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Wild Colorado Explorer

New Tour

8 days

Join this 8-day tour of Colorado to explore its natural wonders and history, including the stunning Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak Cog Railway, and the Royal Gorge Bridge. Visit the towering dunes of Great Sand Dunes National Park, explore Chimney Rock's and discover Durango's charm. See ancient cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde, drive the scenic Million Dollar Highway, and marvel at Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Experience whitewater rafting in Glenwood Springs and explore the alpine beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park before returning to Denver.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

8 days

Starts

Denver

Ends

Denver

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Yes - escorted by a tour guide

Group Size

Min 6 / Max 14

Minimum age

6 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

June - September

Hotel Rating

3-star hotels

Countries

USA

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 7, Lunch: 2, Dinner: 3

Physical Rating

Moderate
Per Person From
NZD$7,405.00
Deposit From
Final payment
NZD$4,443.00
$10,367.00

Tour Highlights

Garden of the Gods - Explore unique red rock formations and enjoy stunning views of Pikes Peak while hiking through this scenic park in Colorado Springs
Pikes Peak Cog Railway - Ride a historic ride from 6,300 feet to over 14,000 feet, taking in panoramic views of the Colorado Rockies and the surrounding landscapes
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park - Visit the world’s highest suspension bridge, perched 1,053 feet above the Arkansas River, with time to walk across and explore the surrounding park
Great Sand Dunes National Park - Experience the tallest dunes in North America, set amidst diverse landscapes of grasslands, wetlands, forests, and alpine lakes
Mesa Verde National Park - Explore ancient cliff dwellings and archaeological sites of the Ancestral Puebloan culture, offering insight into the mysterious past of the Four Corners region
Million Dollar Highway - Journey through alpine meadows, past the San Juan Mountains, and stop at overlooks for views of rugged landscapes and historic mining ruins
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park - Discover dramatic canyon views carved by the Gunnison River, with opportunities to hike and explore unique geological formations
Rocky Mountain National Park - Traverse Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in North America, offering breathtaking views of alpine meadows, wildlife, and rugged mountain peaks

Included

7 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 3 dinners
7 nights in 3-star hotels
Comfortable transportation in a Mercedes Benz Sprinter van or similar
Escorted by a knowledgeable local tour guide
Airport arrival transfer on day 1 and complimentary hotel shuttle to the airport on day 8
All national parks and monuments entrance fees
Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
Whitewater Rafting
Gratuities for included meals and activities
Luggage handling (one suitcase per person)
Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go

Not Included

International flights & visas
Tips for your tour guide - an entirely personal gesture!
Optional activities
Items of a personal nature

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Colorado!

Denver - Colorado Springs. Today, meet your tour guide at 13:00 at Denver Airport and travel south to Colorado Springs to begin your journey through this stunning state.

We will explore the Garden of the Gods, marvelling at its striking red rock formations as we walk and hike through the park’s scenic trails. With towering sandstone spires and panoramic views of Pikes Peak, this natural landmark offers plenty of opportunities to appreciate the beauty of the area. After our time at the park, we'll head back to Colorado Springs, check into our hotel, and you’ll have time to unwind and enjoy a relaxing evening exploring the local shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Please note: This tour involves extensive hiking on uneven terrain, covering an average of 5 to 8 kilometres at a time, but sometimes more. Elevation changes range from 50 to 1,000 feet, and both touring and overnight locations are situated at altitudes between 5,000 and 8,000 feet above sea level. Due to the physical demands of this itinerary, participants should be prepared for significant activity.

Overnight: Colorado Springs

Day 2 - Pikes Peak & Royal Gorge

Colorado Springs - Alamosa. We begin our day with a historic and scenic ride on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. We will travel from 6,300 feet to just over 14,000 feet above sea level, taking in the sweeping 360-degree views, vistas, and natural beauty of the Pikes Peak region that has attracted generations of explorers and travellers.

Next, we will visit the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, where one of the world’s highest suspension bridges towers 466 metres above the Arkansas River. Here, you will have time to walk out onto the bridge, enjoy lunch at leisure, and explore the other sights in the park. We head to Alamosa in the heart of Colorado for dinner and our overnight.

Overnight: Alamosa
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 - Great Sand Dunes & Chimney Rock

Alamosa - Durango. Today we are exploring the Great Sand Dunes National Park, home to the tallest dunes in North America. These vast, shifting dunes are the stunning centrepiece of a diverse landscape that also includes grasslands, wetlands, conifer and aspen forests, alpine lakes, and tundra. As we hike and take in the views, we’ll witness the contrast between the towering sand dunes and the surrounding lush environment, offering a unique opportunity to experience one of the most varied ecosystems in Colorado.

Once we've finished, we will experience the stunning scenery of the Colorado Rockies as we travel over the picturesque Wolf Creek Pass before arriving in Pagosa Springs. Soon after, we will explore Chimney Rock National Monument and learn about this hidden gem of Ancestral Puebloan history. We’ll discover how these Native Americans used the two rock monoliths to chart the moon and record the Lunar Standstill that occurs every 18.6 years.

We will end our day with yet another scenic drive, leading us to the historic town of Durango

Overnight: Durango
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 - Mesa Verde National Park

Durango - Mesa Verde National Park - Durango. Today will be dedicated to exploring Mesa Verde National Park. We will visit the cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Pueblo and Anasazi peoples, who once thrived in this region before mysteriously disappearing. Mesa Verde is the largest archaeological preserve in the United States, featuring 4,000 sites, including 600 cliff dwellings.

