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Colorado

The Best of Colorado’s Historic Railroads

Program No. 4345RJ
The story of Colorado is stitched together with mining seams and railroad lines. Come learn why as you ride historic trains, visit historic towns and witness grand feats of engineering.
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Train TreksOn the Road
Length
9 days
Rating (4.92)
Activity Level
Starts at
4,699
Program
At a Glance
Duration
9 days
Program Begins
Denver, CO
Program Concludes
Denver, CO
Meals
20 ( 8B, 7L, 5D )
Activity Level
From the summit of Pikes Peak to the depths of the Royal Gorge watch the Colorado landscapes paint a beautiful watercolor of greens and blues as you experience this region aboard historic trains. Deepen your understanding of the Rocky Mountains as you slow down the whizzing world around you to relive the glory days of train travel. Aboard historic railroads, wind your way through mining towns, join experts in history museums and study the impressive feats of engineering that have stood the test of time. On this train-and-coach journey, trace the parallel development of the railroads and of Colorado’s settlement, and discover what hidden gems lie in its modern cities. If learning and fun are what you’re after, you’re on the right track!
Best of all, you'll...
  • Compare riding the Pikes Peak Cog Railway with the historic Durango and Silverton, as well as the Cumbres and Toltec steam-powered narrow-gauge railways.
  • Experience the engineering marvel of Georgetown Loop as you cross bridges and climb the narrow canyon, and journey by 4x4 through the spectacular San Juan Mountains.
  • Ride along the Royal Gorge Route, Colorado’s oldest scenic railroad, to learn about its complicated history.
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General Notes
Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
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Al Dunton
For more than four decades, Al Dunton has been sharing his knowledge and passion for railroads with thousands of eager rail students and enthusiasts. He has lectured for Colorado State University (CSU) history classes, the CSU American West Lecture Series, and CSU continuing education courses. Al is the owner and managing editor of Centennial Publications, specializing in U.S. railroads, Colorado and western history. Al and his wife, Lynne, live in Fort Collins in their restored 1878 building.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
For more than four decades, Al Dunton has been sharing his knowledge and passion for railroads with thousands of eager rail students and enthusiasts. He has lectured for Colorado State University (CSU) history classes, the CSU American West Lecture Series, and CSU continuing education courses. Al is the owner and managing editor of Centennial Publications, specializing in U.S. railroads, Colorado and western history. Al and his wife, Lynne, live in Fort Collins in their restored 1878 building.
Phil Klinger has always been intrigued with railroading in Colorado. Born into a family of rail historians and enthusiasts, Phil has extensively crisscrossed Colorado and the West photographing trains, exploring rail sites and researching railroad history. After graduating with a degree in history from the University of Northern Colorado, Phil taught world history and European history at Chatfield Sr. High in Littleton, Colorado, where he retired after 30 years in 2021. Currently residing with his wife in Golden, Phil continues his hobby as a railfan.
Luke Prince brings almost two decades of experience both as an interpreter and manager of Road Scholar's Colorado historic rails program. He has worked in operations management with both the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and the Pikes Peak and Manitou Cog Railway. He currently is working professionally in the hotel hospitality industry and brings years of Southwest Colorado living experience as well.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Elevations of 5,000-14,115 feet. This is a very hectic, active program. Must be able to walk up to 1 mile daily, climb steps, board motorcoach and train cars unassisted.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (8 Books)
You can also 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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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

  • Peace of Mind

    We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

  • Assurance Plan

    Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

  • Want to Protect Your Investment?

    Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

  • Sustainable Travel

    We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.