Durango: La Plata Mountains 60 Minute Scenic Flight Tour

Discover the Scenic Flight Over Colorado’s La Plata Mountains

The Durango: La Plata Mountains 60 Minute Scenic Flight Tour offers an exciting way to see some of Colorado’s most dramatic scenery from above. This one-hour flight departs from Animas Air Park in Durango and is operated by Durango Narrow Gauge Scenic Flight Tours. The tour is priced to provide a memorable experience for those eager to capture sweeping views of snow-capped peaks, historic mining claims, and the rugged wilderness of the San Juan Mountains.

Led by pilot Bruce Odiorne II, a certified flight instructor with over 1,200 hours of flying experience in the Four Corners area, this tour promises both safety and expertise. This experience is ideal for adventure lovers, photographers, and anyone eager to enjoy Colorado’s natural beauty from an elevated perspective. While the flight offers spectacular vistas, it’s important to note that it’s best suited for individuals without mobility issues or height phobias.

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The Departure Point at Durango’s Animas Air Park

The tour begins at the 76 Tail Dragger hangar located within Animas Air Park in Durango, with coordinates 37.2046, -107.8663. Passengers meet here for check-in, where the friendly staff and experienced pilot prepare everyone for the journey ahead. The private group setting ensures personalized attention and a more comfortable experience.

Travelers should arrive slightly early to allow for safety briefings and boarding. The location is accessible via local roads, and the hangar provides a casual, welcoming atmosphere. The tour’s flexible booking options include the ability to reserve now and pay later, adding convenience for planning.

The Expertise of Pilot Bruce Odiorne II and Safety Measures

Bruce Odiorne II brings extensive experience to this scenic flight. With over 1,200 flight hours, most of which are spent flying in the mountains of the Four Corners area, he understands the terrain thoroughly. As a certified flight instructor with a commercial pilots license and instrument ratings, he ensures a safe and smooth flight.

Safety is a priority throughout the experience. Passengers are advised to bring sunglasses and a jacket, but many restrictions apply for safety reasons. The tour explicitly excludes participation for individuals with mobility impairments, claustrophobia, heart problems, or those over 250 lbs. These precautions guarantee that everyone onboard can enjoy the flight comfortably and securely.

Flight Route Over the La Plata Mountains and San Juan Range

The one-hour flight takes off from Durango and heads into the La Plata Mountains, a prominent feature of southwestern Colorado. The aircraft, a Cessna, soars over snow-covered peaks and rugged mountain ridges, providing expansive views that are perfect for photography.

One of the notable highlights is seeing historic mining claims dotted across the San Juan Mountains. This area’s history of mining activity adds a fascinating layer to the scenery, visible from the sky. The flight also captures vistas of the red sand deserts of the American Southwest, contrasting beautifully with the white snowcaps above.

What You Can Expect to Photograph During the Flight

The vistas from this flight are ideal for stunning photos and videos. The snow-capped peaks of the La Plata Mountains are breathtaking, especially when illuminated by sunlight. The expansive mountain ranges stretch out below, with sharp ridges and deep valleys providing dramatic backdrops.

Along With the mountains, travelers get a unique perspective on historic mining claims within the San Juan Range. The red sands of the desert and the rugged terrain create striking contrasts that photographers will appreciate. This tour offers a perfect chance to capture high-quality imagery from an elevated perspective.

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The Scenic Flight Experience: What Makes It Special

This tour’s standout feature is the opportunity to see Colorado’s landscapes from a Cessna aircraft, offering a smooth and intimate flying experience. The experienced pilot ensures a safe flight while providing insightful commentary about the terrain and history, making the entire journey both exciting and educational.

The views of mountain peaks, deserts, and historic sites are what truly set this experience apart. The elevation and flight height allow for panoramic shots that are impossible to capture from the ground. The breathtaking landscapes and the sense of freedom flying over the rugged terrain make this a memorable adventure.

Practical Details: Meeting, Duration, and Group Size

The meeting point is at 76 Trail Dragger within Animas Air Park in Durango. Passengers meet here for check-in, and the flight lasts approximately 60 minutes. The private group setting ensures exclusivity and a more personalized experience, with a separate entrance to avoid lines.

Most of the experience is designed for comfort and safety, with restrictions on pets, weapons, oversize luggage, and smoking. The tour starts and ends at the same location, making it easy to plan your day around this flight.

Accessibility and Physical Requirements

As the tour involves flying in a small aircraft, it is not suitable for children under 4 years, individuals with mobility impairments, or people with claustrophobia or height anxiety. Participants must be comfortable with heights and able to sit upright for the duration of the flight.

Additional considerations include restrictions on overweight individuals over 250 lbs, and those with heart problems, epilepsy, or altitude sickness. It’s recommended to bring sunglasses and a jacket to enhance comfort during the flight.

Booking Flexibility and Cancellation Policy

Booking options are flexible, with the ability to reserve now and pay later, which helps in planning travel without immediate payment. Cancellations are fully refundable if made at least 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind should plans change unexpectedly.

This policy makes it easier to include this scenic flight in a broader Colorado itinerary, knowing that full refunds are available if necessary.

Why This Tour Stands Out from Other Aerial Tours

Unlike larger, more commercialized flights, this experience offers personalized attention with a private group setting. The focus on safety and expertise with a highly experienced pilot ensures confidence throughout the flight.

The spectacular views of snow-covered peaks, historic mining sites, and desert landscapes make this tour particularly appealing for photography enthusiasts and those eager to see Colorado from above. While the tour is shorter in duration, it packs in a rich visual experience that makes every minute count.

Ideal Audience for the La Plata Mountains Scenic Flight

This tour is best suited for adventure seekers, photographers, and nature lovers who want a guided aerial view of Colorado’s iconic landscapes. It is perfect for visitors with no mobility restrictions who appreciate stunning scenery from above. However, it’s not suitable for young children under 4, individuals with height or mobility concerns, or those with certain health issues.

The limited group size and expert guidance ensure a comfortable, memorable experience that emphasizes safety and scenic beauty.

Durango: La Plata Mountains 60 Minute Scenic Flight Tour — Final Thoughts

This flight offers a unique perspective on Colorado’s rugged mountain scenery, historic sites, and desert landscapes. The expert pilot, personalized private group experience, and breathtaking vistas make it a compelling choice for those seeking a memorable aerial adventure.

While it’s important to consider height, health restrictions, and the short duration, the visual rewards from this flight are well worth it. It provides an accessible yet exhilarating way to enjoy the natural beauty of Durango’s surroundings from a safe and comfortable aircraft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 4 years old are not permitted on this flight due to safety restrictions.

What should I bring on the flight?
Passengers should bring sunglasses and a jacket for comfort during the flight.

Can I cancel and get a refund?
Yes, cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance are fully refundable.

What are the main restrictions?
Restrictions include mobility impairments, height over 250 lbs, and health issues such as heart problems, epilepsy, or altitude sickness.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at 76 Trail Dragger in Animas Air Park, Durango.

How long is the flight?
The flight duration is approximately 60 minutes.

Who is the pilot?
The pilot is Bruce Odiorne II, a certified flight instructor with extensive mountain flying experience.

Is this experience safe?
Yes, safety is a core focus, with an experienced pilot and strict adherence to safety protocols.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of expert guidance, stunning mountain and desert views, and the personalized private group setting makes this flight a standout experience.

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