We start the day with a short drive to the Colorado Railroad museum in Golden to get an overview about the state’s railroad history. Next we’ll head to Georgetown where you’ll have free time to explore and grab lunch before we hop into our private car on the Georgetown Loop Railroad.

We drive up to Leadville, the 2-mile high city, to board our privately chartered train on the Leadville Southern Railroad. Take in the stunning views of the Upper Arkansas River Valley, view Colorado’s two tallest peaks Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive and travel through the peaceful San Isabel National forest with towering evergreens and beautiful fluttering Aspen trees. Next we’ll head down into the valley to board the infamous Pike’s Peak Cog Railway, where we will have a private car all to ourselves for the journey to the top of this famous mountain.

On today’s Royal Gorge route we’ll first chase the Arkansas River from our Vista Dome Car – or guests can venture out to the open air car for some great photo opportunities! Upon our return to the depot, we’ll head to the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park for a chance to photograph the next train as it passes under the bridge.

A morning drive brings us to Antonito, where we meet the Cumbres & Toltec RR, for our all-day narrow-gauge excursion from Antonito to Chama. We break for lunch at the Osier Station. Our private bus will then take us to Durango, our final destination for the day. Once we arrive in Durango, we will settle in to the historic and classically elegant Strater Hotel right in the heart of the town. In the evening we’ll walk a block to the Durango and Silverton for a private roundhouse tour,.

We start early for a one-way journey from Durango to Silverton. On arrival, guests have free time to explore, grab lunch, and photograph the trains in the yard if they wish. Upon departing Silverton we will head to Grand Junction where we will spend the night. We will enjoy dinner tonight at Two Rivers Winery.

Breakfast will be available at the hotel as we say our goodbyes. Guests can either hop to the Grand Junction Airport or Amtrak Station for departures home.