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Image of the La Plata River at Highway 140 in Colorado
The La Plata River at Highway 140 in Colorado. Photo: Jeffrey Beall

La Plata River – near Durango

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The La Plata River is 70 miles long and is located near Durango, Colorado. It’s a tributary of the San Juan River, and its name translates from the Navajo language, meaning “flowing over projecting rock.”

La Plata River Route

Aerial Image of the La Plata River in Colorado
Aerial view of the river crossing into New Mexico from Colorado. Photo: Dicklyon

The river’s source is located just north of Taylor Lake and flows south through Fall Gulch, Spencer Gulch, La Plata Canyon, Mayday, and Hesperus. It continues south, crossing into New Mexico, passing La Plata, and eventually merging with the San Juan River just outside Farmington, NM.

Activities on La Plata River

There are many places to camp along La Plata River, including at the Columbus Campsite, Lewis Creek Campsite, and within the  La Plata Canyon. Flyfishing is a popular activity on the river, and species such as brown, rainbow, and brook trout are common to catch in these waters.

Details

Passes through:

  • San Juan National Forest
  • Taylor Lake
  • Fall Gulch
  • Spencer Gulch
  • La Plata Canyon
  • Mayday
  • Hesperus

Length: 70 miles

Tributary to: San Juan River

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