Riverside Park | Miles City

Information

Landmark: Riverside Park
City: Miles City
Country: USA Montana
Continent: North America

Riverside Park, Miles City, USA Montana, North America

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

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. Vegetation density varies with elevation, transitioning from Ponderosa pine and Gambel oak at lower elevations to Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir at higher altitudes. The La Plata River, a perennial stream, flows through the canyon floor, its water color typically clear to slightly turbid depending on recent precipitation.

Location & Access Logistics

La Plata Canyon is situated approximately 25 miles west of Durango, Colorado. Access is via County Road 124 (La Plata Canyon Road), a paved road for the initial 8 miles, transitioning to a well-maintained gravel road for the remaining 17 miles to the upper canyon. Parking is available at designated pull-offs and trailheads along County Road 124. No public transport services operate directly to the canyon.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The canyon was carved by glacial and fluvial erosion over millennia, shaping the current topography of the San Juan Mountains. Historically, the area was utilized by indigenous peoples and later by prospectors during the late 19th-century mining boom. The geological composition reflects the sedimentary deposition of the ancient Western Interior Seaway.

Key Highlights & Activities

Hiking is possible on numerous trails, including the La Plata Canyon Trail which follows the river. Dispersed camping is permitted in designated areas. Fishing in the La Plata River is an available activity. Scenic driving along County Road 124 offers views of the canyon landscape.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the La Plata Campground and a few other designated sites. Shade is provided by the dense forest canopy in many areas. Cell phone signal is intermittent and generally unavailable in deeper sections of the canyon. No food vendors are present within the canyon; provisions should be acquired in Durango.

Best Time to Visit

The best months for visiting are June through October, avoiding winter snowpack. Mid-morning to late afternoon provides optimal natural light for photography within the canyon. The La Plata River's flow is typically highest in late spring and early summer due to snowmelt.

Facts & Legends

Local lore suggests that during the mining era, prospectors discovered significant gold deposits in the canyon, though many claims were never fully exploited due to the challenging terrain and remoteness. A specific point of interest is the "Old Hundred Mine" site, remnants of which can be observed from the road.