Join us for a beautiful Colorado adventure filled with mountain scenery, national parks, historic train rides, waterfalls, garden views, and unforgettable western landscapes! This tour will take us from Kentucky to the heart of Colorado, with stops in Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Leadville, Glenwood Springs, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Durango, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes National Park, and more.
Day 1 — Thursday, August 19
Campton, Kentucky to Kansas City, Missouri 🚌
We will begin our journey west as we travel to Kansas City, Missouri, where we will spend the night. After arriving at the hotel, we will enjoy an included catered meal. 🍽️
Day 2 — Friday, August 20
Kansas City, Missouri to Denver, Colorado 🏔️
After an included breakfast, we will finish the drive into Denver, Colorado, where we will spend the next 2 nights. Once we arrive, you can settle in and get ready for the mountain adventures ahead. 🏨
Day 3 — Saturday, August 21
Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park Guided Tour 🌲
Today, we will have a step-on guide for a beautiful tour of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. With our guide, we will leave the hotel and drive toward Estes Park, either by the Boulder route or through Big Thompson Canyon. Along the way, you will enjoy beautiful scenery and mountain views.
While in the park area, you will have the opportunity to do a small hike near the Alluvial Fan. We will then travel along Trail Ridge Road, stopping at various scenic sites and pull-off areas. This drive may take 2 or 3 hours or more because there are so many picturesque places to enjoy, including the Lava Cliffs, mountain ranges, overlooks, and other beautiful views along the way. 🏞️
We will have lunch either at the summit or later in Estes Park. We will also visit the Stanley Hotel, where Stephen King was inspired to write his famous novel The Shining. When we arrive in Estes Park, you can enjoy shopping and strolling through town before we return to our hotel in Denver for the night. 🛍️
Day 4 — Sunday, August 22
Red Rocks, Denver Botanic Gardens, and Leadville Train 🚂
After an included breakfast, we will visit the famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre. We will also visit the Denver Botanic Gardens before making our way to Leadville for a scenic train ride. 🌺
This afternoon, we will board the Leadville Railroad at 2:00 PM. Climb aboard for a mid-summer adventure through the breathtaking Colorado Rockies, where vibrant wildflowers blanket the hillsides and the sun shines bright over towering peaks like Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive. As you glide through the San Isabel National Forest and along the Upper Arkansas River Valley, you can enjoy sweeping mountain views, crisp alpine air, engaging historical stories, and the perfect mix of relaxation and discovery. The train climbs nearly 1,000 feet from historic Leadville, offering stunning vistas throughout the journey. 🏔️
Our train ride will end around 4:30 PM. Afterward, we will drive about 1 ½ hours to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, where we will spend the night. Tonight, we will enjoy an included catered meal. 🍽️
Day 5 — Monday, August 23
Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Box Canyon Waterfall 🌄
Today, we will drive about 2 more hours to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. While there, we will drive the scenic South Rim Drive and stop at several overlooks to take in the dramatic canyon views. 📸
After leaving the national park, we will drive on to Box Canyon Waterfall. There is a short hike required to see the waterfall, but guests who choose not to do the hike may stay in the visitor’s center. After this stop, we will continue to Durango, Colorado, where we will spend the night. 🌊
Day 6 — Tuesday, August 24
Durango and Silverton Train Ride 🚂
Today, we will ride the famous Durango & Silverton Train. This is an all-day experience with a nearly 2-hour stop in the historic mining town of Silverton for shopping, lunch, and exploring. 🛍️
For a truly unforgettable step back in time, enjoy a leisurely trip to yesteryear as you ride 3 ½ hours each way through incredible mountain scenery. During the layover in Silverton, you can enjoy the sights, shops, food, and local atmosphere that this historic town has to offer. Tonight, we will spend the night in Durango again. 🏨
Day 7 — Wednesday, August 25
Mesa Verde National Park Guided Tour 🏜️
After an included breakfast, we will head to Mesa Verde National Park, where we will have a step-on guide. This special stop will give us the opportunity to experience one of Colorado’s most fascinating national parks, known for its history, scenery, and remarkable cliff dwelling sites. We will spend the night in Durango again. 🌄
Day 8 — Thursday, August 26
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Genoa, Colorado 🏜️
After an included breakfast, we will drive to Great Sand Dunes National Park, which is about 3 ½ hours away. Motorized vehicles are only allowed at the visitor’s center and main parking lot of this national park. After visiting the visitor’s center and enjoying the unique scenery of the dunes, we will begin our drive back home. Tonight, we will drive to Genoa, Colorado, where we will spend the night. 🏨
Day 9 — Friday, August 27
Genoa, Colorado to Kansas City, Missouri 🚌
After an included breakfast, we will drive to Kansas City, Missouri, where we will spend the night. Tonight, we will enjoy an included catered meal at the hotel. 🍽️
Day 10 — Saturday, August 28
Kansas City, Missouri to Home 🏡
Today, we will finish our journey home after a wonderful Colorado adventure filled with mountain views, national parks, historic train rides, and lasting memories. 🚌
Cost Per Person
Double: $2,600 per person
Triple: $2,300 per person
Quad: $2,200 per person
Single: $3,400
Included in Cost ✅
Included in the cost of this trip: travel by modern motor coach, lodging, included breakfasts as listed, catered meals, guided tour of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, visit to Red Rocks Amphitheatre, visit to the Denver Botanic Gardens, Leadville Railroad train ride, scenic drive through Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, visit to Box Canyon Waterfall, Durango & Silverton Train ride, step-on guided tour of Mesa Verde National Park, visit to Great Sand Dunes National Park, snacks and drinks while traveling, and a wonderful Colorado travel experience. 🏔️🚂🌲
