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Combine the nostalgia of New Mexico's section of 'The Mother Road' - legendary Route 66, with a scenic road trip through the Rocky Mountain state of Colorado for a truly contrasting and unforgettable holiday experience.
Price per person includes:
Holiday highlights:
Begin your adventure in the capital of Colorado, the 'Mile High City' of Denver. Spend your first evening in eclectic Lodo (Lower Downtown), where you can enjoy dining al fresco and a cool beer in one of the many micro-breweries.
Distance: 69 miles
Less than an hour's drive south from Denver lies the town of Colorado Springs. Pike's Peak looms majestically over this Colorado town. A must-do is Pike's Peak Cog Railway, the USA's highest cog railway stretching for nine miles and rising to an elevation of 14,000 feet. Don't forget to explore the jagged rocks at The Garden Of The Gods, or take a stroll around pretty Manitou Springs, a colourful artists colony.
Ranch stays are also available in this region, please call Bon Voyage for further details.
Distance: 183 miles
Travel south from Colorado Springs to Alamosa via Canon City and The Royal Gorge Bridge. Enjoy the spectacular views from the USA's highest suspension bridge. If you're an adrenaline junkie, you may wish to take a ride on the wild side on the Royal Rush Skycoaster.
The Great Sand Dunes National Park near Alamosa are home to America's tallest sand dunes and set against the continent's highest peaks, a unique sight to see.
Distance: 202 miles
On your way to the Route 66 town of Albuquerque, be sure to stop for lunch in colourful Santa Fe. The capital of New Mexico is the very embodiment of a south-western city with its pueblo-style buildings, numerous galleries and unique boutiques.
Historic neon signs still glow on old Route 66 through Albuquerque, which is now Central Avenue. Alongside the vintage signs, you'll see new too as the neighbourhoods are keen to keep the traditions of Route 66 alive. Head for an authentic Route 66 diner and enjoy a cold milkshake and a classic tune from yesteryear.
Distance: 137 miles
Journey along Route 66 via the tiny towns and trading posts like Laguna, Grants, Blue Water and Thoreau to Gallup, the Native American Capital of the Southwest. Stay in the famous El Rancho Hotel which dates back to 1937. It was once home to many movie stars that filmed in this area such as Humphrey Bogart, John Wayne and Kirk Douglas. May through September you can enjoy free nightly Native American dance displays in the downtown area.
Distance: 180 miles
![Durango-Silverton-train[1].jpg](https://resources.bon-voyage.co.uk/img/uploads/10541_fit588x588.jpg)
Leave behind dusty Route 66 and head back to verdant Colorado and the historic town of Durango at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Founded in 1880 as the rail junction for the gold-rush community of Silverton, take a journey back in time on the Durango to Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery.
Less than two hour's drive from Durango you can also visit a UNESCO World Heritage site at the fascinating Mesa Verde National Park.
Distance: 90 miles
Between Durango and Telluride, you’ll cruise along 'The Million Dollar Highway', one of the most breathtaking drives in the USA. Reaching an elevation of over 11,000 feet, with steep grades, hairpin curves and no guard rails, this scenic highway is not for the faint of heart. However, it is worth every mile.
The pretty mountain village of Telluride is set in a region of Colorado referred to as ‘the Switzerland of America’, and dates back to the 1870's. The quaint downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and where Butch Cassidy robbed his first bank. It's a delightful place to kick back, relax and enjoy the sensational mountain scenery.
Distance: 126 miles
Through the lush alpine scenery of Colorado today, be sure to take a slight detour to the 'Black Canyon of Gunnison', an eerie crack in the Earth's crust that can easily accommodate the Empire State Building.
Just outside of Grand Junction you'll encounter the Colorado National Monument, plan to drive the famous Rim Rock Drive through these monolithic rock formations.
Shaded by the majestic beauty of the red rock cliffs and mesas that surround Grand Junction, the Grand Valley is home to more than 20 wineries and vineyards that serve up some of Colorado’s best wines. Enjoy an evening wine tasting in one of the tasting rooms in town or at a local vineyard.
Distance: 242 miles
On the way to Rocky Mountain National Park, be sure to break your trip in Black Hawk in Clear Creek Canyon. Colorado's Gold Rush started here in 1859 and you can take a self-guided walk through this western town and learn about the town's colourful past.
With over 300 miles of trails, jagged, snow-encrusted granite peaks and a remarkable array of wild creatures, Rocky Mountain National Park is the perfect end to your Colorado fly-drive. You'll have two days to explore this incredible region. Head to the Tourist Information Centre and have one of the friendly Rangers suggest a gentle hike for you. After all, it's nearly the end of your road trip and time to park up the car and enjoy the fresh Rocky Mountain air.
Distance: 62 miles
It's a short drive today back to Denver International Airport for your early afternoon flight home. However, your adventure doesn't have to end here. You may wish to extend your stay and perhaps travel to San Francisco or maybe include a stop-over in New York.
Call the USA travel specialists at Bon Voyage to discuss your ideal Colorado, Mountain Country and the Mother Road.
