Colorado’s Vintage Railways

A Reminder of When the Iron Horse Ruled the Frontier

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Multiple Dates
8 days | 7 nights

“All aboard” the rail adventure of a lifetime! Travel back to the Old West and the days of the “Iron Horse” set against the awe inspiring backdrop of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. You’ll journey on five vintage trains over high mountain passes and through breathtaking gorges. Along the way, see history come to life with stops at an old stagecoach town, a mining camp, and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum. Plus, spend free time exploring the renowned Vail Mountain Resort. This is a “must-do” epic adventure for nostalgia and train buffs alike!

  • Scenic mountain rail adventures on Royal Gorge, Cumbres & Toltec, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge, and Georgetown Loop Railroads; optional ride on Pikes Peak Cog Railway
  • Marvel at North America’s tallest dunes in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
  • Enjoy a leisurely day in the western town of Durango
  • Mesa Verde National Park Option
  • Guided tour of Garden of the Gods
  • Pioneer and Native American tales by Leon Joseph Littlebird
map

DAY 1: WELCOME TO COLORADO!

Begin your adventure with a flight to Denver for dinner and an overnight stay. D

DAY 2: GEORGETOWN LOOP R.R./MOUNTAIN TALES

Your day begins in charming Georgetown, which started as a mining camp in 1859, you’ll experience your first rail adventure aboard the Georgetown Loop Railroad, a narrow-gauge line that forms a grand loop high in the Rocky Mountains. After a delicious lunch in town, storyteller Leon Joseph Littlebird will perform tales of mountain life and indigenous music. Continue on to our hotel in Grand Junction. B, L

DAY 3: DURANGO & SILVERTON NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD

See Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, which is part of a deep, steep-walled gorge carved through Precambrian rock by the Gunnison River. Then hop aboard the 1880s-era coal-fired, steam-powered locomotives from Silverton to Durango following the same track miners, cowboys, and settlers did over a century ago. Gaze in awe while chugging through portions of the magnificent two million acres of remote wilderness that make up the San Juan National Forest! B, D

DAY 4: DURANGO YOUR WAY

Enjoy a leisurely day in the western town of Durango, founded in 1880 by the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. You may choose to explore this historic downtown on a walking tour, stroll the Animas River trail, browse the shops, or take an exciting optional excursion. B

Option—Mesa Verde National Park Travel deep into Mesa Verde National Park to learn about Anasazi Indians. Lunch Included; Price $85 per person.

Option—Chuckwagon Supper and Performance Join us this evening for a Chuckwagon Supper and performance of music and songs of the old west cowboys, comedy and lively instrumentals by the Bar D Wranglers. Dinner Included; Price $45 per person.

DAY 5: CUMBRES & TOLTEC RAILROAD

Return to the exciting days of the Frontier West aboard this stately steam engine the moment it blows its horn! Relax in your comfortable coach or open-air observation car during an unforgettable journey from Chama to Antonito, located in the San Juan Mountains, at an elevation of 10,022 ft. Midway enjoy a delicious lunch stop in the small mining town of Osier before heading to Alamosa. B, L

DAY 6: GREAT SAND DUNES N.P./ROYAL GORGE RAILROAD

Marvel at North America’s tallest dunes in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. This afternoon, visit the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park suspended 1,000 feet above the gorge. As you cross the bridge, look down below to the bottom of the gorge which you’ll see up close and personal this evening aboard “North America’s most scenic railroad” - the world-famous Royal Gorge Route! From the comfort of the train, enjoy a delicious dinner, fabulous scenery, and wildlife. This classic, old-time diesel engine chugs along the Arkansas River and winds its way through the steep granite cliffs of the gorge. B, L, D

DAY 7: PIKES PEAK

Travel towards Colorado Springs in time for lunch in the magical town of Manitou Springs, home to nine mineral springs fed by the snows of Pikes Peak. Many native Americans considered this area sacred—and you’ll see why. B, L, D

Option—Pikes Peak Cog Railway If you’re feeling extra adventurous, sign up for a thrilling 8,000-foot ascent to the top of majestic Pikes Peak (14,110 ft.), taking in miles of mountainous scenery along the way. Price: $85 per person.

DAY 8: GARDEN OF THE GODS

This morning we visit the stunning Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. This 1,367-acre park at the base of Pikes Peak is where the Great Plains meet the Rockies—and is like a little piece of heaven! You’ll be amazed by the abundance of plant and animal life here, as well as the magnificent red sandstone formations. Afterwards, return to Denver as you say goodbye to new friends and take home with you happy railroading memories! B

ACCOMMODATIONS:
Night 1: Hyatt Place Airport, Denver
Night 2
: Hampton Inn Downtown, Grand Junction
Nights 3-4
: Holiday Inn Express, Durango
Night 5:
Hampton Inn, Alamosa
Night 6:
Holiday Inn Express, Canon City
Night 7:
Hyatt Place Colorado Springs

Dates:

  • Departure: August 17, 2025
  • Return: August 24, 2025

AND

  • Departure: September 14, 2025
  • Return: September 21, 2025

Price Per Person:

  • Double $3,199
  • Triple/Quad $2999
  • Single $3,829

* Includes roundtrip airfare from STL/MCI/SGF (call for other gateway cities)

Option—Mesa Verde National Park Travel deep into Mesa Verde National Park to learn about Anasazi Indians. L Price: $85 per person.

Option—Chuckwagon Supper and Performance Join us this evening for a Chuckwagon Supper and performance of music and songs of the old west cowboys, comedy and lively instrumentals by the Bar D Wranglers. D Price: $45 per person.

OptionPikes Peak Cog Railway If you’re feeling extra adventurous, sign up for a thrilling 8,000-foot ascent to the top of majestic Pikes Peak (14,110 ft.), taking in miles of mountainous scenery along the way. Price: $85 per person.

Average Temperatures:

Denver: 82° / 50°

Colorado Springs: 75° / 48°

Alamosa: 76° / 38°

Durango: 77° / 41°

Grand Junction: 81° / 53°

Luggage:

Orange luggage tags are provided and are to be placed on your “checked luggage” (large bag). You do not need a tag for your carry-on bag, for which you will be responsible for taking on and off the coach. There is limited space in the cabin of the coach, so unless you require your carry-on bag while traveling, we will stow it in the luggage compartment.

Important Information:

Each reservation requires a $250 per person deposit planning fee (exceptions may apply) to be credited toward your final payment. Some or all of your deposit may be non-refundable per our cancellation schedule noted in these Terms & Conditions below. We are happy to accept cash, check (preferred) or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) for your deposit.

Terms and Conditions:

Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.

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