COLORADO RAILROADS

“Riding the Rails” is one of the most beautiful settings, in the Rocky Mountains. We have changed our itinerary and will be taking this tour in the fall to see the brilliant colors in Colorado. We have again included riding four different rails. Each is a unique experience. There is nothing more nostalgic than a train whistle echoing around the bend as the smoke billows from the smokestack.

Day 1: On this cool fall morning, we begin our trip by boarding our comfortable motorcoach as we travel west, across western Kansas and eastern Colorado. We’ll enjoy getting acquainted as we anticipate the puffing steam, the wailing whistles, the grinding of the rails and all the thrills that go with the romance of the Railroads in the Rockies. We’ll overnight in the Canon City area. 

Day 2: This morning we will board the Royal Gorge Railroad for a scenic train ride through the Royal Gorge, along the Arkansas River. From the open-air observation cars you can see the hawks circling, maybe observe some big horn sheep, see evidence of abandoned roads, rails and mines, the bridge overhead, and how the mighty Arkansas River cut its way through the gorge. We will have time at the Royal Gorge Bridge area for lunch, the incline railroad, and the optional tram ride for those who wish. Mid-afternoon, we travel to the Continental Divide for a break stop and on to Gunnison for our nights stay. 

Day 3: This morning we’ll board our coach for our drive to Ouray for lunch and some free time in this quaint and charming town. Our drive after lunch from Ouray to Silverton is breathtaking as we make our way across the Million-Dollar Highway. It ranks among the nation’s most spectacular auto routes. Arriving in Silverton, the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad awaits us. This coal-burning locomotive traverses through the San Juan National Forest along the Animas River. The sights and scenery you encounter on this train trip through the National Forest are truly spectacular. It is estimated that over $300 million in precious metals have traveled this route. Durango will be our nights stay for the next 2 nights. 

Day 4: This morning we will travel to Mesa Verde Park and the archeological site of some of the world’s largest and best-preserved cliff dwellings. A step-on guide will board our motorcoach to give a more in-depth history of this park. This is the only national park dedicated solely to the work of man. These cliff dwellings were abandoned 200 years before Columbus landed in the Americas. The well-preserved old homes will amaze you as you reflect on how life might have been back then. Upon our return to Durango, there will be some free time to enjoy this town. Back to same motel. Dinner is on your own. 

Day 5: Leaving Durango this morning we’ll be heading east along some more scenic routes as we make our way into N.M. Arriving in Chama, we will board the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, the finest remaining example of the original Denver and Rio Grande narrow gauge line, a railroad built in the 1880’s to serve miners and loggers. One hundred years ago this daring steam engine railroad opened up the Great American West. Over 64 miles of unspoiled scenery awaits us as we climb through the spectacular San Juan Mountains. Wailing whistles bounce down canyon walls, while far below the Los Pinos River glistens in sunlight. Through tunnels and over trestles, you’ll experience it all!!! You’ll have an included lunch at the half-way point. All during the six-hour ride we’ll be going back and forth from New Mexico into Colorado and back to New Mexico until we reach our final destination on the train at Antonita, CO. Boarding our coach, we’ll put a few more miles behind us this evening. Alamosa, Colorado will be our home for the night. 

Day 6: Rich railroad history and non-stop scenic treasures await us today on the newly awakened Rio Grande Scenic Railroad. Our excursion will take us over La Veta Pass stopping in this quaint town for lunch and shopping. The colors can be quite brilliant in this area at this time of year. Upon our return we will again overnight in Alamosa. 

Day 7: The trains have been exciting for us this last week, but now it’s time to head home. Out of the valleys, out of the canyons, and out of the mountains, we will sense a security in the familiar flat lands that we love. We’ll enjoy reminiscing about the scenic spots we visited as we travel east toward home.