Colorado’s history is full of the impacts of railroads and mining. Both have left an indelible impact on the Colorado of today. Riding the lovingly restored and expertly maintained trains, and the ever-changing vistas they provide access to, will bring you to the edge of your seat. Marvel at the narrow ledges as they nimbly wind around and the view of the precipitous drops to the deep canyons below. Enjoy the Million Dollar Highway and consider the manpower and wealth it took to create.
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Day 1 – August 17th – Home to Colorado Springs
Welcome to Colorado… Our home for the next two nights is the Mining Exchange Grand Hotel… you’ll have time to get cozy in your room before our welcome dinner. Mining Exchange Grand Hotel (D)
Day 2 – August 18th – Colorado Springs Local Touring
Today it’s Pike’s Peak Cog Railway… The Cog has been climbing Pikes Peak since 1891. Recognized as the world’s highest cog railroad, The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway is an important part of the heritage of the Western United States. Taking this 9-mile journey to the top at 14,115 feet, is like walking the footsteps of history. As you climb up Pikes Peak, the unique toothed rack Cog rail between the running rails allows the train to operate on steep grades upwards of 26%. While on the summit you will find the same unobstructed panoramic views as the explorers who first discovered it. history Next, the Garden of the Gods… it’s known for the magnificent red sandstone rock formations. It’s also known for their Trading Post that has expanded six times to become Colorado’s largest art gallery and gift shop. Mining Exchange Grand Hotel (B, L)
Day 3 – August 19th – Colorado Springs to Durango
Today we head to Durango. Our home for the evening is the Strater Hotel. Built in 1887 when Durango was still determining its future The Strater Hotel opened after an expenditure of $70,000, and placement of 376,000 native red bricks and hand-carved sandstone cornices and sills, and hence the beginning of the Strater Hotel history. It is a living history museum full of the local history. We will enjoy dinner in the Mahogany Grille. Starter Hotel (B, L, D)
Day 4 – August 20th – Durango to Grand Junction
“All aboard!” the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, for a delightful trip. The rugged peaks, alpine meadows, and crystal lakes take you back to the early days when mountain men searched this untouched land for traces of bear and mountain lion. Enjoy some free time in Silverton to explore. Afterward we’ll meet our coach… enjoy the scenery as we wind our way through magnificent scenery to Grand Junction. We will stop in Ouray, known as the “Switzerland of America”. Ouray, Colorado is a beautiful mountain town surrounded by rugged canyons and the unparalleled beauty of the San Juan Mountains. We will visit the historic downtown for lunch and then head to Grand Junction for the evening where we will stay at the Grand Vista Hotel. Grand Vista Hotel (L, D)
Day 5 – August 21st – Grand Junction to Denver
Today we will make our across the Continental Divide before descending into the “Mile High City”… Denver. First, we’ll stop for lunch and then the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden… Their mission is to acquire, preserve, and exhibit railroad equipment, artifacts, and photographs. We will have time to relax and enjoy the beautiful Brown Palace Hotel before we head to dinner nearby this evening. Grand Vista Hotel (B, D)
Day 6 – August 22nd – Denver & Rocky Mtn. National Park
Today we’ll explore Rocky Mtn. National Park/Estes Winter Park Grand Lake… Rocky Mountain National Park’s 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. From meadows found in the montane life zone to glistening alpine lakes and up to the towering mountain peaks, there is something for everyone to enjoy. We will enjoy a ranger-guided tour and a box lunch while we take in the beauty of the natural surroundings. After we return to the hotel, we’ll enjoy dinner and then have the rest of the evening to explore and relax. Grand Vista Hotel (B, L, D)
Day 7 – August 23rd – Denver to Home
This morning we’ll say goodbye to “the Queen City of the Plains” and end this fantastic journey on a “Rocky Mountain High”. (B)
$3,345 Double $4,080 Single
A $100 per person deposit will hold space; balance is due by May 15th, 2023