air conditions, but not a strenuous hike.
• A private-property stop: The last waterfall is reached through land available only to the tour operator.
• Strong guide service: Guides including Kevin, Tyler, Leroy, Russ, Ron, and others have been praised for their driving, local information, and care for the group.

Why this short Jeep tour works well

La Plata Canyon gives you a taste of Colorado mountain country without taking over your entire day. The drive begins with roughly 20 to 25 minutes on the highway from the meeting point to the mouth of the canyon. After that, the route turns off pavement and into a 4×4 setting, where the ride itself becomes part of the attraction.

I see this as a useful middle ground. A standard sightseeing drive may keep you too far from the waterfalls, while a longer backcountry trip can be too much for families or anyone with limited time. This tour gives you mountain scenery, three stops, and a high viewpoint in two and a half hours.

The tour is also limited to eight participants. That matters on a narrow, bumpy route. You are more likely to hear the guide, ask questions, and get help at the stops than you would in a large vehicle. Several guides have earned praise for keeping the group comfortable and sharing clear information about the area. Tyler, Leroy, Russ, Kevin, and Ron have all been singled out for friendly service, careful driving, or good local storytelling.

The short duration has one clear limit: you will see a selection of La Plata Canyon rather than the entire area. This trip does not climb to the top of Kennebec Pass, and it is specifically designed as the milder option. If your goal is a long, rugged backcountry outing, choose the full four-hour tour instead.

Starting at the mouth of La Plata Canyon

You meet at the operator’s location, where free parking, restrooms, and changing areas are available. Before departure, you must complete a liability waiver and emergency contact form. That small bit of paperwork is worth handling early so the group can get moving on time.

The first 20 to 25 minutes take place on the highway. This section is not the main event, but it gives you time to settle into the vehicle and meet the guide. You may ride in an open-air vehicle, though the operator can substitute a Jeep Wrangler if conditions require it.

Once the route reaches the mouth of La Plata Canyon, the character of the trip changes. The road becomes a 4×4 route, and you should expect dirt, dust, and frequent bumps. This is not a smooth coach ride. I would avoid wearing anything that you want to keep spotless, and I would secure loose items before the vehicle starts climbing.

The open sides help you see and photograph the canyon, but they also expose you to wind. Extra jackets and blankets are carried by the operator, although you may need to ask for one. A personal jacket remains the safer choice, especially for the high section of the trip.

Three waterfalls, each with a different feel

The waterfall stops are the heart of the outing. Rather than driving to one viewpoint and turning around, the Jeep pauses at three different falls as it climbs higher into the canyon. That gives the ride a sense of progress and provides several chances for photographs.

The first stops are scenic and fairly easy to fit into a family outing. The available information does not promise a set hiking distance at each fall, so you should think of the trip as a vehicle tour with short walks rather than a waterfall hike. You get out, look around, take pictures, and return to the Jeep before continuing uphill.

The final waterfall is the most distinctive stop. At roughly 25 to 30 feet high, it is large enough to feel like a proper destination, and the Jeep can take you close to its base. Old mining structures are scattered around the area, adding a human story to the natural setting.

That mix is what makes the last stop more than a quick photo break. You see water, rock, and forest, then notice signs of earlier mining activity nearby. The private-property access is important here. This is not simply a roadside pullout that you could reproduce by driving your own car along the same route.

You should still keep expectations sensible. The tour description does not promise a guided mine tour or a chance to enter the structures. Treat them as visible remnants around the waterfall, not as a separate attraction with extensive exploration.

Climbing toward the 10,000-foot viewpoint

As the Jeep travels higher, the views open up. The tour reaches around 10,000 feet above sea level and pauses so you can take in the mountain setting. This is a valuable part of the trip because it gives you a broad view after the closer, more enclosed waterfall stops.

The altitude also explains the need for warm clothing. Even if Durango feels hot when you leave town, wind and thinner mountain air can make the upper stop feel much cooler. Bring water and sunscreen as well. High-country sun can be strong, and the open vehicle provides little shelter.

This is not the summit experience some visitors may expect from a backcountry Jeep excursion. The tour does not continue to the top of Kennebec Pass. That is not a flaw if you want a mild trip, but it is an important boundary. The route is built around waterfalls and views, not an all-day pass crossing.

What the ride is really like

The phrase open-air vehicle should guide your expectations. You get better views and a stronger sense of the canyon, but you also get dust and wind. On a dry day, the road may leave a fine layer of grit on clothing and bags. On a cool day, the moving air can make the ride chilly.

