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National Parks of the West - Westbound
Tauck’s exciting new Colorado travel adventure takes in four of the most spectacular national parks in the American West. While perhaps not as well known as others, these varied scenic gems beckon with unique sights and experiences you’ll never forget. Savor a remote area of the Rockies at Rocky Mountain State Park and indulge yourself with the sophistication of Vail and Aspen. In Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, try to spy the rare Peregrine Falcon swooping down on its prey as you take in the park’s unusually sheer crystalline canyon walls and rushing river far below. Board a train with a vintage steam locomotive on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and travel along the Animas River and back in time between the two old mining towns. Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases and protects the fascinating cave dwellings of an ancient civilization. Breathtaking views of buttes and mesas await on a two-night stay at a luxurious ranch resort on the banks of the Colorado River. Mother Nature outdid herself when she sculpted over 2,000 delicate arches from sandstone at Arches National Park, a sight that can’t be seen anywhere else in the world. This is truly a Colorado travel adventure like no other!
Day-by-Day Itinerary
2009 Westbound Itinerary
Click here for Eastbound itinerary, Grand Junction to DenverDay 1: The Mile High City
Welcome to Denver. Your Colorado travel adventure exploring some of the West’s best national parks begins at 6:00 p.m. at The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa. Please join us this evening for our welcome cocktail reception and dinner and meet your Tauck Director; your hotel is a historic landmark in the heart of the "Mile-High City."
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa, Denver, Colorado
Day 2: Rocky Mountain high
Begin your Colorado travel by climbing high up into the mountains to Rocky Mountain National Park. The 358.5-square-mile park was acquired as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and became America’s 10th national park in 1915, thus protecting this spectacular wilderness for generations to enjoy. A drive along the Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved highway in the United States, reveals spectacular scenery around every bend. The craggy peaks, meadows carpeted by colorful wildflowers, deep canyons and rushing rivers will be treasured memories of your Colorado travel experience. Eleven miles of the route are above the timberline, where a quarter of the plants you’ll see are also found in the arctic. Keep a sharp eye out for the elk, bighorn sheep, bobcats, mountain lions, mule deer and other wildlife that call the park home.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa, Denver, Colorado
Day 3: Rocky Mountain chic
The alpine villages of Vail and Aspen beckon lovers of fine dining and trendy places, as well as the enthusiastic skiers who flock to these mountains each winter. Spend some time exploring the many boutiques and art galleries in Tyrolean-inspired Vail Village, where no cars are allowed, and find your own “in spot” for lunch. Then, it’s on to the glittering ski resort of Aspen.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Limelight Lodge, Aspen, Colorado
Day 4: Aspen adventures
Founded as a mining camp during the Colorado Silver Boom, the town of Aspen got its name from the abundant aspen trees in the area. Today, it is one of the most glamorous and sought-after ski resorts in the United States, as well as a noted cultural center. Start the day with an excursion from Aspen to check out the splendor of the Maroon Bells – Snowmass Wilderness area, as you view the twin peaks of the Maroon Bells cresting at over 14,000 feet, crystal-clear alpine lakes, valleys dotted with groves of aspen, flower-filled meadows and impressive forests. The rest of your day is free to experience exciting Aspen as you please. You might enjoy the exhibits of contemporary and historic art at the Aspen Art Museum or browse in the many sophisticated shops and art galleries. Dining is a treat everywhere in Aspen and you’ll find a wide range of choices for lunch and dinner on your own.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Limelight Lodge, Colorado
Day 5: Peregrine Falcons call it home
Today, your Colorado travel takes you to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. No other canyon in North America combines the awesomely narrow opening, sheer crystalline rock walls and breathtaking depths found in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Wildlife abounds in the park, to include the rare Peregrine Falcon. Even the mighty bald eagle fears these ferocious falcons when it foolishly gets too close to the their nests on a ledge high on the canyon wall. These amazing birds can reach a speed of 200 mph as they swoop down on their prey. Continue on to Durango and immerse yourself in Victorian splendor at the Strater Hotel tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Strater Hotel, Durango, Colorado
Day 6: Clickity-clack along the track
