Durango’s top tours center around its spectacular mountain setting and rich cultural heritage. The Mesa Verde Express Tour stands out for its expert-led visits to the ancient Cliff Palace dwellings – it’s well-organized and historically accurate. For outdoor enthusiasts, the rugged Jeep tours through La Plata Mountains deliver both scenic beauty and local history without the tourist crowds. The UTV/RZR tours are particularly enjoyable, offering hands-on adventure with flexibility to stop at scenic points. These tours maintain strong environmental standards while providing authentic Colorado experiences.
Let’s explore the best tours this mountain town has to offer.
Key Points
- Mesa Verde Express Tour offers a guided 5-hour experience focused on the Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America.
- Mesa Verde National Park Tour & Cliff Palace is an 8-hour small group tour with a ranger-led exploration of Cliff Palace.
- Durango Jeep Tour – La Plata Canyon provides a 4-hour off-road adventure through the scenic La Plata Mountains.
- Backcountry Jeep and UTV/RZR Tours offer exhilarating experiences, including the Bolam Pass Jeep Tour and guided UTV/RZR tours.
- Tour customization options allow for personalized experiences tailored to individual preferences, group sizes, and activity levels.
Durango: Mesa Verde Express Tour and Tickets to Cliff Palace
The Mesa Verde Express Tour takes visitors on a 5-hour guided exploration of the remarkable Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde National Park. Priced from $159 per person, this small-group tour is limited to just 10 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
Led by an archaeologist or National Park Service Ranger, the tour provides insights into the rich Ancestral Puebloan history of the region. The highlight of the tour is the 45-minute guided experience at Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America.
Participants will hike scenic trails and climb ladders to explore this impressive ancient structure. The tour also includes round-trip transportation, park entrance fees, and a cooler for storing snacks and lunch.
While the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia, it’s an excellent choice for active travelers seeking an in-depth look at this cultural gem.
With an impressive 4.8/5 rating based on 12 reviews, the Mesa Verde Express Tour offers great value and a memorable journey through this remarkable national park.
Read our full review: Durango: Mesa Verde Express Tour and Tickets to Cliff Palace Review
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Durango Jeep Tour — La Plata Canyon
Durango Jeep Tour — La Plata Canyon offers adventurous travelers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning La Plata Mountains aboard a custom-built Jeep. This 4-hour tour takes you up to 12,000 feet, offering breathtaking Rocky Mountain vistas. The tour includes a knowledgeable guide who’ll share insights about the area’s fascinating geology and mining history.
Participants can expect to see natural attractions like waterfalls, wildflowers, and golden aspen groves, as well as a variety of wildlife, including deer, marmots, foxes, birds of prey, and possibly moose or bears.
The tour starts on a smooth dirt road, becoming more rugged midway through.
The tour package includes the Jeep, guide, water refills, snacks, ponchos, and blankets. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes, bring layers, and prepare for fluctuating temperatures and potential rain.
Children under 4 and individuals with back problems aren’t recommended for this tour. With a maximum group size of 6, this Durango Jeep adventure provides an intimate and memorable experience.
Read our full review: Durango Jeep Tour — La Plata Canyon Review
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From Durango: Mesa Verde National Park Tour & Cliff Palace
Visiting Mesa Verde National Park from Durango offers travelers a chance to discover the remarkable Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and mesa top villages.
The 8-hour small group tour, limited to 10 participants, takes visitors on a scenic drive through the La Plata Mountains before a guided exploration of the iconic Cliff Palace. Along the way, knowledgeable English-speaking guides provide insightful commentary.
The tour includes a ranger-led tour of Cliff Palace, complete with ladder climbs, as well as a lunch at a scenic site or overlook. With shuttle service, park entry, and gratuities included, the tour is a hassle-free way to experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Recommended items include hiking shoes and a reusable water bottle, while children under 4 aren’t suitable. Pickup is available from Durango or Mancos, with no pick-up allowed inside the park.
Read our full review: From Durango: Mesa Verde National Park Tour & Cliff Palace Review
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Durango: La Plata Canyon Scenic Waterfalls Jeep Tour
When visiting Durango, travelers can embark on the thrilling La Plata Canyon Scenic Waterfalls Jeep Tour. This 2.5-hour excursion takes visitors on an off-road adventure through the La Plata Mountains and Canyon.
The tour includes visits to three unique waterfalls, where guests can snap photos and get up close to a 25-30 ft waterfall, as well as see old mining structures.
The tour reaches an elevation of approximately 10,000 ft, offering incredible panoramic views. Accommodating all ages, the tour is classified as mild, not going to the top of Kennebec Pass.
Guests will ride in an open-air vehicle, so they’re advised to bring extra jackets and blankets. Restrooms, changing areas, and hotel pickup/drop-off are included.
With a maximum group size of 8, the tour provides a personalized experience led by knowledgeable guides. Positive reviews highlight the guides’ expertise and the overall enjoyable experience.
Read our full review: Durango: La Plata Canyon Scenic Waterfalls Jeep Tour Review
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Durango: Waterfalls and Mountains La Plata Canyon Jeep Tour
Travelers seeking a thrilling off-road adventure can embark on the Waterfalls and Mountains La Plata Canyon Jeep Tour in Durango. Priced at $100.28 per person, this 4-hour tour explores the scenic La Plata Canyon, offering stunning views of Colorado’s western slope.
The group size is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized experience, and the tour is wheelchair accessible.
Highlights of the tour include spotting wildflowers and wildlife, as well as learning about the area’s mining history from knowledgeable guides. Snacks and water are provided, and child safety seats are available.
