Best of Colorado - Canyons Peaks & Mountain Magic

Day 1

Day 1: Saturday, September 20, 2025
Depart this morning from the available location of your choice aboard a luxury Burlington Trailways motorcoach, complete with a professional driver and host to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey. Visit with your fellow travelers and enjoy a comfortable ride with scheduled rest stops and a break for lunch on your own. Later in the day, we’ll arrive at the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum in Nebraska. Here, you’ll have the chance to explore a fascinating collection of military aircraft, missiles, and space exploration exhibits, including iconic pieces such as the B-52 Stratofortress and a variety of aircraft that played pivotal roles in Cold War defense. After a fascinating tour of the museum, we’ll head to the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store for dinner, where you’ll receive an included meal card to enjoy a hearty, homestyle meal. Following dinner, we’ll make our way to our hotel for a restful overnight stay, preparing for the exciting days ahead.

Day 2

Day 2: Sunday, September 21, 2025 Start your day with an included breakfast at the hotel, giving you a chance to fuel up before we check out and continue our journey. Our first stop will be the Golden Spike Tower, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour and lunch. The Golden Spike Tower offers spectacular views of the world’s largest railroad yard at Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard in North Platte, Nebraska. From the observation deck, you’ll witness the impressive sight of hundreds of trains moving through one of the busiest rail yards in the world—a critical hub for the U.S. rail network. After an insightful tour, we’ll take a rest and refresh break before continuing our journey toward Colorado Springs. Upon arrival, check into our hotel, where we’ll settle in for a relaxing two-night stay, ready to explore more of Colorado’s stunning sights in the days ahead. Have some time to freshen up to go out for a special “Welcome to Colorado” group dinner.

Day 3

Day 3: Monday, September 22, 2025 Start your day with a hot breakfast buffet at the hotel before we set out for an unforgettable tour of the Garden of the Gods, where you’ll be joined by a knowledgeable Colorado naturalist as a step-on guide. This iconic park is renowned for its towering sandstone rock formations, many reaching up to 300 feet high, set against the backdrop of snow-capped Pikes Peak. You’ll have time to explore the park’s scenic Visitor & Nature Center, where you can learn about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife. After a quick lunch, we’ll make our way to the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway for an exciting ride to the summit of Pikes Peak. Known as “America’s Mountain,” Pikes Peak inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write “America the Beautiful.” The cog railway takes you on a thrilling 9-mile journey through alpine forests and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area, culminating in a spectacular vista from the summit.
In the evening, we’ll head to the Flying W Ranch for a true Western experience. Enjoy a hearty dinner served in a traditional chuckwagon style, with classic cowboy fare like barbecued chicken, baked beans, and cornbread. As you dine, the Flying W Wranglers will entertain you with their lively performance of Western songs and music, capturing the spirit of the American West. Set in a picturesque location, the ranch offers a fun and authentic glimpse into cowboy culture, making for a memorable evening of good food, great entertainment, and Western hospitality. We return back to our hotel for another great night of slumber to be ready for tomorrow’s explorations.

Day 4

Day 4: Tuesday, September 23, 2025 Begin the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before checking out and heading to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. This world-class facility serves as a hub for training elite athletes from across the country, offering state-of-the-art equipment and specialized coaching to prepare Team USA for global competitions. During a guided tour, you’ll learn about the rigorous training regimens of Olympic and Paralympic athletes, explore venues like the Aquatics Center and gymnastics halls, and gain insights into their inspiring journeys. Afterward, enjoy lunch on your own in the Dining Hall, where athletes often dine.
Next, we’ll journey to the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, home to one of the world’s highest suspension bridges, spanning 1,200 feet above the Arkansas River. Take in the breathtaking views of the dramatic gorge from the aerial gondola, offering a bird’s-eye perspective of the rugged cliffs and rushing river below. You’ll also have time to walk across the bridge, marveling at its engineering and the stunning scenery surrounding you.
As the day winds down, we’ll travel to Alamosa, where you’ll enjoy a group dinner before settling in for an overnight stay, ready for more adventures to come.

Day 5

Day 5: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Start your day with a satisfying breakfast at the hotel before checking out and departing for a morning of scenic travel through Colorado’s stunning landscapes. Along the way, we’ll take a rest break and also stop for lunch on your own before arriving at the Mesa Verde Visitor & Research Center. Here, you’ll embark on a self- guided tour of the remarkable cliff dwellings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to the ingenuity of the Ancestral Puebloans who lived here over 700 years ago. These ancient structures, carved into the sandstone cliffs, served as homes, storage spaces, and ceremonial areas, showcasing advanced architectural skills and a deep connection to the land.
After exploring this fascinating slice of history, we’ll continue on to Durango, Colorado, for an overnight stay. Enjoy dinner on your own and take time to explore Durango’s historic downtown, known for its charming shops, local eateries, and the rich history of this Old West railroad town. Whether you choose to dine at a local restaurant or simply soak in the atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to end a day filled with history and scenic beauty.

