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Arches National Park entrance sign
Rocky Mountaineer train en route passing aside steep mountains
Evening light over North Window with Turret Arch in the distance at Arches National Park
Panoramic skyline of Denver during sunrise
Clouds over cliff formation in the distance
Guests on board Rocky Mountaineer sharing a toast during embarkation
Puffy clouds floating over red cliffs at Arches National Park
Bryers Canyon with shallow river
Close-up of arch formation at Arches National Park
Rocky Mountaineer staff serving beverages during embarkation
Entrance sign to Canyonlands National Park
Mount Garfield under cloudy skies
Sunrise peeking through Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park
La Sal Mountain viewpoint at Arches National Park
Vast desert landscape with deep craters
Sign for town of Moab that reads Moab Again & Again The Adventure Never Ends
Kiva in Canyonlands National Park
Arches National Park entrance sign
Evening light over North Window with Turret Arch in the distance at Arches National Park
Clouds over cliff formation in the distance
Puffy clouds floating over red cliffs at Arches National Park
Close-up of arch formation at Arches National Park
Entrance sign to Canyonlands National Park
Sunrise peeking through Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park
Vast desert landscape with deep craters
Kiva in Canyonlands National Park
Duration
9 Days
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
46

Denver to Moab Aboard Rocky Mountaineer

October 5 – October 9, 2024

Travel by rail from the mile-high city of Denver to the red rock formations of Moab by joining a luxury train journey to America's Southwest—a region steeped in history and full of opportunities to explore. Oversized windows and glass-domed coaches allow you to relax and soak in the magnificent scenery that includes colorful deserts, bewitching hoodoos, and natural archways. As the train winds alongside rivers, through mountain ranges, and past ancient rock canyons, watch for wildlife, such as bighorn sheep, bears, mountain lions, deer, and marmots. Entertaining stories from onboard hosts and comfortable travel combine with locally inspired cuisine to make this an unforgettable adventure. Off the train, enjoy nature with guided tours of Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. 

Itinerary

Day +1: Arrive in Denver, CO 
Saturday, October 5, 2024
Settle in and relax for the exciting journey ahead. Enjoy the opportunity to meet your fellow travelers this evening at the Welcome Reception. Afterwards, enjoy the remainder of the evening and dinner at your leisure.
Overnight: Magnolia Denver (R)

Day +2: Denver | Rocky Mountaineer | Glenwood Springs
Sunday, October 6, 2024
Embark upon the Rocky Mountaineer for two days of extraordinary landscapes between Denver and Moab. This rail route is filled with highlights best seen by train, including Ruby Canyon and Mount Logan. 

Enjoy breakfast aboard the train as you set out past the towering Rockies on the way to Glenwood Springs and cross the Continental Divide. Later, get excited for lore, lunch, and landscapes! Hear engaging stories of the region from onboard hosts and delight in dining on a three-course lunch. Tour along the Colorado River through picturesque Byers Canyon and Gore Canyon. 

If desired, sip a signature cocktail upon approach of overnight destination Glenwood Springs. Disembark and reminisce about the day in comfortable accommodations. 
Overnight: Glenwood Springs Lodging (B,L)

Day +3: Glenwood Springs | Rocky Mountaineer | Moab, UT 
Monday, October 7, 2024
Rested and relaxed, depart Glenwood Springs aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, heading southwest for another day of awe-inspiring views of colorful archways and astounding rock formations. 

Savor a two-course hot breakfast while watching the morning light bounce off the magnificent Parachute Creek and Mount Logan. Take in the red rock formations lining the cliffs in Ruby Canyon and look for Mount Garfield. At 6,600 feet, it's the highest point of the Book Cliffs and easy to spot. These sandstone cliffs and mountains stretch nearly 200 miles from west to east—another great reason to take more photographs!

The train continues to follow the Colorado River and crosses the state line between Mack, Colorado, and Westwater, Utah. Watch for Mount Peale. It’s the highest point of the La Sal Mountains at 12,726 feet. Due to their immense height, these mountains are usually snow-capped until early summer.

As the train reaches Moab, you’ll be greeted by its brilliant red sandstone backdrop and a first glimpse of the iconic Arches National Park—a 73,234-acre wonderland of geological marvels. Depart the train and travel to downtown Moab. 

After lunch on your own in Moab, visit Canyonlands National Park—the largest national park in Utah—for guided sightseeing. Canyonlands' diverse landscape promises spectacular views of towering rock pinnacles and striking desert vistas. Over time, the Colorado River and its tributaries have carved intricate buttes and river beds into this beautifully rugged terrain.

