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First Class Colorado Rail Adventure featuring Rocky Mountaineer

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20252026
9 days From $7,745 per person
4.5 stars(65 reviews)
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A first-class exploration through the Colorado and Utah landscapes, aboard five magnificent railways, including historic narrow-gauge gems, such as the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and America’s new luxury train, Rocky Mountaineer.

Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager
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Mobility Rating 2

2025 Tour code: FCC25

About the tour

Five remarkable railways, nine days brimming with glorious sights - this tour is your chance to get up close and personal with Colorado's varied topography. Recall the delights of yesteryear as we visit historic cities, stay in landmark hotels, ride aboard some of the most scenic rail lines in the country, explore amazing natural sites and bask in the unbeatable amenities of first-class train accommodations.

Denver is both the beginning and ending point for this expedition, and in between, we travel to destinations throughout the state and beyond. Enjoy time in Colorado Springs to gaze upon Garden of the Gods' rock formations and climb to the summit of Pikes Peak aboard the Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway. From here, we make our way to Cañon City to ride the Royal Gorge Route Railroad and to southern Colorado for an unbelievably scenic excursion on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.

Durango, a town created by the railway, and its beloved Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad are also on the itinerary before crossing the Colorado-Utah border and on to Moab. Our time here is highlighted by a visit to Arches National Park, a place so spectacular, that you have to see it to believe its grandeur. The pinnacle of our tour comes to a head as we board the luxurious, daylight-only Rocky Mountaineer. Watch as the scenery changes from the red rocks of Utah to the colorful hues of the Rocky Mountains as we head toward Denver. Don't blink - each turn in the tracks offers something new on this first-class adventure.

Unforgettable Experiences

Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Enjoy a scenic rail adventure to the summit of Pikes Peak aboard the Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway.
Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Experience a Royal Gorge Route Railroad trip, including a 3-course lunch in the elegant Parlor Car and access to the open-air gondola car.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Ride aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad in a beautifully restored rail car, traveling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rocky Mountain West.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Step back in time for a nostalgic journey on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in the first-class Silver Vista Car.
Rocky Mountaineer
Rocky Mountaineer
Journey aboard the Rocky Mountaineer through the stunning new Rockies to the Red Rocks 2-day route, during daylight hours.
Colorado Railroad Museum
Colorado Railroad Museum
Explore the Colorado Railroad Museum on a docent-led tour with over 100 locomotives, passenger and freight cars, cabooses and even a G-scale garden railway.
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods
Experience the grandeur of Garden of the Gods, one of the most incredible geological wonders of the world.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park
See the stunning sandstone arches at Arches National Park, a unique landscape of contrasting colors, land forms, and textures.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 – Welcome to Denver, ‘The Mile High City’

Arrive in Denver and make your way independently to Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver. After meeting your group and Tour Manager this evening, feel free to pamper yourself with the luxuries of the hotel, including its fully-equipped spa that uses water from the hotel's artesian well, or venture out into the city to explore the various restaurants.

Overnight Denver, CO.

Day 2 – Discover the Colorado Rail Museum

Delve deep into the region's rail history today at the Colorado Rail Museum. We see the diversity of the museum's exhibits and the 15-acre railyard, home to a collection of over 100 pieces of railway history, including cabooses, steam and diesel engines, and passenger cars.

Our day continues aboard a deluxe motorcoach bound for Colorado Springs. Arriving at our hotel, the Antlers, we're ideally situated in downtown Colorado Springs with brilliant views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains.

Colorado Springs, CO.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 3 - Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway and Garden of the Gods

One of the most notable summits in the country, America's Mountain - Pikes Peak, greets us this morning. Aboard the Manitou & Peak Cog Railway, we climb along the 9-mile course to the top. The brand new railcars are equipped with oversized windows for sweeping 360-degree views over the Englemann Canyon, Ruxton Creek that lies within it, and Minnehaha Falls.

Before catching our first glimpses of the summit, beautiful views of Deer Park overtake the tracks. At the summit, there's plenty of time to soak up the scenery, which includes two mountain ranges, small mining towns from Colorado's past, and, on clear days, distant views of Denver. You could also learn about the mountain's history at the Summit House before the cog railway makes its descent back down the mountainside.

Next, we set our sights on awe-inspiring rock formations formed millions of years ago at Garden of the Gods. Over 1,360 acres of land comprise this National Natural Landmark, with hiking trails and scenic roadways weaving throughout the grounds to provide unbeatable perspectives on these amazing sandstone and limestone rocks. During our visit, gaze at some of the most famous formations, some of which jut 300 feet or more into the sky. The evening is yours to enjoy one of the onsite restaurants or sightsee through the city.

