National Parks of Colorado

Overview

This trip by season

The same trip. Very different weeks.

• Summer

  June to August

  Everything open

  The full itinerary runs and every road and trail is open. These dates are popular, so they fill first.

  5 summer departures ›

• Autumn

  September to November

  Fall color and wildlife

  Aspen and cottonwood turning, wildlife on the move, and quieter trails once school is back.

  3 autumn departures ›

Day by day

1. 

   

   

   

   

   

   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.

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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.

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3. 

   

   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.

   OvernightDurangoMealsBreakfast, Lunch

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.

   OvernightDurangoMealsBreakfast

5. 

   

   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.

   OvernightGrand JunctionMealsBreakfast, Dinner

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.

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7. 

   

   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.

   OvernightDenverMealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner

8. 

   Day 8

   Journey Home

   As your unforgettable Colorado adventure comes to an end, it's time to say farewell to this magnificent state and make your way to Denver International Airport for your flight home. Hotel airport shuttle transfers are available as needed to get you to the airport with ease. We hope the stunning landscapes, rich history, and incredible experiences of Colorado have left you with memories that will last a lifetime — until your next great adventure!

Tour details

Gallery

More from Mesa Verde National Park and Colorado

Departures

Pricing

SWAT Trip Protection Plan

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.

Read the full Trip Protection terms — eligibility, how to buy, cancelling, rescheduling and refund timing.