The road is also bumpy. This is a Jeep 4×4 excursion on off-road tracks, not a paved scenic drive. The operator describes it as a mild tour, but mild refers to the level of adventure and hiking, not to a perfectly smooth ride.

That distinction matters for families. All ages are welcome, and children from ages five to eleven have enjoyed the outing. However, car seats are not provided. If you need one, you must make your own arrangements before departure.

I would also think carefully about anyone who has trouble with rough roads or cold exposure. The stops are not presented as strenuous, but the vehicle ride itself may be the hardest part for some people. Ask for one of the extra blankets or jackets if needed.

The guides make a real difference

A good guide is especially useful on a short tour. With only two and a half hours, you do not have much time to figure out what you are seeing on your own. The guide provides context while driving, points out features, manages the stops, and keeps the group moving.

The individual guide feedback is consistently strong. Kevin has been praised for combining local information with entertaining conversation and confident driving. Tyler has been noted for looking after everyone and checking that the group was enjoying the outing.

Leroy has received particular praise for being both fun and well informed, while making sure the group saw the main sights. Russ was described as a good fit for the 2.5-hour format, and Ron has been praised for his kindness, area information, and easy manner.

The practical point is simple: your guide is not just a driver. On a small group trip, that person shapes the whole mood. The repeated praise for careful driving and useful information is reassuring on a route that is dusty, steep in places, and rough under the tires.

Is $92 a fair price?

At $92 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the mountains. You are paying for a guided 4×4 ride, access to a private-property waterfall, a small group, and the operator’s local driving experience. You are also buying convenience: no need to find the canyon route, judge rough road conditions, or work out where to stop.

The value is strongest if you have only a morning or afternoon available. The tour usually operates in both parts of the day, and its 2.5-hour length leaves room for other Durango plans. It also makes sense for families who want scenery and a few short stops instead of a demanding outdoor day.

The value is weaker if you want a long off-road adventure or prefer to explore on foot. The tour does not reach Kennebec Pass, does not include hotel pickup, and does not provide car seats. Gratuity for the guide is also not included.

Free parking, restrooms, and changing areas at the meeting point help keep the logistics simple. Flexible booking, including the option to reserve now and pay later, may also help if your mountain plans depend on weather and timing. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

Who should book this experience?

I would choose this tour for families, couples, and first-time visitors who want a manageable introduction to the La Plata Mountains. It is also a good fit if you want waterfalls but do not want to commit to the longer four-hour excursion.

Photographers should find plenty to work with: three separate falls, a larger 25 to 30-foot cascade, old mining structures, and a high viewpoint. The open vehicle gives you a better sense of the surroundings, though you should protect cameras and phones from dust.

This trip also suits anyone who values a guide’s local knowledge. The route has enough scenery to keep you busy, but the guide’s information helps connect the waterfalls, canyon, and mining remains into a clearer picture of the area.

I would hesitate if you dislike bumpy rides, cold wind, or getting dusty. I would also choose another option if reaching the top of Kennebec Pass is your main goal. This is a scenic sampler, not the most rugged or extensive Jeep route.

Final decision: a strong short outing near Durango

I recommend the La Plata Canyon Waterfalls Jeep Tour if you want a compact mountain adventure with real scenery and limited walking. The three waterfalls give the trip structure, the private-property stop adds something unusual, and the 10,000-foot viewpoint supplies the big mountain moment.

Bring a jacket, water, sunscreen, and clothes that can handle dust. If you accept the rough road and open-air ride, $92 is a reasonable price for a small-group outing led by guides who have earned strong praise for their driving and area information.

Choose it for waterfalls, views, and a family-friendly taste of the canyon. Skip it only if you want a full backcountry day, a smooth ride, or the summit of Kennebec Pass.

FAQ

How long is the La Plata Canyon Waterfalls Jeep Tour?

The tour lasts 2.5 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $92 per person.

How many waterfalls will I see?

The tour stops at three unique waterfalls.

How large is the biggest waterfall?

The final waterfall is approximately 25 to 30 feet high.

Does the tour reach Kennebec Pass?

No. This is a mild tour and does not go to the top of Kennebec Pass.

How high does the tour climb?

The route reaches approximately 10,000 feet above sea level.

Is the tour suitable for children?

All ages are welcome. Car seats are not provided.

What kind of vehicle is used?

The tour normally uses an open-air vehicle. The operator may use a Jeep Wrangler if circumstances require it.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen, water, and a jacket. You should also expect dirt, dust, wind, and bumpy roads.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, but free parking is available at the meeting point.