Colorado's Historic Trains
Six Scenic Rail Excursions & Three National Parks
About This Tour
Embark on a scenic adventure through the majestic Colorado Rockies aboard historic trains! Colorado boasts a variety of rail tours, from narrow-gauge steamers chugging through mountain valleys to modern trains traversing breathtaking canyons.
This nine-day journey features six iconic rail excursions—from the world-famous Durango & Silverton to a "Ride to the Clouds" on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway—plus visits to three spectacular National Parks.
Includes complimentary round-trip home or local transportation to Chicago O'Hare airport and round-trip airfare on the exact departure and return dates.
Colorado's Historic Trains
Six Scenic Rail Excursions & Three National Parks
About This Tour
Embark on a scenic adventure through the majestic Colorado Rockies aboard historic trains! Colorado boasts a variety of rail tours, from narrow-gauge steamers chugging through mountain valleys to modern trains traversing breathtaking canyons.
This nine-day journey features six iconic rail excursions—from the world-famous Durango & Silverton to a "Ride to the Clouds" on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway—plus visits to three spectacular National Parks.
Includes complimentary round-trip home or local transportation to Chicago O'Hare airport and round-trip airfare on the exact departure and return dates.
Tour Details
Day 1
Arrive in Denver
DenverWelcome to Denver, the "Mile High City." Meet your fellow travelers at 5:00 p.m. for a get-acquainted dinner hosted by your Tour Manager.
- •Arrive in Denver and transfer to Embassy Suites Airport
- •Get-acquainted dinner at 5:00 p.m. hosted by your Tour Manager
Day 2
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park → DillonDeparting Denver, venture into Rocky Mountain National Park, a living showcase of the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. With elevations ranging from 8,000 feet on the wet, grassy valleys to 14,259 feet at the weather-ravaged top of Longs Peak, the park is filled with breathtaking scenery and experiences.
- •Drive into Rocky Mountain National Park
- •Follow the Trail Ridge Road through the park
- •Stop at the Alpine Visitor Center to learn more about this fascinating place
- •Continue to Dillon for overnight
Day 3
Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad
Leadville → MontroseTravel to historic Leadville to board the Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad. While onboard, learn about the fascinating history of the railroads and hear ghost stories and tales of the wild from your conductor while traveling north along the Arkansas River Valley.
- •Board the Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad
- •Rise 1,000 feet from the valley floor with spectacular views of Fremont Pass
- •See the two tallest peaks in Colorado: Mount Massive and Mount Elbert
- •Travel through scenic Monarch Pass and Curecanti National Recreation Area
- •Visit the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park en route to Montrose
- •Box lunch included
Day 4
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Durango → IgnacioToday, it's "full steam ahead" as you board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Voted one of the "Top Ten Most Exciting Train Journeys in the World" by the Society of American Travel Writers, this route winds through the spectacular and breathtaking canyons in the remote wilderness of the two-million-acre San Juan National Forest.
- •Board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
- •Wind through spectacular canyons in the San Juan National Forest
- •The locomotives have been converted from coal to oil-fired, steam-operated engines
- •Check into Sky Ute Casino Resort in Ignacio
Day 5
Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde → IgnacioVisit the land of the ancient Pueblo Indians in Mesa Verde National Park. The fascinating cliff dwellings and culture of these people provide you with a look into a society that existed approximately 1,400 years ago.
- •Explore Mesa Verde National Park and its famous cliff dwellings
- •Learn about the Ancestral Puebloan people who developed their society over 700 years
- •See the elaborate stone communities before the civilization disappeared
- •Return to Sky Ute Casino Resort
Day 6
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Chama, NM → Antonito → AlamosaBoard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, the original Rio Grande Line. This is America's most spectacular narrow gauge steam railroad. Explore 50 miles of wild and rugged territory between Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado, the highest point on the railroad.
- •Ride by motorcoach to the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
- •Travel 50 miles of wild and rugged territory between Chama and Antonito
- •Cross the highest point on the railroad
- •Lunch included on the train
- •Continue to Alamosa for overnight
Day 7
Royal Gorge Route Railroad and Garden of the Gods
Royal Gorge → Colorado SpringsAboard the Royal Gorge Railroad, follow the 12-mile route along the old Denver and Rio Grande Western train line. Ride through the "Grand Canyon of the Arkansas" on an unforgettable journey over the famous Hanging Bridge, which clings precariously to the steep granite walls of Royal Gorge.
- •Board the Royal Gorge Route Railroad for a 12-mile ride
- •Cross the famous Hanging Bridge clinging to the steep granite walls
- •Ride through the "Grand Canyon of the Arkansas"
- •Drive through Garden of the Gods, a 1,300-acre park with stunning red sandstone formations
- •Continue to Colorado Springs for a two-night stay
Day 8
Pikes Peak Cog Railway and Cripple Creek
Pikes Peak → Cripple Creek → Colorado SpringsBegin the day with a "Ride to the Clouds" aboard the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the highest cog railroad in the U.S., which stretches nine miles long as it vertically climbs to almost 14,000 feet. Then ride on the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.
- •Board the Pikes Peak Cog Railway — the highest cog railroad in the U.S.
- •Climb nine miles vertically to almost 14,000 feet
- •Ride the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
- •Scenic wonders and century-old steam locomotive reminiscent of gold mining days
- •Farewell dinner sharing memories of this unforgettable scenic rail adventure
Day 9
Denver and Home
DenverFollowing breakfast, say goodbye to Colorado with a group transfer to the Denver International Airport for flights home after 12:00 p.m.
- •Breakfast at hotel
- •Group transfer to Denver International Airport
- •Flights home after 12:00 p.m.
Meals included: 14 total — 8 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), and 4 dinners (D). Meal codes are noted per day above.
Itinerary subject to change.
Practical Information
Travel Logistics
Getting There
Complimentary round-trip home or local transportation to Chicago O'Hare airport is included, along with round-trip airfare to Denver on the exact departure and return dates. Flights home depart after 12:00 p.m. on Day 9. Air itineraries may not be available until documents are received.
Packing & Elevation
Colorado elevations range from 5,280 feet (Denver) to nearly 14,000 feet (Pikes Peak). Bring layers, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a light jacket. Stay hydrated at altitude.
Activity Level
Level 2 on a 1–5 scale (Easy to Moderate). Most sightseeing is from the train or motorcoach, with walking at national parks and towns. High altitude is a factor.
Booking Information
This tour is operated by Mayflower Cruises & Tours. Contact Martha to reserve your spot.
Air seats: Assigned by the airline for the entire group and may not be available until airport check-in. If specific seat assignments are vital to your reservation, Mayflower recommends booking air on your own.
Flyer details: The PDF linked below contains the full published itinerary, pricing, and cancellation terms.
Open Colorado's Historic Trains flyer (PDF)Our Route Through Colorado
Ready to Ride Colorado's Historic Trains?
Contact Martha to reserve your seat on this nine-day scenic rail adventure through the Colorado Rockies. The flyer PDF is also available for full details.