While in Colorado travel aboard the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad between the old mining towns of Silverton and Durango. Relax and let the rhythm of the rails carry you back in time as a vintage steam locomotive pulls the train through the spectacular scenery along the Animas River. The railroad and the area have starred in many movies, including Viva Zapata! and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Tonight will find you at the only lodge in Mesa Verde National Park, where a reception will include a most interesting lecture by an archaeologist.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Far View Lodge, Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Day 7: Discover the Pueblo peoples
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mesa Verde National Park was established by President Theodore Roosevelt to “preserve the works of man.” And, what amazing works they are! Beginning in approximately 550 AD, an ancient culture settled in what is now Mesa Verde and began building elaborate stone communities within the canyon walls where their descendants lived and thrived for over 700 years. Your visit to these well-preserved cliff dwellings and a special native heritage luncheon will be treasured memories of your Colorado travel. Continue on through Canyonlands National Park, where the spectacular views of mesas, buttes and countless canyons will take your breath away, en route to a luxurious two-night stay at the Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa on the banks of the Colorado River in Utah.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Sorrell River Ranch Resort & Spa, Moab, Utah
Day 8: Astounding arches
Choose your included adventure – horseback riding or river rafting – or just kick back and relax at the Sorrell River Ranch Resort & Spa today. Then, prepare to be amazed as you take in the unique splendor of Arches National Park, with more than 2,000 natural arches sculpted by the forces of nature. Be sure to have your camera ready, because the spectacular landscape of contrasting colors, textures and landforms that you’ll see doesn’t exist in any other part of the world. As your Colorado travel adventures come to a close, please join us for a farewell cocktail reception and dinner this evening and share memories with your new friends.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Sorrell River Ranch Resort & Spa, Moab, Utah
Day 9 – Homeward bound
After traveling approximately 113 miles from Moab to Grand Junction's Walker Field Airport, your Colorado travel experience ends at 9:00 a.m. at Walker Field Airport in Grand Junction. Please allow a minimum of two hours for airport check-in formalities. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.
Meals: Breakfast
Don’t miss this marvelous Colorado travel adventure visiting four of America’s most spectacular national parks!
Prices9 Days from $2,790 plus airfare
| Double | Single | Triple | |
| 2009 Price per Person |
$2790 | $3646 | $2526 |
17 meals included.
Airfare is additional – Tauck can book your air to Denver and from Grand Junction for travel originating in the U.S., subject to availability; inquire upon booking for special airfares that may be available.
Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.
Travel East or West – Both itineraries are identical, but operate in reverse. West Tour begins in Denver and travels to Grand Junction. East tour begins in Grand Junction and travels to Denver.
Need to Know
Inclusive Prices
Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, motor coach transportation, Presidential Class parlor car accommodations on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, special dinners, sightseeing, admissions, luggage handling, and the services of the Tauck Director, local guides and drivers are included. A representative of Tauck will meet you at Denver International Airport and provide transportation to the Brown Palace Hotel, regardless of the day and time of your arrival, provided you have furnished us with accurate flight arrival information at least two weeks prior to the start of your tour. Tauck will also provide transportation from the Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa to Walker Field Airport (Grand Junction Regional Airport) on the last day of the tour and is scheduled to arrive at the airport at 8:45 a.m. or at the Doubletree Grand Junction at 9:30 a.m. for post-stay visits.
Hotel Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. The Tauck standard is to provide the best available hotels without sacrificing value. Although the quality of the accommodations may differ slightly from place to place, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are two-bedded rooms with a rollaway cot or sofa bed, where available, and are not recommended for comfort. . Adjacent, adjoining and connecting rooms are available by request only and cannot be guaranteed.
The Strater Hotel in Durango offers rooms which have two double beds and does not provide a cot or rollaway bed for a third guest occupying the same room. Therefore, if you wish to book triple accommodations, all three guests will have to share two beds at this hotel on the fourth night of the tour.
Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
Tauck Director – National Parks of the West is conducted by a Tauck Director who will remain with the group throughout the tour. Your Tauck Director is a professional, fully trained employee of Tauck.
Gratuities Included – All appropriate gratuities for the hotel and restaurant staff, and local guides are included.
No Options Sold – Your Tauck Director will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed and pleasant experience for you.
Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
Tauck Director – National Parks of the West is conducted by a Tauck Director who will remain with the group throughout the tour. Your Tauck Director is a professional, fully trained employee of Tauck.
Gratuities Included – All appropriate gratuities for the hotel and restaurant staff, and local guides are included.
No Options Sold – Your Tauck Director will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed and pleasant experience for you.
Not Included
Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from Tauck for travel originating in the United States.
Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, Tauck will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through Tauck. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this website and discuss it with the reservations agent when you book your tour.
Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to the Tauck Protection Plan for more information.
Personal Expenses – Phone calls, alcoholic and bar beverages, soft drinks, mineral waters, laundry, dry cleaning, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, airport and departure taxes, and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
Tauck Director and Driver Gratuities – The customary gratuities for the Tauck Director and driver are not included. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.
Additional Information
Airline Security Measures – In the U.S., you must provide identification in the form of a passport at the time of airport check-in for travel to international destinations. Your passport name must match the name on your tour reservation and airline ticket or you may be denied boarding.
If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S, you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that particular airport.
Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocket knife, cigarette lighter, or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, or aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times.
You may also wish to visit the U.S. Transportation Security Administration Internet website by clicking here.
Air Services – Airfare may be purchased through Tauck for travel originating in the United States. By using Tauck's air services, you agree that Tauck, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, is acting only as your agent and is not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by Tauck. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline (and not Tauck), even if purchased through Tauck. Tauck is not liable for, and does not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to, seat assignments, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). Tauck must handle ticketing for Tauck's special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Special fares cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Tauck's air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a Tauck tour. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.
Holiday and Museum Closures – Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many religious, state and local holidays locally observed.
Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – Tauck pledges to make every effort to operate your tour as advertised. Tauck reserves the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to you. Any resultant added expense will be covered by Tauck. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecast at the time of publication.
Journey Start and End Times are provided at the time of booking. The tour begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Brown Palace Hotel in Denver on the first day of the tour. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. When you make flight arrangements, please allow sufficient time to claim your luggage and, if applicable, clear customs in order to join the tour on time. Tauck will provide transportation at 8:45 a.m. on the last day of the tour to Walker Field Airport (Grand Junction Regional Airport). When departing from Colorado, we suggest you allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in.
Membership will be granted to all persons. Tauck reserves the right to terminate the tour of any person who is abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.
Photography on Tour – Occasionally, we will use photographs taken by fellow guests or the Tauck Director on your tour for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
Air Services – Airfare may be purchased through Tauck for travel originating in the United States. By using Tauck's air services, you agree that Tauck, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, is acting only as your agent and is not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by Tauck. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline (and not Tauck), even if purchased through Tauck. Tauck is not liable for, and does not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to, seat assignments, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). Tauck must handle ticketing for Tauck's special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Special fares cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Tauck's air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a Tauck tour. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.
Holiday and Museum Closures – Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many religious, state and local holidays locally observed.
Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – Tauck pledges to make every effort to operate your tour as advertised. Tauck reserves the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to you. Any resultant added expense will be covered by Tauck. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecast at the time of publication.
Journey Start and End Times are provided at the time of booking. The tour begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Brown Palace Hotel in Denver on the first day of the tour. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. When you make flight arrangements, please allow sufficient time to claim your luggage and, if applicable, clear customs in order to join the tour on time. Tauck will provide transportation at 8:45 a.m. on the last day of the tour to Walker Field Airport (Grand Junction Regional Airport). When departing from Colorado, we suggest you allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in.
