The Colorado Rockies
July 10, 2027 | 9 Days
Discover the breathtaking beauty and rich history of Colorado on this unforgettable 9 day adventure. From Denver, travel through the Rocky Mountains and along Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park before continuing to the dramatic landscapes of Colorado National Monument and Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Explore the historic mountain towns of Silverton and Durango, experience the spectacular Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and uncover the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park. Continue through Colorado's scenic national forests to Colorado Springs, where you'll ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the summit of legendary Pikes Peak and admire the towering sandstone formations of Garden of the Gods. With three national parks, historic rail journeys, stunning mountain scenery, and memorable local experiences, this Colorado adventure offers something to discover around every turn.
-
Rocky Mountain National Park
Colorado National Monument
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Mesa Verde National Park (UNESCO)
Pikes Peak Cog Railway
-
• Roundtrip Airfare - MSP
• 12 Meals Included: 7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch & 4 Dinners
• Sightseeing per Itinerary
• Admissions per Itinerary
• Hotel Transfers
• Professional Tour Director
• Motorcoach Transportation
-
Day 1: Denver, Colorado
A Denver, Colorado Adventure awaits as you explore the towering peaks and rolling meadows of Colorado. As travelers' arrival times vary greatly, we have no group activities planned during the day. This tour (which features 3 national parks) opens in the "Mile High City" of Denver where you will gather for a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers. (D)Day 2: Denver - Rocky Mountain National Park - Denver
Travel through Estes Park, a mountain resort town and home of the Stanley Hotel, the inspiration for Stephen King's The Shining. Your adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park starts on the Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved, continuous highway in North America. Its a drive that should be on everybody's bucket list. At Rainbow Curve, marvel at the majestic mountains that stand in contrast to deep, rugged canyons. Later, return to Denver for a free evening in this dynamic city. (B)Day 3: Denver - Colorado National Monument - Grand Junction
The spectacular Rocky Mountains are your traveling companion. Make a scenic drive from Denver to Grand Junction, passing through some of Colorado's famous ski resorts. This journey also takes you to one of the grand landscapes of the American West, Colorado National Monument.Continue along the monument's historic Rim Rock Drive to see a colorful panorama of deep, sheer-sided canyons and high rock towers. Settle into Grand Junction for an evening at leisure. (B)
Day 4: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park - Grand Junction
Today, venture to another amazing national park, Colorado's own "Grand Canyon!" Marvel at the steep-walled gorge and dramatic views of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park while traveling along its South Rim. Pause at one of the scenic viewpoints to soak in this stunning wilderness of rock, water, and sky. Enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking some of the steepest and oldest rock walls in North America, carved over 2 million years by the Cunnison River. Perhaps you'll even spot a peregrine falcon. This afternoon, it's your choice! Immerse yourself in the stories of the American West during a tour of the Museum of the Mountain West, a preserved and re-created pioneer town that captures life as it was over a century ago -OR- visit a small-scale hop farm where you learn about Colorado grown hops and taste local beers made from their hops. Gather for dinner at a favorite local hangout in Grand Junction, a town that attracts outdoorsmen, foodies, and all manner of free spirits. (B, L, D)Day 5: Grand Junction - Silverton - Durango
Head south to Silverton, a former silver mining town and now a National Historic Landmark. Hidden high in the San Juan Mountains, this town blends spectacular scenery, Victorian charm, and historic architecture. Then, it's "all aboard" the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This 1881 coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive made its name hauling silver and gold ore from the San Juan Mountains, but you will soon realize it is the view that is its most precious asset. Tonight, enjoy leisure time in the quaint downtown of Durango. (B)Day 6: Durango - Mesa Verde National Park - Durango
An incredible day awaits in Mesa Verde National Park (UNESCO), home of the ancient Ancestral Puebloan civilization. Join a local guide on a drive through the park, making several photo stops, including views of the famous Spruce Tree House, one of Mesa Verde's best-preserved cliff dwellings, and Cliff Palace, the largest in the park. This evening, experience a farm-to-table dinner on a family-owned ranch surrounded by red mountain peaks and lush green pastures. (B, D)Day 7: Durango - Colorado Springs
