Itinerary Details
Colorful Colorado: Peaks, Parks, And Panoramas With Canyon Spirit Rail Journey
Day 1ARRIVE IN DENVERWelcome to Denver! At 6 pm, meet with your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE The sky’s the limit with Rocky Mountain ways to explore the Mile High City of Denver. Discover one of the city’s great museums, stroll the pedestrian mall at 16th Street, or visit a local brewery on the Denver Beer Trail! Your Tour Director has suggestions to make the most of your free time. Tap your GlobusGO mobile app for maps, tips, and more.
Day 2DENVER–MORRISON–BOULDER–ESTES PARK 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 battle-ship-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. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE Recognized as the “Happiest City in the US,” Boulder boasts more than 300 days of sunshine. Home to University of Colorado Boulder, a tier-one research university also known for its Buffaloes football program, famed college bar, The Sink, and the jagged flatirons rock formations jutting high above it all.
Day 3ESTES PARK–ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK–VAILRocky Mountain Highs Visit the Alpine Visitor Center and explore Rocky Mountain National Park. Continue to Grand Lake, Colorado’s largest natural lake, framed by magnificent mountain peaks and forests. Travel to Vail, a charming mountain town nestled in the Colorado Rockies, for dinner at a local restaurant and a two-night stay. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ROCKY MOUNTAIN SIGHS Rocky Mountain National Park awakens the senses with alpine lakes, majestic mountain peaks, and miles of meadows—home to its resident elk population, as well as big horn sheep, marmots, and black bear to name a few. From the Estes Park side of the park, climb to more than 12,000 feet for sweeping views of the alpine tundra along Trail Ridge Road (the highest continuous paved road in North America). Cross the Continental Divide and descend to the western side of RMNP. Keep an eye out for moose and other fascinating wildlife en route to historic and charming town of Grand Lake.
Day 4VAILBavarian Beauty Visit the [LF] Vail Nature Center and enjoy a light guided hike to explore the wildflowers, active beaver lodges, and local ecosystem. 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. (B)
LOCAL FAVORITE
WILDFLOWER WALKS 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. Tap your GlobusGO mobile app for maps and suggestions on where to dine and what to see!
Day 5VAIL–GRAND JUNCTION–COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT–PALISADEPeaches 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 [LF] Peach Street Distillers, a creative spirits distillery. Enjoy an overnight stay at the Wine Country Inn for an authentic, local wine experience. (B)
LOCAL FAVORITE
COLORADO PROUD 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.
Day 6PALISADE–BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON NATIONAL PARK–SILVERTON–DURANGO 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 2-night stay. Tonight, spend free time browsing the shops on Main Avenue or enjoy regional specialties at a local restaurant. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE 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.
Day 7DURANGO. MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARKAncient Mystery Today, visit Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to the Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum and discover the culture and history of the Núuchi (Ute People). This afternoon, visit Ska Brewing Company in Durango for a tasting and discover their sustainability initiatives. As one of the first craft breweries 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. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ANCIENT DWELLINGS See Spruce Tree House, one of Mesa Verde’s best-preserved cliff dwellings. Visit the museum that tells the story of the people who once thrived on this 8,000-foot ancient plateau (now Mesa Verde National Park). Stop at a great vantage point for pictures of Cliff Palace (one of the largest of the 700-year-old Anasazi dwellings).
Day 8DURANGO–GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK–COLORADO SPRINGSPeak 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 2-night resort stay. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ACCOMMODATION HIGHLIGHT Discover Rocky Mountain serenity at Cheyenne Mountain Resort, located in the foothills of the Rockies, for the ultimate mountain experience. Relax onsite with resort amenities including walking trails, indoor and outdoor pools, a private lake with watersports, golf, spa, and even pickleball courts!
Day 9COLORADO SPRINGSSpend your day your way in Colorado Springs Explore more of Colorado Springs with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.
Visit stunning Garden of the Gods for a gentle nature walk to explore 300 million years of geological history amid its 300-foot towering sandstone rock formations. Marvel at the otherworldly beauty of this geological wonder against a Colorado “bluebird” sky above the snowcapped summit of Pikes Peak. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure at the resort. This evening, gather with your fellow travel companions and Tour Director for a farewell dinner. (B,D)
Day 10COLORADO SPRINGS–DENVER Mile-High City Say goodbye to your Tour Director and Driver and enjoy a day at leisure in Denver. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGHS At 5,280 feet above sea level, Denver is called the Mile-High City for a reason! Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app. Optional excursions are available for purchase with MyGlobus.
Day 11DENVER–CANYON SPIRIT RAIL (formerly Rocky Mountaineer)–GLENWOOD SPRINGS 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 be immersed in the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Arrive in the charming resort town of Glenwood Springs for an overnight stay.
(B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Enjoy a stay at the historic Hotel Colorado in beautiful Glenwood Springs. This elegant Rocky Mountain retreat has been a welcomed respite for travelers for more than 125 years near the town’s famous hot springs. Special guests President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt and the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown have enjoyed its gracious accommodations in the heart of the Colorado Rockies; its storied history also includes time as a Naval Hospital in the 1940s and playground for such notorious characters as Chicago gangsters of the Roaring 20s.
Day 12GLENWOOD SPRINGS–CANYON SPIRIT RAIL (formerly Rocky Mountaineer)–MOAB, UTAH Rugged Beauty Depart Glenwood Springs and cross the Colorado-Utah border en route to Moab, an outdoor mecca of magnificent natural landmarks, national parks, and world-class hiking. Enjoy stunning mountain views in the background and red sandstone landscapes as you approach Moab. 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 meal from a local restaurant. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
TRAIN SPOTLIGHT 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.
Day 13MOAB–CANYON SPIRIT RAIL (formerly Rocky Mountaineer)–SALT LAKE CITY Crimson Canyons Explore the breathtaking beauty of Arches National Park on an included scenic 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 taking in the views of the 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. (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT The capital city of Utah was established in 1847 by early pioneer settlers led by Brigham Young, who exclaimed, “This is the place,” upon seeing its vistas and verdant landscapes. The city has year-round outdoor activities and offers a vibrant downtown with a variety of stores, attractions, and restaurants.
Day 14SALT LAKE CITY 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. (B)
