Ancient Cultures & Colorado Rail Adventure: Mesa Verde, Ouray & Durango

June 11, 2027 thru June 16, 2027

Experience the remarkable history and spectacular landscapes of Southwest Colorado on a journey where ancient cultures meet soaring mountain scenery. Explore the archaeological treasures of Mesa Verde National Park and Canyons of the Ancients, then stand along the dramatic rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Continue into the magnificent San Juan Mountains for a two-night stay in Ouray, the charming mountain town known as the “Switzerland of America.”

The adventure continues with an exhilarating Jeep tour into Yankee Boy Basin, a visit to beautiful Box Cañon Falls, and time in the historic mining town of Silverton. Then climb aboard the legendary Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for an unforgettable journey through rugged canyons and pristine mountain wilderness. A stay at Durango’s historic Strater Hotel provides the perfect finale to six days filled with ancient history, Colorado’s natural wonders, and classic Western adventure.

Transportation

Roundtrip deluxe motorcoach transportation

Duration

6 days, 5 nights

Activity Level 3

Moderate

Meals

9 meals (5 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 3 dinners) included

Availability

Available

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Tour Highlights

Mesa Verde National Park – Explore ancient Ancestral Puebloan history, archaeological sites, and dramatic cliff dwelling landscapes.
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument – Discover one of the richest concentrations of archaeological sites in the American Southwest.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park – Take in breathtaking viewpoints of sheer canyon walls and the towering Painted Wall.
Ouray, Colorado – Spend two nights in the scenic “Switzerland of America,” surrounded by the spectacular San Juan Mountains.
Yankee Boy Basin Jeep Adventure – Venture into Colorado’s high country on a guided backcountry Jeep tour with sweeping alpine views.
Box Cañon Falls – Walk into a narrow canyon to see a powerful waterfall and enjoy beautiful mountain scenery.
Silverton, Colorado – Explore this colorful historic mining town nestled high in the San Juan Mountains.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad – Ride one of America’s most iconic historic trains through deep canyons, forests, and along the Animas River.

Inclusions

Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
5 nights’ lodging at excellent hotels
9 meals (5 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 3 dinners)
Admission to all listed attractions
Baggage handling at hotels (for one piece)
Your professional SUN TOURS Tour Director
All taxes and tips for included items (except hotel housekeeping)

Day 1 – Albuquerque to Mesa Verde National Park

Depart Albuquerque this morning and travel north through the beautiful landscapes of northwestern New Mexico and southwestern Colorado. After an independent lunch along the way, arrive at Mesa Verde National Park, one of the Southwest’s most remarkable archaeological and cultural treasures.

Begin with a visit to the Mesa Verde Visitor & Research Center before continuing deeper into the park. Tonight, settle into Far View Lodge, surrounded by the rugged scenery of Mesa Verde. Gather with fellow travelers for an included dinner at the Metate Room, a wonderful beginning to our Colorado adventure.

Overnight: Far View Lodge, Mesa Verde National Park

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2 – Mesa Verde & Canyons of the Ancients

After breakfast, meet a local guide for a fascinating exploration of Mesa Verde National Park. Discover the remarkable story of the Ancestral Pueblo people as we travel through this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights may include Chapin Mesa, views of Spruce Tree House, the scenic Mesa Top Loop Road, and the archaeological sites of the Far View Community.

Continue to Cortez for an independent lunch before visiting Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, home to one of the highest concentrations of archaeological sites in the United States. Explore the visitor center and museum and learn more about the cultures that have called this region home for thousands of years.

This afternoon, travel across western Colorado to Montrose. After checking into the hotel, enjoy an included barbecue dinner featuring smoked meats and classic Western-style sides.

Overnight: Hampton Inn, Montrose

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 – Black Canyon of the Gunnison & Ouray

This morning, journey to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, where the Gunnison River has carved one of the deepest and most dramatic canyons in North America. Visit the South Rim and enjoy several scenic viewpoints, including opportunities to see the towering Painted Wall, rising more than 2,000 feet above the river.

