It is easy to see why Trains Across Colorado is one of our most popular escorted tours.  With the Pikes Peak Cog Railway taking you to the clouds and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad one of the most exciting train journeys in the world, you will still have three more amazing train trips on this tour.  In addition to stunning scenic rail excursions, you'll visit three National Parks, the U.S Air Force Academy and the Garden of the Gods on this escorted tour covers the very best of Colorado.

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• Hotel accommodations for 8 nights
• 13 Meals (3 dinners, 2 lunches and 8 breakfasts)
• Five scenic train rides following historic routes of the Old West:

1. Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad, traveling along the Arkansas River Valley
2. Climb 7,539 feet on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway
3. Royal Gorge Route Railroad
4. Ride through the Rockies aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
5. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, voted one of the "Top Ten Most Exciting Train Journeys in the World"

• Sightseeing per itinerary
• Services of a professional tour manager
• Roundtrip airport transfers

Your Journey Begins in Denver...the Mile High City
Standing at the threshold between the Rocky Mountains and points west, Denver will envelop you with cosmopolitan charm. The tour begins and ends in this warm, welcoming city, giving you ample time to explore through a guided tour as well as on your own.

 

Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad
Originating in "the highest incorporated city in North America," this exciting rail adventure travels through the Arkansas River Valley and offers amazing views of Fremont Pass and Colorado's two tallest peaks, Mt. Massive and Mt. Elbert

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Voted one of the "Top Ten Most Exciting Train Journeys in the World," the Durango & Silverton was founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway in 1879. The line was constructed to haul ore from the San Juan Mountains, but passengers soon became awestruck at the mountainous views. Re-live the experience once again on board this spectacular journey. Spend two nights in Durango.

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Next Stop 1880!
Built in 1880 as the San Juan Extension of the Denver & Rio Grande, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad remains one of the most spectacular examples of steam era mountain railroading in North America. While a hundred years ago, the steamer hauled precious metals, today the steam locomotives carry passengers looking for adventure over high trestles, through dark tunnels and along narrow mountain shelves.

Royal Gorge Scenic Railway
Billed as the "the most scenic train ride in North America," you'll pass under the Royal Gorge Bridge and along the raging Arkansas River. Will you spot bald eagles and red tailed hawks as they soar high above? Or the deer and sheep that roam in their natural surroundings? This fascinating 12-mile route follows the same trail as the old Denver and Rio Grande Western line.

Pikes Peak Cog Railway "Ride to the Clouds!"
Your first taste of the wide open spaces begins at the Garden of the Gods, a 1300- acre park with glorious natural terrain.Then we'll board the Swiss-made Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the highest cog railroad in the U.S., which stretches nine miles long as it vertically climbs to almost 8,000 feet. Story has it that Zalmon Simmons of The Simmons Mattress Company rode to the top of Pikes Peak on a mule and knew there had to be a better way. When someone suggested a railway, he provided the money to build it. Spend two nights in Colorado Springs.

Breathtaking National Parks
Colorado's spectacular beauty is preserved in her national treasures: Rocky Mountain, Black Canyon of Gunnison and Mesa Verde National Parks. Rocky Mountain National Park is situated on 265,770 acres of land in Colorado's northern Front Range. It is home to Longs Peak, which is visible from many locations throughout the Park. Located in western Colorado, Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park is situated alongside the deepest section of the 48-mile long canyon that runs along the Gunnison River. Mesa Verde, Spanish for green table, offers a spectacular look into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home for over 700 years. Today, the park protects over 4,000 known archeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings. These sites are some of the most notable and best preserved in the United States, and UNESCO has designated Mesa Verde National Park as a World Cultural Heritage Park.

Day One - Arrive in Denver
Welcome to Denver, Colorado, the "Mile High City." Meet your fellow travelers at 5:00 pm for a get-acquainted dinner hosted by your tour manager. Overnight Crowne Plaza Hotel. (D)

Day Two - Rocky Mountain National Park
We depart Denver for Rocky Mountain National Park. With elevations ranging from 8,000 feet on the grassy valleys to 14,259 feet at the top of Longs Peak, the Park is filled with breathtaking scenery. Following the Trail Ridge Road, a stop at thre Alpine Visitors Center offers an opportunity to learn more about this fascinating location. Overnight Holiday Inn Summit County. (B)

 

Day Three - Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad
Today we travel to historic Leadville to board the Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad. While onboard, your conductor will share the fascinating history of the railroad, ghost stories and tales from the wild as you travel north along the Arkansas River Valley. Rising up 1,000 feet from the valley floor, you'll be greeted with spectacular views of Fremont Pass and the two tallest peaks in Colorado, Mt. Massive and Mt. Elbert. Later, we travel through scenic Monarch Pass and Curecanti National Recreation Area while en route to Montrose. Overnight Hampton Inn. (B, L)

Day Four - Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
This morning we visit Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park. Then it's "full steam ahead" as we board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Voted one of the "Top Ten Most Exciting Train Journeys in the World" by the Society of American Travel Writers, the Durango & Silverton was founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway in 1879 and has been in continuous operation for more than 125 years. It was originally constructed to haul ore from the San Juan Mountains but passengers awed by the mountain views are now its only cargo. Overnight Sky Ute Casino. (B, D)

Day Five - Mesa Verde National Park
After breakfast we embark on a full day excursion to Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Montezuma County, Colorado. Established as a National Park in 1906 largely to protect the Mesa Verde ruins and the area's other architectural sites, it offers insight into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people. Well-preserved ruins provide a glimpse into their way of life with more than 600 cliff dwellings including the largest in North America, Cliff Palace. Admire the cliff dwellings, canyons and natural attractions before returning to Durango with the evening at your leisure. Overnight Sky Ute Casino. (B)

Day Six - Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Our day begins as we board our motorcoach to ride the original Rio Grande Line, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. This is America's most spectacular narrow gauge steam railroad. Enjoy lunch onboard as you explore 50 miles of dark tunnels, high trestles, narrow mountain passes and rugged territory between Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado, the highest point on the railroad. Overnight Inn of the Rio Grande. (B, L, D)

Day Seven - Royal Gorge Scenic Railway
Today we travel to scenic Canon City for another journey by train aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. The 12-mile route follows the most famous portion of the old Denver and Rio Grande Western train line. This excursion is often considered "the most scenic train ride in North America" and you'll see why as you pass the Royal Gorge Bridge, the world's highest suspension bridge, and see the rushing rapids of the Arkansas River below you. Overnight Radisson Hotel. (B)

Day Eight - Colorado Springs
This morning we travel aboard our motorcoach to the U.S. Air Force Academy and its famous Cadet Chapel (when available). Next, it's on to the stunning Garden of the Gods, a 1,300-acre park and registered National Landmark with towering rock formations. The Garden lies at the base of Pikes Peak, which is our next adventure. "Ride to the Clouds!" aboard the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the highest cog railroad in the United States, which stretches nine miles long as it vertically climbs to almost 8,000 feet. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner, sharing memories of this unforgettable rail journey. Overnight Radisson Hotel. (B, D)

Day Nine - Transfer to Denver
Following breakfast we say goodbye to Colorado with a group transfer to the Denver International Airport for flights home after 12:00 pm. (B)

   

   

   

• June 15
• July 20
• August 3
• September 14
• September 21

 Per Person Rates:

• Twin $1,939
• Single add $679

 

If you like this tour, you'll love our Colorado Rail Adventure tour!