Colorado Mountain Crests & Craft Brews

Colorado Mountain Crests & Craft Brews

This 8-day exploration of Colorado includes breathtaking National Parks, regional culture, history, and - of course - fresh, local craft beer! American Experiences small group, multi-day tours provide you with authentic, in-depth experiences not found elsewhere. Your trip includes more than just the basics-- a welcome reception, one or two unique specialty meals, three and four star quality boutique hotels, multiple guided tours with opportunities to choose your activity as well as free independent exploration, and transportation. Plus, our knowledgeable tour guide stays with you for the duration of the trip and can personalize your experiences to meet the needs of both you and the group. Get to know like-minded people from all over the world who enjoy similar experiences and enrich your appreciation of America's special Rocky Mountain culture with American Experiences small group tours. It's not just a tour, it's an Experience!

Itinerary

Day 1: Denver

Stop At: Denver, Denver, Colorado
Make your own way to the hotel for check-n and the start of the tour. This evening, mingle with other group members at a meet and greet reception hosted by your guide, a beer aficionado and destination specialist. You will be given an introduction to this 8 -day exploration of breathtaking National Parks, regional culture, history and—of course— fresh, local craft beer!
Duration: 4 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: 1 night accommodation at the Magnolia Hotel in Denver or similar hotel.

Day 2: Denver - Aspen - Snowmass (159mi/254km)

Stop At: River North Art District, Denver, CO, USA
This morning you will take a tour through Denver. Catch stunning views of the Rocky Mountains in between stops at historic and cultural locations, emerging neighborhoods and hidden gems of the Mile-High city. In the brewery district of River North (known as RiNo) you will tour some of the 45 breweries located in this capital city, each producing beer with very distinct aroma, body and finish.
Duration: 6 hours

Stop At: Aspen, Aspen, Colorado
Your drive to Aspen this afternoon will be a memorable one. You will travel along highways that are lined with jagged cliffs, winding roads over high-alpine passes and switchback turns with views that will keep your camera snapping. Take a casual stroll through downtown Aspen to acquaint yourself with the town’s ins and outs and the energy that makes it a world-class resort town. Transfer to Snowmass for the overnight.
Duration: 3 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: 1 night accommodation at the Stonebridge Inn in Snowmass or similar hotel.

Day 3: Aspen - Snowmass

Stop At: Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, Maroon Creek Road, CO 81611
This morning, choose your included activity. Enjoy a leisurely morning hike through the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, known as "the most photographed peaks in North America". Be sure to bring your camera as this area is also home to moose and black bear. Or beginners as well as experienced rafters can raft the Upper Roaring Fork. This section of river features beautiful scenery and wildlife.
Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Aspen Brewing Company, 304 E Hopkins Ave, Aspen, CO 81611-2268
The afternoon is free to explore Aspen’s landmarks and boutiques, or engage in more outdoor adventure. The group will meet up for tastings at Aspen Brewing Company. From their seasonally inspired brews to their Barrel-Aged Temerity Series, there’s sure to be a brew to inspire a “that’s damn good!” from everyone.
Duration: 4 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: 1 night accommodation at the Stonebridge Inn in Snowmass or similar accommodation.

Day 4: Snowmass - Telluride (200mi/320km)

Pass By: McClure Pass, Colorado 81623, USA
Today you will travel through McClure Pass, one of Colorado's most scenic and historic byways. A trip on the West Elk Loop passes through national forestlands, wilderness preserves, state and national parks, quaint small towns and some of Colorado's most majestic scenery.

Stop At: Telluride, Telluride, Colorado
Upon arrival in Telluride you will explore the town on foot. Because of its significant role in the history of the American West, the core area of Telluride was designated a National Historic Landmark District.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: The Telluride Brewing Co., 156 Def Society Drive, Telluride, CO 81435
The tour will finish at Telluride Brewing Company where you can quench your thirst with the smooth-tasting flavors of beer from one of the highest microbreweries in the world.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Telluride & Mountain Village, Telluride & Mountain Village, Colorado
The evening is free to enjoy the atmosphere of this historic Victorian mining town, or take the gondola ride to explore Telluride Mountain Village and its magnificent views.
Duration: 2 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: 1 night accommodation at The Victorian Inn, Telluride or similar hotel.

Day 5: Telluride - Silverton - Durango (121mi/195km)

Pass By: Million Dollar Highway, Hwy 550, Silverton, CO
Today you will travel along the Million Dollar Highway between Ouray, a charming town surrounded by steep mountains, and Silverton, an old silver mining town. Much of Silverton is considered a National Historic Landmark and is the depot town of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This 3 ft. narrow gauge heritage railroad has been hauling freight and passengers in continuous operation since 1882.

Stop At: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum, 479 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301, USA
This 3 ft. narrow gauge heritage railroad has been hauling freight and passengers in continuous operation since 1882. You will ride the historic railroad along the Animas River, through wilderness inaccessible by any road, for a steam-powered arrival into Durango.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Durango, Durango, Colorado
The evening is free to explore Durango’s local culture and cuisine.
Duration: 2 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: 1 night accommodation at the Strater Hotel in Durango or similar hotel.

Day 6: Durango - Mesa Verde - Durango (112mi/180km)

Stop At: Mesa Verde National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Today you are off to Mesa Verde National Park, the largest archeological preserve in the US. Here you will get a look at cave dwellings inhabited by groups of nomadic American Indians as early as 7500 BC.
Duration: 6 hours

Stop At: Durango, Durango, Colorado
Upon return to Durango you will visit one of the oldest craft breweries in the state. Water born high in the San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado makes these hand-crafted brews taste so good.
Duration: 2 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: 1 night accommodation at the Strater Hotel in Durango or similar hotel.

Day 7: Durango - Salida - Colorado Springs (300mi/480km)

Stop At: Salida, Salida, Chaffee County, Colorado
Depart for Colorado Springs, stopping en route in Salida, a quaint, western style town with a creative arts scene and a selection of breweries, distilleries and wineries.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, 4218 County Road 3a, Canon City, CO 81212-3663
Before arriving in Colorado Springs you will visit the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. Hanging high above Colorado’s wild Arkansas River, the Royal Gorge Bridge is America’s highest suspension bridge and a legendary feat of engineering renowned the world over.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Dinner: A final night dinner will feature Colorado Springs’ internationally diverse cuisine from small, local beer companies.
Accommodation included: 1 night accommodation at the Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn or similar.

Day 8: Colorado Springs - Cripple Creek - Denver (159mi/254km)

Stop At: Cripple Creek, Cripple Creek, Colorado
You will begin the day by visiting the historic mining town of Cripple Creek. Old brick buildings along the main streets will take you right back to the Old West. You will even have the opportunity to descend 1,000 feet below ground to learn about the workings of the 1890s hard rock gold miner. Beginning with a ride on a skip to the lower working levels of the mine, you will witness the operation and ride aboard the last air-powered Tram-Air Locomotive.
Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Denver, Denver, Colorado
There will be some time to enjoy lunch and one more mountain brewed beer before heading back to Denver. Passengers can either be dropped off in downtown Denver or transferred to the airport.
Duration: 3 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.