About Southwest Adventures
Southwest Adventures is a Durango-based outfitter specializing in guided Jeep tours, off-road excursions, and backcountry experiences in the San Juan Mountains. Operating since the mid-1990s, they've built a loyal following among visitors who want to explore the region's famous mining roads, ghost towns, and alpine passes without needing their own 4WD vehicle. Their fleet of open-top Jeeps and off-road vehicles departs daily from their downtown Durango office, heading into terrain that most rental cars can't reach.
Tour options include half-day trips over Engineer Pass and Cinnamon Pass on the Alpine Loop, full-day excursions to the ghost town of Animas Forks above Silverton, and sunset tours along the ridgelines above Durango with panoramic San Juan views. They also run combination tours that pair a Jeep excursion with a train ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, creating a full-day adventure that covers both the historic railway and the high-country 4WD roads. Knowledgeable guides share mining history, geology, and wildlife spotting tips throughout every trip.
What distinguishes Southwest Adventures is their deep connection to the local landscape and history. Several guides are amateur historians who have researched the mining camps and railroad grades they drive through, turning each tour into an engaging narrative rather than just a scenic drive. They also accommodate private groups, corporate retreats, and wedding parties with custom itineraries. For visitors who want to see the most dramatic scenery in southwestern Colorado without hiking 10 miles to get there, Southwest Adventures delivers.
