Colorado Trains & Fall Foliage

ARRIVE IN DENVER / COLORADO SPRINGS
Arrive in Denver by 1:00pm. ('Please arrive at the Denver Airport before 1:00pm) After a brief check-in with our tour director, enjoy our first taste of adventures to come as we board our motorcoach and travel south to Colorado Springs. Enjoy touring of the US Air Force Academy. Situated in the shadow of the mountains and overlooking the open spaces of the western plains, the academy is famous for its architecturally unique chapel. Next, check into our hotel for a two- night stay. Tonight's dinner is a special treat - a welcome dinner at the famous Guiseppe's Train Depot Restaurant.

PIKES PEAK COUNTRY
Today is devoted to sightseeing around Colorado Springs. First, we will ride on the Pike's Peak Cog Railway that climbs to the top of Pikes Peak. Looking at this famous peak, rising 12,110 feet above sea level, we'll understand the meaning of "Rocky Mountain High!" Next, continue to the Garden of the Gods Trading Post where we'll enjoy a sumptuous lunch and some time to shop. This afternoon we'll continue our sightseeing and tour Garden of the Gods. An abundance of plant and animal life can be found throughout its 1,340 acres, as well as the magnificent red sandstone rock formations, for which the Garden is best known. Return to our hotel with some time to freshen up, and then be our guests for a special evening of western hospitality and entertainment at the famous Flying W Ranch outdoor cookout.

ROYAL GORGE / RIO GRANDE RAILROAD
Pack up your bags, partner, because today we're off! This morning visit the Royal Gorge, where the world's highest suspension bridge towers 1,053 feet above the Arkansas River. Depart and travel through the city of Pueblo where we'll stop for lunch on your own. This afternoon experience the new Rio Grande Scenic Railroad. Board historic Dome Rail Cars for a breathtaking ride through the Sangre De Cristo Mountains over La Veta Pass. Arrive in the town of La Veta and meet the motorcoach for a ride to Alamosa, Colorado for overnight. Dinner included at a local restaurant.

CUMBRES and TOLTEC SCENIC RAILWAY
This morning, "all aboard" the 1880 Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, considered the finest remaining example of a once vast network of narrow gauge lines linking together the Rocky Mountain Mining Camps. This unique railroad has been called by author Lucius Beebe, "the most awesomely spectacular example of mountain railroading in North America." Leaving Antonito, Colorado and travel to Osier where you'll disembark and enjoy lunch before re-boarding our motorcoach. Travel to the old west mining town of Durango, Colorado for overnight.

DURANGO / SILVERTON TRAIN
This morning, ride the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, one of the last such railroads operating in the United States. "All aboard!" for a delightful trip through the Colorado Rockies between Durango and Silverton. The rugged peaks, alpine meadows, and crystal lakes take us back to the early days of the West, when mountain men searched this untouched land for traces of bear and mountain lion. Upon arrival in Silverton, enjoy some free time to explore the many shops and have lunch on our own. Meet our motorcoach for a scenic drive north to Grand Junction. This evening we will see the fantastic monoliths of Colorado National Monument. Over the centuries, wind and water have carved sheer, walled canyons, spires, and gorges from the brilliant orange and red sandstone. We'll overnight in Grand Junction and enjoy dinner this evening at the hotel.

GRAND JUNCTION / DENVER
Depart and travel east for a ride through the Heart of the Rockies enjoying vistas of rugged canyons, pristine wilderness, and deep gorges. Cross the Continental Divide at Loveland Pass as we travel east descending once again into the "Mile High City" of Denver. Explore this eastern gateway to the Rockies, beginning at the Colorado State Capitol Building and historic Larimer Square, where many buildings from Denver's colorful past are preserved. We'll also see The Mall, Denver's unique shopping area that maintains its delightful atmosphere by outlawing all cars! This afternoon, check into our downtown hotel and freshen up but don't wander too far because tonight we will rejoin our fellow passengers for a farewell dinner.

JOURNEY HOME
Say farewell to Denver and the Rocky Mountains. Our transfer to the airport has been arranged for our journey home.