WESTERN USA
NATIONAL PARKS OF THE WEST
09 DAYS FROM $2,490 US
Details below or click here for more information INQUIRY FORM
Phone: 1-888-682-6449/1-303-670-5640
Fax: (425) 984-7676
This exciting new
Colorado travel adventure takes in five of the most spectacular
national parks in the American West. While perhaps not as well known as
some others, these varied scenic gems beckon with unique sights and
experiences you’ll never forget. Savor a remote area of the Rockies at
Rocky Mountain State Park and indulge yourself with the sophistication
of Vail and Aspen. In Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, try
to spy the rare Peregrine Falcon swooping down on its prey as you take
in the park’s unusually sheer crystalline canyon walls and rushing
river far below. Board a train with a vintage steam locomotive on the
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and travel along the
Animas River and back in time between the two old mining towns. Mesa
Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases and
protects the fascinating cave dwellings of an ancient civilization.
Breathtaking views of buttes, mesas and countless canyons await in
Canyonlands National Park, followed by a two-night stay at a luxurious
ranch resort on the banks of the Colorado River. Mother Nature outdid
herself when she sculpted over 2,000 delicate arches from sandstone at
Arches National Park, a sight that can’t be seen anywhere else in the
world. This is truly a Colorado travel adventure like no other!Day 1: The Mile High City
Welcome to Denver. Your Colorado travel adventure exploring some of the West’s best national parks begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Sheraton Hotel Denver. Please join us this evening for our welcome cocktail reception and dinner and meet your Tour Director.
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Sheraton Hotel Denver, Colorado
Day 2: Rocky Mountain high
Begin your Colorado travel by climbing high up into the mountains to Rocky Mountain National Park. The 358.5-square-mile park was acquired as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and became America’s 10th national park in 1915, thus protecting this spectacular wilderness for generations to enjoy. A drive along the Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved highway in the United States, reveals spectacular scenery around every bend. The craggy peaks, meadows carpeted by colorful wildflowers, deep canyons and rushing rivers will be treasured memories of your Colorado travel experience. Eleven miles of the route are above the timberline, where a quarter of the plants you’ll see are also found in the arctic. Keep a sharp eye out for the elk, bighorn sheep, bobcats, mountain lions, mule deer and other wildlife that call the park home.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Sheraton Hotel Denver, Colorado
Day 3: Rocky Mountain chic
The alpine villages of Vail and Aspen beckon lovers of fine dining and trendy places, as well as the enthusiastic skiers who flock to these mountains each winter. Spend some time exploring the many boutiques and art galleries in Tyrolean-inspired Vail Village, where no cars are allowed, and find your own “in spot” for lunch. Then, it’s on to the glittering ski resort of Aspen. En route, you’ll be enthralled by the splendor of the Maroon Bells – Snowmass Wilderness area as you view the twin peaks of the Maroon Bells cresting at over 14,000 feet, crystal-clear alpine lakes, valleys dotted with groves of aspen, flower-filled meadows and impressive forests. The Inn at Aspen, a ski-in – ski-out resort at the base of Buttermilk Mountain, will be your home for the next two nights.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: The Inn at Aspen, Colorado
Day 4: Aspen adventures
Founded as a mining camp during the Colorado Silver Boom, the town of Aspen got its name from the abundant aspen trees in the area. Today, it is one of the most glamorous and sought-after ski resorts in the United States, as well as a noted cultural center. Your day is free to experience exciting Aspen as you please. You might enjoy the exhibits of contemporary and historic art at the Aspen Art Museum or browse in the many sophisticated shops and art galleries. Dining is a treat everywhere in Aspen and you’ll find a wide range of choices for lunch and dinner on your own.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: The Inn at Aspen, Colorado
Day 5: Peregrine Falcons call it home
Today, your Colorado travel takes you to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. No other canyon in North America combines the awesomely narrow opening, sheer crystalline rock walls and breathtaking depths found in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Wildlife abounds in the park, to include the rare Peregrine Falcon. Even the mighty bald eagle fears these ferocious falcons when it foolishly gets too close to their nests on a ledge high on the canyon wall. These amazing birds can reach a speed of 200 mph as they swoop down on their prey. Continue on to Durango and immerse yourself in Victorian splendor at the Strater Hotel tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Strater Hotel, Durango, Colorado
