Itinerary Details
Colorful Colorado: Peaks, Parks & Panoramas With Canyon Spirit Rail Journey
Day 1: ARRIVE IN DENVERWelcome to Denver! At 6:00 p.m., meet with your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
ENHANCED FREE TIME
With its blend of Western heritage, urban culture, and stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, Denver offers a memorable introduction to the spirit of the American West. Discover one of the city’s great museums, stroll Denver’s famed 16th Street for food or drinks, or visit a local brewery on the Denver Beer Trail! Your Tour Director has suggestions to make the most of your free time.
Day 2: DENVER–MORRISON–BOULDER–ESTES PARK Red Rocks and Mountain Tops Take an orientation tour of Denver, including the Colorado State Capitol, modeled after the Capitol Building in Washington, DC. Visit legendary Red Rocks Amphitheater, a geological wonder of battleship-sized red rocks surrounding terraced seats amid musical acoustic perfection since 1941. Continue to Boulder for Flatiron views and an orientation tour. Enjoy lunch and free time to explore Pearl Street, a pedestrian walkway in the heart of downtown. Depart Boulder for Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Recognized as the “Happiest City in the US,” Boulder is known for its active lifestyle, innovative spirit, and stunning mountain setting. Home to the University of Colorado Boulder, the city is also famous for its Buffaloes football program, the legendary college hangout The Sink, and the iconic Flatirons that tower above the community.
Day 3: ESTES PARK–ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK–GRAND LAKE–VAILRocky Mountain Highs Discover Rocky Mountain National Park with a stop at the Alpine Visitor Center to savor the crisp mountain air and sweeping vistas. Continue to Grand Lake for free time. Consider lunch with a view of the lake, Colorado’s largest natural body of water, or stroll the historic boardwalk for an Old World charm experience. Admire the tranquil waters that perfectly mirror the surrounding forests and peaks before traveling south through mountain corridors to Vail. Arrive in Vail for relaxing 2-night stay in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Rocky Mountain National Park awakens the senses with serene alpine lakes, pristine peaks, and sprawling meadows—home to a rich wildlife population that includes elk, bighorn sheep, marmots, and black bears. Ascending from the Estes Park side, the journey climbs above 12,000 feet along Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved highway in North America. After crossing the Continental Divide, descend into the park's western valleys, where moose are frequently spotted, enroute to the historic and charming town of Grand Lake.
Day 4: VAILBavarian Beauty Visit the [LF] Vail Nature Center and enjoy a light guided hike to explore the wildflowers, active beaver lodges, and local ecosystems. Continue to the Colorado Snowsports Museum & Hall of Fame and learn about the rich history of skiing and snowboarding in Colorado. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the Bavarian-style village on your own. Consider strolling through the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, try goat yoga, or enjoy an exhilarating ride on the Copper Mountain gondola and alpine slide. (B)
LOCAL FAVORITE
Discover the woods, birds, and meadows at the Vail Nature Center. Walk along the Gore Creek and connect with nature while exploring the unique ecology, wildflowers, and wildlife in the heart of Vail.
ENHANCED FREE TIME
Explore more in Vail! Wander and wonder in the charming alpine village—a popular playground for year-round activities—from hiking to biking to skiing. Explore Lionshead & Vail Villages to enjoy art galleries, restaurants, and shops. Get insider tips on where to dine and what to do from your Tour Director.
Day 5: VAIL–GRAND JUNCTION–COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT–PALISADEPeaches and Vines Depart Vail for Grand Junction and the Colorado National Monument where red rock canyons and desert landscapes loom high on the Colorado Plateau. Here, the Rockies meet the American Southwest. Continue to Palisade and visit a family-owned peach orchard. The unique climate, altitude, and rich volcanic soil in the Palisade area are the perfect combination for growing peaches and grapes. Enjoy an overnight stay at the Wine Country Inn for an authentic, local wine experience. (B)
Day 6: PALISADE–BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON NATIONAL PARK–SILVERTON–DURANGO All Aboard! Depart Palisade for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Enjoy views in the quiet park of the gorge carved by the powerful Gunnison River. Continue to Silverton for a memorable ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad to Durango for a two-night stay. Tonight, spend free time browsing the shops on Main Avenue or enjoy regional specialties at a local restaurant. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Board the legendary Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad steam train as it hugs steep canyon walls to wind its way through Rio de las Animas Canyon. Arrive in Durango, a town born in the Gold Rush and silver-mining era.
Day 7: DURANGO. MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARKAncient Mystery Today, visit Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to the Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum to explore the culture and history of the Núuchi (Ute People). This afternoon, enjoy a tasting at Ska Brewing Company in Durango and discover the craft brewery’s sustainability initiatives. As one of the first in the country to package beer in infinitely recyclable aluminum cans, they are committed to reducing waste and continue to create sustainability programs. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in downtown Durango. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Take in views of Spruce Tree House, one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde and learn about the people who once flourished on this remarkable 8,000-foot-high plateau, now protected as Mesa Verde National Park. Continue to a scenic overlook for memorable views and photo opportunities of Cliff Palace, one of the largest Ancestral Puebloan dwellings, dating back more than 700 years.
