National Parks of Colorado

From 14,000-foot-high mountain peaks to stunning deep gorges, from whitewater thrills to Ancestral Pueblo ruins, Colorado is full of opportunities to explore and engage your sense of adventure. Starting in the metropolitan areas of Denver and Colorado Springs, this tour travels through the Rocky Mountains and San Juan Mountains, where you’ll explore this area through a myriad of activities.

Enjoy a visit atop Pikes Peak and other attractions near Colorado Springs. Travel back to your youth with the opportunity to slide down gigantic sand dunes in Great Sand Dunes National Park. Explore the ruins of the vast Ancestral Puebloan civilization that inhabited Mesa Verde for thousands of years, as well as Chimney Rock National Monument. Experience the spectacular mountain vistas from the Million Dollar Highway, peer into the depths of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, then end your day enjoying the beauty of the Colorado National Monument. Feel the thrills of whitewater rafting down the rapids of the Colorado River. Finish the tour with the grand finale by visiting Rocky Mountain National Park and explore Trail Ridge Road to its 12,000-foot summit for a grand view of the many mountain peaks and grand valleys below.

Tour Pricing

$3,799.00 Per Person Double Occupancy

$4,249.00 Per Person Single Occupancy

$3,449.00 Per Person Triple Occupancy

$3,349.00 Per Person Quad Occupancy

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June 14

July 19

Aug 2

Sept 6

Sept 20

Tour Highlights:

Rocky Mountain National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Mesa Verde National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Chimney Rock National Monument
Colorado National Monument
Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Million Dollar Highway
Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
Grand Lake
Estes Park
Excellent photographic opportunities
Wildlife watching opportunities

Inclusions:

Services of a Southwest Adventure Tours tour director – a professional tour guide
Comfortable transportation in a Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van
7 nights lodging
7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
Airport transfers
Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
Whitewater Rafting
U.S. Resident National Park entrance fees
Gratuities for included meals
Luggage handling (one suitcase per person)
Applicable taxes and fees

Daily Breakdown:

Day 1: Arrive in Denver, travel to Colorado Springs
Day 2: Pikes Peak Cog Railway – Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
Day 3: Great Sand Dunes N.P. – Chimney Rock N.M.
Day 4: Mesa Verde National Park – Explore Durango
Day 5: Million Dollar Hwy – Black Canyon of the Gunnison – Colorado National Monument
Day 6: Glenwood Springs – whitewater rafting on Colorado River
Day 7: Rocky Mountain National Park – travel back to Denver area
Day 8: Journey Home

POC overall

Itinerary:

Day 1: Denver to Colorado Springs & Garden of the Gods

Your Colorado adventure begins on Sunday afternoon when you meet your experienced tour director at 1:00 PM for an unforgettable journey through one of America's most breathtaking states. From Denver, your group travels south to Colorado Springs, one of Colorado's most popular travel destinations, perfectly nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Your first stop is the iconic Garden of the Gods, a stunning National Natural Landmark renowned for its dramatic red rock formations, and sweeping panoramic views. Explore the park at your own pace as you walk and hike through its scenic trails, discovering the unique geological wonders. After a memorable afternoon surrounded by nature's masterpiece, you'll return to your Colorado Springs hotel to check in and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Meals: None

Lodging: Drury Inn and Suites, Colorado Springs, CO

POC Day 1

POC Day 2

Day 2: Pikes Peak Cog Railway & Royal Gorge Bridge and Park

This first day brings two of Colorado's most spectacular and iconic experiences, starting with a historic ride on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway — one of the most celebrated scenic railways in the United States. Beginning at 6,300 feet above sea level, this legendary mountain railway carries you to the breathtaking summit of Pikes Peak at over 14,000 feet, offering sweeping 360-degree views of the Rocky Mountains that have inspired generations of explorers, artists, and travelers alike. The unmatched natural beauty of the Pikes Peak region makes this one of the most sought-after Colorado mountain experiences you can have. From there, your Colorado tour continues to the awe-inspiring Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, home to the world's highest suspension bridge, soaring an incredible 1,053 feet above the rushing Arkansas River below. Walk across this engineering marvel, soak in the dramatic canyon views, enjoy lunch on your own at the park, and take time to explore the many additional attractions Royal Gorge has to offer. As the afternoon draws to a close, your group travels deeper into the heart of Colorado, where a wonderful dinner and a comfortable overnight stay await — the perfect end to an extraordinary day of Colorado sightseeing.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Lodging: Hampton Inn, Alamosa, CO