Membership will be granted to all persons. Tauck reserves the right to terminate the tour of any person who is abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.
Photography on Tour – Occasionally, we will use photographs taken by fellow guests or the Tauck Director on your tour for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
Preparing to Go
Air Conditioning – All of the motor coaches and hotels are air-conditioned for your comfort. The private parlor car Tauck has reserved on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad does not provide air-conditioning, although the high elevation minimizes the need for this amenity.
ATM and Credit Cards – We recommend that you contact your bank in advance of departing on your journey to determine whether you will be able to use your ATM and credit cards while traveling. When contacting your bank, notify them of your travel dates so that they will anticipate charges being made outside of your hometown and do not suspend your cards for what may appear to them to be “suspicious” charges. We also recommend that you make a photocopy of the front and back sides of your ATM and credit cards to leave behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Clothing and Packing – Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Casual, cotton clothing is recommended. A light sweater or jacket will provide warmth on a chilly early morning walk or a late night stroll.
For dining in finer restaurants and for the welcome reception and farewell dinner you may want to dress up a bit – a jacket for men and a casually-elegant outfit for ladies – but certainly be comfortable.
Valet dry cleaning and laundry service is available at all the hotels on this itinerary, except at the Far View Lodge.
Hairdryers are located in each hotel guest room.
Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your journey to Colorado and Utah:
- Sports jacket and optional tie for men
- Casually-elegant outfit for women
- Short and long-sleeve shirts
- Short and long pants or jeans
- Tee shirts
- Socks
- Comfortable yet sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
- Swim wear
- Gym wear
- Light jacket, sweater of windbreaker
- Raincoat and rain hat
- Collapsible umbrella
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and sun hat
- Insect repellent
- Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and plenty of film
- Binoculars
- Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling
We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor’s prescription, or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.
Elevation – All the hotels on this itinerary are located at high elevations. The lowest overnight elevation is 4,200 ft (1,280 m) at the Sorrel River Ranch and the highest is 8,000 ft (2,438 m) at both the Far View Lodge and Inn at Aspen. The highest overland elevation is 12,183 ft (3,713 m) in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Health – To fully enjoy all the tour has to offer, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances over uneven or unpaved terrain, as some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. For the most part, however, the amount of walking you do is at your discretion. While none of the planned activities are especially strenuous or difficult, we urge caution when engaging in activities at high elevations. If you have a heart condition or lung ailment, please consult your physician before you book your trip.
All rooms are non-smoking at the Far View Lodge and the Stater Hotel.
We regret we cannot provide you with individual assistance for walking, dining or other personal needs. If you need such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will help you.
Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.
If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify Tauck as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.
No vaccinations are currently required for travel to the U.S. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour, prerecorded "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 877-394-8747 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC Internet website by clicking here.
Luggage Restrictions -
Checked Luggage – General
Elevation – All the hotels on this itinerary are located at high elevations. The lowest overnight elevation is 4,200 ft (1,280 m) at the Sorrel River Ranch and the highest is 8,000 ft (2,438 m) at both the Far View Lodge and Inn at Aspen. The highest overland elevation is 12,183 ft (3,713 m) in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Health – To fully enjoy all the tour has to offer, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances over uneven or unpaved terrain, as some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. For the most part, however, the amount of walking you do is at your discretion. While none of the planned activities are especially strenuous or difficult, we urge caution when engaging in activities at high elevations. If you have a heart condition or lung ailment, please consult your physician before you book your trip.
All rooms are non-smoking at the Far View Lodge and the Stater Hotel.
We regret we cannot provide you with individual assistance for walking, dining or other personal needs. If you need such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will help you.
Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.
If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify Tauck as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.
No vaccinations are currently required for travel to the U.S. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour, prerecorded "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 877-394-8747 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC Internet website by clicking here.
Luggage Restrictions -
Checked Luggage – General
While it is common for airlines to allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.
In addition, airlines have adopted stricter policies in enforcing luggage number, weight, and size limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.
