Colorado's Vintage Railways

DAY 1: WELCOME TO COLORADO!

Your rail adventure begins in Denver. Settle in and get ready for a memorable week exploring Colorado’s legendary railways, mountain scenery, and Old West history. D

DAY 2: GEORGETOWN LOOP, MOUNTAIN TALES

Travel to the charming mountain town of Georgetown, which began as a mining camp in 1859. Here, you’ll board the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad for your first rail journey aboard a classic narrow-gauge train that loops high above the valley floor. After lunch in town, storyteller Leon Joseph Littlebird shares tales of mountain life and Indigenous music during a special performance. Later, continue to Grand Junction for the evening. B, L

DAY 3: DURANGO & SILVERTON NARROW GAUGE

Today brings one of Colorado’s most iconic rail experiences. First, view the dramatic landscapes of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, where the Gunnison River has carved steep cliffs through ancient rock formations. Then board the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for a spectacular ride aboard an 1880s-era steam- powered locomotive as you wind through remote wilderness, deep canyons, and portions of the vast San Juan National Forest. Later, arrive in Durango for a relaxing two-night stay at the historic Strater Hotel. B

DAY 4: DURANGO YOUR WAY

Enjoy a leisurely day exploring the historic western town of Durango at your own pace. Founded in 1880 by the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, Durango offers a lively historic downtown filled with shops, restaurants, and scenic mountain charm. You may choose to join a walking tour, stroll along the Animas River Trail, browse local shops, or simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere of this classic Colorado rail town. An optional excursion is also available today. B

Option—Mesa Verde National Park Travel deep into Mesa Verde National Park to learn about the Ancestral Puebloan people. L Price: $59 per person

DAY 5: CUMBRES & TOLTEC RAILROAD

Step back into the days of frontier rail travel aboard the legendary Cumbres & Toltec Railroad. Relax in your comfortable coach or open-air observation car as this historic steam train climbs through the breathtaking San Juan Mountains. Your unforgettable journey from Chama to Antonito reaches elevations of more than 10,000 feet and passes through rugged mountain scenery, forests, and remote western landscapes. Midway through the journey, stop for lunch in the small mining town of Osier before continuing to Alamosa. B, L

DAY 6: GREAT SAND DUNES, ROYAL GORGE RAILROAD

Marvel at the towering dunes of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. After lunch, board the famous Royal Gorge Route Railroad for a scenic journey along the Arkansas River beneath the soaring granite walls of Royal Gorge. This classic rail route offers spectacular views as the train winds through one of Colorado’s most dramatic natural landscapes. B, L, D

DAY 7: PIKES PEAK

Begin your day at Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, where the suspension bridge stretches 1,000 feet above the canyon below. Continue toward Colorado Springs with a stop for lunch in the charming town of Manitou Springs, known for its mineral springs and beautiful setting at the base of Pikes Peak. Many Native American tribes considered this area sacred, and you’ll quickly understand why. Tonight, enjoy a lively Western stage show and Chuckwagon dinner at Flying W Ranch. B, L, D

Option—Pikes Peak Cog Railway For an even more dramatic mountain experience, ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railway during an 8,000-foot ascent to the summit of majestic Pikes Peak. Enjoy sweeping mountain views along the way. Price: $89 per person

DAY 8: GARDEN OF THE GODS

Visit spectacular Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, where towering red sandstone formations rise against the backdrop of Pikes Peak and the Rocky Mountains. This beautiful park is home to an impressive variety of plant and animal life, as well as some of Colorado’s most photographed scenery. Later, return to Denver and depart for home with wonderful memories of Colorado’s vintage railways and scenic mountain landscapes. B

ACCOMMODATIONS

Night 1: Hyatt Place Airport, Denver, CO
Night 2: Hampton Inn Downtown, Grand Junction, CO
Nights 3-4: Strater Hotel, Durango, CO
Night 5: Hampton Inn, Alamosa, CO
Night 6: Holiday Inn Express, Cañon City, CO
Night 7: Hyatt Place, Colorado Springs, CO

Departure Cities:

• St. Louis
• Kansas City
• Springfield, MO

Depart: September 18, 2026
Return: September 25, 2026

Price Per Person (2026):

• DB $3,399
• TP/QD $3,199
• SG $4,199

Price includes roundtrip airfare from STL, MCI, SGF. Call for other gateway cities.

Depart: September 17, 2027
Return: September 24, 2027

Price Per Person (2027):

• DB $3,599
• TP/QD $3,499
• SG $4,499

Price includes roundtrip airfare from STL, MCI, SGF. Call for other gateway cities.

Mobility Note
Guests should be comfortable boarding and exiting several historic trains, some of which require climbing narrow steps and moving through vintage railcars. Walking may include gravel, uneven ground, historic downtown streets, inclines and high-elevation viewpoints. Great Sand Dunes National Park has loose sand that can be strenuous to walk on, while the optional Pikes Peak Cog Railway reaches more than 14,000 feet, where even short walks can feel noticeably more difficult.

