Day 1
DENVER • RED ROCKS AMPHITHEATER • COLORADO
SPRINGS:
Trains and canyons – two of our favorites! Our
flight takes us to Denver, Colorado where we are met by our
Christian Tours motorcoach for a scenic ride to Colorado
Springs, stopping to see Red Rocks Amphitheater. Red Rocks
is a geologically formed, open-air amphitheater not duplicated
anywhere in the world. With God as the architect, the design
of the Amphitheatre consists of two 300-foot monoliths (Ship
Rock and Creation Rock) that provide a stunning setting for
some of the biggest names in music to perform, which is why
it’s also one of the most popular music venues in the country.
Day 2
PIKES PEAK COG RAILWAY • LUNCH • US AIR FORCE
ACADEMY • SCHEELS • ALAMOSA:
Recognized as the
world’s highest cog railway, we board the cog to climb one of
the most iconic mountains in the US. Our train ride takes us
9 miles up to the summit of Pikes Peak, travels along Ruxton
Creek, by Diamond Rock, within the steep, rocky walls of
Englemann Canyon, past stacked boulder formations, a striking
waterfall, and eventually moving above timberline, where the
views get more expansive. We have an included lunch then
visit the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Here we
learn about cadet life, catch a quick flick sharing of a cadet’s
experience in training and see the stunning model of Cadet
Chapel. Colorado Springs is also home to Scheel’s, two levels
of retail and plenty of attractions to enjoy. From the 16,000-
gallon saltwater aquarium to the 65-foot Ferris wheel, to
Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory, Scheel’s takes fun to a whole new
level. Alamosa is our destination and home for tonight. (L)
Day 3
CUMBRES & TOLTEC SCENIC RAILROAD • FREE TIME IN
DURANGO • DINNER:
The excitement begins the moment
the Cumbres & Toltec train leaves the station in Antonito.
Beyond the vast, open San Luis Valley, the imposing peaks
of the Rocky Mountains seem to stretch forever. We cross
Ferguson’s Trestle, then climb to a lava mesa, a remnant of
the mountains’ volcanic past. From here, our route winds
around wide curves, going higher into the mountains. Keep
your eyes open for wildlife, abundant in this area, with bears,
elk, and deer roaming the forests and hawks and eagles
patrolling the sky. Continuing our journey by coach, we
arrive later today in Durango and have free time to explore
downtown before an included dinner. We overnight in Durango
two nights. (D)
Day 4
DURANGO & SILVERTON RAILROAD • FREE TIME IN
SILVERTON:
We relive the sights and sounds of yesteryear
on a spectacular journey on board the Durango and Silverton
Narrow Gauge Railroad. Departing from the Durango Depot,
this unforgettable trip takes us up into the Rocky Mountains
with views of the San Juan National Forest as we travel alongside
the beautiful Animas River on our way to the historic mining
town of Silverton. We experience the iconic Horseshoe Curve,
High Bridge and Animas River Gorge including spectacular
views from the High Line. Spend a layover in the historic
mining town of Silverton enjoying the sights, shopping, and
food that Silverton offers before we board for our return ride
to Durango.
Day 5
MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK • FREE TIME IN MOAB:
Traveling into the southwestern corner of Colorado, we
stop in Mesa Verde National Park where we see the oncethriving
Pueblo Communities built onto the mesa tops and
into the cliffs. The structures built into the cliffs ranged in
size from one-room granaries to villages of more than 150
rooms. Today the Park protects the rich, cultural heritage of
the Pueblo people and provides a spectacular window into
the past. We have lunch on our own in Cortez before moving
on northwest into Utah, home of the 5 Mighty Canyons. We
will need to use every minute of our afternoon and evening
to explore Moab where they have more restaurants, souvenir
shops and outdoor outfitters than we could possibly visit in
one vacation. We overnight in Moab two nights.
