Colorado & Old West Railroads

Arrive at Denver Airport and make your own way to the hotel via taxi, Uber, or the scenic train ride to Union Station. Your guide will be available at the hotel between 15:00 and 18:00 to assist with check-in, answer any questions, and get you ready for the next day. Enjoy a free evening to explore downtown Denver and dine at your leisure.

Denver - Georgetown - Grand Junction. This morning, we leave Denver and ascend into the Rockies, stopping in historic Georgetown (8,500 feet), once dubbed the “Silver Queen of Colorado” for its rich silver deposits discovered in 1864. Board the Georgetown Loop Railroad, a classic steam train that winds through the mountains between Georgetown and Silver Plume, passing remnants of old gold and silver mines along 3.1 miles of narrow-gauge track.

At the end of the line, we explore the Lebanon Silver Mine on a guided tour that takes us 500 feet into a 19th-century tunnel, where we see silver veins and learn about early mining life - don’t forget a jacket, as it's a cool 44°F underground. We will also visit the mine’s original manager’s office, tool shed, and change room. Later, we’ll cross the Continental Divide and continue to Grand Junction for an overnight stay, with dinner included at a downtown restaurant.

Grand Junction - Silverton - Durango. Today’s adventure begins with a thrilling three-hour Jeep tour over 12,000-foot Corkscrew Pass, where we traverse narrow mining trails and take in the vivid hues of the Red Mountains. Continue along the scenic Million Dollar Highway to Silverton, where we will board the iconic Silverton-Durango Railroad.

This historic steam train winds 45 miles through the remote canyons of the San Juan National Forest, following the Animas River on a route once travelled by miners and settlers of the Old West. In continuous operation since 1882, the ride offers a true step back in time. After arriving in Durango, check into our hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure in this charming mountain town.

Durango - Chama - Antonita - Alamosa. We depart early for Chama, New Mexico, to board the Cumbres & Toltec Railroad, often called the most scenic train ride in America. This coal-fired, steam-powered, narrow-gauge railroad covers 64 miles of spectacular mountain terrain, passing historic landmarks and climbing through pristine wilderness.

The journey crosses the Colorado-New Mexico border multiple times, navigating tunnels, gorges, and the dramatic Cumbres Pass. Lunch is served at the remote Osier Dining Hall before continuing to Antonito, Colorado. From there, we drive to Alamosa for an overnight stay. After dinner on your own, we visit the stunning Great Sand Dunes National Park, where towering 750-foot dunes stretch across 30 square miles - an awe-inspiring sight at sunset.

Alamosa - Canon City. Today begins with a scenic drive from Alamosa to Canon City, where we will board the Royal Gorge Route Railroad for a breathtaking ride through the dramatic Royal Gorge.

Since 1879, these historic tracks have followed the Arkansas River beneath towering 1,000-foot granite cliffs - a journey President Teddy Roosevelt famously called “the trip that bankrupts the English language.” A delicious lunch is included during the ride.

Afterward, visit the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, home to one of the world’s highest suspension bridges, soaring 1,053 feet above the river. You will have time to walk the bridge and explore the park before returning to Canon City for the night. Dinner is at your leisure.

Canon City - Denver. Start the day aboard the world’s highest cog railway - the Pikes Peak Cog Railway - as it climbs from 6,300 to over 14,000 feet, offering sweeping 360-degree views of the stunning Pikes Peak region.

After the ride, we return to Denver, where your guide will take you to the airport for your flight home. You will be dropped at 15:00 - 16:00, so we don't recommend booking your flight out of Denver before 19:00 in case of any delays.