DURANGO JEEP FIELD GUIDE
Two-Way Colorado: Jeep Up La Plata Canyon to 12,000 Feet, Then Raft the Lower Animas
This verified combo pairs a 4-hour La Plata Canyon Jeep tour with an afternoon raft trip on the Lower Animas—this guide outlines the flow, logistics, and what to expect for the roughly 8-hour outing.
Two-Way Colorado: Jeep Up La Plata Canyon to 12,000 Feet, Then Raft the Lower Animas.
Adventure brief
Two-Way Colorado: Jeep Up La Plata Canyon to 12,000 Feet, Then Raft the Lower Animas
The La Plata Canyon Half-Day Jeep Tour & Durango Half-Day Raft Trip Combo Package stitches two contrasting landscapes into a single day: a high‑altitude Jeep run through glacially carved canyons and an afternoon descent through whitewater and mellow stretches of the Lower Animas. Operated by Durango Rivertrippers, the itinerary gives you morning mountain exposure and an afternoon on the river, with time for a midday lunch in Durango between activities.
Experience the thrill of Durango's stunning landscapes with the La Plata Canyon Half-Day Jeep Tour combined with a Half-Day Raft Trip, offered exclusively by Durango Rivertrippers. This private combo package provides an incredible opportunity to explore rugged mountain trails and navigate exciting rapids on the La Plata River, all in one seamless adventure. The Jeep tour takes you through scenic, off-the-beaten-path routes with breathtaking views of Colorado's wildflower-covered canyons and historic mining sites. Following the scenic ride, you'll hit the water for an exhilarating rafting experience, where expert guides lead you through whitewater sections suitable for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike. This tour delivers a perfect blend of land and water adventures, making it ideal for families, thrill-seekers, or anyone eager to connect with Durango's natural beauty in an intimate, private setting. Personalized attention from guides ensures a safe, memorable experience tailored to your group's pace. Whether you're seeking scenic vistas, adrenaline-pumping rapids, or a mix of both, this combo package offers an unbeatable way to discover Colorado's outdoor gems in one half-day adventure that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Route Schematic
Itinerary at a glance
Stops and timepoints for the combo package, from meet to return.
Meet at Durango Rivertrippers
Meet your guide at Durango Rivertrippers, 360 South Camino Del Rio Suite 200, with an 8:00 AM meeting time for the morning Jeep segment.
La Plata Canyon Jeep Tour
Depart at 8:30 AM for the approximately four‑hour Jeep tour into La Plata Canyon, ascending to about 12,000 feet and returning to Durango by 12:30 PM.
Lunch break in Durango
A one‑hour lunch break (12:30–1:30 PM) on your own in Durango separates the two activities.
Durango Half‑Day Raft Trip
Meet again at 1:30 PM and depart by 2:00 PM for the Lower Animas raft trip, with a return to vehicles at Durango Rivertrippers around 6:30 PM.
This is an active, roughly 8‑hour day that includes a high‑altitude Jeep route (up to ~12,000 feet) in the morning and Class I–III river sections in the afternoon; participants should plan accordingly for altitude and an active schedule.
What the day feels like
How the day unfolds
Expect a full, active day: morning departure from Durango for a roughly four‑hour Jeep tour into La Plata Canyon, a lunch break in town, then an afternoon raft trip on the Lower Animas that occupies the 2:00–6:30 PM window. The package is structured to deliver high‑country views and on‑water time in one continuous outing.
THE LANDSCAPE
La Plata Canyon at altitude
The morning Jeep tour climbs into La Plata Canyon (Kennebec Pass), reaching elevations around 12,000 feet and exposing riders to the glacially sculpted geology that defines the canyon’s dramatic ridgelines and views.
THE WILDLIFE & HISTORY
Wildlife sightings and frontier stories
Guides point out local wildlife—deer and elk, with reports of mountain lion in the region—and weave in local history, including ghost towns and old mines encountered during the Jeep route.
THE RIVER
Lower Animas: scenic floats and Class I–III rapids
The afternoon raft segment runs on the Lower Animas, navigating Class I–III rapids (including Smelter Whitewater Park) while offering stretches of scenic floating—an active but accessible river experience.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this combo
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The full combo occupies about eight hours: morning Jeep tour from an 8:30 AM departure (meet at 8:00 AM) and an afternoon raft segment departing at 2:00 PM and returning by about 6:30 PM.
Both activities originate from Durango Rivertrippers, 360 South Camino Del Rio Suite 200, Durango, CO 81301; follow operator directions for exact check‑in.
There is a scheduled one‑hour lunch break (12:30–1:30 PM); participants should plan to obtain lunch on their own during this interval.
The rafting portion occupies the 2:00–6:30 PM block; itinerary notes approximately three hours on the water within that afternoon timeframe.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the combo experience?
The full combo runs around eight hours total, with a morning Jeep tour and an afternoon raft trip that returns around 6:30 PM.
Where do I meet for the trip?
Meet at Durango Rivertrippers, 360 South Camino Del Rio Suite 200, Durango, CO 81301; morning meet time is 8:00 AM for the Jeep tour.
How long is the rafting portion and what is the difficulty?
The rafting segment spans the 2:00–6:30 PM window (a 4.5‑hour block) and includes roughly three hours on the water, with rapids rated Class I–III, including passage through Smelter Whitewater Park.
Is lunch provided?
No; there is a one‑hour lunch break (12:30–1:30 PM) during which participants obtain lunch on their own.
Who operates the combo package?
The operator for this combo is Durango Rivertrippers.
What should I expect on the Jeep tour?
The Jeep tour climbs into La Plata Canyon (aka Kennebec Pass), reaches about 12,000 feet, and includes wildlife viewing and discussion of local mines and ghost towns.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-14T22:34:53.046Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.