DURANGO JEEP FIELD GUIDE
Two Ways to Feel Durango: Jeep into La Plata Canyon Waterfalls, Then Raft the Lower Animas
A full-day combo from Durango Rivertrippers pairs a 2.5-hour scenic Jeep tour through La Plata Canyon — including access to an exclusive 25-foot waterfall and a 10,000-foot viewpoint — with a 4.5-hour Lower Animas raft trip featuring Class I–III rapids.
Two Ways to Feel Durango: Jeep into La Plata Canyon Waterfalls, Then Raft the Lower Animas.
This combo routes morning and afternoon around Durango’s wild edges: a 2.5-hour Jeep tour threads La Plata Canyon to three waterfalls and a 10,000-foot panoramic stop, then after a relaxed lunch you drop into a 4.5-hour Lower Animas raft trip that runs through Durango’s river scenery and the Smelter Whitewater Park.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Exclusive 25‑foot Falls and Three Cascades
The Jeep portion visits three distinct waterfalls, including an exclusive 25-foot waterfall accessible only with Durango Rivertrippers & Adventure Tours — a rare close-up of La Plata Canyon’s vertical water lines.
High Country Panoramas at 10,000 Feet
Along the Jeep route you’ll pause at roughly 10,000 feet above sea level for wide views of the La Plata Mountains and canyon rims, a stark counterpoint to the riparian scenery you’ll float through in the afternoon.
Lower Animas Rafting Through Smelter Whitewater Park
The afternoon section is a 4.5-hour raft outing down the Lower Animas, navigating Class I–III rapids and the well-known Smelter Whitewater Park while offering a mix of adrenaline and scenic floating.
What the day feels like
How the Day Feels
The day balances slow and fast: a morning Jeep crawl up La Plata Canyon to waterfalls and alpine viewpoints, a relaxed lunch, then an afternoon drop-in to the Lower Animas where guided rafts negotiate a sequence of Class I–III waves and calmer riffles — all run from Durango Rivertrippers’ staging point.
THE WATERFALLS
Exclusive 25‑foot Falls and Three Cascades
The Jeep portion visits three distinct waterfalls, including an exclusive 25-foot waterfall accessible only with Durango Rivertrippers & Adventure Tours — a rare close-up of La Plata Canyon’s vertical water lines.
THE VISTAS
High Country Panoramas at 10,000 Feet
Along the Jeep route you’ll pause at roughly 10,000 feet above sea level for wide views of the La Plata Mountains and canyon rims, a stark counterpoint to the riparian scenery you’ll float through in the afternoon.
THE RIVER
Lower Animas Rafting Through Smelter Whitewater Park
The afternoon section is a 4.5-hour raft outing down the Lower Animas, navigating Class I–III rapids and the well-known Smelter Whitewater Park while offering a mix of adrenaline and scenic floating.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this combo suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Around 9 hours total for the combo day, combining the Jeep tour and the rafting trip.
The operator’s office is at 360 South Camino Del Rio Suite 200, Durango, CO 81301; morning meet is listed at 9:00 AM for a 9:30 AM Jeep departure, and afternoon meet is at 1:30 PM for a 2:00 PM rafting departure.
The rafting portion is a 4.5-hour segment on the Lower Animas with approximately 3 hours on the water, featuring Class I–III rapids and passage through Smelter Whitewater Park.
For specific gear requirements and what the operator provides, check directly with Durango Rivertrippers prior to your trip.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the full combo experience?
The full combo runs around nine hours total.
Where do we meet for the tour?
Meet at Durango Rivertrippers, 360 South Camino Del Rio Suite #200, Durango, CO 81301.
What are the start and return times?
Jeep tour meet at 9:00 AM with a 9:30 AM departure and return at about 12:00 PM; lunch break runs until 1:30 PM; rafting meet is 1:30 PM, depart 2:00 PM, with return to vehicles around 6:30 PM.
What waterfalls and viewpoints are included?
The Jeep tour visits three waterfalls, including an exclusive 25-foot waterfall, and pauses at a roughly 10,000-foot viewpoint in the La Plata Mountains.
What is the rafting difficulty and duration on the water?
The raft trip is a 4.5-hour outing overall with about three hours on the water and includes Class I–III rapids through sections such as Smelter Whitewater Park.
Is this suitable for families and beginners?
Yes — the operator describes the combo as family-friendly and suited to families of all ages.