Colorful Colorado: Peaks, Parks & Panoramas with Canyon Spirit Rail Journey
Experience Colorado's rich western heritage aboard the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge read more Railroad as it winds through the breathtaking canyons of the San Juan Mountains. Then continue your adventure aboard the Canyon Spirit train, traveling through the magnificent landscapes of the American West with scenic stops in Glenwood Springs and Moab before arriving in Salt Lake City.
PLUS, this tour includes your choice of excursions in Colorado Springs, so you can plan your day your way.
Itinerary
Welcome 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.
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.
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.
Rocky 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—Colorado's largest natural body of water—whose tranquil waters perfectly mirror the surrounding forests and peaks. The day concludes in the alpine village of Vail, with dinner at a local restaurant and a two-night stay in the heart of the Colorado Rockies.
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.
Bavarian Beauty
Visit the 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.
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 charming 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.
Peaches 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. Discover creative peach concoctions with a tour and tasting at Peach Street Distillers, a creative spirits distillery. Enjoy an overnight stay at the Wine Country Inn for an authentic, local wine experience.
LOCAL FAVORITE - Enjoy the fruits of Palisade peach growers' labors, where a small-batch artisanal distillery uses Colorado grain and local fruit to create a variety of delicious spirits. Tour the production facility and explore the process and barrel aging techniques used to produce the award-winning spirits.
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.
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.
Ancient 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.
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.
Peak 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.
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.
Spend Your Day Your Way in Colorado Springs
Explore more of Colorado Springs with your choice of included Globus Choice Excursions.
- 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.
Mile-High City
Say goodbye to your Tour Director and Driver and enjoy a day at leisure in Denver.
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.
Rockies 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.
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.
Rugged Beauty
Depart Glenwood Springs and cross the Colorado-Utah border enroute 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.
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.
Crimson 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.
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.
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.
Trip Inclusions
- Guided sightseeing in Denver, including a visit to Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the iconic open-air venue set among towering sandstone formations
- Visits to Boulder and Estes Park, gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park
- Guided sightseeing in Rocky Mountain National Park, renowned for its alpine lakes, mountain peaks, and abundant wildlife
- Wildflower walk at [LF] Vail Nature Center to discover the region's native flora and alpine ecosystems
- Visit to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, known for its steep cliffs, dramatic depths, and rugged scenery
- Guided sightseeing in Palisade, including a visit to a peach farm in Colorado's premier fruit-growing region
- Tour and tasting at Palisade's [LF] Peach Street Distillers, featuring handcrafted spirits made with locally sourced ingredients
- Visit Durango and ride the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad through the spectacular San Juan Mountains
- Guided sightseeing in Mesa Verde National Park, home to remarkably preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings
- Visit to Great Sand Dunes National Park, featuring the tallest sand dunes in North America beneath the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
- Visit to Garden of the Gods National Natural Landmark, famous for its towering red-rock formations and views of Pikes Peak
- Globus Choice Excursion in Colorado Springs – choice of The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway or the US Olympic & Paralympic Museum
- Scenic rail journey aboard the Canyon Spirit train from Denver to Glenwood Springs, Moab, and Salt Lake City, showcasing the canyons, rivers, and red-rock landscapes of the American West
- 9 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
- Denver: Sheraton Denver Downtown (Moderate Deluxe):
Enjoy the Mile High city in style and discover an ideal combination of atmosphere, location, and amenities at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel. Surrounded in every aspect with sleek design, you can work out in the revolutionary health and fitness center or relax and socialize at the end of the day with cocktails at the posh outdoor rooftop deck pool. The hotel is positioned in the heart of downtown Denver, a city that's alive and buzzing with entertainment, great food, music, and with a gorgeous mountain backdrop. - Estes Park: Holiday Inn Estes Park (First-Class):
At the Holiday Inn Estes Park, your starting point for activities in Rocky Mountain National Park, you will wake up to the fresh mountain air. This hotel provides quick access to activities, boutique shopping, and a variety of dining options. Unwind under the stars by the outdoor firepits or the lobby fireplace. Enjoy the indoor pool with "dive-in" movies. With newly renovated rooms' luxurious beds, coffee machines, mini-refrigerators, and complimentary Wi-Fi, your vacation in the Rocky Mountains will be flawless. - Vail: Highline Vail - a DoubleTree by Hilton (First-Class):
Surrounded by the Colorado landscape, which is only a short distance from Vail Mountain. After a day on the slopes or visiting the town, relax and warm up on the patio near the fireplace. Warm chocolate chip cookies are served at the beginning of each visit. - Palisade: Wine Country Inn (First-Class):
Situated amidst 21 acres of vines in the center of Colorado's wine region, the Wine region Inn provides visitors with a welcoming and genuine wine country experience. - Durango: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Durango (First-Class):
This hotel is located along the Animas River's banks. A five-minute stroll gets you to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and historic Downtown Durango. The San Juan National Forest, which contains Colorado's largest wilderness region, is ten miles away and offers outdoor fun. - Colorado Springs: The Antlers Hotel:
The hotel has an indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, gift shop, business center, restaurants, pub, coffee kiosk, and room service. Guestrooms feature cable TV, coffee maker, hairdryer, iron/ironing board, bath amenities, and Internet access. - Salt Lake City: Radisson Hotel Downtown Salt Lake City (First-Class):
The Radisson is located in downtown Salt Lake City near ample shopping, dining, and attractions. The hotel has concierge service, indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, guest laundry, gift shop, business center, restaurant, lounge, and room service.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- Visiting and participating in activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions. The order of sightseeing is subject to change.
- Maximum elevation on tour for overnight stay is 8150 feet. If Pikes Peak Cog Railway choice is selected, elevation is 14,115 at summit.
- Your hotels in Glenwood Springs and Moab are determined by Canyon Spirit and satisfy our high standards of cleanliness and comfort; properties are considered moderate 3-star hotels or better.
- Canyon Spirit is operated by Rocky Mountaineer/Armstrong Collective
Don't waste your precious time queueing up, skip the lines with special VIP access at the must-see sites. Read more
Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of the USA. Read more
Globus has the recipe for a great holiday. Savour the flavours of the USA through its regional cuisine. Read more
Globus' selection of hotels in unforgettable places ensure you stay right in the heart of each destination. Read more
Globus' coaches offer one of the most comfortable, stress-free and eco-friendly ways to travel. Read more
Do as the locals do and enjoy unique experiences that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more
Dates & Pricing
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Globus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
