Day 1... I will meet you in the baggage claim area at Denver airport. I shall then transfer you to our first night hotel, where you will have already been checked in. Later that evening after you have had an opportunity to freshen up after your long trip, we shall meet up in my room for a drink and the opportunity to get to know one another.

Days 2, 3 and 4.. The following morning will see us drive to the resort town of Aspen, Colorado where we shall be based for the next three nights. From here we shall visit the area known as Maroon Bells and Snowmass wilderness area. This sheer granite mountain rises majestically from the base of Maroon Lake, with colourful Aspens in their yellow Fall colours receding up the slope of the mountains. The mirror like reflections in the lake are wonderful. We shall also take a look at the numerous stands of Aspen along Castle Creek and take the scenic route to Leadville, an old mining town via the Independence Pass at an elevation of just over 12,000ft above sea level. You will also have some free time on the Sunday afternoon to take a look around the town of Aspen.

Days 5 and 6.. On Wednesday morning we shall leave Aspen and head to Gunnison where we shall spend the next two nights. From this small town we shall be able to visit the Gunnison National Forest, and if road conditions permit, the area known as Crested Butte near the Keebler Pass which offer outstanding views.

Days 7, 8 and 9..… Our next three nights will find us in the heart of the San Juan Mountains in the small mining town of Silverton. Located between Durango and Ouray on the Million Dollar Highway, the town has a unique mining history, Victorian charm and unequaled natural beauty provide an ideal base for exploration of this wonderful area.
Nothing much has changed in Silverton over the past one hundred years… and its very much been caught in a time capsule. The San Juan Mountains are spectacular, with plenty of peaks over 10,000 ft. Huge mountains slopes are covered in brightly coloured Aspens in their Fall splendor. If we are lucky, the higher peaks will get a light dusting of early snow to provide our photography with some very nice contrast. Silverton is also the turn around point for the Durango – Silverton Railway, and if possible those of you that are interested in making this famous trip as an optional extra, then I will try to arrange this nearer the time.

Days 10 and 11..… Our next two nights will be spent in South Fork which is the beginning of the Silver Thread Highway. This highway is one of the most spectacular scenic drives in the whole of the United States, often considered to mimic those of the Alaskan Highway. We shall be spoilt with wonderful mountains scenes and numerous Aspen groves along the way.

Days 12 and 13.. After four great days in the San Juan’s, its time to head east to Alamosa, the closest town to the Great Sand Dunes, the largest dunes in the United States. We spend two nights in Alamosa, and a whole day at the dunes. The area around the dunes is open flat farm land, a complete contrast to the mountains, although these can be seen away in the distance. The afternoon light is by far the best, as we shall be on the western side of the dunes.

Day 14.. Unfortunately, we have reached the end of our trip and it time to head back to Denver where you shall spend your last night prior to returning to the UK. This trip really does offer great opportunities.