Day 6: Clickity-clack
While in Colorado travel aboard the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad between the old mining towns of Silverton and Durango. Relax and let the rhythm of the rails carry you back in time as a vintage steam locomotive pulls the train through the spectacular scenery along the Animas River. The railroad and the area have starred in many movies, including Viva Zapata! and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Tonight will find you at the only lodge in Mesa Verde National Park, where a reception will include a most interesting lecture by an archaeologist.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Far View Lodge, Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Day 7: Discover the Pueblo peoples
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mesa Verde National Park was established by President Theodore Roosevelt to “preserve the works of man.” And, what amazing works they are! Beginning in approximately 550 AD, an ancient culture settled in what is now Mesa Verde and began building elaborate stone communities within the canyon walls where their descendants lived and thrived for over 700 years. Your visit to these well-preserved cliff dwellings and a special native heritage luncheon will be treasured memories of your Colorado travel. Continue on through Canyonlands National Park, where the spectacular views of mesas, buttes and countless canyons will take your breath away, en route to a luxurious two-night stay at the Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa on the banks of the Colorado River in Utah.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Sorrell River Ranch Resort & Spa, Moab, Utah
Day 8: Astounding arches
Choose your included adventure – horseback riding or river rafting – at the Sorrell River Ranch Resort & Spa today. Then, prepare to be amazed as you take in the unique splendor of Arches National Park, with more than 2,000 natural arches sculpted by the forces of nature. Be sure to have your camera ready, because the spectacular landscape of contrasting colors, textures and landforms that you’ll see doesn’t exist in any other part of the world. As your Colorado travel adventures come to a close, please join us for a farewell cocktail reception and dinner this evening and share memories with your new friends.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Sorrell River Ranch Resort & Spa, Moab, Utah
Day 9 – Homeward bound
Your Colorado travel experience ends at 9:00 a.m. at Walker Field Airport in Grand Junction. Please allow a minimum of two hours for airport check-in formalities. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.
Meals: Breakfast
ACCOMMODATIONS
Night 1 & 2: Sheraton Hotel Denver
Denver, Colorado
Located close to the 16th Street Pedestrian Mall in the heart of the city, the Sheraton Hotel Denver extends a warm welcome to visitors in the Mile High City. Inviting guestrooms feature individual climate control, high-speed Internet access, iron and ironing board, hair dryer and in-room movies. Guests are welcome to take advantage of the heated outdoor all-season swimming pool and the fitness facilities.
Night 3 & 4: The Inn at Aspen
Aspen, Colorado
The Inn at Aspen, nestled at the base of Buttermilk Mountain, is a great favorite of the avid skiers who flock to Aspen in the winter due to its ski-in – ski-out access to the slopes. Guestrooms feature air-conditioning, iron and ironing board, refrigerator, cable TV, Internet access and a coffee maker. After a busy day of exploring, work out the kinks with a dip in the heated outdoor pool or a few reps in the Fitness Gym.
Night 5: Strater Hotel
Durango, Colorado
Located close to Durango’s most popular attractions, the historic Strater Hotel is Durango’s most prominent downtown landmark. Originally built in 1887, the hotel’s guestrooms feature impeccable Victorian décor with modern conveniences such as cable TV and telephones with voice mail and data ports. A beautiful Victorian-style hot tub is available by reservation to hotel guests. Take a step back in time at the Diamond Belle Saloon, one of the most famous ragtime piano bars in the Wild West, where nightly entertainment still beckons. It’s said that the honky-tonk music at the Diamond Belle Saloon inspired western author Louis L’Amour, who wrote many of his Sackett’s novels at the hotel.
Night 6: Far View Lodge
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
An authentic Southwest experience awaits you at the Far View Lodge located in the midst of Mesa Verde National Park. Here at the accommodations within the park, the peace is only surpassed by the views. Attractive guestrooms feature a private balcony, refrigerator, coffee maker, hair dryer and iron and ironing board. Watch the sun rise or set at the Mesa Mocha Espresso Bar while keeping a lookout for the critters that call the park home.