Sit back and relax during a scenic ride to Colorado Springs. En route, marvel at the landscape as you make your way from the San Juan National Forest and across Wolf Creek Pass, a section of the Continental Divide that would take pioneers 2 to 3 weeks to cross.Continue on through the Rio Grande National Forest, a vast expanse of wilderness named for the 1800 miles of Rio Grande River that cuts through the forest. Your day concludes with a free evening in Colorado Springs, an artistic and cultural hub. (B)
Day 8: Colorado Springs - Pikes Peak - Colorado Springs
Depart for Manitou Springs, home of Pikes Peak, the legendary symbol of the 1859 Gold Rush. Embark on a journey aboard the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the world's highest cog railroad, for an 8.9-mile trip to the top of Pikes Peak.During the journey you will see magnificent views and perhaps animals in their native habitat. Later, travel to the Garden of the Gods to take in the view of towering sandstone formations that dot the landscape set in the backdrop of majestic Pikes Peak. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner and celebrate your adventure. (B, D)
Day 9: Colorado Springs - Minneapolis
Your tour comes to a close in Colorado Springs and you fly home with memories of your time in the Rocky Mountains. -
8 Nights Accommodations:
2 Nights: Denver, CO
Grand Hyatt Denver
4 Nights: Grand Junction, CO
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Grand Junction Downtown/Historic Main Street
2 Nights: Durango, CO
Durango Strater Hotel
*On some dates alternative hotels may be used
-
Regular Rate:
DBL $4,599 | SING $5,799 | TRIPLE $4,549 – Booking Discount $100 (exp. Jan 10, 2027)
*Please call if you have questions regarding our booking discount, deposits, and/or travel protection plans.
We’re happy to assist you! -
Important Tour Information:
Book Now rates valid until Jan 10, 2027, valid on air inclusive packages only.
The overall activity level of this tour is a level 2. This means you like a balanced approach to travel. Walking two to three miles over the course of a day is no problem for you. You can handle a variety of terrains, from cobblestone streets to moderate hills with relative ease and without assistance. You can climb two flights of stairs with ease. Expect some full days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure. You can handle altitudes up to 6,000 feet. While this level is appropriate for travelers that require mobility assistance devices, there could be times when you may have to sit out on some of the included activities.
Travel with an average of 37 people (maximum of 44).
If you require any special assistance while on tour, please make us aware at the time of reservation so the necessary request form can be sent to your attention.
This tour includes traveling to high altitudes (approximately 14,110 feet / 4300 meters) and may not be suitable for some travelers. We suggest that you consult your physician if you have any concerns.
In order to fully experience all that we have included on this tour, there will be 4 long travel days with 4 hours or more of driving, including stops.
Personal audio devices (headsets) are not included on this tour.
When reserving a triple room, it will have 2 double beds. Due to fire safety regulations, a rollaway bed cannot be brought into the room.
Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Single rate subject to change based on availability.
For air-inclusive reservations, the name provided at time of booking must match your government-issued ID that will be used during travel. Name changes are subject to penalties.
Our air travelers will depart from Denver, Colorado.
Please be advised, many airlines do not provide advance seat assignments until check-in at the airport. Advance seating will be subject to the airline's terms and conditions.
Due to tour scheduling, return flights should not be booked prior to 9:30 a.m.
Prepaid tipping is not available on our tours therefore payment of customary end-of-trip gratuities for your Tour Manager, driver, hotel housekeepers, and cruise ship waitstaff should be handled individually when applicable during the course of your tour.
Economy air rate and schedule are applicable for groups of 10 or more traveling on the same flights and dates.
Travel Requirements:
IDENTIFICATION
Travel within USA
A Real ID compliant form of identification must be presented both at the time of booking air travel with Collette and upon checking in at the airport to board any flight. State-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Any fees associated with changing a reservation resulting from a non-compliant identification will be the responsibility of the traveler. For more information on Real ID, please visit the Department of Homeland Security website: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id
Collette will provide all necessary information, updates, and supporting documents for your travel requirements, including visa and Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs), if required, approximately 60-90 days prior to your departure.
A deposit of $698 per person is due upon reservation. Reservations are made on a first come, first served basis. Reservations made after the seat reduction date of January 03, 2027 are based upon availability.
Final payment due by April 11, 2027. Deposits are refundable up until January 10, 2027.