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Colorado

The Best of Colorado’s Majestic National Parks & Monuments

Program No. 22961RJ
Learn about Colorado’s natural wonders as you journey on Scenic Byways across the state exploring six of its most stunning and diverse national parks and monuments.

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At a Glance

Known for its towering Rocky Mountains and rushing Colorado River, the Centennial State is bathed with magnificent landscapes unlike any other in the United States. Immerse yourself in these landscapes as you loop on Federally designated Scenic Byways around western Colorado to explore six uniquely beautiful national parks and monuments. From the tallest sand dunes in North America, to one of the richest and most diverse archeological sites in the world, discover Colorado’s geographic phenomena with expert instructors, and journey into the lives of the Native inhabitants that thrived off these lands long ago.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walk up to 2 miles a day on uneven terrain with elevations up to 12,000 feet.

What You'll Learn

  • Explore Mesa Verde, the only National Park dedicated to human habitation, as you look into the lives of ancestral Pueblo people.
  • Cross the Continental Divide in Rocky Mountain National Park, and discover massive monoliths within a vast plateau and a canyon panorama at the lesser-known Colorado National Monument.
  • Venture off the beaten path to the Black Canyon and Great Sand Dunes National Parks, and experience deeply carved river canyons and mountains of shifting sands.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Joan Fields
A Colorado native, Joan Fields has always had a deep interest in the culture and history of the state. She is a member of several historical organizations and has had many years of experience in leading study explorations for various groups. She is a past president of Ghost Town Club of Colorado, an organization that focuses on the preservation and study of Colorado’s past. Her deep love of the state and passion for history brings everything together.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Joan Fields
Joan Fields View biography
A Colorado native, Joan Fields has always had a deep interest in the culture and history of the state. She is a member of several historical organizations and has had many years of experience in leading study explorations for various groups. She is a past president of Ghost Town Club of Colorado, an organization that focuses on the preservation and study of Colorado’s past. Her deep love of the state and passion for history brings everything together.
Profile Image of Lee Dahl
A Minnesota native, Lee Dahl graduated from Mankato State University with a degree in sociology and law enforcement. In 1998, he formed his own learning excursion company and offers visitors a look into the history, birding, geology and cultural highlights of the region. Lee is a member of several historical organizations and is a past president of Ghost Town Club of Colorado, an organization that focuses on the preservation and study of Colorado’s past.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.





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