Day 6
ARCHES NATIONAL PARK • DEAD HORSE POINT STATE
PARK • CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK • COWBOY
DINNER:
Getting its name honestly, Arches National Park
has over 2,000 natural stone arches, hundreds of soaring
pinnacles, massive rock fins, and giant balanced rocks. This
red-rock wonderland will amaze with its landscape of contrasting
colors, landforms, and textures. Towering 2,000 feet above
the Colorado River, the overlook in Dead Horse Point is one
of the most photographed vistas in the world and provides a
breathtaking panorama of Canyonlands’ sculpted pinnacles
and buttes. Another of the Mighty 5, Canyonlands National
Park in southeastern Utah is known for its dramatic desert
landscape carved by the Colorado River. Look for Island in
the Sky, a huge, flat-topped mesa with panoramic overlooks,
the towering rock pinnacles known as the Needles, the remote
canyons of the Maze and the Native American rock paintings
in Horseshoe Canyon. We may glimpse the whitewater rapids
that flow through Cataract Canyon as we sightsee through
the park. What better way to finish out our day than with a
hearty cowboy dinner? Kick off your spurs. Lay down your hat.
Holster your gun. Relax and enjoy! (D)
Day 7
JEEP RIDE IN MONUMENT VALLEY • LUNCH • PAGE AZ •
DINNER:
Butte after butte and mesas upon mesas are
calling us. The Valley Drive in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal
Park is best explored in a safari-style jeep, bouncing over the
dusty roads, taking us off the beaten path, to see some of
the incredibly scenic landscapes and rock formations of the
valley. We break for an included lunch then continue our
explorations deep into the park. We visit the famous places
in Monument Valley that once served as real-life backdrops
for numerous movies. Known to be the sacred site for the
Navajo people, we learn of their history and imaginative abilities
as seen through illustration and pictographs in the cliff dwellings.
This afternoon, we travel on by motorcoach to Page, have
dinner on our own and arrive at our overnight stop. (L)
Day 8
LAKE POWELL CRUISE • ANTELOPE CANYON (OPTIONAL
TOUR) • DINNER:
There’s no better way to see the best
of what Lake Powell has to offer, while learning about its
history and geology, than stepping aboard for a guided boat
tour. Enjoy the fascinating story of building the Glen Canyon
Dam and the wonders of the Navajo tapestry-laden walls of
Navajo Canyon. This afternoon join in for an OPTIONAL TOUR
to Antelope Canyon. See the lighted wonders of Antelope
Canyon, the most photographed slot canyon in the world.
Your guide will walk you in, help you to take photos of the light
beams and show you how to dance with the sand. Have
your camera ready – you will want to remember it all!
(Optional Tour Cost - $98.00) We have an included
dinner tonight in Page. (D)
Day 9
CAMERON TRADING POST • LUNCH • GRAND
CANYON • WILLIAMS AZ:
This morning leave Page,
take a short morning ride south and arrive at Cameron
Trading Post where we find an authentic, historical
experience, with Native American art and gifts. Built
in the early 1900’s and visited at that time only by the
Navajo & Hopi locals to barter their wool, blankets, &
livestock for dry goods, today Cameron’s is a great place
to find treasures and trinkets to bring home. Our
journey to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim includes
photo stops along the way, breathtaking views at
scenic overlooks, and time to do some exploring on
your own. Because the South Rim is home to some
of the Canyon’s most memorable viewpoints, it is an
ideal destination for first-time, and returning, visitors.
We arrive in Wiiliams AZ for our overnight stay. (L)
Day 10
OAK CREEK CANYON • SEDONA OVERLOOK • OLD
TOWN SCOTTSDALE • DINNER:
Our first stop today
has been described as the smaller cousin of the Grand Canyon
due to its natural beauty. Colorful canyon walls, crystal pools
and unique rock formations make Oak Creek Canyon not
only a scenic drive but a chance to gather photos of striking,
panoramic views of the flowing creek and lushly green forest
on our way to Sedona. The Sedona Airport Scenic Overlook
is another good stop for great rock formation and city views.
Grab some lunch and some souvenirs when we stop in Sedona.
Then sit back and relax on our ride to Old Town Scottsdale.
Encompassing nine walkable districts, Old Town Scottsdale
offers treasures at every turn and is considered among the
most vibrant and unique urban downtown centers in the
American Southwest. It is home to world class art galleries,
museums, restaurants, and retail shops. Enjoy your free time
then we will have an included farewell dinner prior to checking
in at our hotel. (D)
Day 11
FLIGHT HOME:
We travel home today, gazing out our
windows as we fly over the canyons, still overwhelmed
with wonder at the magnificence of it all!