Night 7 & 8: Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa
Moab, Utah
Set on the banks of the Colorado River surrounded by a picture-perfect Southwest landscape, the award winning, AAA Four-Diamond-rated Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa artfully combines luxury and the lure of adventure. Spacious guestrooms offer custom handmade furniture and ranch decor, picture windows with marvelous views, air-conditioning, iron and ironing board, bathrobes and Tarocco bath amenities and hair dryer. During leisure time, it may be hard to choose between the tennis courts, riverside pool and hot tub, well-equipped fitness room and horseback riding – or perhaps you’ll choose to indulge yourself with the pleasures of The Spa @ Sorell River Ranch.
Welcome to Denver. Your Colorado travel adventure exploring some of the West’s best national parks begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Sheraton Hotel Denver. Please join us this evening for our welcome cocktail reception and dinner and meet your Tour Director.
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Sheraton Hotel Denver, Colorado
Day 2: Rocky Mountain high
Begin your Colorado travel by climbing high up into the mountains to Rocky Mountain National Park. The 358.5-square-mile park was acquired as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and became America’s 10th national park in 1915, thus protecting this spectacular wilderness for generations to enjoy. A drive along the Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved highway in the United States, reveals spectacular scenery around every bend. The craggy peaks, meadows carpeted by colorful wildflowers, deep canyons and rushing rivers will be treasured memories of your Colorado travel experience. Eleven miles of the route are above the timberline, where a quarter of the plants you’ll see are also found in the arctic. Keep a sharp eye out for the elk, bighorn sheep, bobcats, mountain lions, mule deer and other wildlife that call the park home.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Sheraton Hotel Denver, Colorado
Day 3: Rocky Mountain chic
The alpine villages of Vail and Aspen beckon lovers of fine dining and trendy places, as well as the enthusiastic skiers who flock to these mountains each winter. Spend some time exploring the many boutiques and art galleries in Tyrolean-inspired Vail Village, where no cars are allowed, and find your own “in spot” for lunch. Then, it’s on to the glittering ski resort of Aspen. En route, you’ll be enthralled by the splendor of the Maroon Bells – Snowmass Wilderness area as you view the twin peaks of the Maroon Bells cresting at over 14,000 feet, crystal-clear alpine lakes, valleys dotted with groves of aspen, flower-filled meadows and impressive forests. The Inn at Aspen, a ski-in – ski-out resort at the base of Buttermilk Mountain, will be your home for the next two nights.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: The Inn at Aspen, Colorado
Day 4: Aspen adventures
Founded as a mining camp during the Colorado Silver Boom, the town of Aspen got its name from the abundant aspen trees in the area. Today, it is one of the most glamorous and sought-after ski resorts in the United States, as well as a noted cultural center. Your day is free to experience exciting Aspen as you please. You might enjoy the exhibits of contemporary and historic art at the Aspen Art Museum or browse in the many sophisticated shops and art galleries. Dining is a treat everywhere in Aspen and you’ll find a wide range of choices for lunch and dinner on your own.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: The Inn at Aspen, Colorado
Day 5: Peregrine Falcons call it home
Today, your Colorado travel takes you to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. No other canyon in North America combines the awesomely narrow opening, sheer crystalline rock walls and breathtaking depths found in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Wildlife abounds in the park, to include the rare Peregrine Falcon. Even the mighty bald eagle fears these ferocious falcons when it foolishly gets too close to their nests on a ledge high on the canyon wall. These amazing birds can reach a speed of 200 mph as they swoop down on their prey. Continue on to Durango and immerse yourself in Victorian splendor at the Strater Hotel tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Strater Hotel, Durango, Colorado
Day 6: Clickity-clack
While in Colorado travel aboard the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad between the old mining towns of Silverton and Durango. Relax and let the rhythm of the rails carry you back in time as a vintage steam locomotive pulls the train through the spectacular scenery along the Animas River. The railroad and the area have starred in many movies, including Viva Zapata! and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Tonight will find you at the only lodge in Mesa Verde National Park, where a reception will include a most interesting lecture by an archaeologist.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Far View Lodge, Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Day 7: Discover the Pueblo peoples
