Explore the rugged Backcountry and Scenic Mountain Passes
The Durango area is legendary for its rugged backcountry and scenic mountain passes. Whether you want to take the wheel yourself or leave the driving to a guide, there are options for all levels of adventurers — from mellow canyon rides to high-alpine tours with jaw-dropping views.
Guided Jeep Tours & Tour Providers
If you’re visiting Durango just for a day or prefer a guided experience that blends scenery, history, and safety, local outfitters offer excellent Jeep tours. These typically run spring through fall:
Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours Hands-down one of the most popular choices for guided jeep excursions in the Durango region — and for good reason:
Tour Options
- La Plata Canyon Jeep Tours: Half-day or shorter guided rides into La Plata Canyon take you along scenic mountain roads with waterfalls, high-alpine views, and wildlife — perfect for all ages and abilities.
- Silverton Jeep Tour: A longer half-day adventure toward Silverton’s historic mining country and dramatic San Juan scenery.
- Combo Packages: Pair a Jeep adventure with rafting, Mesa Verde National Park visits, or even train tours for a full-day experience.
What to Expect
- Knowledgeable guides share local history, geology, and wildlife facts.
- Seasonal wildflowers, waterfalls, and panoramic vistas — especially stunning in summer and fall.
- Family-friendly with options for all ages; car seats are required by CO law for kids 9 & under on vehicles.
Tours range from 2½-hour scenic blasts to 4-hour rides that climb over 10,000 ft, offering classic San Juan views and plenty of storytelling along the way.
Mountain Waters Rafting & Adventure Company Best known locally for rafting, Mountain Waters also provides 4×4 Jeep Trail Tours as part of their adventure swag:
Jeep & Adventure Tours
- 4×4 Jeep Trail Tours: Guided excursions into La Plata Canyon and the San Juan backcountry with interpretative commentary — including mining history, geology, and local lore.
- Combo Packages: Some tours combine off-road Jeep adventures with rafting, ziplining, or even the Durango & Silverton Railroad for a full-day experience.
Tips from Happy Visitors
- Guests love the “kid tested, mom approved” vibe and the mix of adventure with local storytelling.
- Combo tours are great on weather-iffy days — you can enjoy Jeep terrain in the morning and river rapids in the afternoon.
Pro Tips Before You Go
Seasonality
- Most guided jeep tours run late spring through early fall (generally May–October). Snow and storms can impact trail accessibility late or early in the season.
What to Bring
- Layers (mountain weather changes fast), sunscreen, sturdy shoes, water, snacks.
- Camera/binoculars — the San Juan landscape is photogenic year-round.
Reservations
- Tours often sell out in summer and fall foliage season — book ahead if you’re visiting on weekends or holidays.
Combo Adventures
- Many outfitters specialize in packages combining Jeep tours with rafting, national park visits, or train rides, letting you maximize one full day of adventure without the planning hassle.
Self-Guided Trails (Day Trippers)
If you already have a capable 4×4 (or rent one), there’s plenty of classic terrain nearby — all easily done as a day trip from Durango:
Great Off-Road Routes Within Reach
- La Plata Canyon Road (County Road 124): A classic moderate trail climbing toward Kennebec Pass with waterfalls, high alpine meadows, and views of the San Juan peaks.
- Scenic Alpine Loop (Silverton to Ouray via Ophir/Telluride): A bucket-list trip for experienced drivers; it’s higher and more technical but iconic.
- Lime Creek Road: Close, scenic, and relatively easy, with Aspen forests and creekside views.
- Junction Creek Road: Northwest of Durango, this trail leads toward Monument Hill with a mix of forest and open terrain.
Classic Backcountry Routes
Here are some of the most iconic hard 4×4 and scenic routes north toward Silverton. These routes require experienced drivers with high clearance 4x4 vehicles.
- Alpine Loop – Engineer Pass & Cinnamon Pass: This legendary route connects Silverton, Ouray, and Lake City via forest roads and high mountain passes above 12,000 ft. Expect sweeping views, historic mining sites, and wildflower-filled basins in summer.
- Imogene Pass: One of Colorado’s most photogenic 4×4 roads, offering wild alpine lakes, panoramic views, and historic mining remnants. Accessible roughly an hour or so from Durango. For Experienced drivers only.
- Ophir Pass: Famous for its roller-coaster topography and stunning vistas, Ophir Pass connects Ophir with Silverton and traverses pristine forest and alpine terrain. For Experienced drivers only.
Things to know before you go
- High-clearance, 4×4 vehicles are strongly recommended for most backcountry roads. Passes like Imogene and Ophir often require high-clearance, 4×4 vehicles and experienced drivers.
- Most high-country roads are seasonal (snow can linger into July and return early in fall).
- Weather changes quickly above treeline — bring layers, sun protection, water, and food.
- Fuel and cell service are sparse outside Durango — pack supplies and a physical map or GPS.
- Respect local closures and wildlife areas — many trails traverse National Forest land.
