9 days Western Rails & Canyons with Canyon Spirit Rail Journey (Tour AG)
Tour: AG - 9-day tour from Denver to Denver
All aboard for a spectacular 9-day adventure through the American Southwest! Your tour through Colorado and Utah begins with an overnight stay in the ‘Mile High City’ of Denver—5,280 feet above sea level. In Colorado Springs, board the Pikes Peak cog railway to reach the summit that inspired ‘America the Beautiful.’ Explore the stunning desert landscapes of Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, and the ancient indigenous dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park. Embark on a two-day scenic rail journey aboard the Canyon Spirit train from the outdoor mecca of Moab through Colorado Canyons National Conservation Area and over the Continental Divide to return to Denver. You’ll also explore the natural treasures of Great Sand Dunes National Park and the scenic Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Moab so you can plan your day your way.
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Denver, CO | Welcome to Colorado! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travelling companions for a welcome drink. |
| 2 | Denver - Colorado Springs | The Mile-High City. See Denver’s historic Union Station, Mile High Stadium, and more on an orientation tour en route to Colorado Springs. Explore Garden of the Gods Park, featuring 300-foot towering sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of snowcapped Pikes Peak and brilliant blue skies. Take a thrilling ride on the Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the highest cog railroad in the world. Travel up to the summit of 14,115-foot Pikes Peak, the place that inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write America the Beautiful. Tonight, a Globus Local Favorite home-cooked BBQ dinner with western music under the stars at the historic Flying W Ranch (weather permitting). |
| 3 | Colorado Springs - Great Sand Dunes National Park - Durango | Peak Perfection. A scenic drive travels along the Highway of Legends Scenic and Historic Byway, with views of the Sangre de Cristo Range, home to ten 14,000-foot peaks, and through meandering ranchlands to Great Sand Dunes National Park. Later, continue deeper into the Colorado wilderness passing through the San Juan National Forest to Durango. Tonight is free to explore Durango to visit the local restaurants, saloons, speakeasy, and more on historic Main Street. |
| 4 | Durango - Rail Journey to SIlverton | Rocky Mountain Highs. This morning, board the Globus Local Favorite Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad for a scenic ride through San Juan National Forest. Enjoy leisure time in Silverton’s authentic western downtown. Return to Durango on the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway for a free evening. |
| 5 | Durango - Mesa Verde National Park - Canyons of the Ancients - Moab, UT | Ancient Mystery. Today is a step back to ancient times, lands, and people. Start with a visit to Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, continuing to the Canyon of the Ancients National Monument Visitor Center and Museum, in the Four Corners region of Southwestern Colorado. Continue to Moab for a free evening. |
| 6 | Moab - Excursion to Canyonlands National Park & Deadhorse State Park | Spend your day your way in Moab. Visit magnificent Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park. Explore more of Moab with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions. |
| 7 | Moab - Arches National Park - Canyon Spirit Rail - Glenwood Springs, CO | Rockies by Rail. Today, explore the incredible landscape of Arches National Park, containing more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the world-famous Delicate Arch. Then embark on the Canyon Spirit for a scenic train ride in Signature Class. Travel east through the Colorado Canyons National Conservation Area. See Parachute Creek and Mount Logan while following the scenic Colorado River. Take in the beautiful red rock formations, desert cliffs of Ruby Canyon, and mountain vistas. Overnight stay in historic Glenwood Springs, |
| 8 | Glenwood Springs - Canyon Spirit Rail - Denver | On Top of the World. A full day aboard the Canyon Spirit through the Colorado high country. Arrive in Denver this evening for a farewell reception hosted by your Tour Director |
| 9 | Denver | Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Want to explore more of Denver? |