Western Rails & Canyons with Canyon Spirit Rail Journey
Tour Overview
All aboard for a spectacular 9-day adventure through the American Southwest! Your tour through Colorado and Utah begins with an overnight stay in the ‘Mile High City’ of Denver—5,280 feet above sea level. In Colorado Springs, board the Pikes Peak cog railway to reach the summit that inspired ‘America the Beautiful.’ Explore the stunning desert landscapes of Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, and the ancient indigenous dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park. Embark on a two-day scenic rail journey aboard the Canyon Spirit train from the outdoor mecca of Moab through Colorado Canyons National Conservation Area and over the Continental Divide to return to Denver. You’ll also explore the natural treasures of Great Sand Dunes National Park and the scenic Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Denver,Colorado
Location: Denver
Accommodation Name: Hotel Indigo Denver Downtown
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome drink.
Day 2: Denver,Colorado Springs
Location: Denver, Colorado Springs
Accommodation Name: Embassy Suites by Hilton Colorado Springs
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DENVER–COLORADO SPRINGS The Mile-High City See Denver’s historic Union Station, Mile High Stadium, and more on an orientation tour en route to Colorado Springs. Explore Garden of the Gods Park, featuring 300-foot towering sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of snowcapped Pikes Peak and brilliant blue skies. Take a thrilling ride on the Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Travel up to the summit of 14,115-foot Pikes Peak, the place that inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write America the Beautiful. Tonight, a [LF] home-cooked BBQ dinner with western music under the stars at the historic Flying W Ranch (weather permitting). (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Enjoy Rocky Mountain home cooking under the stars with a BBQ at Flying W Ranch. Feel free to don your western garb and tap along to western music to get you in the spirit at this working cattle ranch in the Colorado foothills!
Day 3: Colorado Springs,Great Sand Dunes National Park,Durango
Location: Colorado Springs, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Durango
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Durango
Meals Included: Breakfast
COLORADO SPRINGS–GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK–DURANGO Peak Perfection A scenic drive travels along the Highway of Legends Scenic and Historic Byway, with views of the Sangre de Cristo Range, home to ten 14,000-foot peaks, and through meandering ranchlands to Great Sand Dunes National Park. Later, continue deeper into the Colorado wilderness passing through the San Juan National Forest to Durango. Tonight is free to explore Durango to visit the saloons, speakeasy, and more on historic Main Street. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS A sandbox of epic proportions, the entire dune field encompasses 30 square miles, with the tallest dune towering 750 feet high. With the highest dunes in North America, Great Sand Dunes National Park is a diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, forests, and soaring peaks. Enjoy free time here to explore the dunefield trails.
Day 4: Durango. Rail Journey To Silverton
Location: Durango, Silverton
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Durango
Meals Included: Breakfast
DURANGO. RAIL JOURNEY TO SILVERTON Rocky Mountain Highs This morning, board the [LF] Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad for a scenic ride through San Juan National Forest. Return to Durango for a free evening. (B)LOCAL FAVORITE EPIC RIDE The legendary Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad train hugs steep canyon walls as it winds its way through Rio de las Animas Canyon to Silverton, a National Historic Landmark. Silverton, once a major mining town, owes its name to an early miner’s claim, “We have no gold, but silver by the ton!” Spend time visiting the breweries, boutiques, and saloons that dot the thriving Greene Street.
Day 5: Durango,Mesa Verde National Park,Canyons Of The Ancients,Moab,Utah
Location: Durango, Mesa Verde National Park, Canyons Of The Ancients, Moab
Accommodation Name: Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast
DURANGO–MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK–CANYONS OF THE ANCIENTS–MOAB, UTAH Ancient Mystery Today is a step back to ancient times, lands, and people. Start with a visit to Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, continuing to the Canyon of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum. Continue to Moab for a free evening. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORY & TRADITION Learn about the Ancestral Puebloans and see their mysterious, centuries-old cliff dwellings. Also, visit the museum that depicts the story of the people who once thrived on this 8,000-foot plateau, and stop at a great vantage point for pictures of Cliff Palace (one of the largest of the 700-year-old Anasazi dwellings). Visit the Canyon of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum en route to Moab. Learn of the Ancestral Puebloan, Native American, and historic cultures in the Four Corners region. Then, walk in the footsteps of these great people by visiting the Escalante and Dominquez Pueblos.
Day 6: Moab. Excursion To Canyonlands National Park & Deadhorse State Park
Location: Moab, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park
Accommodation Name: Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast
MOAB. EXCURSION TO CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK & DEADHORSE STATE PARK Crimson Canyons Visit magnificent Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park. Return to Moab for a free evening. Perhaps visit the quaint shops and restaurants on Main Street or stretch your legs on the Mill Creek Parkway Trail. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS Explore the magnificent views of Canyonlands National Park to see deep canyons stretching across the Colorado Plateau, an intricate canyon labyrinth with a million crimson hues. Then, on to Dead Horse Point State Park to see a vast mesa with an incredible view of the Colorado River as it twists through a gooseneck canyon 2,000 feet below.