Day 3: Great Sand Dunes National Park & Chimney Rock National Monument

Today's adventure takes you through some of Colorado's most remarkable landscapes, starting with a morning visit to Great Sand Dunes National Park. Home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, these incredible dunes rise up to 750 feet high and stand as the stunning centerpiece of a diverse landscape that includes grasslands, wetlands, conifer and aspen forests, alpine lakes, and tundra. After exploring this one-of-a-kind national park, your group travels west over the scenic Wolf Creek Pass, one of Colorado's most beautiful mountain drives, before arriving in Pagosa Springs. Here you will visit Chimney Rock National Monument, a hidden gem of the American Southwest that offers a fascinating look into the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloan people. After discovering this remarkable piece of Colorado history, your day comes to a close in the charming and historic mountain town of Durango, Colorado — the perfect place to rest up before another exciting day of exploration.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Lodging: Holiday Inn & Suites, Durango, CO

POC Day 3

POC Day 4

Day 4: Mesa Verde National Park

Today is fully dedicated to one of Colorado's most fascinating and historically significant destinations — Mesa Verde National Park. As the largest archaeological preserve in the United States, Mesa Verde is home to over 4,000 sites, including 600 remarkable cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Pueblo, also known as the Anasazi, a thriving ancient culture that once called the Four Corners region home before mysteriously vanishing and leaving behind one of history's greatest unsolved mysteries. Your visit begins at the park's Visitor Center, where an impressive collection of ancient artifacts brings this lost civilization to life. From there, you'll venture deeper into the park to explore its most famous and awe-inspiring cliff dwellings up close, with time to stop for lunch on your own along the way. Mesa Verde National Park is truly a must-see Colorado attraction for history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. After an incredible day uncovering the secrets of this ancient world, your group returns to Durango for a free evening to explore this charming and lively western town at your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast

Lodging: Holiday Inn & Suites, Durango, CO

Day 5: Million Dollar Highway, Black Canyon of the Gunnison & Colorado National Monument

One of the most scenic and memorable drives in all of Colorado awaits as your group sets out along the legendary Million Dollar Highway from Durango to Ouray. Sit back and take in the stunning alpine meadows, the winding Animas River, and the soaring peaks of the San Juan Mountains as you make your way through one of the most dramatic stretches of road in the American West. Along the way, your group will stop at scenic overlooks and enjoy hikes surrounded by incredible mountain scenery, passing by fascinating old mining ruins and the majestic views of Colorado's towering 14ers. The journey winds down the mountainside into the charming historic town of Ouray, where you'll have time to visit the spectacular Box Canyon Falls and explore the surrounding area. Continuing north, your group arrives at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, a stunning and powerful natural landmark where the Gunnison River has carved a deep, steep-walled gorge through ancient Precambrian rock over millions of years. Scenic roads and trails along both the north and south rims offer dramatic views of the canyon's sheer drops and the breathtaking striped cliffs of the famous Painted Wall. After taking in one of Colorado's most awe-inspiring national parks, your group travels on to Grand Junction, where the day comes to a beautiful close with a picnic dinner set against the stunning red rock landscape of Colorado National Monument.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Lodging: Hampton Inn Downtown, Grand Junction, CO

POC Day 5

POC Day 6

Day 6: Glenwood Canyon Whitewater Rafting & Glenwood Springs

Your group heads east to the charming mountain town of Glenwood Springs for one of the most thrilling experiences of the entire trip — whitewater rafting through the stunning Glenwood Canyon. This beautiful and pristine stretch of the Colorado River offers an unforgettable combination of breathtaking Rocky Mountain scenery and exciting whitewater, making it one of the most popular rafting destinations in Colorado. The trip features Class II-IV whitewater, including the famous Shoshone Rapids, a Class III-IV stretch that delivers two miles of exciting and fun whitewater without being overwhelming — a perfect adventure for both first-timers and experienced rafters alike. With fascinating geology lining the canyon walls and gorgeous scenery at every turn, this is truly one of the standout highlights of your Colorado tour. After the rafting adventure, you'll enjoy a few hours of free time to grab lunch and, for those who are interested, a chance to relax and soak in Glenwood Springs' famous mineral hot springs — one of the largest natural hot spring pools in the world. From there, your group continues through the heart of the Colorado Rockies to Silverthorne for an overnight stay, with the evening free to enjoy dinner on your own.