Day 6

Day 6: Thursday, September 25, 2025 After breakfast at the hotel, prepare for an exciting day as we board the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This scenic 45-mile journey along the Animas River takes you through breathtaking mountain landscapes, deep canyons, and lush forests. Operating since 1882, this rail system was originally built to haul silver and gold from the San Juan Mountains but is now celebrated for its spectacular views and authentic steam-powered experience. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights as the train winds through rugged terrain that is inaccessible by road.
Upon arriving in Silverton, we’ll rejoin our motorcoach and enjoy boxed lunches as we travel along the famous Million Dollar Highway. Known for its steep cliffs, sharp curves, and unmatched scenery, this stretch of U.S. Route 550 offers stunning views of the San Juan Mountains. While its name may refer to the cost of construction or the area’s rich mineral deposits, the Million Dollar Highway is truly priceless for its jaw-dropping vistas.
Our next stop is the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, where you’ll have time for a rest break and some photo opportunities. Known for its sheer cliffs, dramatic spires, and some of the narrowest canyon openings in North America, the Black Canyon was carved over millions of years by the Gunnison River. The strikingly steep walls and the play of light and shadow make it a photographer’s dream.
End the day in Grand Junction, where you’ll check in for an overnight stay. Enjoy dinner on your own in this lively town, offering a variety of dining options and a chance to relax after a full day of adventure.

Day 7

Day 7: Friday, September 26, 2025 Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before checking out and heading to the stunning Colorado National Monument. Here, you’ll have plenty of photo opportunities to capture the breathtaking red rock canyons, towering monoliths, and sweeping desert vistas. We’ll also stop at the Saddlehorn Visitor Center for a rest break and a chance to learn more about the park’s unique geology and history. Afterward, enjoy lunch on your own before continuing to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.
At the park, take a scenic gondola ride up Iron Mountain, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and the Colorado River below. Once at the top, embark on a guided tour of the Fairy Cave, an intricate system of underground passageways filled with stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and other fascinating formations. Known for its beauty and history, the Fairy Cave was one of the first caves in the country to be equipped with electric lighting. End the day with an included group dinner, enjoying delicious cuisine and the charm of this historic mountain town. After this unique experience, we’ll depart to our hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 8

Day 8: Saturday, September 27, 2025 Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before checking out and heading to Grand Lake, where we’ll pick up a knowledgeable step-on guide for a full day of exploration in Rocky Mountain National Park. Known for its breathtaking alpine scenery, towering peaks, and abundant wildlife, the park offers unforgettable views at every turn. Your guide will share fascinating insights about the park’s history, ecosystems, and iconic landmarks as you traverse its scenic roads and enjoy time to take in the majestic landscapes.
After a full day of adventure in the Rockies, we’ll head to the Drury Plaza Hotel Denver Westminster for an overnight stay. Here, you can unwind and take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary Kickback Reception, featuring an array of hot food and beverages. Enjoy hearty options like soups, salads, pasta, or sliders, as well as a selection of beer, wine, and soft drinks—perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring. This welcoming evening reception is an ideal way to end a day filled with Colorado’s natural beauty.

Day 9

Day 9: Sunday, September 28, 2025 Start your day with a hearty Drury breakfast before checking out and embarking on a guided city tour of Denver. Discover the Mile High City’s rich history, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks, from its bustling downtown to its scenic mountain backdrop. After the tour, enjoy an included lunch as we continue our journey back toward the Midwest.
In the evening, we’ll arrive in Grand Island, Nebraska, where you’ll settle in for an overnight stay. Dinner will be on your own, with a variety of nearby restaurants to choose from, offering options to suit every taste. It’s the perfect way to relax and recharge for the final leg of your journey.

Day 10

Day 10: Monday, September 29, 2025
Begin the final day of your journey with breakfast at the hotel before checking out and heading home. Along the way, we’ll stop at Baker’s Candies, a Nebraska treasure known for its delicious chocolates. Famous for their signature meltaways, Baker’s crafts these treats using premium ingredients and a perfected family recipe. You’ll have the chance to browse their selection of chocolates, all made right in Nebraska, and perhaps pick up a sweet souvenir to take home.
Afterward, enjoy a lunch stop before continuing back to your departure location. Reminisce with your fellow travelers about the incredible sights, unforgettable experiences, and friendships made along the way. With memories to cherish and stories to share, perhaps you’ll even begin planning your next Trailways Travel adventure!