Day 7: Moab,Arches National Park,Canyon Spirit Rail,Glenwood Springs,Colorado
Location: Canyon Spirit Rail
Accommodation Name: Glenwood Springs Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
MOAB–ARCHES NATIONAL PARK–CANYON SPIRIT RAIL–GLENWOOD SPRINGS, COLORADO Rockies by Rail Today, explore the incredible landscape of Arches National Park, containing more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the world-famous Delicate Arch. Then embark on the Canyon Spirit for a scenic train ride in Signature Class. Travel east through the Colorado Canyons National Conservation Area. See Parachute Creek and Mount Logan while following the scenic Colorado River. Take in the beautiful red rock formations, desert cliffs of Ruby Canyon, and mountain vistas. Overnight stay in historic Glenwood Springs, Colorado. (B,D) NOTE: Glenwood Springs properties are considered moderate 3-star hotels or better. Your chosen hotel is determined by Canyon Spirit; however, you can rest assured that it satisfies our high standards of cleanliness and comfort.TOUR HIGHLIGHTTRAIN SPOTLIGHT The Canyon Spirit travels through spectacular scenery. Signature Service features a single-level glass dome coach offering reclining seats, meals served at your seat, an outdoor viewing area, and panoramic views from oversized windows. Enjoy an onboard culinary experience in regional cuisine and ingredients local to the Southwestern U.S.
Day 8: Glenwood Springs,Canyon Spirit Rail,Denver
Location: Canyon Spirit Rail
Accommodation Name: Hotel Indigo Denver Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
GLENWOOD SPRINGS–CANYON SPIRIT RAIL–DENVER On Top of the World A full day aboard the Canyon Spirit through the Colorado high country. Arrive in Denver this evening for a farewell dinner hosted by your Tour Director tonight. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGHS From dense wooded forests and white-capped mountains of White River National Forest to the picturesque Byers and Gore Canyons and the tranquil mountain lakes of Arapahoe National Forest, you’ll experience the journey of a lifetime. Cross the high elevations of the Continental Divide with a sparkling wine toast while driving through the six-mile-long Moffatt Tunnel.
Day 9: Denver
Location: Denver
Accommodation Name: Hotel Indigo Denver Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Want to explore more of Denver? Extra nights are available for purchase.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at Hotel Indigo Denver Downtown, Embassy Suites by Hilton Colorado Springs, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Durango, and Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn.
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Meals
Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, and 3 dinners are included.
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Rail Journey
Experience a scenic ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad and the Rocky Mountaineer in Silver Leaf Class.
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Guided Tours
Orientation tour of Denver, visit to Garden of the Gods Park, and exploration of Mesa Verde National Park and Canyonlands National Park.
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Local Experiences
Enjoy a home-cooked BBQ dinner with western music at the historic Flying W Ranch.
What's Not Included
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Extra Nights
Extra nights in Denver are available for purchase and are not included in the tour package.
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Weather-Dependent Activities
Some activities may be subject to favorable weather conditions and are not guaranteed.
Meals
Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
Notes
Visiting and participating in activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions.
The trail to the Escalante Pueblo is a ½-mile-long, paved, uphill, wheelchair-accessible trail.
Glenwood Springs’ properties are considered moderate 3-star hotels or better. Your chosen hotel is determined by Canyon Spirit; however, you can rest assured that it satisfies our high standards of cleanliness and comfort.
Canyon Spirit is operated by Rocky Mountaineer/Armstrong Collective.
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UNESCO Sites
Mesa Verde National Park
Accommodation
Denver: Hotel Indigo Denver Downtown Colorado Springs: Embassy Suites by Hilton Colorado Springs Durango: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Durango Moab: Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn
Mode of Transport
The tour includes a scenic ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad and a journey on the Rocky Mountaineer in Silver Leaf Class, offering panoramic views and regional cuisine.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes stays at various hotels such as Hotel Indigo Denver Downtown in Denver, Embassy Suites by Hilton Colorado Springs in Colorado Springs, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Durango in Durango, and Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn in Moab.
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What is the highlight of the visit to Colorado Springs?
In Colorado Springs, you will explore the Garden of the Gods Park with its towering sandstone rock formations and take a thrilling ride on the Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the summit of Pikes Peak.
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What can I expect from the rail journey to Silverton?
The rail journey to Silverton on the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad offers a scenic ride through the San Juan National Forest, with the train hugging steep canyon walls as it winds through Rio de las Animas Canyon.
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What activities are included in the visit to Mesa Verde National Park?
During the visit to Mesa Verde National Park, you will learn about the Ancestral Puebloans and see their cliff dwellings. The tour also includes a stop at the Canyon of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum.
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What is special about the Rocky Mountaineer train journey?
The Rocky Mountaineer train journey offers a scenic ride in Silver Leaf Class with panoramic views from oversized windows, featuring regional cuisine and ingredients local to the Southwestern U.S. The journey includes views of the Colorado Canyons National Conservation Area and Ruby Canyon. ...more ...less
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Are there any special considerations for accessibility during the tour?
The trail to the Escalante Pueblo is a half-mile paved, uphill, wheelchair-accessible trail. However, visiting and participating in activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Western Rails & Canyons with Canyon Spirit Rail Journey
9 Days Starting and ending in Denver, United States
Visiting: Denver, Colorado Springs, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Durango, Silverton, Mesa Verde National Park, Canyons Of The Ancients, Moab, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, Canyon Spirit Rail ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AG-2026
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Interests:
Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Rail Tours, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
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