Overnight Colorado Springs, CO.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 4 – The luxurious Royal Gorge Route Railroad

We begin our day with a deluxe motorcoach journey to Cañon City. On arrival, we're introduced to the gorgeous surroundings of the Royal Gorge on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. What makes this journey so special is a combination of pristine scenery and outstanding cuisine, as we make the 2-hour trip in the train's Dining Car.

This first-class restaurant on wheels is all plush seating, white linen-clad tables, and large picture windows. Sit back, relax and enjoy views of the rushing Arkansas River and 1,000-foot granite cliffs. We also pass colorful rock formations and admire the contrast with the clear blue sky. Lunch is served as we travel, with each dish freshly prepared on the train by a highly trained staff. A selection of local wines and beers complement the cuisine.

At any point during the journey, feel free to venture out to the open-air car to bask in the full glory of the Royal Gorge scenery, including the Royal Gorge Suspension Bridge. When we arrive back at the station, we board our motorcoach once again to continue to Alamosa, where the evening is at leisure.

Overnight Alamosa, CO.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 – The stunning Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

Today's journey on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad promises breathtaking vistas inaccessible by any other mode of transportation. This 3-foot narrow-gauge railway traces a 64-mile route between Antonito, CO, and Chama, NM, meandering across the state line a total of 13 times.

Along the way, enjoy impeccable views of the Southwest with vast ranches, lush aspen groves, vibrant canyons, and distant mountain ranges. Step out onto the open-air gondola to get a better look as we pass winding waterways and cross the Cascade Creek Trestle with charming mountain towns and deserted villages. But the scenery is just part of the equation. The train itself is also gorgeous, with its meticulously preserved cars featuring tin ceilings, period seating and panoramic windows.

Arriving in the town of Osier, a delicious home-cooked lunch awaits us before we continue back on board through the rugged landscape at a maximum speed of 12 miles per hour. At our final destination after a memorable day of travel, our motorcoach is waiting to take us to our accommodation in Durango, CO.

Overnight Durango, CO.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 - Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Gnarly volcanic rock formations, 14,000-foot mountain peaks and quintessential sights of the San Juan Forest are just some of the things you can look forward to on our trip aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad today. The route follows the Animas River from Durango to Silverton, embracing all the beauty of canyon country as the journey unfolds.

Sometimes the train meanders alongside the river, while the tracks loom high above at other points. Take in all these vistas and more from our first-class seats in the Silver Vista Car, a glass-domed car brimming with amenities. Lounge on the plush leather seats while looking out the panoramic windows or venture out onto the closed vestibule with the largest viewing platform on the train.

Narration by a knowledgeable guide and complimentary soft drinks and snacks further enhance the experience. We arrive in Silverton with plenty of time to grab lunch on your own and explore the sites of this mining boomtown. This evening, a deluxe motorcoach returns us to Durango, where the rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight Durango, CO.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 7 – Amazing Arches National Park

We depart Colorado this morning with our sights set on the ruby red landscapes and sandstone formations of Utah. The drive takes us through forests, protected lands and vast expanses, with the landscape becoming decidedly more arid as we near Moab. On arrival, we get our first taste of this new terrain at Arches National Park.

Home to over 2,000 breathtaking sandstone formations, this park is a delight to discover. As we make our way through the park, admire balanced rocks, fin-shaped formations and pinnacles carved by the elements. On our tour, we see the Delicate Arch, an iconic sight you'll instantly recognize as Utah's state symbol, and Landscape Arch, which is the world's longest natural freestanding arch. Afterwards, we check in at our hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight Moab, UT.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 8 - Rocky Mountaineer from Moab to Glenwood Springs

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and a morning to wander about through Moab. There are lovely art galleries to peruse, as well as plenty of places to purchase Southwest-inspired jewelry and crafts. A choice of restaurants offer everything from quick bites to fine dining.

This afternoon, we transfer to the train station to board America's premier luxury train, the Rocky Mountaineer. Settle into your comfortable seat in our glass-domed train car and enjoy a drink as we depart the station and begin our scenic journey. Onboard hosts are always nearby to offer interesting commentary on the route, to refill your drink or to cater to any requests you may have.

Dinner is served as we pass Mount Garfield and through Ruby Canyon. Keep watching as the train crosses the Utah-Colorado border and enters mountain country. The sun begins its descent behind the peaks as we near our destination for the night, Glenwood Springs, and disembark the train. After checking into our hotel, the evening is at leisure to explore this charming resort town. Meander through the downtown area, with its shops, bars and eateries, or - if time permits - soak up the hot springs.

