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Colorado Rail Experience

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8 days From $3,395 $3,195 per person
4.6 stars(212 reviews)
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Heritage Tour

Immerse yourself in Gold Rush lore and relish the secluded scenes of the Rocky Mountains as you explore Colorado’s rugged terrain aboard six heritage railroads, including the beloved Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager
Save up to $400

Save up to $400 per booking on select escorted trips to the United States in 2024

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Mobility Rating 2

2024 Tour code: CRE24

About the tour

Journey through the untamed beauty of Colorado on this 8-day Rocky Mountain expedition. We discover expanses of landscape hidden from modern traffic aboard six fantastic railways: the Georgetown Loop Railroad, the Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, and the Manitou and Pikes Peak Railway. While we ride the rails, railroad experts and knowledgeable guides introduce us to the mining and railway history of the state. Our journey also includes a visit to the awe-inspiring Garden of the Gods. Join the experience as the colorful past of the Old West is brought to life once more.

Unforgettable Experiences

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Spend a day aboard one of Colorado’s most scenic railways, following along the Animas River and gazing in wonder at the Animas River Gorge and San Juan Mountains as you travel between historic boomtowns.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Cross the Colorado/New Mexico border 13 times while riding aboard North America's longest and highest narrow-gauge steam railway, the incredible Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.
Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Watch the incredible scenery surrounding the Arkansas River unfold from your comfortable seat in the first-class vista dome car on the Royal Gorge Route Railway.
Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Travel by train to the summit of “America’s Mountain,” Pikes Peak, with time to enjoy the 360-degree views over the Colorado Rockies that await at the top.
Garden of the Gods Tour
Garden of the Gods Tour
Dramatic red sandstone formations set against vast blue skies and emerald-green pines make Garden of the Gods a joy to discover on our driving tour.
Georgetown Loop Railroad
Georgetown Loop Railroad
Get a first-hand look at Colorado’s mining past while riding the Georgetown Loop Railroad, a scenic railway that has operated since the 1880s.
Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad
Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad
Look upon the lush San Isabel National Forest, the mighty Arkansas River, and a plethora of fantastic mountain peaks while riding the Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad across the Continental Divide.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Colorado Rail Museum/Georgetown Loop Railroad

Our journey begins as you meet your group and Tour Manager in Denver this morning and we transfer to Golden, CO, by coach to explore the Colorado Rail Museum. A tour through its featured exhibits, extensive collection of rolling stock and Roundhouse restoration facility offers an insider's perspective of this fascinating site. Departing the museum, we immerse ourselves in the mining history of the Rocky Mountains aboard the Georgetown Loop Railroad. This narrow-gauge, two coil loop railway was completed in 1884 and takes us on the original 4 1/2-mile loop between Georgetown and Silver Plume. Lunch is served in Georgetown before a scenic drive through the rugged landscape to the resort town of Silverthorne. Overnight Silverthorne, CO.

Includes
  • Lunch
Day 2 - Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad

Step back in time and discover the mining and railroad past of Leadville, CO, today as we join the Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad. We follow a course through San Isabel National Forest, traveling into thick groves of alpine trees as we follow alongside the Arkansas River. Views of Colorado's tallest peaks, Mt. Massive and Mt. Elbert, come into view as the train continues through the lush valley, and we even cross the Continental Divide during the 2 1/2-hour tour. Photo opportunities abound along the scenic route - as do the conductor's ghost stories and lore that highlight the colorful history of the region.

Upon return to Silverthorne, take the remainder of the day to enjoy the wild surroundings of the town. There are endless hiking trails to embark upon, including some that feature waterfalls. Overnight Silverthorne, CO.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 3 - Silverthorne to Durango

We depart Silverthorne this morning and enjoy a leisurely day of travel by deluxe motorcoach bound for Durango near the Colorado/New Mexico border. Our route includes inspiring vistas of the Rockies, lush National Forests and protected Grasslands. We pass through quaint mining towns and make several stops to stretch our legs and to admire the scenery on foot. First stop is South Park City in Fairplay to see an amazing authentic restoration of a Colorado boomtown. Our route continues south, passing through the Rio Grande National Forest before we arrive in Durango late this afternoon. The evening is yours to explore Historic Downtown Durango, which is brimming with Wild West history, restaurants and unique shops to explore. Overnight Durango.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 4 - Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

This morning, we board one of the most scenic railroads in the Southwest, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This journey takes us on a route along the Animas River from Durango to Silverton. Sights of canyon country, San Juan National Forest, protected wildlife areas and beautiful mountain vistas overtake the landscape during the ride, and it is not uncommon to see wildlife. Bring your camera! A true highlight of this journey is the ride through the Animas River Gorge. The train travels above the gorge on a manmade ledge on the side of a canyon, offering spectacular views of the gorge down below. Silverton, CO, an 1874 mining town located high in the San Juan Mountains, is our destination. While this locale is now a hotspot for tourists and winter sports, its gritty past is still visible in its historic buildings and adventurous atmosphere. After returning to Durango, the remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight Durango.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 5 - Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

