National Parks of the West
Tauck's 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 National Park and indulge yourself with the sophistocation 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 f
ar 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 civilisation. 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. Arrive at the Mile High City - Denver. Welcome to Denver. Your Colorado travel adventure exploring some of the West's best national parks begins at 6pm at the Sheraton hotel in Denver. Please join us this evening for our welcome cocktail reception and dinner and meet your Tauck Director. Meals: D
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 colourful 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 lookout for elk, bighorn sheep, bobcats , mountain lions, mule deer and other wildlife that call the park home.
Meals: B
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, you find your own "in spot" for lunch. Then, it's on to the glittering ski resort of Aspen. En route, you'll be enthrawlled by the splendour 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 BD
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 comtemporary and historic art at the Aspen Art Museum or browse the many sophisticated shops and art galleries. Dining is a treat anywhere in Aspen and you'll find a wide range of choices for both lunch and dinner on your own. Meals: B
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 the
ir nests on a ledge high on the canyon wall. These amazing birds can reach a speed of 200mph as they swoop down on their prey. Continue to Durango and immerse yourself in Victorian splendor at the Strater Hotel tonight. Meals: BLD
Day 6. Clickity-Click. 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: BD
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 550AD, 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 Sorrell River Ranch & Spa on the banks of the Colorado River in Utah. Meals: BLD
Day 8. Astounding arches. Choose your included adventure - horseriding 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 stone arches carved by the forces of nature. Be sure to have your camera ready, because the spectacular landscape of contrasting colours, textures and landforms that you'll see doesn't exist in any other party 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: BLD
Day 9. Homeward bound. Your Colorado travel experience ends at 9am Walker Field Airport in Grand Junction, Colorado. Please allow a minimim of two hours for airport check-in formalities. Meals: B
Just America will be pleased to assist with additional accommodation in Grand Junction and transportation back to Denver, or to onward destinations in the U.S.
Departures 2008
May 23
Jun 08, 24
Jul 10, 26
Aug 11
Sep 12
Prices 2008 per person in £'s
Single £1509
Double £1135
Triple £1005 (double with rollaway)
17 Meals included: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Hotels:
Days 1 & 2. Sheraton Hotel, Denver, Colorado
Days 3 & 4. The Inn at Aspen, Aspen, Colorado
Day 5. Strater Hotel, Durango, Colorado.
Day 6. Far View Lodge, Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Days 7 & 8. Sorrell River Ranch Resort & Spa, Moab, Utah.
