La Plata Mountains - Half Day Tour in Durango
Durango, United States

La Plata Mountains - Half Day Tour

Outty Ranking 67 5.0 · 12 traveler reviews4 hoursFrom $100

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

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From, per person$100
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Outty Ranking

67/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 12 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is La Plata Mountains - Half Day Tour worth booking?

La Plata Mountains - Half Day Tour is a 4-hour experience in Durango, United States, from $100 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice, based on a 5/5 rating across 12 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
67 / 100
Rating
5/5 (12)
Duration
4 hours
From
$100 per person

This 4-hour guided 4x4 tour of La Plata Canyon just west of Durango covers native and mining history, geology, flora and fauna on the way to stunning views at 12,000 feet above sea level. Led by a local expert, this adve

What you get

    About this experience

    This 4-hour guided 4x4 tour of La Plata Canyon just west of Durango covers native and mining history, geology, flora and fauna on the way to stunning views at 12,000 feet above sea level. Led by a local expert, this adventure is fun for riders of all ages and skill levels.

    What's included

    Included

    • Snacks and water
    • Trained 4x4 road driver
    • Memories with friends and family on a unique adventure
    • Professional interpretive and mountain tour guide

    Not included

    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. San Juan National Forest

      Enjoy the spectacular San Juan National Forest throughout the entire guided tour in the La Plata Mountains

      240 minutes here

    2. The Colorado Trail

      Connect with the famous Colorado Trail at the top of Kennebec Pass

      30 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Durango

    Meet your guide and driver in the parking lot right where the CR 124 turns from asphalt to dirt. Parking is free during the tour

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Meet your guide and driver in the parking lot right where the CR 124 turns from asphalt to dirt. Parking is free during the tour

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Mountain Waters Rafting & Adventure Company LLC

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Snack at the top of Kennebec PassOne of several waterfalls on the along the tour in La Plata CanyonThe Colorado TrailOpen air experience compliments the viewsColorado's high alpine mountainsComfortable ride on 4x4 roads

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 12 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    8 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    6 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Good for families

    3 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    12 verified traveler reviews for La Plata Mountains - Half Day Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    12
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Laura O · August 2025

    Half day tour

    We had a great time on this trip. Our tour guide, Trevor was terrific. Very knowledgeable of the area, pointed out so much on the drive up and down. He was professional, friendly, and very personable. He provided water and snacks at the top. On the way down, we stopped to views several water falls. Highly recommend this tour guide and company. Would definitely do it again. Communication was great right from the start. Thank you!

    via Tripadvisor

    Laura_O · August 2025

    Jeep tour

    We had a great time! Our tour Guide Trevor was terrific. He was very friendly and personable, knowledgeable of the area, and pointed out several historical areas, stopped at some great waterfalls, and gave us a great ride to the top. He also provided water and snacks at the top, time for us to wander around, before we headed back. Highly recommend this tour group, and this trip. Excellent communication from time of booking, right up to morning of the tour.

    via Viator

    Voyage43172275553 · August 2025

    Great 4x4 experience

    Steve, our driver/guide, was friendly and a great driver. He was early and had snacks, water and extra jacket. Scenery was awesome.

    via Tripadvisor

    H8045BNtonib · June 2025

    Outstanding outing

    Great trip! Wes was an awesome guide. He told a lot of history. Saw a lot of different trees. Lots of waterfalls. One deer. Even saw a lady on a mountain bike.

    via Tripadvisor

    Vickie_W · June 2024

    La Plata Scenic Drive

    Trevor was a wonderful, informative guide. We saw incredible waterfalls and the summit was awesome. He even predicted a rain shower so we were able to get back down the mountain before the hard rain. We highly recommend this excursion. Only slight disappointment was not seeing a ghost town since one of the descriptions said we would. Apparently it is gone, but the majestic views made up for it.

    Response from the operator: We are so happy to hear you enjoyed your 4x4 tour! Unfortunately, the ghost town was taken out by an avalanche last year :(

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    4 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    4
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 67

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)95
    Review evidence (18% weight)38
    Booking momentum (14% weight)28
    Value for money (12% weight)75
    Listing quality (10% weight)65
    Local standing (8% weight)55
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    La Plata Mountains - Half Day Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Durango.

    How much does La Plata Mountains - Half Day Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $100 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Durango usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does La Plata Mountains - Half Day Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Durango is not rushed.

    Is La Plata Mountains - Half Day Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 12 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Durango, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule La Plata Mountains - Half Day Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is La Plata Mountains - Half Day Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book La Plata Mountains - Half Day Tour?

    +

    Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Durango can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Durango and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does La Plata Mountains - Half Day Tour start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Durango within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Durango?

    +

    Durango runs the Durango and Silverton narrow gauge steam railroad, Mesa Verde cliff dwelling tours, Animas River rafting, jeep trails and winter skiing at Purgatory. On Outty we rank every Durango experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Durango Colorado - Rafting 1/4 Day, Durango Half Day Rafting Trip - Lower Animas River, Durango 1/4 Day Rafting Trip - Lower Animas River. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Durango?

    +

    May to October, with the railroad running year-round in shorter form. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Durango?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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