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mesa Verde National Park was established by President Theodore Roosevelt to “preserve the works of man.” And, what amazing works they are! Beginning in approximately 550 AD, an ancient culture settled in what is now Mesa Verde and began building elaborate stone communities within the canyon walls where their descendants lived and thrived for over 700 years. Your visit to these well-preserved cliff dwellings and a special native heritage luncheon will be treasured memories of your Colorado travel. Continue on through Canyonlands National Park, where the spectacular views of mesas, buttes and countless canyons will take your breath away, en route to a luxurious two-night stay at the Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa on the banks of the Colorado River in Utah.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Sorrell River Ranch Resort & Spa, Moab, Utah
Day 8: Astounding arches
Choose your included adventure – horseback riding or river rafting – at the Sorrell River Ranch Resort & Spa today. Then, prepare to be amazed as you take in the unique splendor of Arches National Park, with more than 2,000 natural arches sculpted by the forces of nature. Be sure to have your camera ready, because the spectacular landscape of contrasting colors, textures and landforms that you’ll see doesn’t exist in any other part of the world. As your Colorado travel adventures come to a close, please join us for a farewell cocktail reception and dinner this evening and share memories with your new friends.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Sorrell River Ranch Resort & Spa, Moab, Utah
Day 9 – Homeward bound
Your Colorado travel experience ends at 9:00 a.m. at Walker Field Airport in Grand Junction. Please allow a minimum of two hours for airport check-in formalities. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.
Meals: Breakfast
ACCOMMODATIONS
Night 1 & 2: Sheraton Hotel Denver
Denver, Colorado
Located close to the 16th Street Pedestrian Mall in the heart of the city, the Sheraton Hotel Denver extends a warm welcome to visitors in the Mile High City. Inviting guestrooms feature individual climate control, high-speed Internet access, iron and ironing board, hair dryer and in-room movies. Guests are welcome to take advantage of the heated outdoor all-season swimming pool and the fitness facilities.
Night 3 & 4: The Inn at Aspen
Aspen, Colorado
The Inn at Aspen, nestled at the base of Buttermilk Mountain, is a great favorite of the avid skiers who flock to Aspen in the winter due to its ski-in – ski-out access to the slopes. Guestrooms feature air-conditioning, iron and ironing board, refrigerator, cable TV, Internet access and a coffee maker. After a busy day of exploring, work out the kinks with a dip in the heated outdoor pool or a few reps in the Fitness Gym.
Night 5: Strater Hotel
Durango, Colorado
Located close to Durango’s most popular attractions, the historic Strater Hotel is Durango’s most prominent downtown landmark. Originally built in 1887, the hotel’s guestrooms feature impeccable Victorian décor with modern conveniences such as cable TV and telephones with voice mail and data ports. A beautiful Victorian-style hot tub is available by reservation to hotel guests. Take a step back in time at the Diamond Belle Saloon, one of the most famous ragtime piano bars in the Wild West, where nightly entertainment still beckons. It’s said that the honky-tonk music at the Diamond Belle Saloon inspired western author Louis L’Amour, who wrote many of his Sackett’s novels at the hotel.
Night 6: Far View Lodge
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
An authentic Southwest experience awaits you at the Far View Lodge located in the midst of Mesa Verde National Park. Here at the accommodations within the park, the peace is only surpassed by the views. Attractive guestrooms feature a private balcony, refrigerator, coffee maker, hair dryer and iron and ironing board. Watch the sun rise or set at the Mesa Mocha Espresso Bar while keeping a lookout for the critters that call the park home.
Night 7 & 8: Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa
Moab, Utah
Set on the banks of the Colorado River surrounded by a picture-perfect Southwest landscape, the award winning, AAA Four-Diamond-rated Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa artfully combines luxury and the lure of adventure. Spacious guestrooms offer custom handmade furniture and ranch decor, picture windows with marvelous views, air-conditioning, iron and ironing board, bathrobes and Tarocco bath amenities and hair dryer. During leisure time, it may be hard to choose between the tennis courts, riverside pool and hot tub, well-equipped fitness room and horseback riding – or perhaps you’ll choose to indulge yourself with the pleasures of The Spa @ Sorell River Ranch.
DEPARTURE DATES
May - September
PRICES
From approx $2,490 US
per
person double occupancy
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Phone: 1-888-682-6449/1-303-670-5640
Fax: (425) 984-7676
tours@a-ztravel.com