Many carriers require checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, Tauck cannot be held liable to the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current number, weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage number, weight and size may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers.
Tauck World Discovery cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage number, weight and size policies.
Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home!
Carry-on Luggage – General
In addition, airlines have adopted stricter policies in enforcing luggage number, weight, and size limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.
Many carriers require checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, Tauck cannot be held liable to the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current number, weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage number, weight and size may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers.
Tauck World Discovery cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage number, weight and size policies.
Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home!
Carry-on Luggage – General
Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.
For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and only those items you need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may not allow for access during daytime travel.
Travel Document Requirements – National Parks of the West begins and ends in the U.S.
Travel Document Requirements – National Parks of the West begins and ends in the U.S.
In general, visitors to the U.S. must provide:
- A valid unexpired passport and visa
- Citizens of countries authorized to participate in the Visa Waiver Program are required to present an unexpired machine-readable passport
- Mexicans may provide a passport and valid DSP-150 (BCC) in lieu of a visa
- Canadians flying to or through the United States are required to have a valid passport or a NEXUS card, when used at a NEXUS kiosk at designated airports.
If you are frequent traveler to the U.S. from Canada, you may benefit from the NEXUS program, as mentioned above, which is joint initiative between the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency and the Canada Border Services Agency that allows pre-screened and approved travelers faster processing at designated highway lanes in high-volume border crossing locations, at a NEXUS kiosk at Vancouver International Airport, and at certain marine reporting locations in the Great Lakes and Seattle regions. For further information, you may log on to the Nexus Internet website by clicking here.
If you not a U.S. citizen, you should contact an embassy or consulate of the U.S. to determine what travel documentation is necessary. You may also log on to the U.S. State Department’s Internet site by clicking here.
We strongly recommend that your passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of your tour. We also recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as both sides of your driver’s license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents or cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.
If you not a U.S. citizen, you should contact an embassy or consulate of the U.S. to determine what travel documentation is necessary. You may also log on to the U.S. State Department’s Internet site by clicking here.
We strongly recommend that your passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of your tour. We also recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as both sides of your driver’s license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents or cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Travel with Children -
Age Recommendations – Children 5 years of age or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon our experience with family travelers, for each itinerary we have a minimum recommended age to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to make a reservation.
Babysitting – Tauck journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. However, our guests have occasionally inquired about babysitting services. If you are interested, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements, to ensure your precise needs are met. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer babysitting services that may be arranged on site; however, babysitting services are not guaranteed at all of our hotels. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
Safety and Welfare Responsibility – We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. For safety and security purposes, children under 18 years of age must be booked into a room with at least one accompanying adult. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour. By traveling with Tauck, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.
Special Travel Documentation for Children
Authorization for Travel
Age Recommendations – Children 5 years of age or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon our experience with family travelers, for each itinerary we have a minimum recommended age to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to make a reservation.
Babysitting – Tauck journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. However, our guests have occasionally inquired about babysitting services. If you are interested, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements, to ensure your precise needs are met. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer babysitting services that may be arranged on site; however, babysitting services are not guaranteed at all of our hotels. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
Safety and Welfare Responsibility – We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. For safety and security purposes, children under 18 years of age must be booked into a room with at least one accompanying adult. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour. By traveling with Tauck, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.
Special Travel Documentation for Children
Authorization for Travel
If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, you should have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not traveling acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are traveling into or out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so.
CBP also suggests that this note be notarized. While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed.
If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (deceased, sole custody, etc.) any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., would be useful.
All children who are U.S. citizens should also have a certified copy of their birth certificate or baptism record for ID. Children over the age of 14 are also required to have a photo ID.
CBP also suggests that this note be notarized. While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed.
If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (deceased, sole custody, etc.) any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., would be useful.
All children who are U.S. citizens should also have a certified copy of their birth certificate or baptism record for ID. Children over the age of 14 are also required to have a photo ID.
Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment
In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will require permission from the child’s parents to provide treatment. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.
