La Plata Canyon | Durango

Information

Landmark: La Plata Canyon
City: Durango
Country: USA Colorado
Continent: North America

La Plata Canyon, Durango, USA Colorado, North America

La Plata Canyon is a geological feature located in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, near Durango.

Visual Characteristics

The canyon walls are composed of sedimentary rock formations, primarily sandstone and shale, exhibiting layered strata in shades of tan, red, and grey. The canyon floor is a U-shaped valley carved by glacial activity, with a width averaging 50 meters. Vegetation consists of dense coniferous forests, including Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir, with aspen groves at higher elevations. The La Plata River flows through the canyon, its water color varying from clear to silty brown depending on recent precipitation and snowmelt.

Location & Access Logistics

La Plata Canyon is situated approximately 30 miles west of Durango, Colorado. Access is via County Road 124 (La Plata Canyon Road), a paved road for the first 10 miles, transitioning to a well-maintained gravel road for the remaining 15 miles to the end of the accessible canyon. The road is generally passable for most vehicles during summer and fall. Parking is available at designated pull-offs and trailheads along the road. No public transport services operate directly to the canyon.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The canyon's formation is primarily attributed to Pleistocene-era glacial erosion, which sculpted the existing river valley. The sedimentary rock layers date back to the Mesozoic Era. Historically, the area was utilized by indigenous peoples for millennia. In the late 19th century, it saw limited mining activity for silver and gold, though large-scale operations did not materialize.

Key Highlights & Activities

Hiking is a primary activity, with trails such as the La Plata Canyon Trail (connecting to the Colorado Trail) and various unmaintained routes. Fishing in the La Plata River is permitted with a Colorado fishing license. Scenic driving along County Road 124 offers views of the canyon's geological features and vegetation. Dispersed camping is allowed in designated areas along the road, subject to Forest Service regulations.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Limited infrastructure exists within the canyon. Vault toilets are available at some trailheads. Shade is provided by the dense forest canopy. Cell phone signal is intermittent and generally unavailable in the deeper sections of the canyon. No food vendors or established services are present within the canyon itself; visitors should bring all necessary supplies.

Best Time to Visit

The best months for visiting are from June through October, when the road is typically clear of snow. Mid-morning to late afternoon provides optimal natural light for photography of the rock formations. The La Plata River's flow is highest in late spring and early summer due to snowmelt, while late summer and early fall offer clearer water and autumn foliage.

Facts & Legends

A notable historical oddity is the presence of several small, abandoned mining claims from the late 1800s, remnants of a brief prospecting boom. Local folklore sometimes mentions sightings of elusive wildlife, though these are anecdotal.