Fri, Oct 11: Fly to Denver, Colorado. Enjoy lunch on your own in the beautiful “Mile High City” before you kick off your rail adventure with a visit to the Colorado Railroad Museum. Lose track of time, and see Colorado’s rail history in action at the depot and railyard with over 100 engines, cabooses and coaches. Check in to your hotel for an evening at leisure, or choose to go into Golden for dinner.

Sat, Oct 12: Depart after breakfast for your first railroad adventure. Located 45 miles west of Denver is the Georgetown Loop Railroad (formerly the Colorado Central Railroad), an engineering marvel originally built in 1884. The tracks scale an elevation of 640 feet over mountainous terrain, requiring trestles, cuts, fills, loops and curves, crossing Clear Creek over four bridges, including the massive Devil’s Gate High Bridge. Listen as the aspen leaves rustle as you pass by them almost at eye level with the tops of the trees. Keep your eyes open for mule deer and the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, known for their agility and perfect sense of balance. Afterward enjoy lunch on your own in quaint Georgetown, then transfer by bus to Grand Junction. (Meals: Breakfast)

Sun, Oct 13: Relax and enjoy some leisure time today. Downtown Grand Junction is home to the Museum of the West as well as galleries and boutiques. This afternoon, regroup for a visit to Colorado National Monument, and take in the amazing views. Afterwards, dinner at a local winery will showcase the famous orchards and vineyards of the Palisades region. (B,D)

Mon, Oct 14: Enjoy a scenic ride to the historic mining community of Silverton at 9,300 feet in elevation. Spend time in town for lunch before boarding the coal fired, steam operated, spectacular Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Maintained in its original condition, it is a train enthusiast’s delight, and the views that await showcase the breathtaking canyons and mesmerizing wilderness of the vast San Juan National Forest. Ride along the Los Animas River, descending into the town of Durango, where “Old West meets Southwest.” Overnight in Durango for the next two nights. (B)

Tue, Oct 15: Enjoy the beauty, history, and adventure of Durango as you have a day at leisure. Founded in 1881, Durango is known for its historical wonder. From the old gold mines deep in the wilderness, to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad that still runs today, Durango offers a step back into the Old American West. Natural beauty literally surrounds Durango with the La Plata Mountains towering above and the Animas River flowing right through town. An optional excursion is available for a tour of the ancient Native American cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park. (B)

Wed, Oct 16: Depart for Chama, New Mexico, where it’s all aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad to follow the original Rio Grande Line over the Rockies. This railroad was recently named “one of the best 20 railway experiences in the world” by the Society of International Railway Travelers, and one of CNN’s “49 Journeys That’ll Change Your Life.” Built in 1880 and little changed since, the Cumbres & Toltec is the most spectacular example of steam-era mountain railroading in North America. Travel by train from Chama back into Colorado and explore 64 miles of wild and rugged territory, imagining the loggers and miners who traveled this route in years gone by. The train stops for an included lunch in Osier before debarking in Antonito. Make the short drive to Alamosa to overnight. (B,L)

Thu, Oct 17: Head to Canon City and board the Royal Gorge Route Railroad to travel along the mighty Arkansas River. Savor an included three-course gourmet lunch while viewing the most spectacular scenery in southern Colorado from your upgraded train car. The 12-mile route of majestic beauty follows the most famous portion of old Denver & the Rio Grande Western train line. Get your cameras ready as the train passes through the “Grand Canyon of the Arkansas”and over the famous hanging bridge clinging to the steep granite walls of Royal Gorge. Watch for hawks and bald eagles, mule deer, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, beaver and waterfowl as you pass through the unforgettable scenery along the river. Next, it’s off to one of the West’s unique geological sites, the 1,300-acre Garden of the Gods Park, with views of Pikes Peak. Take a guided tour of this fantastic wonderland prior Farewell Dinner at the luxurious Garden of the Gods Resort. Overnight in Colorado Springs. (B,L,D)

Fri, Oct 18: Following breakfast at the hotel, depart for the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. The railway has transported passengers for over 130 years to the top of one of Colorado’s most iconic peaks. Sit back and relax as you ride on the newly renovated rails, and keep an eye out for wildlife! Once you return to Manitou Springs, enjoy time on your own to puruse the eclectic stores and restaurants. Be sure to stop by the historic Penny Arcade and try the natural spring water that flows through town. Wave goodbye to Colorado as you transfer to Denver for your flight home. (B)