9 days The Colorado Rockies featuring National Parks and Historic Trains ( 2018 )
Experience the majesty of the Colorado Rockies, four National Parks and two historic trains that celebrate the can-do spirit of the Old West. Marvel at the diversity and majesty of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Ascend Pike’s Peak on the world’s highest cog railway. Climb aboard an 1881 steam train for a journey through the San Juan Mountains. The choice is yours to drive through the ancient culture of the Ancestral Puebloans at Mesa Verde National Park or join a National Park Ranger on a short hike down the canyon into one of the cliff dwellings. Soak up some authentic cowboy culture during an evening of western dining and entertainment. From towering peaks to deep canyons and Old West towns to dynamic cities, a region of contrasting beauty and charm awaits.
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Denver, Colorado - Tour Begins | Adventure awaits as we explore the towering peaks and rolling meadows of Colorado and Utah. This tour (which features four national parks) opens in the “Mile High City” of Denver where you will gather for a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers. Dinner Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel |
| 2 | Denver - Rocky Mountain National Park - Denver | Travel the “Roof of the Rockies.” Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the largest national parks in the United States, offers up views where majestic mountains stand in stark contrast to deep, rugged canyons. Next, don’t get spooked but we will be making a stop in the town of Estes Park, home to the historic Stanley Hotel, inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining. You may dine at the hotel on your own or take a stroll through the charming town. Later, return to Denver for a free evening in this dynamic city. Breakfast Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel |
| 3 | Denver - Colorado National Monument - Grand Junction | The spectacular Rocky Mountains are your traveling companion today as we make a scenic drive from Denver to Grand Junction, passing through many of Colorado’s famous ski resorts. Our journey also takes us to one of the grand landscapes of the American West – Colorado National Monument. Continue along the Rim Rock to see a colorful panorama of deep, sheer-sided canyons and high rock towers. Gather for dinner at a favorite local hang out in Grand Junction, a town that attracts outdoorsmen, foodies and all kinds of free spirits. Breakfast & Dinner Doubletree Hotel Grand Junction |
| 4 | Arches National Park - Canyonlands National Park - Grand Junction | Today, one amazing park follows another! In Arches National Park, see the world’s largest concentration of natural sandstone arches. Next up, Canyonlands National Park, a vast landscape of gorges carved by the mighty Colorado River. We top off the day at the Island in the Sky mesa resting on sheer sandstone cliffs over 1,000 feet above the surrounding terrain. Breakfast Doubletree Hotel Grand Junction |
| 5 | Grand Junction - Silverton - Durango | Head south to Silverton, a former silver mining town and now a National Historic Landmark. Hidden high in the San Juan Mountains, this town blends spectacular scenery, Victorian charm and historic architecture. Then it's “all aboard” the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This 1881 coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive made its name hauling silver and gold ore from the San Juan Mountains but you will soon realize it is the view that is its most precious asset. On board, strike up a conversation with “fellow passengers” dressed in 1800s garb who are quick to share their tales straight from the frontier. This evening, experience an Old West adventure* filled with traditional cowboy food and entertainment. Breakfast & Dinner Durango Strater Hotel |
| 6 | Durango - Mesa Verde National Park - Durango | An incredible day awaits in Mesa Verde National Park, home of the ancient Ancestral Puebloan civilization. It’s your choice! Join a local guide on a drive through the park and make several photo stops before arriving at your destination, the famous Spruce Tree Cliff Dwelling…view this incredible structure; one of the Mesa Verde’s best preserved. Or, if you are feeling more adventurous, join a National Park Ranger on a short hike down the canyon into one of the cliff dwellings; as you walk, soak in views of the valley along with some of the 600 homes carved along the cliffs. Breakfast Durango Strater Hotel |
| 7 | Durango - Colorado Springs | Sit back and relax during a scenic ride to Colorado Springs. En route, marvel at the landscape as we make our way from the San Juan National Forest and across the Wolf Creek Pass, a section of the Continental Divide that would take pioneers two to three weeks to cross. Continue on through the Rio Grande National Forest, a vast expanse of wilderness named for the 1,800 miles of Rio Grande River that cuts through the forest. Your day concludes in Colorado Springs, an artistic and cultural hub. Breakfast Embassy Suites Colorado Springs |
| 8 | Colorado Springs - Manitou Springs - Colorado Springs | Depart for Manitou Springs, home of Pikes Peak – the legendary symbol of the 1859 Gold Rush. Take an exhilarating journey aboard the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the world's highest cog railroad ascending nearly nine miles to the top of Pikes Peak. As you climb higher and higher you will see magnificent views and perhaps some wildlife in its native habitat. Later, travel to the Garden of the Gods to take in the view of towering sandstone formations that dot the landscape set in a backdrop of Pikes Peak. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner and celebrate your adventure. Breakfast & Dinner Embassy Suites Colorado Springs |
| 9 | Colorado Springs - Tour Ends | Your tour comes to a close in Colorado Springs. Breakfast |