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America's Southwest: A Luxury Train Adventure

Ride the rails between Denver, Colorado to Moab, Utah and experience stunning vistas of the American Southwest from the comfort of expansive glass-dome trains aboard the well-appointed Rocky Mountaineer. Relax and take in the riches of natural history with the mighty Colorado River, vast canyons, and mesmerizing red sandstone landscapes before you and delicious meals and beverages brought right to your seat. 


NOTE: Tour information is current as of 4/26/2024.

Program Highlights

– Explore the Southwest’s natural wonders in Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park with a knowledgeable Orbridge Expedition Leader.

– Soak in the train route's stunning landscapes with a journey alongside the Colorado River through a series of canyons with steep rugged rock walls, and be awestruck with highlights of mountain vistas, desert cliffs, and rock formations.

– Enjoy entertaining contextual presentations from onboard hosts, locally inspired cuisine, and exceptional service aboard the Rocky Mountaineer.

– Refresh with the opportunity to disembark and spend restful overnights in hotels with stationary beds.

What's Included

  • 1 night accommodations at 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, and 2 dinners 
  • Rocky Mountaineer rail transport with SilverLeaf or SilverLeaf Plus Service*
  • Guiding services of an Orbridge Expedition Leader 
  • Luggage porterage, where available
  • Admission and park fees to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
  • Private transportation for included park activities
  • Gratuities to Rocky Mountaineer staff, local guides, drivers, and porters
  • Airport transfer for guests arriving during the suggested times

*The upgrade to Silver Leaf Plus provides access to a lounge car with an outdoor viewing area, enhanced meals, and premium alcohol. Additionally, there are Deluxe accommodations provided in Moab which include Riverside Cabins. Please note that the Riverside Cabins may be further from the main lodge as they are lined along the Colorado River. The views are wonderful and expansive from the Riverside Cabins, but there will be a slightly longer walk to the main property.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Denver, CO 
After arriving, settle in and relax for the exciting journey to come. Meet your fellow travelers for a welcome reception this evening at the hotel. Afterwards, enjoy the remainder of the evening and dinner at your leisure.
Overnight: Magnolia Denver (R)

Day 2: Denver / Rocky Mountaineer / Glenwood Springs
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
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 out 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 over 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 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 get 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, head out to Canyonlands National Park for guided sightseeing. It is the largest national park in Utah. Canyonland's 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.

Tonight, we'll enjoy a special "Cowboy Cookout" at the lodge. 
Overnight: Red Cliffs Lodge (B,D)

Day 4: Moab / Arches National Park / Canyonlands National Park / Moab
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.

Enjoy lunch in downtown Moab followed by an afternoon at leisure to relax at the lodge.

This evening gather with fellow travel companions for a farewell reception and dinner.
Overnight: Red Cliffs Lodge (B,R,D) 

Day 5: Moab / Grand Junction / Depart Grand Junction
After breakfast, guests departing during the suggested times take a complimentary group transfer to Grand Junction for flights home. (B)

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

(Itinerary subject to change.)

Activity Level

Moderate

The majority of the program’s activities will take place outdoors and a fair amount of walking on varying terrain is to be expected. Many of the parks have dirt trails—but they are usually fairly smooth for walking—and some do have paved pathways and boardwalks. 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, walking and moving between cars while the train is in motion, and navigating steep, narrow stairs to the upper level of the observation car. Activities take place at a high elevation. 

Accommodations

Magnolia Denver

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.

Glenwood Springs

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

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.

(Accommodations subject to change.)

Terms and Conditions