Day 8: DURANGO–GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK–COLORADO SPRINGSPeak Perfection Depart Durango for Alamosa and visit Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Reaching 750 feet high across 30 square miles, the Great Sand Dunes of Southern Colorado amaze as the tallest sand dunes in North America. Surrounded by a backdrop of forests, mountains, and wild grassland, this natural wonder creates a visual masterpiece of natural beauty. Continue to Colorado Springs for a two-night stay. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Step into one of North America’s most extraordinary landscapes at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, where towering dunes rise unexpectedly from the floor of the San Luis Valley beneath the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Formed over thousands of years as wind carried sand from ancient lakes and streambeds, this ever-changing landscape has been an important place for Indigenous people for countless generations, making it as rich in cultural history as it is in natural beauty.
Day 9: COLORADO SPRINGSSpend Your Day Your Way in Colorado Springs Explore more of Colorado Springs with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions. (B,D)
GOING FOR GOLD
Experience an immersive look into the training of the greatest athletes in America and rich Olympic history with a visit to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. Discover interactive exhibits, innovative displays and an impressive artifact collection on Team USA.
AMERICA'S MOUNTAIN
Take a ride on the Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway for a memorable experience on the oldest cog railway in the world. Travel from Manitou Springs to the summit that inspired the song, America the Beautiful, for panoramic views of rich forests, canyons, and snow-capped mountains.
Stroll through the spectacular Garden of the Gods and discover more than 300 million years of geological history among its towering 300-foot sandstone formations. Enjoy breathtaking views of dramatic red rock spires set against Colorado’s famed blue skies and the snowcapped summit of Pikes Peak. Gather this evening with your fellow travelers and Tour Director for a memorable farewell dinner.
Day 10:
COLORADO SPRINGS–DENVER Mile-High City Say goodbye to your Tour Director and Driver and enjoy a day at leisure in Denver. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
Explore Denver, a city that grew from a frontier settlement during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush into the vibrant capital of Colorado. Spend your free time discovering the historic streets of Lower Downtown, visiting local galleries and museums, or enjoying the city’s lively neighborhoods, parks, and cafés.
Day 11:
DENVER–CANYON SPIRIT RAIL (formerly Rocky Mountaineer)–GLENWOOD SPRINGSRockies by Rail Depart this morning for your journey on the Canyon Spirit train west to Glenwood Springs. Indulge in breakfast and lunch, plus snacks and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), while enjoying the ride. Cross the Continental Divide, taking in breathtaking views through the scenic White River National Forest and the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Arrive in the charming resort town of Glenwood Springs for an overnight stay. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Experience the spirit of the historic Hotel Colorado during your stay in scenic Glenwood Springs. For more than 125 years, this iconic Rocky Mountain retreat has hosted presidents, dignitaries, and travelers drawn to the beauty of the Colorado Rockies. The distinguished guest list includes President Theodore Roosevelt and the legendary “Unsinkable” Molly Brown, and its colorful past encompasses service as a Naval hospital during the 1940s plus connections to the larger-than-life characters of the Roaring Twenties. Rich in heritage and timeless elegance, the hotel remains one of Colorado’s most celebrated landmarks. Day 12:
GLENWOOD SPRINGS–CANYON SPIRIT RAIL (formerly Rocky Mountaineer)–MOAB, UTAH Rugged Beauty Depart Glenwood Springs and cross the Colorado-Utah border en route to Moab, an outdoor mecca of magnificent natural landmarks, national parks, and world-class hiking. Disembark the train and visit Canyonlands National Park on an included tour. Discover the majestic vistas of the Island in the Sky District featuring Shafer Canyon, Grand View Point, and Green River Overlook. Later, arrive in the adventurous town of Moab with free time to enjoy the sunset or a meal from a local restaurant. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Canyon Spirit Signature Service features a single-level coach offering reclining seats, meals served at your seat, and panoramic views from oversized windows. Enjoy an onboard culinary experience in regional cuisine and ingredients local to the Southwestern US.
Day 13:
MOAB–CANYON SPIRIT RAIL (formerly Rocky Mountaineer)–SALT LAKE CITYCrimson Canyons Explore the breathtaking beauty of Arches National Park on an included tour this morning. Or enjoy free time in Moab this morning with a leisurely start to the day. Wander through the museums and shops downtown, visit the Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage, bike on backcountry trails, or simply relax in the classic American West. This afternoon, board the train for Salt Lake City. Onboard, enjoy a late lunch and sweeping views of majestic rock formations as you wind through Castle Gate and Price River Canyon. Continue through the historic Thistle Tunnels and journey past Provo before arriving in Salt Lake City. (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Nestled at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains, Salt Lake City was established in 1847 by Mormon pioneers seeking a new home in the American West. From its beginnings as a frontier settlement, the city grew into Utah’s capital and largest metropolitan area, blending an explorer’s legacy with spectacular natural surroundings.
Day 14:
SALT LAKE CITY Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Want to explore more of Salt Lake City? Extra nights are available for purchase. (B)
