Seniors Can Bike, Hike and Take Narrow-Gauge Railroads to See the Best of the Old West this Summer

This summer, groups of senior tourists will have the opportunity to hike, bike and travel by rail though some of the most spectacular and historic areas of the West. Colorado State University and Elderhostel have collaborated to design travel packages to suit a variety of interests and energy levels.

"We think we’ve created travel packages that will allow the participants to really experience the beauty and the history that makes this region unique," said Bill Bertschy, director of Colorado State University’s Pingree Park mountain campus. "There is a rich legacy to the West and we are very proud of it. These packages were put together with that in mind: allowing interested visitors to share in the very special history of this land and the people who lived here."

The packages include biking the central Colorado Rockies, Rocky Mountain national parks and its environs, the archaeological sites and old mining towns of southwestern Colorado, Bryce and Zion National Parks and the redrocks, arches and canyons of Moab, Utah.

All packages include experts from Colorado State University offering lectures and commentary on the history and scenery, human achievement and sacrifice involved in settling the mountains and prairies of the West.

Each of the packages includes double occupancy modern lodging with private baths, all meals, transportation arrangements-bicycles, support vans for luggage and for shuttling cyclists and passes for the railways-and special tours. All participants should be 55 and older and in good health. Companions need not meet the same age requirement to qualify for the package price, but should also be in good health. Departure dates and locations and package prices vary.