After an independent lunch in Montrose, travel south through Colorado’s spectacular mountain country to the historic town of Ouray. Surrounded by the soaring San Juan Mountains and often called the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray is one of Colorado’s most picturesque mountain communities.

Check into the Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs for a relaxing two-night stay. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is yours to explore downtown Ouray, enjoy the lodge’s hot springs, and choose from the town’s local restaurants for dinner.

Overnight: Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs, Ouray

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 – Ouray Jeep Adventure & Box Cañon Falls

A memorable day in the San Juan Mountains begins with an exciting backcountry Jeep tour. Travel aboard specially equipped vehicles into the spectacular alpine scenery surrounding Ouray, climbing toward the high-country landscapes of Yankee Boy Basin. Along the way, enjoy sweeping mountain vistas, wildflower meadows, waterfalls, and remnants of Colorado’s historic mining era.

At midday, enjoy an included picnic lunch before visiting Box Cañon Falls Park, where rushing water plunges through a narrow quartzite canyon just outside downtown Ouray. Those who wish may join a walk to view the falls and surrounding scenery, while others may return to the hotel for a more leisurely afternoon.

The remainder of the day is free to enjoy Ouray at your own pace. Browse the shops of historic Main Street, soak in the area’s famous mineral waters, or simply relax amid the mountain scenery. Dinner is on your own this evening.

Overnight: Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs, Ouray

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 – Silverton & Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

After breakfast, depart Ouray for a spectacular journey along the legendary Million Dollar Highway, one of Colorado’s most breathtaking scenic drives. Winding through the heart of the San Juan Mountains, this dramatic stretch of highway offers magnificent views of rugged peaks, deep valleys, historic mining country, and sweeping alpine landscapes as we make our way toward Silverton.

Arrive in the historic mining town of Silverton, where there is time for an independent lunch and a stroll through this colorful Victorian-era community. Then board the legendary Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for an unforgettable journey through the rugged San Juan Mountains. Following the winding Animas River, the historic train travels through deep canyons, forests, and remote mountain scenery accessible largely by rail.

Arrive in Durango in the late afternoon and check into the historic Strater Hotel, an iconic Victorian landmark in the heart of downtown. Tonight, gather for an included dinner and celebrate a memorable journey through the ancient cultures, historic towns, and spectacular landscapes of Southwest Colorado.

Overnight: Strater Hotel, Durango

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinnner

Day 6 – Durango to Albuquerque

Enjoy breakfast at the historic Strater Hotel before beginning our journey home. Travel south through the scenic Four Corners region, with a comfort and an independent lunch stop along the way.

Arrive back in Albuquerque this afternoon with wonderful memories of ancient cultures, dramatic national parks, high-mountain adventures, charming Colorado towns, and one of America’s great historic railroad journeys.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Itinerary subject to change.

Hotel Information

Far View Lodge

Mesa Verde National Park, CO

Hampton Inn

Montrose, CO

Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs

Ouray, CO

Strater Hotel

Durango, CO

Package Pricing

$2,625 per person

Double occupancy

Deposit: $200

$3,275 per person

Single occupancy

Deposit: $200

Final Payment Due:

April 6, 2027

Deposit: N/A

Price Includes

Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
5 nights’ lodging at excellent hotels
9 meals (5 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 3 dinners)
Admission to all listed attractions
Baggage handling at hotels (for one piece)
Your professional SUN TOURS Tour Director
All taxes and tips for included items (except hotel housekeeping)

Booking Policy

CANCELLATION FEES:

None – through April 6, 2027
$200 – April 7 – 19, 2027
60%* – April 20 – May 5, 2027
100%* – after May 5, 2027

*Fee as percentage of total package price.

We pride ourselves on great service and an enjoyable experience for all and will go over our booking policies after you make your request for booking. If you’d like to learn more about our booking policies before your trip, give us a call at (505) 889-8888.