Later, transfer to the property for free time at Red Cliffs before enjoying a special "Cowboy Cookout" this evening.
Overnight: Red Cliffs Lodge (B,D)

Day +4: Moab / Arches National Park | Canyonlands National Park | Moab
Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Following breakfast, set out for Arches National Park—featuring more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches. Observe the myriad of unusual rock formations, including Balanced Rock and the world famous Delicate Arch. Did you know? The enormous sandstone boulder atop Balanced Rock is presumed to weigh approximately 3,577 tons! See arch formations that include cliff-wall arches, free-standing arches, pothole arches, and natural bridges. In addition, there are 745 species of flora in Arches National Park. Hundreds of types of grasses, cacti, evergreens, deciduous trees, flowers, and bushes have adapted to surviving in the harsh conditions. 

After enjoying lunch in downtown Moab, take the free afternoon to explore the terrain or relax at the lodge.

This evening, bid farewell to Moab at a special reception before enjoying an included dinner at the Red Cliffs' Cowboy Grill.
Overnight: Red Cliffs Lodge (B,R,D) 

Day +5: Moab / Grand Junction, CO | Flight to Phoenix, AZ | Main Program Begins 
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Following breakfast, transfer to Grand Junction for the flight to Phoenix to join fellow travelers on the main program. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, R = Reception

Pre-tour space is limited. We recommend reserving early for best availability.

(Itinerary subject to change.)

Activity Level

Moderate

It is our expectation that guests on this program are able to walk a mile at a moderate pace, get in and out of a motor coach, and walk up a flight of stairs without assistance. Guests should be comfortable boarding and disembarking trains without assistance, and walking and moving between cars while the train is in motion. Activities take place at a high elevation.

Accommodations

Magnolia Denver

October 5

Close to Denver's downtown restaurants, shopping, and entertainment areas, the Magnolia Hotel Denver is a landmark edifice providing business and fitness centers, lounge, and comfortable guestrooms. 

Room Amenities: Individual climate control, writing desk and chair,  flat-screen TV, complimentary standard Wi-Fi, phone, coffee and tea maker, safe, iron and ironing board, and en suite bathroom with premium sundries and hair dryer.

Magnolia Denver exterior
Magnolia Denver lobby
Magnolia Denver guest room
Magnolia Denver library lounge
Magnolia Denver cafe
Magnolia Denver bar

Glenwood Springs

October 6

Accommodations in Glenwood Springs are determined by Rocky Mountaineer. Glenwood Springs' properties are considered moderate two- or three-star hotels or motor inns, satisfy our standards of cleanliness and comfort, and are the best available in the area. 

Glenwood Springs is a town that’s easy to navigate. The charming downtown area—close to hotels, restaurants and attractions—is walking friendly. Browse exclusive boutiques and choose among restaurants to satisfy a taste for a delicious burger, hometown micro brew, or fine dining with a glass of hearty wine.

Red Cliffs Lodge

October 7 - October 8

Located in Moab, Red Cliffs Lodge is a true example of an Old West-style property with modern amenities. Nestled on the banks of the Colorado River, enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding 2,000-foot sheer red rock cliffs.

Cool off in the swimming pool, take a dip in the hot tub, or enjoy a game of tennis, volleyball, or horseshoes. And don’t forget to check out the Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage, featuring 100 years of colorful cowboy life and history alongside Hollywood movie memorabilia dating back to the late 1930s.

Room Amenities: Individual climate control, private patio, kitchen area, TV, DSL internet connection, phone, coffee maker, and en suite bathroom with sundries and hair dryer.

Note: The lodge does not have an elevator.

Red Cliffs Lodge exterior
Red Cliffs Lodge guest room
Red Cliffs Lodge entrance
Red Cliffs Lodge outdoor pool and mountain views
Red Cliffs Lodge fitness room
Red Cliffs Lodge tennis courts
(Accommodations subject to change.)

Pre-Tour Rate**

SilverLeaf: $3,695
SilverLeaf Plus: $4,495
SilverLeaf Single: $5,495
SilverLeaf Plus Single: $6,295

Pre-tour rate is per person based on double occupancy except where noted as Single, in U.S. dollars. Single availability limited. Internal airfare from Grand Junction to Phoenix is included. Airfare otherwise not included.

What's Included

  • 1 night accommodations at the Magnolia Denver (or similar) in Denver 
  • 1 night accommodations in Glenwood Springs (hotel determined by Rocky Mountaineer)
  • 2 nights at Red Cliffs Lodge (or similar)
  • 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 receptions, and 2 dinners
  • Rocky Mountaineer rail transport with SilverLeaf or SilverLeaf Plus Service†
  • Guiding services of an Orbridge Expedition Leader
  • Admission to, and guided touring of, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
  • Private transportation for included park activities
  • Gratuities to Rocky Mountaineer staff, local guides, drivers, and porters
  • Internal airfare from Grand Junction to Phoenix, including luggage fees for one regular-sized bag (under 50lbs)
  • Airport transfer for guests arriving during the suggested times

†The upgrade to SilverLeaf Plus provides access to a lounge car with an outdoor viewing area, enhanced meals, and premium alcohol. It also includes a room category upgrade in Moab to a Riverside Cabin.