Spend 2.5 hours on an open-air 4x4 through La Plata Canyon’s Columbus Basin. This short, family-friendly jeep tour delivers alpine meadows, waterfalls, mining history, and wildlife without a full-day commitment.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The afternoon air in La Plata Canyon has a crispness that catches at the edges of your jacket as the jeep rumbles away from the trailhead. Open-air seats give a front-row view as the vehicle climbs toward Columbus Basin — trees lean aside, a creek dares you to follow its rocky voice, and meadow edges flash with wildflowers or gold aspens depending on the month.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; suitable for families and most mobility levels though short roadside walks may occur.
Wildlife
History
La Plata Canyon carries traces of 19th-century silver mining—La Plata City was established in 1875 and remnants of its mining era remain along the route.
Conservation
Staying on designated roads and keeping noise low reduces disturbance to wildlife; pack out trash and follow Leave No Trace principles to protect fragile alpine meadows.
Reserve your spot on the La Plata Canyon Jeep Tour in Colorado today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Dress in layers
Temperatures can drop quickly above 10,000 ft; bring a windproof layer and a warm mid-layer even in summer.
Bring sun protection
Open-air seating exposes riders to intense high-elevation sun—sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are recommended.
Secure loose items
Roads are bumpy; secure cameras and phones or use straps to avoid drops from the jeep.
Park at the gate lot
Park in the dirt lot to the right of the entrance gate—guides will meet you there in a red or white safari jeep.
Windproof jacket
Blocks chilly mountain winds and layers easily for high-elevation temperature swings.
spring
Sturdy closed-toe shoes
Provides grip for short walks over uneven, rocky ground at stops.
summer
Sunscreen & sunglasses
High-elevation sun is stronger—protect skin and eyes during the open-air ride.
summer
Binoculars or zoom lens
Helps spot elk, marmots and birds in meadows and on ridgelines from the jeep.
fall