July 22-31, 2023
10 DAYS – 15 MEALS
Sunnyland’s “Railroading” tours are a guaranteed fantastic time. Our Colorado adventure is no exception! Breath-taking vistas, high mountain passes, and chugging along amid the aspen and pine – experience these things and more as we head west, past the Flint Hills and rolling Great Plains to the high granite peaks, flat-topped mesas and steep gorges of Colorado. Enjoy five scenic railroads, a narrated trip to the top of Pike’s Peak, a visit to the Garden of the Gods and the Canyon of the Ancients Archaeological Dig – this is just a taste of what’s included in this fantastic tour. You won’t want to miss this one!
Highlights
- Five Scenic Colorado Railroads
- Georgetown Loop RR
- Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge RR
- Cumbres-Toltec Scenic RR
- Domed Car Royal Gorge Route RR with Lunch
- Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge RR
- Tour to the top of Pikes Peak
- Guided Tour of Garden of the Gods
- Canyon of the Ancients Museum
Pricing
Double – $2,799 pp
Single – $3,549
Triple – $2,459 pp
Deposit: $100 pp (due at time of booking)
Travel Protection: Call for a quote
Final Payment due by June 9, 2023
Day 1
We depart Springfield and make our way to Abilene, KS where we will waste no time in hitting the rails. As soon as we arrive, we will board the Abilene and Smoky Mountain Railroad for an afternoon ride through the rolling hills of Central, KS! This evening, enjoy dinner and relaxation. (D)
Day 2
Today, we depart Kansas for many enjoyable days ahead, featuring 5 railroad rides in scenic Colorado! This evening we will be treated to a reception at our hotel in Denver and then rest up for the coming days of adventure!
Day 3
After breakfast, we are on our way to board the Georgetown Loop Railroad. We ride the 1920’s steam-powered train over the reconstructed tracks through silver mining country! This afternoon, we will head to Canon City, where we will stay for the night. (B)
Day 4
This morning we board the Royal Gorge Route Railroad for a 24-mile journey following the Arkansas River and Royal Gorge. Enjoy a dramatic view of the Royal Gorge Bridge as we relax in climate-controlled rail cars. After a lovely ride, we will make our way to Alamosa for the night.
Day 5
Our ride today is on a narrow-gauge steam train, the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. Spiked in 1800, the line was built to serve the rich mining camps of the San Juan Mountains. A delicious lunch is served aboard the train. The line climbs forested mountainsides and rolls through the wild Toltec Gorge of the Los Pinas River. After disembarking at Cumbres Pass we drive to Durango. Next two nights in Durango. (6,500’) (B, L)
Day 6
Today is full of scenery as we travel southwest to Mesa Verde National Park. A step-on guide joins us for our tour through the park. Mesa Verde is one of the nation’s major archeological preserves. It consists of more than 4,000 ruin sites, which include 600 cliff dwellings. Archeologists have stabilized only a few of the ruins. (B)
Day 7
We board our fourth train for a ride on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. (9,300’) The line carried $300 million worth of gold and silver in the late 1800’s. Our route, inaccessible by car, follows the River of Lost Souls Canyon. We disembark at with lunch on the train today, Silverton, where prospectors swarmed 100 years ago. Night in Grand Junction. (B, L)
Day 8
This morning we board Amtrak’s famous California Zephyr to ride through the heart of the Rockies, bound for Denver. We cross the Continental Divide as we travel through six-mile Moffat Tunnel. We will spend our last Colorado night in Denver. (B)
Day 9
We start making our way home today after five spectacular train rides through the mountains of Colorado. We will check into local hotel in Salina, KS and enjoy a farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 10
Today, we finish our journey home. (B)
