The Colorado Rockies Featuring National Parks And Historic Trains
Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado National Monument, Grand Junction, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Silverton, Durango, Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, Pike's Peak
Experience the majesty of the Colorado Rockies, three national parks and two historic trains that celebrate the can-do spirit of the Old West. Marvel at the steep, dramatic majesty of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Journey aboard the Pike's Peak Cog Railway, the world's highest cog railroad, for an 8.9-mile trip to the top of Pike's Peak. Climb aboard an 1881 steam train for a journey through the San Juan Mountains. Drive through the ancient culture of the Ancestral Puebloans at Mesa Verde National Park (UNESCO). Enjoy an authentic farm-to-table dinner on a 450-acre, family-owned ranch. From towering peaks to deep canyons and Old West towns to dynamic cities, a region of contrasting beauty and charm awaits.
On some dates additional accommodations may be used.
Services of a tour manager
All on-tour transportation and related fees
Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
Round trip home to airport sedan service provided when you purchase airfare through Member Choice Vacations. One transfer per person, per reservation. (Restrictions apply)
7 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 4 dinners
Itinerary
Engaging Experiences These special places and experiences are considered tour highlights. Look for them in the daily itineraries.
Sheraton Downtown, Denver, CO
Dinner
Included
Adventure awaits as you 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. Today dinner will be included.
Explore the massive and rugged Rocky Mountain National Park.
Sheraton Downtown, Denver, CO
Breakfast
Included
Travel through Boulder, a scenic university town known for its iconic landmark — the striking, reddish-brown foothills known as the Flatirons. Stop in Estes Park, a mountain resort town and home of the Stanley Hotel, the inspiration for Stephen King's The Shining. Your adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park starts on the Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved, continuous highway in North America. It's a drive that should be on everybody's bucket list. At Rainbow Curve, marvel at the majestic mountains that stand in contrast to deep, rugged canyons. Later, return to Denver for a free evening in this dynamic city. Today breakfast will be included.
DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Junction Hotel, Grand Junction, CO
Breakfast,
Dinner
Included
The spectacular Rocky Mountains are your traveling companion. Make a scenic drive from Denver to Grand Junction, passing through many of Colorado's famous ski resorts. This journey also takes you to one of the grand landscapes of the American West – Colorado National Monument. Continue along the monument's historic Rim Rock Drive to see a colorful panorama of deep, sheer-sided canyons and high rock towers. Gather for dinner at a favorite local hangout in Grand Junction, a town that attracts outdoorsmen, foodies and all manner of free spirits. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Travel to a vertical wilderness at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Junction Hotel, Grand Junction, CO
Breakfast,
Lunch
Included
Today, venture to another amazing national park – Colorado's own "Grand Canyon"! Marvel at the steep-walled gorge and dramatic views of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park while travelling along its South Rim. Pause at one of the scenic viewpoints to soak in this stunning wilderness of rock, water, and sky. Enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking some of the steepest and oldest rock walls in North America, carved over 2 million years by the Gunnison River. Perhaps you'll even spot a peregrine falcon. Then, immerse yourself in the stories of the American west during a tour of the Museum of the Mountain West, a preserved and re-created pioneer town that captures life as it was over a century ago. Return to Grand Junction for an evening at leisure. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
Ride a historic, narrow-gauge train from Silverton to Durango. Spend two nights in Durango, a fun-filled cowboy town where you can relive the excitement of the Old West.
Strater Hotel, Durango, CO
Breakfast
Included
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. Today breakfast will be included.
Enjoy an authentic farm-to-table dinner on a 450 acre, family-owned ranch.
Strater Hotel, Durango, CO
Breakfast,
Dinner
Included
An incredible day awaits in Mesa Verde National Park (UNESCO), home of the ancient Ancestral Puebloan civilization. Join a local guide on a drive through the park making several photo stops including views of the famous Spruce Tree House, one of Mesa Verde's best preserved cliff dwellings and Cliff Palace, the largest in the park. This evening, experience a farm-to-table dinner on a family-owned ranch surrounded by red mountain peaks and lush green pastures. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Embassy Suites by Hilton, Colorado Springs, CO
Breakfast
Included
Sit back and relax during a scenic ride to Colorado Springs. En route, marvel at the landscape as you make your way from the San Juan National Forest and across 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. Today breakfast will be included.
Journey aboard the Pike's Peak Cog Railway to the top of Pike's Peak.
Embassy Suites by Hilton, Colorado Springs, CO
Breakfast,
Dinner
Included
Depart for Manitou Springs, home of Pike's Peak – the legendary symbol of the 1859 Gold Rush. Embark on a journey aboard the Pike's Peak Cog Railway, the world's highest cog railroad, for an 8.9 mile trip to the top of Pike's Peak. During the journey you will see magnificent views and perhaps animals in their 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 the backdrop of majestic Pikes Peak. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner and celebrate your adventure. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Your tour comes to a close in Colorado Springs.
Itinerary featured is for May 2024 - September 2024 tour departures. Departures prior will vary. On some dates alternate hotels may be used.
Pricing is per person,
double occupancy,
land only, based on May 10, 2024 travel date.
Single supplement from $1,000.
Call AAA for current airfare rates and availability. Airfare to the destination is not included, on-tour flights, when applicable, are included..
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