La Plata Canyon
Durango to TH
18 Miles
Gain
2800 Feet
Condition
Good
Region
Trail Length
9.3 Miles
Part of the La Plata Canyon trails system.
La Plata Canyon trail is a long sustained climb up the La Plata Canyon Road. The top of this road reaches the Colorado Trail (at high country) on the top of Kennebec Pass. Although this trail is not singletrack, it offers nice views and wildflowers the further up you go, making the climb worth it. This trail is approximately 9.25 miles in length from the main parking area and gains over 2,800 feet. Near the top of La Plata Canyon Road, the road intersects Columbus Basin Road/trail to the right. In the dry season, this road is a popular jeeping and 4WD route in the area. In the winter La Plata Canyon Road is often “groomed” for a few miles, providing an in-town area for out-and-back fat biking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
Map & Directions
Map Coordinates: 37.436294, -108.035088
Where's the Trailhead?
dIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD
La Plata Canyon Road
From 9th Street and Main Avenue in Durango, head west on 9th Street toward Camino Del Rio (Highway 550). Turn left onto Camino Del Rio (HWY 550) and continue right on US-160 West. Turn right onto CR 124 (near Kennebec Cafe). Continue on CR 124 for 4.6 miles to where the road turns to dirt, there is a dirt parking area here. A 4WD vehicle is recommended if you plan to drive to the top of Kennebec Pass.
Trailwork
help build our trails!
Thursday, September 12 Trailwork
Join us for a weekday trailwork party at [location TBD]. Thank you for volunteering with Trails 2000 at our trailwork party on Thursday, September 12 from 4:30 to 7:30pm!
Love the Trails Like a Local
Say Hi
Greet all trail users by saying hi when passing on the trail.
Announce Yourself
Say "on your left" as approaching other trail users from behind.
Pick Up After Yourself
Pick up after yourself and your pet. Please don’t litter.
Keep Dogs on a Leash
Keep your dogs on a leash or leave them at home. Off-leash dogs are not allowed on City Open Space and are the number one source of trail conflict.
Stay on the Trail
Help protect natural areas and habitats by staying on established trails. Creating "social trails", cutting switchbacks, or ignoring trail closures leads to greater erosion and impacts on ecosystems.
Give Uphill Traffic the
Right of Way
Uphill traffic always has the right of way. Downhill traffic must be in control, especially around blind corners, to avoid coming in contact with uphill traffic.
Check Conditions
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Give Back
Donate to Durango Trails or volunteer for trailwork to help give back to the trails you love.