Roam the Rockies via Rail with Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer and their luxury train journeys have made their way to the American Southwest. Be one of the first to traverse the Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer.

It’s time for train enthusiasts to rejoice because Rocky Mountaineer, renowned for their spectacular train journeys across Canada, has made its way into the American Southwest and has a new way for you to experience this region.

Many travelers have decided to stay a little closer to home this year, and Rocky Mountaineer’s brand-new Rockies to the Red Rocks journey gives you a refreshing option to see a gorgeous part of our country in a new light. While the itinerary we have outlined below begins in Moab, Utah, and ends in Denver, you can also choose to do the journey in reverse, ending in Moab instead.

The two-day journey onboard Rocky Mountaineer’s luxury train is perfect for only a few days away, or we can extend your trip by arranging a bespoke itinerary for you on either end of your train journey to further explore this otherworldly destination. Or, if you’d prefer, Rocky Mountaineer has add-on options via self-drive or motorcoach that you can hop on to extend your journey as well. However you choose to extend (or not extend) your trip, this journey is especially curated to show you sights that are best seen via rail, and you can bet your time onboard will be time well spent. 

The red lines on the map detail the train journey, and the green lines show your possible extension options. For more information on extending your trip, read on. (Photo courtesy of Rocky Mountaineer)

The red lines on the map detail the train journey, and the green lines show your possible extension options. For more information on extending your trip, read on. (Photo courtesy of Rocky Mountaineer)

Rockies to the Red Rocks
2 days (Moab to Denver, or reversed)

Day 1
Moab, Utah

Welcome onboard! Get comfortable and meet your Rocky Mountaineer hosts as you depart from Moab in the afternoon, bound for your overnight destination of Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

Photo courtesy of Rocky Mountaineer

Photo courtesy of Rocky Mountaineer

Enjoy dinner and a beverage onboard, all while taking in the scenic views of Mount Garfield and the stunning red rock formations lining the cliffs in Ruby Canyon. You’ll quickly notice that there is no shortage of stunning views on this journey as you take in the mountain views of the Utah-Colorado border before arriving in the resort town of Glenwood Springs.

Sip on a signature cocktail as you approach your overnight destination. Disembark and reminisce about your day in the comfort of your cozy hotel room. 

Day 2
Denver, Colorado

Leave beautiful Glenwood Springs feeling rested and refreshed. Head east for another day of extraordinary views as you make your way toward Denver.

Photo courtesy of Carol Lee

Photo courtesy of Carol Lee

Onboard, you’ll enjoy a two-course hot breakfast while watching the morning light dance on the rugged canyons along the Colorado River. Later, you’ll be treated to a three-course regionally-inspired lunch as your hosts captivate you with stories of the region as you take in views of the picturesque Byers Canyon and Gore Canyon.

Sip a cocktail later today as you toast crossing the Continental Divide, while cutting through 6.3 miles of mountain in Moffatt Tunnel. This evening, you’ll approach the vibrant city of Denver, where you will disembark after two days full of fabulous food, impeccable service, and never-ending gorgeous views.

*Bear in mind that you can choose to do this journey in reverse as well, if you would rather begin in Denver and end in Moab.

Extend Your Journey

To extend your trip, the team at Poe Travel is on-hand to create an itinerary on either end of your train journey tailored just for you.

Alternatively, Rocky Mountaineer has some fabulous package options to extend your trip, supplementing your time on the train with a journey on one of their luxury motorcoaches. There are two extension options through Rocky Mountaineer, one that will lead you to Las Vegas and one that will lead you to Salt Lake City.

Rockies to the Red Rocks Explorer – Las Vegas (7 days)

Photo courtesy of Ameer Basheer

Photo courtesy of Ameer Basheer

With this extension option, you’ll have more time to explore the American Southwest. This 7-day journey will give you two days onboard the train and five days on a guided motorcoach tour.

Along with your overnight stay in Denver and Glenwood Springs during the train journey, this itinerary also includes overnight stays in Moab, Bryce Canyon, and Las Vegas. Just as with the train-only journey, you can choose which direction you’d like your itinerary to go in, so you can start the itinerary in Vegas or Denver.

Rockies to the Red Rocks Excursion to Salt Lake City (6 days)

Photo courtesy of Michael Hart

Photo courtesy of Michael Hart

If Sin City isn’t your thing, you can choose instead to head toward Utah’s capital, Salt Lake City. Spend two days on the train and four on a guided motorcoach tour that will take you from Denver to Glenwood Springs to Moab and finally up to Salt Lake (or reversed), with time to explore each destination.

The Onboard Experience

Rocky Mountaineer’s stellar reputation for their onboard experience in Canada extends now to this new route in the States. The train only travels during the day and features oversized windows, meaning you won’t miss a moment of the ever-changing landscapes.

Photo courtesy of Rocky Mountaineer

Photo courtesy of Rocky Mountaineer

This journey incorporates their SilverLeaf service, with every last detail choreographed to make your journey feel special, effortless, and unforgettable. From the expansive glass-domed coaches that will put you right in the heart of the Southwest, to the captivating storytelling and top-notch service from your engaging onboard hosts, to the delectable cuisine inspired by the region through which you’re traveling, this will no doubt be the journey of a lifetime.

You also have the option of enhancing your already amazing onboard experience even further with SilverLeaf Plus, which includes exclusive and unlimited access to the newly-renovated lounge car. Featuring a mixologist who creates carefully crafted signature cocktails, the lounge car offers even more space to relax and soak in the scenery, as well as a small outdoor viewing area. SilverLeaf Plus also grants you access to an elevated dining experience with an additional course during select meals and premium alcoholic beverages.

Promotions & Savings

We also thought you might want to know about this incredible promotion, which expires soon. You’ll want to book fast to take advantage of these savings on this spectacular journey.

2021 Rockies to the Red Rocks Eastbound Promotion
Expires June 20, 2021

The offer details: 

  • Save $300 USD per couple (or $150 per person) when you book a journey departing from Moab, Salt Lake City, or Las Vegas

  • Departure dates must be between October 24 to November 18, 2021

  • This offer applies only to SilverLeaf service (not SilverLeaf Plus)

  • Offer ends on June 20, 2021


If you would like to get away to the American Southwest onboard Rocky Mountaineer (or if you’d like to get away anywhere else in the world), simply contact us, and we will set you on your way.