Love Trains? Ride on a Historic Steam Train on your Rocky Mountain Road Trip

The Historic Coaches

There are two historic coaches that are quite notable on this railroad. The Deluxe Historic Narration San Juan Coach is from 1887. Thirty passengers can fit inside the roomy interior. The Historic Narration Coach was constructed between 1880 and 1882. This coach fits forty-four passengers. A ride in this coach will have you enjoying how well it has been preserved and restored over the years.

Silverton Train Route

The Silverton Train Route covers a little over forty-five miles during the summer months. During the months of May through October, you will travel along the Animas River. This journey begins in Durango and goes all the way to Silverton. The winter months bring a little different journey for this adventure. From November through the beginning of May, the trip is only twenty-six miles.

Cascade Canyon Express

The Cascade Canyon Express leaves from a different location than the Silverton Train Route. This option will have you departing from the Rockwood Station. That station is approximately eighteen miles to the north of Durango. This means you must plan for your historic steam train ride during your Colorado road trip carefully.

This historic steam train journey takes place twice a day. The entire trip takes a little more than two hours. You will see many of the extraordinary sights of the San Juan National Forest. However, the best parts will be the steep canyons you see as the train is conquering the mountainous curves.

The Narrow Gauge Museum

You cannot end the railroad journey on your family vacation in Colorado without stopping at the Narrow Gauge Museum. There are twelve thousand square feet of space inside this museum. It is all filled with railroad-related artifacts. You can choose to wander around on your own or you can arrange a guided tour in advance.

I can’t wait to start helping you plan your Colorado family vacation! We can add this railroad and museum to your itinerary, or we can find a different attraction in Colorado that your family will love even more.

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your trip to Colorado or another destination?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

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The Waterfalls

Bridal Veil – Name-based on its visual representation.

Ramona – Named after Helen Hunt Jackson’s Book.

Hill – Named for the previous owner.

Hull – Named for the owner during the 1800s.

Feather – Name-based on its visual representation.

Weimer – Named for the 2nd owner of the falls

Shorty – This fall has the shortest drop out of all seven.

The trail that leads to these seven waterfalls is less than a mile long. That is not the only hiking option you have though. You can also choose to do the Midnight Falls Loop Hike, Inspiration Point Out and Back Hike, and the Stage Road Loop Hike.

Most people choose to do the basic hike to Seven Falls. Once they reach the base of the falls, they discover they have two options for seeing this tiered waterfall. The first will have you climbing 224 steps up alongside the waterfall. The stairs also take you to the trailheads for the other three hikes.

If you do not want to walk up all those stairs, and I can’t say I would argue with you if you don’t, there is another option. The elevator goes up fourteen stories to the observation point. The Eagles Nest Lookout is the perfect spot to see the seven different waterfalls. There is a gift shop up there, so you can purchase a souvenir or two.

You can easily hike to Seven Falls at any time of the year. I recommend going during the summer months though. It is during that time of the year that they light these waterfalls up at night. The lights change colors and make the rushing water appear even more breathtaking.

Waterfalls are one of the best things to see as a family during road trips. If you are looking for the best waterfall in Colorado Springs, then you must hike to Seven Falls. There are seven waterfalls in all and one of them will be a family favorite. Check out this article on another waterfall hike you can do with your family on a road trip to the Rocky Mountains

Are you ready to hike to Seven Falls? Call me today and let me add it to your Colorado Springs road trip itinerary! Click here to learn more of what is available during a visit to the Rocky Mountains.

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your next trip to Colorado Springs or another destination?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share.

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5 Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park

Climb to the Top of the Tallest Sand Dune

The tallest sand dune in the US can be found at the Great Sand Dunes National Park. This sand dune is seven hundred fifty feet tall. It can take a total of five hours to get to the top and back to the bottom again. If you are not ready for that type of challenge, I have another option. You can easily walk to the area that looks the tallest from the parking lot. You will still have breathtaking views and won’t be as tired afterward!

Grab Your Sled for Some Sandy Fun

Family fun is always part of family vacations, so add a little to your Great Sand Dunes National Park adventures! Grab a sled or snowboard and pretend the sand is snow. You will be amazed at how similar this type of sledding is and how your family won’t want to stop.

Take Advantage of the Ranger Programs

The ranger programs are normally held on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The topics change regularly, so it is best to check the schedule for the time of your visit. I recommend the sunset hikes with the rangers, because you can see this spectacular area in a whole new light.

Hike to Zapata Falls

Zapata Falls is right outside the Great Sand Dunes National Park. The hike is only a half-mile to the waterfall and a half-mile back. This waterfall is only thirty feet tall, so it won’t be as mesmerizing as some of the other falls you can see in the region. However, it is an excellent place to stop to cool down during the hottest days of the year.

Go Four-Wheeling

The Medano Pass Primitive Road is the perfect place to do a little four-wheeling in this park. This is one of the best things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park. We can reserve the 4WD vehicles over in Alamosa. Simply pick up your vehicle before conquering the rocky terrain and soft sand. There are even a couple of creek crossings that your kids will love!

These are the five best things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park. However, there are many other options for you to choose from. We can easily create a list of things to do for your Great Sand Dunes National Park vacation.

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park or another destination?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share.

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