Today we fly to the spectacular “mile-high city” of Denver, Colorado, where we are met by our motorcoach driver. We’ll travel to Colorado Springs for a two-night stay.

This morning we travel to Manitou Springs to board the scenic Pike’s Peak Cog Railway. Our breathtaking ascent to the 14,110 foot summit is unforgettable. Upon reaching the top, if the weather is clear, we’ll experience panoramic views of Denver, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and New Mexico. Our next stop is the Garden of the Gods, designated as a natural landmark. It’s known for the stunning geological formations and dramatic views. This afternoon we visit Focus on the Family Welcome Center for a self guided visit where we see the heart behind this ministry. We’ll enjoy an included dinner together this evening. (D)

Today we travel to another famed “Goldrush” town, Cañon City, where silent screen actor Tom Mix began his movie career. Here we ride the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, passing magnificent canyon cliffs rising more than 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River. We’ll view the amazing Royal Gorge Suspension Bridge, 956 feet above the river. Afternoon brings us to the surreal and majestic Great Sand Dunes National Park. Here, massive 700-foot dunes have formed against the backdrop of jagged rocky cliffs and mountains. Our day ends as we reach our overnight accommodations in historic Alamosa.

Alamosa (Spanish for Cottonwood) was named for the trees which inhabit this fertile pocket of land by the Rio Grande. This agricultural, mining and educational center of the San Luis Valley sits amid an expansive plateau, 7,600 feet above sea level. We travel south to nearby Antonito where we board the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, America’s highest and longest narrow gauge railroad. This 1880’s narrow-gauge steam railroad affords outstanding views of the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Phantom Canyon and the rugged Toltec Gorge. Lunch is included today on the train. Our overnight is in Farmington, New Mexico. (L)

This morning you’ll have an opportunity to visit four states simultaneously. Four Corners National Monument is at the intersection of Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico. We’ll also have time to shop for Native American jewelry and pottery from local Navajo and Hopi artisans. At Mesa Verde National Park we’ll see one of the nation’s major archaeological preserves: cliff dwellings vacated for over 500 years! Our overnight accommodations are in Durango, where we’ll enjoy dinner together this evening. (D)

Durango is a unique city where Victorian Architecture contrasts with ranch houses and rodeo arenas. Since 1882, the Durango and Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad has run the mountainous route through the San Juan National Forest and along the Animas River to Silverton. The original passenger coaches and steam engines provide a scenic and thrilling authentic journey into yesteryear. We’ll have time for lunch and shopping in Silverton. Our travels end today as we reach our hotel in Grand Junction.

This morning we travel through Vail to venture into Rocky Mountain National Park, a spectacular showcase of the Rocky Mountains. Elevations range from 8,000 feet on the wet, grassy valleys to 14,259 feet at the top of Longs Peak. We travel on Trail Ridge Road to the Alpine Visitor Center, stopping in Estes Park. We overnight in the Denver area. Dinner is included this evening. (D)

Our railroading adventure comes to an end today as we make our return flight home. Surely, the railways of the Rockies provide some of the most stunning vistas in the country.