Meals: Breakfast

Lodging: Hotel Indigo, Silverthrone, CO

Day 7: Rocky Mountain National Park & Return to Denver

Your final day of exploration begins with a scenic drive from Silverthorne to the Grand Lake entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the most visited and beloved national parks in the United States. Once inside the park, your group travels along the legendary Trail Ridge Road, a breathtaking mountain highway that crests at over 12,000 feet above sea level and offers sweeping overlooks into the stunning subalpine and alpine worlds of the Colorado Rockies. The afternoon unfolds as a true Colorado Rocky Mountain experience, with winding mountain roads, incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, and panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see. Your guide will lead the group along select hiking trails, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the natural beauty and grandeur that has made Rocky Mountain National Park one of the top destinations for Colorado outdoor adventures. As the afternoon draws to a close, your group descends back to the valleys of the Front Range for a memorable farewell dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll have the perfect opportunity to reflect on an incredible week of Colorado sightseeing and share your favorite memories with fellow travelers. After dinner, your group transfers to a hotel near Denver International Airport, for a last night with time to prepare to depart.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lodging: Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites at Gateway Park, Denver, CO

POC Day 7

Tour Details:

Not Included:

Items of a personal nature (alcohol, room service, etc.)
Meals (other than listed in the itinerary)
Optional activities
Airfare
Gratuities for the tour director

Arrival / Departure Info:

Arrival Location: Denver International Airport (DEN)
Arrival Time: By 1 PM Mountain Time on Sunday (day 1)
Departure Location: Denver International Airport (DEN)
Departure Time: Any time on the last day (day 8)

Physical Requirements:

Clients should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain for an average of 1 to 3 miles at a time.
Elevation gain and loss averages between 50 to 300 ft over the course of the areas visited during this tour.
Touring and overnight locations are above 6,000 to 10,000 ft above sea level
Deboard and board van each time at a viewpoint – a portable step will be available
Please let us know if you have any other physical/health limitations or requirements

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SWAT Trip Protection Plan (TPP)

Travel with Confidence. Cancel with Flexibility.

The SWAT Trip Protection Plan (TPP) gives you the freedom to cancel your tour for any reason up to the day before departure and receive a full refund of your SWAT-collected tour payments. It’s a simple, transparent cancellation waiver designed to provide flexibility for our guests and clarity in our booking process.

What TPP is-and Isn't

Not Insurance. It is SWAT's own cancellation waiver.
Coverage: Full refund of Swat-collected tour price and SWAT-sold add-ons (e.g., optional activities, additional nights of lodging, etc).

Who & What's Eligible

Who: Any named traveler on a SWAT booking (direct or qualifing agency/partner sale).
When: Must be added at initial checkout (cannot be added later).
Exclusions:
- Cruise or third-party products (e.g., AMA Waterways) outside SWAT's control.
- Air or rail tickets not booked by SWAT
- Government fees (e.g., park passes).
- Wholesale agreements that prohibit supplier waivers.

How to Purchase

At checkout, you'll see an unchecked box offering TPP at 10% of your SWAT cart total.
Check the box to add TPP; leave it unchecked to decline.
Once you leave the checkout page, you cannot add or remove TPP.

Cancelling Under TPP

Deadline: You may cancel through 11:59 pm local time in your tour's start city on the day before your first activity.
Process:
- Call or email the contact on your confirmation notice.
- We'll log your request timestamp (with time zone) and ask for a brief written confirmation via email to info@southwestadventuretours.com.
Refunds: We refund 100% of all SWAT-collected tour and SWAT add-on amounts. The 10% TPP fee is retained.

After the Deadline

If you cancel on or after your tour start date, or are a no-show, SWAT cancellation terms apply (no refund of tour amounts).

Rescheduling

You may reschedule your protected booking once within 12 months of your original departure date at no additional TPP fee.
If your new tour price is higher you pay only the difference in TPP fee; if lower, there will be no refund of the original fee.

Timing of Refund

Once we receive your written cancellation request, Accounting initiates your refund within 5-7 business days.
Actual bank posting time depends on your bank's processing schedule.

FAQ

What does TPP cover?

SWAT-collected tour and SWAT-sold add-on payments only.

When must I buy?

At initial checkout, cannot add later.

Can I cancel for any reason?

Yes, up to the day before your tour starts.

Is TPP refundable?

No, the 10% fee never refunds.

Can I move my trip?

Yes, once within 12 months at no extra TPP fee.

By choosing SWAT Trip Protection Plan, you gain flexibility to cancel worry-free, while SWAT maintains clear, consistent operations and revenue handling. Enjoy your adventure with confidence!