An unforgettable journey lies ahead today as we set out on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, the longest and highest narrow-gauge steam railroad in North America and voted the #1 Top Attraction in Colorado and New Mexico by USA Today. The Southwest's scenes are on full display on this 64-mile ride, including glimpses at steep canyons, colorful meadows, ranches, grassy hills, beautiful mountain ranges, rushing waterways and brilliant blue skies. We cross over Cascade Creek Trestle and pass through charming mountain towns and abandoned villages. This route crosses the Colorado/New Mexico border 13 times and allows passengers to get a feel for what a daily train ride would have been like in the heyday of steam train travel. As the tour concludes, we continue our heritage rail voyage through Colorado into the San Luis Valley, the oldest settled area in Colorado, en route to Alamosa. Overnight Alamosa.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Royal Gorge Route Railroad

Find yourself surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Royal Gorge on our fifth railway journey of the tour, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. We board our motorcoach this morning and travel to the station in Canon City - a route that offers another look at the stunning forests and mountains that make Colorado so beloved. We get a unique perspective of the stunning scenery from our seats in the train's first-class vista-dome car. Travel along the Arkansas River and see the Hanging Bridge at the narrowest point in the chasm. We enjoy lunch in the train's dining car. The excursion concludes with a stop underneath the soaring Suspension Bridge from the rim to the river's edge. After our journey, we continue by coach to Colorado Springs, a hub for culture and adventure. Spend the rest of the day exploring the offerings of this lively city, perhaps checking out the exciting dining options or visiting one of the local museums. Overnight Colorado Springs.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 - Manitou and Pikes Peak Railway/Garden of the Gods

Take in incredible 360-degree vistas from 14,115 feet above sea level today as we travel to the summit of Pikes Peak, the mountain that inspired the song "America the Beautiful." Our sixth rail excursion is aboard the newly re-opened Manitou and Pikes Peak Railway. The nine-mile journey to the top passes Ruxton Creek in Englemann Canyon, Minnehaha Falls, Deer Park and a wide range of wildlife. At the summit there will be time to take in views from every angle, visiting the gift shop and sampling world-famous doughnuts. Just as with the trip up the mountain, the ride down is also narrated by a knowledgeable Conductor who is chock-full of facts about Pikes Peak, the Rockies and Colorado as a whole. Before returning to Colorado Springs, we visit Garden of the Gods - a National Natural Landmark site - for a drive through the dramatic red r­­ock formations that reach up to 300 feet tall. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight Colorado Springs.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 8 - Tour Conclusion

Our tour of Colorado's railways concludes after breakfast. A group transfer to Denver International Airport accommodates flights departing after 1 p.m.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Holiday Inn Express Alamosa, Alamosa

Holiday Inn Express Alamosa, Alamosa

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The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa, Denver

The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa, Denver

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Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn, Durango

Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn, Durango

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Holiday Inn Express Durango Downtown-Animas River

Holiday Inn Express Durango Downtown-Animas River

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Hotel Indigo Silverthorne

Hotel Indigo Silverthorne

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Hyatt Place Colorado Springs/Downtown

Hyatt Place Colorado Springs/Downtown

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Embassy Suites Denver-Downtown Convention Center

Embassy Suites Denver-Downtown Convention Center

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Trains

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Georgetown Loop Railroad
Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad
Royal Gorge Railroad

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Reviews

4.6 stars4.6 / 5 · 212 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (140)
  2. 4 stars
    (60)
  3. 3 stars
    (8)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (4)

PHILIP SIMILA

5 stars

Submitted 22 Oct 2023

Generally excellent. Some places had a food desert . Trains all excellent. Need to warn people about the altitude sickness.

Collected by Trustpilot

WLO

5 stars

Submitted 19 Oct 2023

Ann Brown was terrific! You need to poll your tour guides about health issues occurring on you guided tours. We lost several people to the altitude. One had to go to the ER. A Fingertip Pulse Oximeter - $22-$35 At Amazon - would give people warning. Great trip for us - geology WOW!

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MARK KRMPOTICH

5 stars

Submitted 17 Oct 2023

We had a wonderful time. Anne Brown-VBR was a great hostess and did everything in her power to make sure everyone was well accommodating

Collected by Trustpilot

Gloria Dunn

5 stars

Submitted 17 Oct 2023

well organized and fantastic trip

Collected by Trustpilot

Andrew

5 stars

Submitted 17 Oct 2023

Great well organised tour, recommended.

Collected by Trustpilot

WILLIAM BEVAN

4 stars

Submitted 14 Oct 2023

Well organized Great guide (Jim) Comfortable coach Interesting rail routes (5) Fabulous scenery (Aspen where at their fall best) Hotels in larger markets were great-smaller markets OK. Cold scrambled eggs for breakfast was the norm. Enthusiastic guides at all stops. Highly recommended for train geeks

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