Tauck is not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for any travelers, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard for these letters, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.
Destination Information
Cell Phones – We understand and appreciate the value of instant communication when we travel; it keeps us in touch with friends and family, and it's a reassurance in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell phones can be disruptive to a tour and to other guests who are enjoying their vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that you refrain from using your cell phone during motor coach travel, during group functions, when sightseeing as a group and when the Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There are usually many opportunities to make or receive calls at times when it does not affect others.
Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine whether your cell phone will operate in Colorado and Utah.
Currency and Exchange Rates – The official unit of currency is the U.S. dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widely distributed, and credit cards and travelers’ checks are widely accepted. Travelers’ checks should be taken in U.S. dollars to avoid difficulties.
To obtain the current currency exchange rates, you may want to check your local newspaper or log on to the ‘Oanda.com – The Currency Site’ by clicking here.
Customs and Tax-Free Shopping – If you are not a resident of the United States, you are normally entitled to a duty-free exemption of $100 USD on items that you bring into the U.S. To find out more information on what information must be provided to U.S. Customs and Border Control (CBP) upon entry, please refer to the CBP internet website by clicking here. You should also refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.
The individual states within the U.S. levy sales taxes on consumer goods and services. There is no federal tax similar to the Value Added Tax (VAT) used in other countries that would permit non-residents to obtain refunds of the sales taxes levied by each state.
Electrical Current – The electrical current in the U.S. is 110 V, 60 Hz, AC, which accommodates standard U.S. plugs having either two flat pins or two flat pins and a round grounding pin. If you bring electric devices that are not compatible with this system you should bring the appropriate adapters and converters.
Internet Access is available as indicated below:
Internet Access is available as indicated below:
Brown Palace Hotel – High-speed access in rooms and lobby.
Limelight Lodge- High-speed, wireless access; free computers located in lobby
Strater Hotel- High-speed, wireless access
Far View Lodge- High-speed, wireless access
Sorrel River Ranch – High-speed, wireless access in the lobby
Time Zones – All the areas visited on this journey are located in the U.S. Mountain Time Zone and are 7 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time). From early March to early November, these areas switch to Daylight Savings Time and are 6 hours behind. To determine current time in major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, ‘Timeanddate.com’, by clicking here.
Weather – Most of Colorado and Utah have a mountain climate with hot summer days and cold winters with snow. Thunderstorms occur in spring and summer with most rainfall during July and August, and most rain falls in the mountains. Humidity is low throughout the year. The state receives a large amount of hail during the year, mostly during spring.
Weather – Most of Colorado and Utah have a mountain climate with hot summer days and cold winters with snow. Thunderstorms occur in spring and summer with most rainfall during July and August, and most rain falls in the mountains. Humidity is low throughout the year. The state receives a large amount of hail during the year, mostly during spring.
