Explore Colorado
Many of our Colorado holidays give you the opportunity to take in the states most iconic sights such as:
Denver
Denver, also known as the ‘Mile High City’, is situated 15 miles east of the Rocky Mountains at the confluence of both the South Platte River & Cherry Creek. The city was founded in the 1850s during the discovery and quarrying of silver and gold. There is still evidence of this past history reflected in the historic buildings throughout the lower downtown region of Denver.
The city itself gets approximately 300 days of sunshine a year and is full of friendly Denverites.
Denver is a fantastic base for excursions to see sights such as the Rocky Mountains, the natural red rock amphitheatre, Buffalo Bills Museum, Idaho Springs and many more.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Situated on the continental divide, the Rocky Mountain National Park is full of outstanding views and a variety of wildlife.
Along the high valley of the Big Thomson River is Estes Park which enables you to get a panoramic view of the continental divide. On the east side of the mountains there is a drop down to the Great Plains, the deep valleys scooped out by glaciers. To the west you can see the Phantom Valley, one of the many sources of the Colorado River.
This is one sight that mustn’t be missed.
Colorado Springs
Full of unique natural beauty, Colorado Springs is home to the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak. On our American Rockies and New Mexico tour we include a journey aboard Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the 14,110ft summit. This gives you the chance to admire the vistas that inspired Katherine Lee Bates to pen the famous verse ‘America the Beautiful’. The Garden of the Gods is a group of natural sandstone rock formations extruding 300ft out of the ground and creates a perfect contrast against the snow-caps of Pikes Peak.
Durango, Silverton & Grand Junction
Founded in 1879, Durango still retains its ‘Wild West’ atmosphere. The town has its own National Historic District which plays host to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad station where you can see the narrow gauge locomotives restored to their former glory. You can also take a journey aboard the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad following the original route of the Denver & Rio Grande Railway through the Juan National Forest and the stunning canyons and valleys to Grand Junction.
Grand Junction is the largest city in western Colorado and sits on the banks of the Colorado River where it converges with Gunnison River. It is within easy reach of the famous Georgetown loop railroad which takes you, by steam locomotive, into the heart of the Rocky Mountains and over the Devil’s Gate High Bridge.
If you are interested in the ‘Wild West’ and travelling Colorado by train why not try our Great American Railtour.