Western Rails & Canyons with Canyon Spirit Rail Journey

Western Rails & Canyons with Canyon Spirit Rail Journey

Denver Colorado
Denver

Denver Colorado

Days 1-2
Narrow Gauge Railroad near River in Durango
Durango

Narrow Gauge Railroad near River in Durango

Days 3-5
Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park

Day 5
Moab

Arches National Park under the milky way in Moab

Days 5-6
Canyonlands National Park

Mesa Arch, Canyonlands National Park

Day 6
City skyline of Denver Colorado
Denver

City skyline of Denver Colorado

Day 9

Map
7 Views
9 Days From

$5940

$5487

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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

  • Explore Denver's historic Union Station and Mile High Stadium.

  • Visit Garden of the Gods Park with its towering sandstone formations.

  • Ride the Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the summit of Pikes Peak.

  • Discover the Great Sand Dunes National Park with its towering dunes.

  • Experience a scenic rail journey on the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad.

  • Explore the ancient cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park.

  • Marvel at the stunning landscapes of Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park.

  • Enjoy a scenic train ride on the Rocky Mountaineer through the Colorado Canyons.

Places You'll See

Durango, Colorado

Durango, Colorado

Hotel Indigo Denver Downtown

Hotel Indigo Denver Downtown

Embassy Suites by Hilton Colorado Springs

Embassy Suites by Hilton Colorado Springs

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Durango

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Durango

Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn

Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Denver,Colorado

City skyline of Denver Colorado
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

City skyline of Denver Colorado
Denver Colorado

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

Durango, Colorado
Historic steam engine train travels from Durango
Narrow Gauge Railroad near River in 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

Durango, Colorado
Historic steam engine train travels from Durango
Narrow Gauge Railroad near River in Durango

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

Arches National Park, Moab
Mesa Verde National Park
Narrow Gauge Railroad near River in Durango
Historic steam engine train travels from Durango
Durango, Colorado
Visitors enjoying the Double Arch rock formation in Arches National Park
Arches National Park under the milky way in Moab

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

Arches National Park, Moab
Canyonlands Nat. Park, USA
Mesa Arch, Canyonlands National Park
Visitors enjoying the Double Arch rock formation in Arches National Park
Canyonland scenic highway
Arches National Park under the milky way in Moab

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

City skyline of Denver Colorado
Denver Colorado

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

  • Accommodation

    Stay at Hotel Indigo Denver Downtown, Embassy Suites by Hilton Colorado Springs, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Durango, and Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn.

  • Meals

    Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, and 3 dinners are included.

  • Rail Journey

    Experience a scenic ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad and the Rocky Mountaineer in Silver Leaf Class.

  • Guided Tours

    Orientation tour of Denver, visit to Garden of the Gods Park, and exploration of Mesa Verde National Park and Canyonlands National Park.

  • Local Experiences

    Enjoy a home-cooked BBQ dinner with western music at the historic Flying W Ranch.

What's Not Included

  • Extra Nights

    Extra nights in Denver are available for purchase and are not included in the tour package.

  • 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.
...more ...less

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites. ...more ...less

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon ...more ...less

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!! ...more ...less

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both. ...more ...less

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos. ...more ...less

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market. ...more ...less

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed. ...more ...less

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Monday

Jun 14, 2026 - Jun 22, 2026
$5940 $5487 (USD)

Operator discount: -$453 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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:

Globus

Tour code:

AG-2026

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $5940 $5487 (USD) Operator discount: -$453

NB: Prices correct on 26-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

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