Overnight Glenwood Springs, CO.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 - Rocky Mountaineer to Denver

Well-rested and ready for another day of wondrous scenery, we rejoin the Rocky Mountaineer this morning. A two-course breakfast is served onboard as our journey along the Colorado River commences. Marvel at the array of colors that spring forth from the red-brown canyons, blue waters, and rich evergreens. Byers and Gore Canyons are just two highlights to look forward to; there is so much to see.

This afternoon, listen to the train hosts' stories and informational presentations about the region as you dine on a three-course lunch inspired by local cuisine. Later, refreshments are served as we head into the 6-mile Moffatt Tunnel. The Continental Divide is coming up, and crossing it is always cause for celebration. As we emerge from the tunnel on the other side of the Divide, our destination, Denver, approaches.

On arrival, our Colorado rail adventure comes to an end. Saying goodbye to fellow travelers, head into Denver on your own or make your way to the airport for your return flight home.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch

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 Antlers by Wyndham Hotel, Colorado Springs

The Antlers by Wyndham Hotel, Colorado Springs

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Strater Hotel, Durango

Strater Hotel, Durango

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Hoodoo, Moab

Hoodoo, Moab

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The Kimpton Hotel Monaco, Denver

The Kimpton Hotel Monaco, Denver

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Trains

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Pike's Peak Cog Railway
Rocky Mountaineer
Rocky Mountaineer's Rockies to the Red Rocks
Royal Gorge Railroad

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Reviews

4.5 stars4.5 / 5 · 65 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (46)
  2. 4 stars
    (14)
  3. 3 stars
    (1)
  4. 2 stars
    (2)
  5. 1 star
    (2)

David Howe

3 stars

Submitted 18 Nov 2024

beautiful scenery on short train excursions but mostly bus rides and breakfasts provided by hotels like Holiday Inn Express REALLY!!!!

from Vacations By Rail
Hi David - Thank you for posting this review. We are sorry to hear that the experience did not live up to your expectations. We would welcome a chance to hear more about your tour to learn how we can improve. Someone from our Customer Service team reach out to you to learn more about your experience.
1 comment

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Leith Gardner

5 stars

Submitted 02 Oct 2024

very enjoyable

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Richard Rose

4 stars

Submitted 01 Oct 2024

Trip manager good. Office support ok except for big hotel error at end. Should also coordinate with Rocky Mountaineer on hotel for extra nights stay mandated by late afternoon return to Denver.

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Virginia

5 stars

Submitted 01 Oct 2024

Great trip

Collected by Trustpilot

marino

5 stars

Submitted 01 Oct 2024

we travel all over the world and i must say this vacation was much more then expected, everything was with precise detailed, tour guide was one of the best, he was very knowledgable,

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LCB

4 stars

Submitted 01 Oct 2024

I appreciate that this was a first class trip. Bill, our guide, and Floyd our driver went above and beyond to make this trip wonderful. We enjoyed all the trains and the bus trips. The Rocky Mountaineer was amazing -- definitely 5 stars!! Getting off on a side rail with idling buses spewing diesel fumes was the most unpleasant part of the entire trip. It was a good thing I carry a rescue inhaler. Your choice of sleeping accommodations was lacking. Several of us used canes/walking sticks to get about. The Brown Palace was beautiful and nice but the bathroom was treacherous - no hand holds in the huge shower on a slick tile enclosure and a slick tile floor in the large bathroom. The Best Western's room was stuffy due to the air conditioner being in the hallway instead of an outdoor window. Opening the door just let in more of the same air the air conditioner was using. I still have bruises from tripping into the room. Also our toilet seat was broken - usable if you sat just right. I also thought they had mediocre breakfast options. The catered meals were okay but you need better vegetarian options - or better prepared vegetable side dishes. I would rather pay less for the trip and be on our own for dinner. The Hoo Doo would have been nice for a family of 4 staying a week. When given our keys were we not told the rooms were a VERY long walk through the hotel and outside to a back lot of apartments with bedrooms up stairs. The upstairs bathroom had a motion activated light that was blinding and then wasn't on long enough to find the toilet paper, only to be blinded again as you left the room. Serious overkill for a one-night stay and a waste of cleaning. Their TV was impossible to figure out. They did have the best breakfast of all the hotels. If any of the hotels did any recycling, especially of the cases of plastic bottles of water we went through, it wasn't apparent. Our favorite hotel was the Colorado in Glenwood Springs. I wish we had more time in that town. We would do the trip again after we take the train across Canada and across the Swiss Alps.

from Vacations By Rail
Greetings Larry - Thank you for sharing your feedback. These details highlight the need for us to always reevaluate and improve our itineraries to ensure they are more manageable and enjoyable for our guests. We hope to have the opportunity to travel with you again in the future!
1 comment

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