Average Temps
Denver and Colorado Springs: Daytime 75–82°F; Overnight 48–55°F
Durango and Grand Junction: Daytime 74–84°F; Overnight 43–52°F
Silverton, Cumbres Pass and other high elevations: Daytime 50–65°F; Overnight 30–40°F
Great Sand Dunes: Daytime around 71°F; Overnight around 42°F

Elevation
Denver: Approximately 5,280 feet
Durango: Approximately 6,512 feet
Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center: Approximately 8,200 feet
Silverton: Approximately 9,305 feet
Cumbres Pass: 10,015 feet
Pikes Peak: 14,115 feet

This tour spends considerable time at high elevation. Guests should stay well hydrated, pace themselves and be aware that headaches, fatigue or shortness of breath can occur while adjusting to altitude.

Packing Tips
Pack comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a brimmed hat and a refillable water bottle. Removable layers are especially important because temperatures can change dramatically as the trains climb into the mountains. Bring a warm jacket or windbreaker for Silverton and the Cumbres & Toltec journey; some historic coaches are not heated.

Hotel Note
The historic Strater Hotel is one of the highlights of the accommodations on this tour. Built in 1887, the downtown Durango landmark is a founding member of Historic Hotels of America and sits just two blocks from the Durango & Silverton depot. Its 88 individually decorated rooms feature Victorian furnishings, period-style wallpaper and historic character, making the hotel a natural extension of the tour’s Old West rail theme.

Notes on Highlights
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad crosses between Colorado and New Mexico 11 times during its 64-mile journey. At 10,015 feet, Cumbres Pass is the highest mountain pass reached by rail in the United States.

The Durango & Silverton route climbs nearly 2,800 feet between Durango and Silverton while following the Animas River through remote areas of the San Juan Mountains that are inaccessible by highway. The railroad has been operating between the two communities since the early 1880s.

The stop at Osier on the Cumbres & Toltec is itself unusual. Located at approximately 9,637 feet, this remote former railroad settlement is accessible primarily by train and provides the setting for the included midday meal before guests continue their rail journey.

September is considered one of the most pleasant times to visit Great Sand Dunes, with generally sunny conditions and cooler temperatures. However, the surface of the sand can still become extremely hot on sunny afternoons, so sturdy footwear is important.

The Georgetown Loop was an engineering solution to a difficult problem: engineers needed to gain roughly 600 feet of elevation within only a few miles. The resulting looping track and high bridge allowed trains to climb toward the mining community of Silver Plume without requiring an impossibly steep grade.

With the Georgetown Loop, Durango & Silverton, Cumbres & Toltec and Royal Gorge Route all included, guests experience several distinctly different styles of Colorado railroading, from narrow-gauge mountain steam trains to a route running along the floor of the dramatic Royal Gorge.

Other General Information
Tour Communications: You will receive three key communications leading up to your tour:

• Get Ready: Your email confirmation and initial tour information, sent after you register.
• Get Set: An email with additional tour details, sent approximately two months before departure.
• Go: Your final trip documents, mailed via USPS approximately three to four weeks before departure. This packet will include your daily itinerary, luggage tags, and final departure information.

Travel Protection: Travel Protection is optional but highly recommended and may be purchased until the day before departure. Sunrise Tours offers plans through battleface. Additional information will be included with your Get Ready email and can also be found HERE.

Inclusions: Unless otherwise noted, your Sunrise Tour includes:

• A professional Sunrise Tour Director
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Local step-on guides, including gratuities
• International tour guide gratuities when specified for the individual tour
• Deluxe motorcoach transportation with an onboard restroom
• Admission to activities and events as indicated
• Airfare from designated airports
• Transportation to and from designated airports from our convenient local pickup points*
• Luggage handling at hotels when available

Gratuities: We believe tipping is a personal and discretionary interaction between our guests and staff. A typical gratuity for your Sunrise Tour Director and motorcoach driver is $6 to $10 per person, per day of the tour. Sunrise Shuttle drivers also appreciate gratuities for excellent service, with a suggested amount of $5 per person. Our staff will not solicit gratuities or distribute gratuity envelopes.

Refreshments: We are happy to provide refreshments on most motorcoach travel days. We also recommend bringing a refillable water bottle to help you stay hydrated throughout your tour.

Pickup Points: If fewer than four travelers request a particular pickup point, we may ask those guests to select another available pickup location. Travelers are also welcome to join a tour from a city that is not listed as a departure point. Please contact our friendly reservations team to discuss available arrangements. For departure cities not listed, airfare is typically $100 more than the published fare for domestic tours and $200 more for international tours.

TSA PreCheck and Airline Rewards Numbers: TSA PreCheck, Known Traveler Numbers, and airline rewards numbers must be provided to our reservations team at least 60 days before departure. Numbers received after this deadline may not be applied to your reservation.

Airline Seating: Preferred seating may not be available with group airfare. In some cases, seats are not assigned until travelers arrive at the airport. Your tour fare includes an economy-class seat but does not include advance seat selection. Seat upgrades may be available for an additional cost.

Motorcoach Capacity and Seating: To provide one of the most comfortable motorcoach experiences in the industry, Sunrise Tours generally limits motorcoaches to 80% capacity. This allows for a maximum of 44 passengers on a motorcoach designed to accommodate 55. Sunrise Tours reserves the right to amend this practice. Your Tour Director will rotate motorcoach seating each day of the tour. Payment of a single-occupancy fare does not guarantee two motorcoach seats, and you may be seated beside another friendly Sunrise Tours guest.

Terms and Conditions
Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.