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Beautiful Colorado Rail & Drive

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Capture colorful mountain scenery and picturesque views aboard several different rail lines on this 9-day high-altitude adventure, which begins and ends in the town of Denver, Colorado.

You are viewing the 2021 itinerary. Select your departure year
20212022
9 days From $2,040 per person

2021 Tour code: RM-BCRR-21

About the tour

The majestic Rocky Mountains are the focal point of this natural excursion. Aboard four separate rail lines, all of which boast their own charm, travelers have the opportunity to learn more about the history of the Colorado railway and the unique landscape of the area. Scenic drives between the cities give travelers the chance to experience Colorado a little closer to the ground. Over the course of this looped adventure, guests enjoy eight days of carefully planned activity and comfortable overnight lodging.

Highlights

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What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Denver, Colorado

Guests are free to arrive in Denver, Colorado at their leisure on the first day of this adventure. There are no planned activities, so initial exploration of the city is welcome. Unique dining options abound, and there are great family-friendly attractions such as the Denver Botanical Gardens and the Denver Zoo. Overnight lodging near Downtown Denver.

Day 2 - Travel on Georgetown Loop Railroad

After breakfast, guests must make their way over to Budget Car Rental in Denver to pick up their compact car, which is included in the cost of the trip. From here, a scenic 50-minute drive takes travelers from Denver to Georgetown, Colorado, where the Georgetown Loop Railroad awaits. Departure time for the train is 10:45 a.m. Aboard the historic narrow gauge railroad, riders enjoy a 3-mile adventure through the Clear Valley Creek area to Silver Plume and back. The loop route includes an elevation increase of over 640 feet while crossing four bridges and navigating through two loops. Riders enjoy comfortable bench seating in Coach Class during the journey, which lasts just over an hour. The day continues from Georgetown with a 2-hour drive to Colorado Springs for the first of two overnights.

Day 3 - Leisure Day in Colorado Springs

The second-largest city in Colorado, Colorado Springs has plenty to see and do including the top park in the United States, Garden of the Gods. Or consider an excursion to Manitou Springs to visit Pike's Peak and enjoy dramatic views over the surrounding mountains, the "Bottomless Pit" and the distant city. Overnight Colorado Springs.

Day 4 - Scenic Drive to Durango

On the fourth day, guests travel from Colorado Springs to Durango, Colorado. The trip takes approximately 5 1/2 hours to complete, yet there are plenty of scenic stops to extend the trip, should travelers desire. The final stretch of the journey takes drivers through San Juan National Forest, where natural views are bountiful and animal life is abundant. Once in Durango, travelers have the option to explore the town on their own. There is a charming historic Downtown area, as well as many great museums and attractions to explore. This is the first of two overnights in Durango.

Day 5 - Ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway

Prepare for an all-day adventure between Durango and Silverton on the fifth day of this trip. The train leaves the Durango station at 8:45 a.m., so arrive in plenty of time to explore the onsite museum prior to boarding. Along the 45-mile round-trip route, riders pass over one of the West's last free-flowing rivers, the Animas River, a total of five times. Other notable scenery along the way to the Silverton station include colorful canyons, tall mountain peaks of up to 14,000 feet, farm land, old mining camps and stagecoach routes, and more. The journey ends at approximately 6 p.m. at which time you return to Durango for the night.

Day 6 - Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Adventure

Travelers rise bright and early on the sixth day to make the beautiful 3-hour journey from Durango to Antonito, Colorado. The route takes drivers back through San Juan National Forest and along the edge of Carson National Forest, as well, which makes for spectacular surroundings the whole way to Antonito.

This morning, enjoy a trip aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. Arrive in time to board the 10 a.m. train, which heads to the Chama Depot in New Mexico. Mountain peaks and expansive valleys make up much of the scenery on the first part of the trip; however, further sights include a lava mesa, an abandoned railroad town, several tunnels and impressive Toltec Gorge. The train does stop for lunch in the town of Osier, Colorado before continuing through to Cumbres Pass, which is the highest railway pass in the United States. From Chama, New Mexico, a motorcoach returns guests to the depot in Antonito.

Back on the ground, travelers head over to the town of Alamosa for overnight accommodations.

Day 7 - Sightseeing on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad

Today, travelers begin their day by traveling from Alamosa to Canon City, Colorado. The whole morning is open to make the 2 1/2-hour journey, so sightseeing along the way is welcome. In Canon City, arrive at the Royal Gorge Route Railroad Santa Fe Depot for 12:30 p.m. boarding on the coach train. Dining is available on board in the Parlor and Bar Car, for convenience, and drinks are also served. A ride upon this historic railway allows travelers to look over the 1,000-foot cliffs of the Royal Gorge, as well as over the Arkansas River.

When the ride concludes at approximately 2:30 p.m., travelers make the final stretch of their trip and return back to Denver, Colorado. The evening is completely open for relaxation, exploration or general sightseeing. Overnight in Denver.

Day 8 - Exploring Denver

Today is open for you to explore Denver on your own. There is plenty to see and do; visit the Denver Art Museum, book a rafting tour, a brewery tour, or take a day trip to nearby Rocky Mountain National Park or the city of Boulder. Overnight in Denver.

Day 9 - Trip Conclusion

This beautiful Colorado journey concludes on the ninth day. Return your vehicle to the car rental company before making your way home via the local airport or Denver's rail station.

Additional information

Please Note

GPS is not included in package price. GPS can be purchased locally upon car pick up.

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

Hampton Inn, Alamosa

Hampton Inn, Alamosa

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The Antlers by Wyndham Hotel, Colorado Springs

The Antlers by Wyndham Hotel, Colorado Springs

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Hilton Garden Inn Downtown, Denver

Hilton Garden Inn Downtown, Denver

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Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn, Durango

Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn, Durango

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Trains

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Georgetown Loop Railroad
Royal Gorge Railroad

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Reviews

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Amy B, Jamestown, NY

5 stars

Submitted 13 Feb 2018

Everything was wonderful!

Collected by Vacations By Rail

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