Hiking in Mesa Verde, Black Canyon and Great Sand Dunes National Parks

8 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
Video not provided by operator
4.3/5 Great
100+ reviews  
81%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Small Group Tour
Learn about Southwest Colorado’s history and geology as local experts lead hikes through nature-made dunes and man-made ancient ruins in some of the state’s greatest national parks.
24% OFF
$2,091
From$1,599
See departure dates

Member Savings

Save up to $700!

Sign in to see which companies give additional
savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)

Unlock Savings

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Hike the spectacular rim of one of Colorado's picturesque national parks, Black Canyon of the Gunnison
    • Gain two perspectives on ancient Native American history with hikes at Mesa Verde National Park and the Ute Tribal Park to explore magnificent ruins
    • Hike through Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and learn from experts how this dramatic, changing landscape resulted from 15,000 years of sand deposits

What's this trip about?

    Learn about Southwest Colorado’s history and geology as local experts lead hikes through nature-made dunes and man-made ancient ruins in some of the state’s greatest national parks.

Compare to similar trips

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityDurango
End CityDurango

Travel Themes

  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Hiking & Walking
  • National Parks

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • Educational/ Learning
  • Hiking
  • Historic Sightseeing
  • History

Trip includes

    • 7 nights of accommodations
    • 1 expert-led lecture
    • 11 expert-led field trips
    • An experienced Group Leader
    • Customary gratuities throughout the program
    • Road Scholar Assurance Plan
    • Taxes

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Best Western Durango Inn and Suites

Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner

Activity note: Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration. After you have your room assignment...

Day 2

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Best Western Durango Inn and Suites

Hike Mesa Verde National Park

Activity note: Driving approximately 40 miles one way; about 1 hour each way. Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day; about 3 hours total...

Day 3

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Red Arrow Inn and Suites

Ute Tribal Park

Activity note: Driving approximately 50 miles to Tribal Park, about 1 hour; then approximately 135 miles to Montrose, about 2.5 hours, with stops. Hiking up...

Day 4

Meals: Breakfast and  Lunch

Accommodation: Red Arrow Inn and Suites

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Activity note: Driving approximately 13 miles one way; about 1 hour roundtrip. Walking/hiking approximately 6 miles total throughout the...

Day 5

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alamosa

Black Canyon, Curecanti Creek Trail Hike

Activity note: Driving approximately 160 miles; about 4 hours total; 1 hour in the morning and 3 in the afternoon, ...

Day 6

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alamosa

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

Activity note: Driving approximately 34 miles; about 1.5 hours roundtrip. Hiking approximately 6 miles total; about 4 ...

Day 7

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Best Western Durango Inn and Suites

Vallecito Creek Trail, Farewell Dinner

Activity note: Driving approximately 150 miles; about 3 hours total throughout the day, with stop for hike; riding approx....

Day 8

Meals: Breakfast

Program Concludes

Activity note: Hotel check-out by 10:00 a.m.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful tim...

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $1,599
Price per day$200
Single supplement (single occupancy)$520
Last Updated: 11/14/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Road Scholar.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Road Scholar Reviews & Ratings

4.3/5  Great
Excellent
236
Great
9
Average
2
Disappointing
9
Terrible
46
Write a Review

Other Road Scholar Reviews

M

Michal McGinnis

Feb 2025

Written on

Wonders of Costa Rica at a slower pace

When I signed up for the Wonders of Costa Rica at a slower pace. The hotel listed in the itinerary for day 8&9 was a 4 star hotel on the beach called the Punta L...

F

Floralin

Jan 2025

Written on

Same complaint as everyone else

Same complaint as everyone else. While I can see why the Cancel for Any Reason clause may be necessary for the business model, the problem is that THIS IS NOT EXPLA...

L

Lolly Kauss

Dec 2024

Written on

Road Scholar SCAMS older adults

If you want a real review and not their good reviews on their website, read this. Their customer service is horrible and they try to get as much money as possible by...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Accommodation

Best Western Durango Inn and Suites

3 nights  Durango

Red Arrow Inn and Suites

2 nights  Montrose

The Red Arrow Inn & Suites is your home base for exploration. Whether you are coming to Montrose to visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, fly fish our amazing rivers, or just passing through on business, rest assured the Red Arrow Inn & Suites has you covered. Stay with us and experience the difference of an independent, family run inn that cares about the details. Our mission is to provide genuine, superior customer service in an ultra clean, comfortable and unique environment. We have recently set a goal to become the most eco-friendly hotel in Montrose and are implementing new sustainable, eco-friendly practices that help give back to the community in which we live.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alamosa

2 nights  Alamosa

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 4 Dinners

The following choices may be available when requested in advance:

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
[object Object]
Trip ID
roadscholar-948

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!