We will begin at the Visitors Centre, where a large collection of ancient artifacts is on display. Our local guide will then lead us through some of the more renowned ruins, with a break for lunch. After our fascinating tour of Mesa Verde, we will return to Durango, where the remainder of the day will be free for you to explore this lively western town at your own pace.

Overnight: Durango
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Ouray & Colorado National Monument

Durango - Ouray - Grand Junction. Today, we’ll journey along the Million Dollar Highway from Durango to Ouray, often called the "Little Switzerland of America." As we travel, we’ll take in breathtaking alpine meadows, the scenic Animas River, and the towering San Juan Mountains, a prominent range within the Rockies. We’ll stop along the way for scenic overlooks and short hikes.

After passing historic mining ruins near Red Mountain Pass, with striking views of the “14-ers” mountains over 14,000 feet, known for challenging trails and scenic vistas, we’ll wind down to the charming town of Ouray for a visit to Box Canyon Falls and other highlights.

Our route then takes us north to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, with its dramatic canyon carved by the Gunnison River. We’ll explore trails and viewpoints along the north rim, enjoying sheer canyon walls and unique striated cliffs, especially at Painted Wall Viewpoint.

We’ll finish the day in Grand Junction, enjoying a picnic dinner at the Colorado National Monument.

Overnight: Grand Junction
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 - Whitewater Rafting & Glenwood Springs

Grand Junction - Gleenwood Springs - Silverthorne. After breakfast, we’ll travel east to Glenwood Springs for an exciting whitewater rafting adventure.

We’ll raft through the beautiful Glenwood Canyon, surrounded by stunning Rocky Mountain scenery, with a mix of calm waters and thrilling rapids. The trip includes Class 2-4 rapids, including the Shoshone Class 3-4 section, a 3.2-kilometre stretch ideal for both excitement and accessibility. This favourite route offers fascinating geology, impressive views, and engineering marvels along Interstate 70 - plus plenty of thrilling whitewater action!

You will have a few hours of free time for lunch and the chance to relax in the mineral hot springs, the reason Glenwood Springs was established.

We will then continue through the Colorado Rockies on our way to Silverthorne for the night. The evening is yours to explore or enjoy dinner in Silverthorne at your leisure.

Overnight: Silverthorne
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Rocky Mountain National Park & Farewell Dinner

Silverthorne - Rocky Mountain National Park - Grand Lake - Denver. We will depart Silverthorne for a scenic drive to Grand Lake and the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Along the way, we’ll hike and take in the stunning views along the park’s renowned Trail Ridge Road, which ascends to over 12,000 feet, with several overlooks showcasing the subalpine and alpine environments.

We’ll explore some hiking trails at our guide's discretion as we enjoy an afternoon of mountain roads, wildlife, and breathtaking views, a true Colorado Rocky Mountain High!

In the late afternoon, we’ll return to the Front Range for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, sharing our experiences from the past week in Colorado with our fellow travellers. Afterward, we’ll head to our hotel near the airport.

Overnight: Denver
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - Goodbye Colorado

After breakfast, you’ll say farewell to Colorado and head to Denver International Airport for your flight home. c complimentary airport shuttle is provided by the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Drury Inn & Suites
Colorado Springs

Located just off Interstate 25 and close to the U.S. Air Force Academy, this relaxed hotel is 4 miles from the Western Museum of Mining and Industry and 7 miles from the rodeo exhibits at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. The straightforward rooms come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. Complimentary amenities include popcorn, evening light bites, and a hot breakfast buffet served in a bright dining room. The hotel also features an indoor/outdoor pool, a hot tub, a 24-hour and a gym.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Hampton Inn
Alamosa

This modern, bright hotel off Highway 285 is 3 miles from steam train rides on the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad and a 5.1-mile drive from the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge. The relaxed rooms come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, custom-designed beds, and coffeemakers. On-site amenities include a fitness centre, an indoor pool, a hot tub, a business centre, and a meeting room.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Holiday Inn & Suites Durango Downtown
Durango

Just a 3-minute drive from downtown Durango along Highway 160, this modern hotel is also 16 km from San Juan National Forest. The understated rooms feature work desks, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, as well as coffee makers, microwaves, and fridges. The hotel includes an American sports grill where children 12 and under eat for free, an indoor pool, a whirlpool, a gym, and a business centre.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Hampton Inn
Grand Junction

Located in a bright building on a tree-lined street, this modern hotel is just an 8-minute walk from Grand Junction Amtrak station and only a short stroll from the popular shops and restaurants along Main Street. The comfortable rooms offer free Wi-Fi, custom-designed beds, desks, coffeemakers, and flat-screen TVs. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a fitness centre, seasonal outdoor pool, meeting room, and business centre.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Hampton Inn & Suites Silverthorne
Silverthorne

Nestled among the Rocky Mountains, this relaxed, modern hotel off the M6 is 6 miles from both Frisco Adventure Park and the skiing and water sports at Keystone Resort. The comfortable rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. Guests can enjoy amenities including an indoor pool, hot tub, and a 24-hour gym, along with a convenience store and coin-operated laundry facilities.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Fairfield Inn & Suites Denver Airport
Denver

This straightforward airport hotel is 7 miles from Denver International Airport and 6 miles from Morrison Nature Centre. The simple rooms and suites, with bright accent walls and carpeted floors, offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Amenities include an indoor pool, gym, meeting space, and guest laundry facilities.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with 6 travellers. 'Twin / Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to all solo travellers, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room.

2025
Twin/Double
Single
15 Jun - 22 Jun
$7,405
$8,255
20 Jul - 27 Jul
$7,405
$8,255
3 Aug - 10 Aug
$7,405
$8,255
7 Sep - 14 Sep
$7,405
$8,255

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