With a 4.8/5 rating based on 4 reviews, the tour has received positive feedback from travelers, including couples, friends, and families.
The tour also offers flexible booking options, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the ability to reserve a spot without upfront payment.
Adventurous travelers can explore the waterfalls and mountains of La Plata Canyon in comfort and style on this highly rated Jeep tour.
Read our full review: Durango: Waterfalls and Mountains La Plata Canyon Jeep Tour Review
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Durango: La Plata Canyon Exclusive Access Jeep Tour
This exclusive La Plata Canyon Jeep Tour, also known as “Kennebec Pass,” offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Durango’s western slope.
Priced from $109 per person, this 4-hour tour is limited to small groups of 8 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. Along the way, adventurers will have exclusive access to private trails and a stunning 25-foot waterfall on an old mining claim.
The tour’s highlights include the chance to spot a variety of wildlife, such as deer, bears, marmots, birds, elk, and even the elusive mountain lion. Participants will also be treated to scenic views of La Plata Canyon, reaching elevations near 12,000 feet.
The knowledgeable guides provide historical context, sharing insights about the area’s ghost towns and mining history. With a moderate 4×4 adventure and complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off, this tour offers an unforgettable way to experience the natural wonders of Durango.
Read our full review: Durango: La Plata Canyon Exclusive Access Jeep Tour Review
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Durango: Backcountry Jeep Tour to the Top of Bolam Pass
Why not explore the rugged backcountry of Durango by embarking on the 4-hour Bolam Pass Jeep Tour? This thrilling excursion takes you on a climb over 11,000 feet to the top of Bolam Pass, rewarding you with sweeping views of Durango and the surrounding peaks.
Aboard a custom Jeep Gladiator, you’ll navigate remote trails guided by a knowledgeable tour guide who provides live commentary in English. Along the way, stop at historic sites and scenic locations to snap photos and learn about the local wildlife and area history.
Snacks are provided, and the tour operates under sustainable principles, ensuring you can enjoy the stunning mountain landscapes while minimizing your impact.
With a 5-star rating from past guests, this backcountry adventure is a must for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Durango’s rugged wilderness.
Book now and pay later to secure your spot on this unforgettable tour.
Read our full review: Durango: Backcountry Jeep Tour to the Top of Bolam Pass Review
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Durango: Guided 2 Hr UTV/RZR Tour
Explore Durango’s backcountry on an exhilarating 2-hour UTV/RZR tour. Priced from $339.25 per group of up to 2 participants, this guided tour offers a small group experience led by a live English-speaking guide.
Choose from various vehicle options, including the 2-seat Kawasaki Teryx 1000, 2-seat Can-Am Commander, 4-seat Polaris RZR XP 1000, or 6-seat Kawasaki Mule FXT.
Discover Colorado’s untouched wilderness, with photo stops for wildlife, scenic vistas, waterfalls, and historic sites. Instruction on water safety and machine operation is provided, and you’ll learn about the local history, wildlife, and wildflowers.
Included amenities cover all your needs, from helmets and ponchos to a cooler and dry bag for your belongings.
Meet at the Village Center Plaza at Purgatory Ski Resort, and bring your driver’s license, sunglasses, sunscreen, jacket, and closed-toe shoes.
With a $1,500 damage deposit required, this tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or drivers under 18.
Follow Leave No Trace principles throughout the adventure.
Read our full review: Durango: Guided 2 Hr UTV/RZR Tour Review
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Mesa Verde National Park Tour With Archaeology Guide
For visitors seeking a deeper immersion into the rich cultural heritage of the region, the Mesa Verde National Park Tour with Archaeology Guide offers an unparalleled experience.
Priced from £24751 per person, this 7.5-hour private group tour promises an exclusive exploration of the park’s over 5,000 archaeological sites, including nearly 600 cliff dwellings.
Led by an archaeologist-trained guide, guests will discover the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo peoples who inhabited Mesa Verde from 600 to 1300 CE.
Key highlights include visits to the iconic Cliff Palace and Spruce Tree House, as well as breathtaking panoramic views from Park Point.
Customizable to suit individual preferences, the tour also offers flexibility in start time, duration, and even the option to enter a cliff dwelling.
With park entrance fees, transportation, and gratuities included, this comprehensive tour provides an immersive journey into the region’s captivating history and stunning natural beauty.
Read our full review: Mesa Verde National Park Tour With Archaeology Guide Review
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Durango: Guided 4 Hour UTV/RZR Tour
Thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts can embark on an exhilarating 4-hour guided UTV/RZR tour through the rugged landscapes surrounding Durango.
This high-octane excursion takes adventurers off-road, traversing challenging terrain and offering breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains.
Participants can choose from group tours or private experiences, with pricing starting at €323.02 per group.
The tour is suitable for up to 2 people, with the option to rent a 4-seat Polaris RZR XP 1000 for €366.82 per group of up to 4 individuals.
Reviewers have praised the tour, rating it 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Guests can expect a thrilling ride navigating through the backcountry, with knowledgeable guides providing insights into the local environment and history.
The 2-hour tour offers a perfect balance of adrenaline-fueled adventure and scenic exploration, making it a must-try activity for visitors to Durango.
Read our full review: Durango: Guided 4 Hour UTV/RZR Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Durango offers a variety of engaging tours showcasing its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. From exploring the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park to adventuring through the scenic La Plata Canyon, there’s something for every traveler. Whether you prefer a guided jeep tour or a self-guided UTV/RZR excursion, Durango’s diverse array of tour options provides an unforgettable way to experience the region’s top attractions.