Day 1
FLIGHT TO DENVER • COLORADO SPRINGS:
Today we fly
to the spectacular “mile-high city” of Denver, Colorado,
where we are met by our motorcoach driver. We’ll travel
Colorado Springs for a two-night stay.
Day 2
PIKE’S PEAK COG RAILWAY - GARDEN OF THE GODS •
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY • DINNER:
This morning we
travel to Manitou Springs to board the scenic Pike’s Peak Cog
Railway. Our breathtaking ascent to the 14,110 foot summit is
unforgettable. Upon reaching the top, if the weather is clear,
we’ll experience panoramic views of Denver, the Sangre de
Cristo Mountains and New Mexico. Our next stop is the Garden
of the Gods, designated as a natural landmark. It’s known for
the stunning geological formations and dramatic views. This
afternoon we visit the Barry Goldwater Visitor’s Center at the
U.S. Air Force Academy. Here you will get a glimpse into the
legacy of the academy and learn of the life of a cadet. We’ll
enjoy an included dinner together this evening. (D)
Day 3
ROYAL GORGE ROUTE RAILROAD • GREAT SAND DUNES
NATIONAL PARK • ALAMOSA:
Today we travel to another
famed “Goldrush” town, Cañon City, where silent screen actor
Tom Mix began his movie career. Here we ride the Royal Gorge
Route Railroad, passing magnificent canyon cliffs rising more
than 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River. We’ll view the
amazing Royal Gorge Suspension Bridge, 956 feet above the
river. Afternoon brings us to the surreal and majestic Great
Sand Dunes National Park. Here, massive 700-foot dunes
have formed against the backdrop of jagged rocky cliffs
and mountains. Our day ends as we reach our overnight
accommodations in historic Alamosa.
Day 4
ALAMOSA • CUMBRES & TOLTEC SCENIC RAILROAD •
LUNCH:
Alamosa (Spanish for Cottonwood) was named
for the trees which inhabit this fertile pocket of land by the
Rio Grande. This agricultural, mining and educational center
of the San Luis Valley sits amid an expansive plateau, 7,600
feet above sea level. We travel south to nearby Antonito where
we board the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, America’s
highest and longest narrow gauge railroad. This 1880’s narrowgauge
steam railroad affords outstanding views of the San
Juan and Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Phantom Canyon and
the rugged Toltec Gorge.
Lunch is included today
on the train. Our overnight
is in Farmington, New
Mexico. (L)
Day 5
FOUR CORNERS
NATIONAL
MONUMENT • MESA
VERDE NATIONAL PARK
• DINNER:
This morning
you’ll have an opportunity
to visit four states
simultaneously. Four
Corners National
Monument is at the
intersection of Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico. We’ll
also have time to shop for native American jewelry and pottery
from local Navajo and Hopi artisans. At Mesa Verde National
Park we’ll see one of the nation’s major archaeological preserves:
cliff dwellings vacated for over 500 years! Our overnight
accommodations are in Durango, where we’ll enjoy dinner
together this evening. (D)
Day 6
DURANGO AND SILVERTON NARROW - GAUGE RAILROAD
• SAN JUAN NATIONAL FOREST • SHOPPING:
Durango is
a unique city where Victorian Architecture contrasts with
ranch houses and rodeo arenas. Since 1882, the Durango and
Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad has run the mountainous
route through the San Juan National Forest and along the
Animas River to Silverton. The original passenger coaches
and steam engines provide a scenic and thrilling authentic
journey into yesteryear. We’ll have time for lunch and shopping
in Silverton. Our travels end today as we reach our hotel in
Grand Junction.
Day 7
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK • DENVER • DINNER:
This morning we travel through Vail to venture into Rocky
Mountain National Park, a spectacular showcase of the Rocky
Mountains. Elevations range from 8,000 feet on the wet,
grassy valleys to 14,259 feet at the top of Longs Peak. We
travel on Trail Ridge Road to the Alpine Visitor Center, stopping
in Estes Park. We overnight north of Denver. Dinner is included
this evening. (D)
Day 8
FLIGHT HOME:
Our
railroading adventure
comes to an end today
as we make our return
flight home. Surely, the
railways of the Rockies
provide some of the
most stunning vistas in
the country.
