Colorado's Vintage Railways

A Reminder of When the Iron Horse Ruled the Frontier

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Sep 3 - Sep 10, 2027
8 days | 7 nights
Departure Cities: St. Louis, Kansas City

Hear the whistle of vintage steam engines as you journey through Colorado’s spectacular mountain landscapes and relive the romance of Old West rail travel. Ride five historic railways, including the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Royal Gorge Route Railroad, while traveling through dramatic canyons, rugged mountain passes, and historic frontier towns. Along the way, you’ll explore Great Sand Dunes National Park, enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery, and experience the rich history of Colorado’s legendary railroads. Comfortable hotels and leisurely pacing make this a memorable adventure for rail enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

  • Ride four historic Colorado railways, including the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Royal Gorge Route Railroad
  • Journey through the spectacular San Juan Mountains aboard vintage steam trains
  • Explore Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
  • Enjoy a guided visit to Garden of the Gods
  • Experience mountain storytelling and Indigenous music with Leon Joseph Littlebird
Download Itinerary map

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 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

Depart: September 3, 2027
Return: September 10, 2027

Price Per Person:

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

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

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.

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