Colorado Rocky Mountains
Travel By Lisa presents a fantastic 9-day journey through the Colorado Rockies from September 5-13, 2025. This adventure features breathtaking visits to four national parks, including Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado National Monument, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and Mesa Verde National Park. You'll explore vibrant Denver, marvel at the Flatirons in Boulder, ride the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and take in the stunning views from Pike's Peak Cog Railway and the Garden of the Gods. This trip perfectly blends natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural experiences.
About
This Tour
Activity 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 partake in a two-hour leisurely walking tour, covering up to two miles (with included breaks). 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. There may be 1 to 2 days on this tour when walking tours can cover 3 to 4 miles over uneven terrain. 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.
Friday, September 5, 2025
Denver, Colorado - Tour Begins
Embark on an adventure through Colorado's majestic mountains and expansive meadows. The tour kicks off in Denver, the "Mile High City," where you'll meet your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. This journey includes visits to four stunning national parks. (Dinner Included)
Saturday, September 6, 2025
Rocky Mountain National Park
Travel through Boulder, a picturesque university town famous for the iconic Flatirons, the striking, reddish-brown foothills. Visit Estes Park, a mountain resort town and home to the Stanley Hotel, which inspired Stephen King's "The Shining." Begin your Rocky Mountain National Park adventure on Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved continuous highway in North America—a must-see drive. At Rainbow Curve, take in the breathtaking view of majestic mountains contrasting with deep, rugged canyons. Later, return to Denver for a free evening to explore this vibrant city. (Breakfast Included)
Sunday, September 7, 2025
Grand Junction
Travel alongside the spectacular Rocky Mountains on a scenic drive from Denver to Grand Junction, passing through many of Colorado’s renowned ski resorts. This journey takes you to one of the grand landscapes of the American West – Colorado National Monument. Drive along the monument's historic Rim Rock Drive to admire a colorful panorama of deep, sheer-sided canyons and towering rock formations. In Grand Junction, gather for dinner at a popular local spot in this town known for attracting outdoorsmen, foodies, and free spirits. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Monday, September 8, 2025
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Venture to another remarkable 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 scenic viewpoints to soak in the stunning wilderness of rock, water, and sky. Enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking some of North America's steepest and oldest rock walls, carved by the Gunnison River over 2 million years. You might even spot a peregrine falcon. Next, immerse yourself in the stories of the American West with a tour of the Museum of the Mountain West, a preserved and recreated pioneer town capturing life as it was over a century ago. Return to Grand Junction for a leisurely evening. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Silverton - Durango
Head south to Silverton, a former silver mining town and now a National Historic Landmark. Nestled high in the San Juan Mountains, this town offers a blend of spectacular scenery, Victorian charm, and historic architecture. Next, it's “all aboard” the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This 1881 coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive originally hauled silver and gold ore from the San Juan Mountains, but you will quickly discover that its most precious asset is the breathtaking view. (Breakfast)
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Mesa Verde National Park
An incredible day awaits in Mesa Verde National Park (UNESCO), home to the ancient Ancestral Puebloan civilization. Join a local guide for a drive through the park with 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, enjoy a farm-to-table dinner on a family-owned ranch, surrounded by red mountain peaks and lush green pastures. (Breakfast & Dinner Included)
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Colorado Springs
Sit back and relax during a scenic ride to Colorado Springs. Along the way, marvel at the landscape as you travel from the San Juan National Forest and cross Wolf Creek Pass, a section of the Continental Divide that once took pioneers two to three weeks to traverse. Continue through the Rio Grande National Forest, a vast expanse of wilderness named for the 1,800 miles of the Rio Grande River that cuts through it. Your day concludes in Colorado Springs, an artistic and cultural hub. (Breakfast Included)
Friday, September 12, 2025
Manitou Springs
Depart for Manitou Springs, home to Pike’s Peak, the legendary symbol of the 1859 Gold Rush. Embark on a journey aboard the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway, the world’s highest cog railroad, for an 8.9-mile trip to the summit of Pike’s Peak. Along the way, enjoy magnificent views and perhaps spot animals in their natural habitat. Later, visit the Garden of the Gods to admire the towering sandstone formations set against the majestic backdrop of Pike’s Peak. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner to celebrate your adventure. (Breakfast & Dinner Included)
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Colorado Springs - Tour Ends
Your tour comes to a close in Colorado Springs.