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Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta ft. California Zephyr

Southwest escorted tour from Chicago on California Zephyr to Balloon Fiesta

Illustration of Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta ft. California Zephyr

Vacations By Rail operates this nine-day escorted tour from Chicago to Albuquerque, combining famous American rail journeys with the Southwest's most celebrated seasonal attraction. The California Zephyr departs Chicago's Union Station on Day 1 for an overnight ride across Illinois and Iowa, climbing through the Rocky Mountains and traversing the continental divide before reaching Grand Junction on Day 2. From there, the tour shifts to coach travel, touring Arches National Park's red rock formations and the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde, then boarding the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for a steam-hauled journey along the Animas River. After exploring Spanish colonial history in Santa Fe with a guided walking tour, the group arrives in Albuquerque for Day 8 at the International Balloon Fiesta, beginning with exclusive Chaser's Club breakfast and viewing of up to 600 hot air balloons launching at dawn. A professional tour manager leads the entire group throughout. The itinerary suits first-time rail travellers, photographers drawn to national parks and historic towns, and anyone seeking guided comfort rather than independent navigation.

What to know before you look closer

  • Night Glow does not run on departures of September 27, 28, 29, or October 3; confirm your departure date before booking if this event matters to you
  • Flights to Chicago and airport transfers are not included; the operator offers connecting rail from your closest Amtrak station as an option
  • The from-price assumes standard coach seating on the California Zephyr; sleeping car upgrades are not mentioned in the operator's standard package

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Train

    Departing Chicago aboard the California Zephyr

    Meet the Tour Manager and travel group at Chicago's Union Station, then join Amtrak's California Zephyr on its overnight route toward Grand Junction, Colorado, through western Illinois and Iowa.

  2. Day 2overnight: Grand Junction

    Arriving in Grand Junction, Colorado

    The California Zephyr climbs through the Rocky Mountains and the Moffat Tunnel, crossing the continental divide, then follows the Colorado River to Grand Junction. Free evening at the hotel.

  3. Day 3overnight: Mesa Verde National Park

    Through Arches National Park to Mesa Verde

    Depart by coach along the Colorado River to Moab, Utah, passing red rock canyons and Fisher Towers, for a tour of Arches National Park. Free time in Moab, then ascend to Mesa Verde for the night, dining together with views over the Four Corners.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Durango

    Exploring Mesa Verde National Park

    A tour of Mesa Verde's cliff dwellings and surface ruins, starting at the Far View Museum and continuing along the 'ruins' road. Afterward, travel to Durango for a two-night stay.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5railovernight: Durango

    Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

    Board the historic steam-hauled Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad along the Animas River to the former mining town of Silverton, with free time to explore before returning to Durango by coach.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6overnight: Santa Fe

    Traveling to New Mexico's capital

    Travel south into New Mexico through historic Spanish towns, stopping for lunch and a guided tour of the Santuario de Chimayo, before arriving in Santa Fe.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  7. Day 7overnight: Albuquerque

    Historic Santa Fe and on to Albuquerque

    A historical walking tour of Santa Fe visits the Palace of the Governors, Loretto Chapel and San Miguel Mission. Free time before heading to Albuquerque for an early dinner ahead of the Balloon Fiesta.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: Albuquerque

    Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

    An early start for the Balloon Fiesta, with breakfast in the exclusive Chaser's Club lounge and the chance to see up to 600 balloons launch. Later, a tour of Albuquerque including the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center Museum, then return to the Fiesta for the Night Glow and fireworks (Night Glow does not run on Sep 27, 28, 29 or Oct 3 departures).

    Meals: Breakfast

  9. Day 9

    Traveling home

    Your vacation concludes this morning, at leisure to pack ahead of your onward travel; this day is also kept as a reserve Balloon Day if needed.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Depart Chicago's Union Station aboard Amtrak's California Zephyr on an overnight journey westward through Illinois and Iowa
  • Day 2The California Zephyr climbs through the Rocky Mountains and Moffat Tunnel, crossing the continental divide and following the Colorado River into Grand Junction
  • Day 3Coach tour through red rock canyons and Fisher Towers to Arches National Park near Moab, then ascend to Mesa Verde with group dinner overlooking the Four Corners
  • Day 5Board the historic steam-hauled Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad along the Animas River to the former mining town of Silverton
  • Day 8Early morning at the Balloon Fiesta with exclusive Chaser's Club breakfast, watching up to 600 hot air balloons launch, plus the Night Glow evening event

Included

  • Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 7 nights' 3 & 4-Star hotel accommodation
  • 1 night in coach aboard the California Zephyr
  • Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The package includes one night in coach aboard the California Zephyr from Chicago to Grand Junction, plus a full day on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and all coach travel between destinations.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
Escorted. Vacations By Rail provides a professional tour manager from start to finish, and all guided tours and excursions are included.
What is the Balloon Fiesta experience?
Day 8 includes early morning entry to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta with exclusive Chaser's Club breakfast, viewing of up to 600 balloon launches, a guided tour of Albuquerque including the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center Museum, and the Night Glow evening event (dates vary by departure).
What hotels are included?
The tour includes DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Junction, Far View Lodge in Mesa Verde National Park, Holiday Inn Express Durango Downtown, Drury Plaza Hotel in Santa Fe, and Hotel Albuquerque for two nights.
How much walking is involved?
The operator rates this trip Mobility Rating 3, reflecting a historical walking tour of Santa Fe, Arches National Park tour, and Mesa Verde cliff dwellings exploration.
What meals are included?
Seven breakfasts, one lunch, and two dinners are included across the nine days. Additional meals in towns and at hotels are at your own cost.

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