KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
The event is September 3-12, 2026. Destination CLEs
10 CLE hours total (3 of which are ethics) Destination CLEs
This is a combined travel + CLE experience (Eduvacation℠).
To complete your tour, we include round-trip airport-to-hotel transfers.
Please be advised, many airlines do not provide advance seat assignments until check-in at the airport. Advance seating will be subject to the airline’s terms and conditions.
No passport is required for this trip.
The individual travel protection is covered and based on your state of residence that will govern the final interpretation of any provision or claim.
Transfers to and from the host hotel is provided. More instructions will be sent prior to the event.
If you have any questions before or during your trip, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly. I’m here to make your experience smooth and enjoyable.
For your safety and peace of mind, I also recommend leaving my contact information, along with your travel itinerary, with a trusted family member or friend at home. This ensures that someone can reach you—or me—if needed while you’re away.
Mary DeSpain 907-231-2111
Activity Level: Moderate
This trip blends guided scenic touring with light to moderate outdoor activities. Most days involve comfortable sightseeing by motor coach or van, short walks to overlooks and easy trails, and guided visits to national parks and historic sites rather than strenuous hikes or extended backpacking. Participants should be able to walk on uneven terrain for short periods and manage typical travel days in varied mountain and desert landscapes.
Grand Hyatt Denver
Location: Denver, Colorado
Address: 1750 Welton Street, Denver, CO 80202
Phone: (303) 295-1234
Website: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/colorado/grand-hyatt-denver/dencc
Modern downtown hotel used for the opening night of the program. Features include on-site dining, fitness facilities, business services, and meeting space for CLE sessions.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Grand Junction
Location: Grand Junction, Colorado
Address: 743 Horizon Drive, Grand Junction, CO 81506
Phone: (970) 241-8888
Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/gjtdtdt-doubletree-grand-junction
Comfortable accommodations conveniently located for visits to Colorado National Monument and surrounding scenic areas. Amenities include on-site dining, fitness center, and meeting facilities.
Historic Strater Hotel
Location: Durango, Colorado
Address: 699 Main Avenue, Durango, CO 81301
Phone: (970) 247-4431
Website: https://www.strater.com
A historic Victorian hotel in downtown Durango, offering classic charm and walkable access to local dining and shops. Serves as the base for excursions to Mesa Verde National Park and the San Juan Mountains.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Colorado Springs
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Address: 7290 Commerce Center Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80919
Phone: (719) 599-9100
Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/coscces-embassy-suites-colorado-springs
All-suite hotel featuring complimentary breakfast, evening reception, fitness center, indoor pool, business center, and meeting space. Conveniently located near Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak region attractions.
This program involves travel through high-altitude and outdoor environments. Participants may experience mild altitude effects such as fatigue or shortness of breath. Activities include walking on uneven terrain and standing for short periods. Weather conditions may vary and change quickly; layered clothing, sun protection, and hydration are recommended. Medical facilities may be limited in remote areas. Participants should bring necessary medications and follow all guide and park safety instructions.
- Day 1, Arrival, Welcome Reception (Denver)
- Day 2, CLE Sessions, Welcome Dinner (Denver)
- Day 3, Mountains, Myths & Mile High Views Tour (Denver – Rocky Mountain National Park – Denver)
- Day 4, Across the Rockies: Scenic Passages to Grand Junction Tour, Dinner in Grand Junction (Denver – Colorado National Monument – Grand Junction)
- Day 5, Canyon Views & Picnic Vistas Tour, Museum of the Mountain West Tour (Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park – Grand Junction)
- Day 6, A Journey into Colorado’s Mining Past, The Durango & Silverton Steam Train Adventure (Grand Junction – Silverton – Durango)
- Day 7, Mesa Verde Discovery Tour, Ranch Dining Experience (Durango – Mesa Verde National Park – Durango)
- Day 8, Scenic Journey to Colorado Springs (Durango – Colorado Springs)
- Day 9, All Aboard the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, Farewell Dinner (Colorado Springs – Manitou Springs – Colorado Springs)
- Day 10, Departure (Colorado Springs)
Destination CLEs requires advance notification of food allergies and dietary restrictions to properly prepare for your trip.
Helpful PACKING LIST
Weather in Colorado varies by location and elevation and can change quickly. Expect generally mild to warm daytime temperatures, cooler mornings and evenings, and cooler conditions at higher elevations. Sunshine is common, but wind and occasional brief rain showers are possible. Layered clothing is recommended for comfort throughout the day.
Recommended Items:
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Comfortable, casual clothing for sightseeing and park visits
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Layered clothing (light sweater or fleece)
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Lightweight jacket or windbreaker
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Comfortable walking shoes with good traction
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Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat
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Smart-casual attire for CLE sessions and evening events
Optional:
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Reusable water bottle
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Small daypack
For the 2026 Colorado National Parks CLE Trip, daytime attire should be comfortable and suitable for outdoor sightseeing, with layered clothing to accommodate changing temperatures and cooler mornings and evenings. Comfortable walking shoes with good traction are recommended for park excursions. CLE sessions call for business casual attire, while evenings and group dinners are best suited to smart casual dress. A light jacket or fleece is recommended, particularly at higher elevations.
Cash: Carrying a small amount of cash is helpful for tipping, park fees, small purchases, or remote areas where cards may not be accepted. Smaller bills ($1, $5, $10, $20) are most convenient.
ATMs and Credit Cards: ATMs are widely available, and most hotels, restaurants, and shops accept major credit cards such as Visa or Mastercard.
Tips: Tipping is customary in the U.S. for dining, hotel services, and transportation. Plan to tip 15–20% in restaurants and consider small tips for drivers or guides where appropriate.
Wi‑Fi Availability:
Most hotels on the trip provide complimentary Wi‑Fi in guest rooms, lobbies, and meeting spaces. Wi‑Fi is generally available in cafés, restaurants, and visitor centers in gateway towns and national park areas, though signal strength may be limited in more remote or wilderness areas.
Using Your Phone:
Since this trip takes place in the U.S., no international plans are required. Standard U.S. mobile plans cover voice, text, and data. In remote park areas, cellular service may be limited or unavailable.
Emergency Services:
Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies anywhere in the U.S.
Tips:
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Download offline maps and park apps in advance for areas with limited cell coverage.
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Use hotel Wi‑Fi for large downloads, video calls, or other high‑data needs.
Colorado is friendly and casual, but common courtesies are appreciated. Greet people with a smile, respect personal space, and follow posted rules in national parks, historic sites, and visitor centers. Tipping is customary in restaurants, hotels, and for tour guides (generally 15–20%). Be mindful of wildlife, stay on designated trails, and leave no trace when exploring natural areas. Locals value outdoor stewardship, punctuality for group activities, and polite interaction with staff and fellow travelers.