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Average Temperature
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Denver, Colorado
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Aspen, Colorado
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Month
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Hi/Lo ºF
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Hi/Lo ºC
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Hi/Lo ºF
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Hi/Lo ºC
|
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January
|
43 / 15
|
6 / -9
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34 / 7
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1 / -14
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February
|
47 / 19
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8 / -7
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39 / 11
|
4 / -12
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March
|
54 / 25
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12 / -4
|
45 / 19
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7 / -7
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|
April
|
61 / 34
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16 / 1
|
51 / 25
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11 / -4
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|
May
|
70 / 44
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21 / 7
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61 / 33
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16 / 1
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June
|
82 / 53
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28 / 12
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72 / 41
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22 / 5
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|
July
|
88 / 59
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31 / 15
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77 / 46
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25 / 8
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August
|
86 / 57
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30 / 14
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75 / 46
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24 / 8
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September
|
77 / 47
|
25 / 8
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69 / 39
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21 / 4
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October
|
66 / 36
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19 / 2
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58 / 29
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14 / -2
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|
November
|
52 / 24
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11 / -4
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42 / 17
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6 / -8
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|
December
|
44 / 16
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7 / -9
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35 / 9
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2 / -13
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|
|
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Durango, Colorado
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Moab, Utah
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||
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Month
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Hi/Lo ºF
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Hi/Lo ºC
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Hi/Lo ºF
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Hi/Lo ºC
|
|
January
|
40 / 12
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4 / -11
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41 / 19
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5 / -7
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|
February
|
47 / 17
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8 / -8
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50 / 26
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10 / -3
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|
March
|
54 / 24
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12 / -4
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61 / 35
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16 / 2
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April
|
62 / 30
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17 / -1
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69 / 41
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21 / 5
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May
|
71 / 36
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22 / 2
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80 / 51
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27 / 11
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June
|
81 / 43
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27 / 6
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92 / 60
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33 / 16
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July
|
85 / 51
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29 / 11
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98 / 67
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37 / 19
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|
August
|
83 / 50
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28 / 10
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96 / 66
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36 / 19
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|
September
|
76 / 42
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24 / 6
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87 / 56
|
31 / 13
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October
|
66 / 31
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19 / -1
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73 / 42
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23 / 6
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November
|
51 / 21
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11 / -6
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55 / 30
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13 / -1
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December
|
41 / 13
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5 / -11
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43 / 21
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6 / -6
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Average Rainfall
|
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Denver, Colorado
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Aspen, Colorado
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Month
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Inches
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Millimeters
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Inches
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Millimeters
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January
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0.5
|
13
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1.7
|
44
|
|
February
|
0.5
|
12
|
2.1
|
52
|
|
March
|
1.3
|
33
|
2.7
|
70
|
|
April
|
1.9
|
49
|
2.6
|
65
|
|
May
|
2.3
|
59
|
2.1
|
53
|
|
June
|
1.6
|
40
|
1.3
|
32
|
|
July
|
2.2
|
55
|
1.8
|
45
|
|
August
|
1.8
|
46
|
1.4
|
35
|
|
September
|
1.1
|
29
|
1.7
|
42
|
|
October
|
1.0
|
25
|
2.1
|
52
|
|
November
|
1.0
|
25
|
2.2
|
57
|
|
December
|
0.6
|
16
|
1.8
|
44
|
|
|
|
|||
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Durango, Colorado
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Moab, Utah
|
||
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Month
|
Inches
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Millimeters
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Inches
|
Millimeters
|
|
January
|
1.6
|
42
|
0.6
|
14
|
|
February
|
1.4
|
37
|
0.4
|
10
|
|
March
|
1.7
|
43
|
0.8
|
21
|
|
April
|
1.3
|
33
|
0.8
|
20
|
|
May
|
1.2
|
30
|
0.6
|
16
|
|
June
|
0.6
|
15
|
0.4
|
9
|
|
July
|
1.6
|
42
|
0.8
|
21
|
|
August
|
2.6
|
66
|
0.9
|
22
|
|
September
|
1.9
|
49
|
0.7
|
17
|
|
October
|
2.1
|
53
|
1.3
|
34
|
|
November
|
1.8
|
46
|
0.6
|
16
|
|
December
|
1.4
|
46
|
0.5
|
12
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To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, Weather.com by clicking here.
If You Have to Cancel
Cancellation Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in Tauck incurring costly penalties and cancellation fees from our travel and hotel providers. Therefore, if you have to cancel a confirmed booking, Tauck will charge you a cancellation fee according to when your cancellation notice is received in its Norwalk, CT office. To help limit your liability, Tauck offers a Tauck Protection Plan.
If you choose to purchase Tauck’s Guest Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will have your cancellation penalties waived. Please click here for more information.
If you choose not to purchase the Tauck Protection Plan, you will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:
60 days or more before departure
$350 per person (the amount of the deposit)
59-8 days before departure
$600 per person
7-1 days before departure
$900 per person
$350 per person (the amount of the deposit)
59-8 days before departure
$600 per person
7-1 days before departure
$900 per person