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 at the Garden of the Gods, designed as a natural landmark. It’s known for the stunning geological formations and dramatic views. Tonight we get better acquainted as we enjoy dinner together. (D)

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 Focus on the Family Welcome Center. On our self guided visit we see the heart behind this ministry. Alamosa is our destination and home for tonight. (L)

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 travel to Durango where we check in for two nights.

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. We return to Durango for the evening.

Traveling into the southwestern corner of Colorado, we stop in Mesa Verde National Park where we see the once-thriving 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 continue traveling northwest into Utah, home of the 5 Mighty Canyons. This evening we have free time in downtown Moab before checking into our hotel for two nights.

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 Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad / Drew Jacksich American rock paintings in Horseshoe Canyon. We may glimpse the whitewater rapids that flow through Cataract Canyon as we sightsee through the park. We will have an included dinner together this evening. (D)

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 have an included lunch, then 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)

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 - $119.00) We have an included dinner tonight in Page. (D)

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 Williams AZ for our overnight stay and an included dinner. (D)

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. Grab some lunch and some souvenirs when we stop in Sedona. Sedona is a stunning desert town known for its striking red rock formations, scenic landscapes, and vibrant art community. Sit back and relax on our ride to Scottsdale. We will have an included farewell dinner prior to checking in at our hotel. (D)

We travel home today, gazing out our windows as we fly over the canyons, still overwhelmed with wonder at the magnificence of it all!