La Plata Canyon

Do not miss an opportunity to come to La Plata Canyon. It is truly amazing. If you want to experience the full extent of the road, you'll need a short wheelbase vehicle with good ground clearance, and four wheel drive is recommended, but not required depending on your vehicle and the weather. The road is also good for hiking, but it is quite the hike. Make sure to stop off at the Basin Creek Waterfall on your way up. Near the top, there is a fork, one road leading towards the Columbus Basin, and one towards the Cumberland Basin and Cumberland Mountain. Cumberland Mountain has the best views, but make sure you explore both roads, as they're equally worth the drive. At the very top of the Cumberland trial, there is a parking lot with a beautiful view back towards Durango. There is also a small road up to "The Notch" in between Cumberland Mountain and Snowstorm Peak. This is a highly recommended drive if you have the vehicle for it. Be aware that the top of "The Notch" is a dead end, and there is little room to turn around and go back down, so make sure there isn't too much traffic. The road up to "The Notch" is only wide enough for one vehicle. Always remember that downhill traffic has the right-of-way. I do recommend that you drive this road on your own or with a rented vehicle. There are companies that offer tours of the canyon, but you'll want to take your time here. In fact, we spent two days exploring it.

La Plata Canyon is the best summer getaway in the area! Cool weather, thundering clouds and fresh, clean air! We love coming here! There are camping spots but it's dry camping, so no water hookups or electricity. Not complaining though, it's still tons of fun!

I've been hiking here since the early 1990s, and I hope to keep doing so so every year that I have left in this life. It's so beautiful in every season. Much appreciation to those of you who treasure and respect our public lands 💛

Beautiful place. Nice wild flowers on the top. Nice views.

Very beautiful, found this little gem for the Fourth of July

To clarify a popular review: "downhill traffic has right of way" means the vehicles below you. The *vehicle traveling downhill* should yield, even if that means backing up. (I do not know what the reviewer meant, & I hope he hasnt been getting into conflicts over it, but this is the rule.)

Wonderful camping and hiking area for the family. It was cool, rainy and overcast the day we visited so we really enjoyed it and the smells! Keep your eyes open and you are sure to see lots of critters and the vegetation is amazing.

One of our favorite places to go hiking

The most peaceful serene place. Cherished sacred place.. went here before we were married 30 years ago..
Looking forward to coming back

Peaceful, magical and utterly amazing

This is one of my favorite places! Just remember to know before you go and put out your campfires.

Stunning!

One of my favorite places to just get away.

What an absolutely beautiful place.

My family are in them hills .

Beautiful hiking area.

Beautiful! Is a must go place

Ton of snow! Lots of cross country skiers!

Always beautiful. Always fun

Beautiful