Travel Insurance

In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to help protect your travel investment so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans. For your convenience, we offer a Travelex Insurance Services protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. TRAVEL PROTECTION IS ENCOURAGED. Travel protection starts at $277. Please click here for more information.

For your reference, we send to you a detailed itinerary approximately 3-4 weeks prior to the scheduled tour departure. This has day-by-day times and events, hotel information where you can be reached in case of an emergency, and airline information.

The times listed on the itinerary are all approximate. We cannot be held responsible for schedule changes due to unforeseen circumstances with the weather, transportation agents, highway conditions, hotels or contracting agents.

Level 3: Moderate

Expectations: Expect a moderate amount of walking, 2-3 hours of walking each day. There will be time to rest on the coach and between attractions. To enjoy this tour, you should be prepared to walk slightly longer distances, climb stairs and tolerate periods of standing, for example on city walks, sightseeing stops or ship excursions. The daily pace and timing can fluctuate significantly between longer and shorter travel days, with additional activities possibly occurring in the early morning or evening. There may be some changes in altitude or temperatures.

Appropriate for: Most travelers beginning with those who are moderately fit, lead semi-active lives, are comfortable participating in long days of activities and expect some physical exertion without the use of a cane or walker mobility aid.

It is always a good idea to carry on your person a list of medications that you are taking and an emergency contact phone number while you are traveling. And we suggest making a copy of the itinerary and provide it to a friend or family member.

The traditional end-of-tour gratuity to your tour director is included on this tour. All hotel porterage and airport skycap (when available) fees are included. We also include the gratuities for the coach/livery drivers. Hotel housekeeping tips are not included.

If you would like to request special accommodations at the hotel(s) where we are lodging, please call us as soon as possible and we will forward these requests for you. The phone numbers of the hotel(s) where we are staying are listed on the itinerary.

Many hotels around the country have instituted a "reconditioning fee" of $300 or more that is levied upon a guest that smokes in a non-smoking room. If this occurs during our tour you will be responsible for paying this fee to the hotel prior to check-out.

We pay close attention to your requests but please realize that these are merely requests and cannot be guaranteed.

SUN TOURS acts solely as an agent in arranging hotels, transportation, sightseeing, baggage-handling, and other services and does not assume any liability for injury, damage, loss or delay due to any act or default of any company or person. We, along with our subcontractors, reserve the right to make changes to an itinerary if it is necessary for the proper handling of a tour.

Mid-June is an excellent time for this Colorado tour, with generally warm, sunny days, low humidity, and cooler mountain mornings and evenings. Conditions vary considerably with elevation, so guests should be prepared for everything from warm afternoons at Mesa Verde to chilly temperatures in the high San Juan Mountains.

At Mesa Verde and Durango, daytime temperatures are typically in the low to mid-80s, while mornings and evenings can fall into the 40s and low 50s. Mesa Verde averages about 83°F in June, and the National Park Service describes June as generally warm to hot with cool evenings.

Around Montrose and Black Canyon of the Gunnison, expect pleasantly warm afternoons, often in the upper 70s to mid-80s, with considerably cooler mornings. June is also relatively dry, with only about a 10% chance of measurable precipitation on a typical day.

The biggest temperature change comes in Ouray, Silverton, Yankee Boy Basin, and along the Million Dollar Highway. Because of the higher elevations, temperatures can be significantly cooler, particularly during the Jeep tour and early in the morning. Guests should dress in layers and bring a light jacket or fleece, along with comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. The combination of comfortable temperatures, long daylight hours, and generally dry weather makes June particularly well suited for this mix of sightseeing, scenic drives, outdoor activities, and the Durango & Silverton train ride.

Call 505.889.8888 to Book Today!

If you aren't ready to inquire by email or would rather call and speak to a team member, we look forward to hearing from you.

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