TXRVr,

I've been on the Durango to Silverton Train several times over the years and had an outstanding experience.  One time I took the "Club Car" which serves alcoholic drinks, etc., and one time simply the "Open Car."  Both are great, just depends how much money you want to spend.  The views are "unbelievable" and you'll certainly enjoy the experience.  Durango itself is worth traveling to as the town is "tourist" friendly, has many shops, and there's a number of great campsites in or near Durango, including the KOA which I've stayed at.

I've also been in the town of Chama, NM, which has an outstanding train ride which goes into Colorado as well.  Although I haven't taken the train, my father-in-law has taken it and says it's actually better than the Durango train trip (he's definitely much more of a train buff than I).  There are also a couple nice campgrounds in Chama, although I haven't stayed at them.

Both these trains are the old "Steam" locomotive type and add to the "old-time" experience of the "Old West."

Here are the links to both these sites and I believe you can't go wrong with either.  Have a great time!

 http://www.cumbrestoltec.com/

 http://www.durangotrain.com/

TXRVr,

We've taken the "Gorge" train-ride which is excellent also, but we actually liked the "rafting" trips you can take down the Arkansas which takes you under the Royal Gorge Bridge as well.  Definitely great on those "hot" days in Colorado since some of the raft trips allow you a quick dip in the slower parts of the river.

Thank you all for the info. Looks like there are several good ideas. I'll start checking them out.

Bill> I've been to Cripple Creek. It is indeed a bucket list item.

Jake62> Rafting was originally on our list until I found out that a wet suit is recommended at this time of year because of the snow melted cold water. I didn't want to turn into an ice cube.

Rick,

You will want to be sure and check with the rafting companies.  One that I checked online, had the Royal Gorge route with a possible minimum age of 12.  But, they also have other areas for rafting, so you would want to check with them.  Here is one website:

http://www.royalgorgerafting.net/index.html

Some reviews, apparently for the above rafting company:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g33340-d643388-Reviews-Royal_Gorge_Rafting-Canon_City_Colorado.html

Others in the Canon City area:

http://www.americanadventure.com/royalgorge

http://raftmasters.com/royal-gorge-rafting-trips/

http://www.lostpaddlerafting.com/

This one has a "Raft and Rail" package that seems to have both the Gorge railroad ride and a "family" 1/2 day rafting.  (The "family" refers to the class of rapids, I think.)  Definitely might be worth checking out:

http://www.raftecho.com/royalgorge-arkansasriver

This link seems to refer to several rafting excursion companies:

http://rafting.allaboutrivers.com/Colorado_river_rafting/Arkansas_River_rafting/Royal_Gorge_river_rafting-run39.html

Have fun.  We'll be in that area in a time frame from late August to early October, depending on an outcome at our son's job.  (Possible new position.)

Terry

TxRVr,

We've used the Arkansas River Tours for about 10 years. They're terrific! I believe their minimum age to do the gorge is 12-years old since the "Gorge" can contain class IV rapids, depending on the time of year. However, their "Big Horn Sheep" raft trip is more for novices. Also, at this time of the year, the river is not running as fast as in the early part of the summer in May and June so you may want to check to the tour company.

Check out their "package" deals as well if you want to ride the Gorge train, etc.

Here's their link:
http://www.arkansasrivertours.com/

-- Edited by Jake62 on Monday 25th of July 2011 05:22:53 AM

I just wanted to post an update.   We did both the Gorge and Arkansas rafting trips, the train ride, and a couple other adventures. We arrived in Colorado Springs with the intention of spending three days, but we were having so much fun and there was so much more to do that we extended to 7 days. Now I'm broke. Thanks so much for all of your suggestions.