Trains of the Colorado Rockies offers a nine day adventure that will take you through the scenic state of Colorado by way of train for a nostalgic look at an authentic piece of Americana. From the cities of the state to the many national parks, prepare for an encompassing look into the rugged mountains of the Colorado Rockies!
Day 1 – Denver, CO
Begin your trek through the Colorado Rockies in the big city setting of Denver. Better acquaint yourself with the area and check-in at the Doubletree Hotel for the first of a two night stay.
Day 2 – Denver & Estes Park, CO and Rocky Mountain National Park
Day two provides a full itinerary as you visit Boulder and Estes Park, as well as Rocky Mountain National Park. The first stop is Estes Park. Enjoy the morning at your leisure with popular landmarks including the Stanley Hotel, noted for inspiring Stephen King’s ‘The Shining.’ From Estes Park, travel to Rocky Mountain National Park for a natural look into the beauty of Colorado. After visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, travel the Trail Ridge Road for a scenic view of the state. The road reaches a height of 12,183 feet and is considered the highest continuous highway in America. Sights seen along the drive include mountain peaks, canyons, and waterfalls.
Day 3 – Denver, Georgetown, Vail and Grand Junction, CO
You’ll ride the rails today as you travel through the Rocky Mountains aboard the Georgetown Loop Railroad. A scenic time of sightseeing from years gone by will help to charm as you are immersed in the beauty of the area. Once you arrive at your destination, Vail, you’ll be greeted with a resort setting lined with stunning chalets, dining, shopping and more! Your final destination for the day is Grand Junction, where you’ll check-in at the Grand Vista Hotel.
Day 4 – Grand Junction, CO and the Colorado National Monument
Day four will be spent at the Colorado National Monument. Built in 1911, the monument features an array of moving sights from deep canyons to towering mountains. This afternoon you’ll move from the natural beauty to the natural tastes of the area as you visit one of the region’s popular vineyards and sample the wine. Tonight, enjoy an elegant dinner perfectly coupled with more of the sweet wine from the area.
Day 5 – Grand Junction, Silverton and Durango, CO
Silverton will be your main destination for day five. Considered a national historic landmark, the small mining town offers not only a beautiful view of Victorian architecture backed by the Rockies, but is also a historically significant part of Colorado. From Silverton, board the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for a ride through the San Juan Mountains by coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive. Tonight’s lodging is at the Holiday Inn Durango.
Day 6 – Durango, CO and Mesa Verde National Park
Today, travel from the mining days of Colorado into the very beginnings of civilization within the region. At Mesa Verde National Park you’ll encounter the culture of the Anasazi Indians, a group of people who have inhabited the area since the first century. Sights seen during the day will include Spruce Tree Cliff Dwellings, Cliff Palace, and more. Come night, settle down for an entertaining and filling time of traditional cowboy food and music before returning to the Holiday Inn Durango.
Day 7 – Durango, Canon City and Colorado Springs, CO
The first stop of the day is Canon City, home of the Royal Gorge Railroad. You’re in store for a 24-mile ride just under the Royal Gorge Railroad, the highest suspension bridge in the world. Rest tonight at the Colorado Springs Marriott in Colorado Springs.
Day 8 – Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs, CO
Manitou Springs, the home of Pike’s Peak, is your destination for today. You’ll ride the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway, the highest cog railroad in the world, for panoramic views of the area. Your next stop is the Garden of the Gods, a sandstone park that offers exceptional views of Pike’s Peak and is listed on the National Register for Historic Places. The last activity of the day will be a farewell dinner to enjoy the company of, and reminisce with, your travel partners for one last time.
Day 9 – Colorado Springs, CO
Your trek through the Colorado Rockies finally comes to a close in Colorado Springs. And while the journey may be over, you’ll have an entire lifetime left to reflect on the memories made during your vacation.
