Moab's Red Rocks to Denver's Mile High City

Everyone knows Rocky Mountaineer is synonymous with luxury rail travel, usually throughout western Canada; well they have a new route in the US - Rockies to the Red Rocks which I just had the pleasure of experiencing. On ;this two-day journey I travelled from Moab, Utah to Denver, Colorado; however, in April 2026 they will add Salt Lake City to the journey making it possible for a three-day journey. If you're someone who likes to experience the National Parks and more adventure in Moab, I suggest you do the two-day journey from Moab to Denver with a couple of pre-rail days in Moab to try rock climbing, hiking, ATV rides, parasailing over the mountains, skydiving, horseback riding - it really is an adventure area.

I, however, flew to Salt Lake City, overnighting before heading to Moab. In Salt Lake City, we stayed at the very impressive Grand America Hotel, which is comparable to the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, B.C. An absolutely stunning property, within walking distance to the downtown area filled with shops, restaurants and bars. Rooms are very spacious with luxury linens and a very comfortable bed. The room has a fully-equipped kitchen was great to keep beverages cold and a microwave to heat up snacks. If you decide to spend a day or two pre-rail, there's also adventurous activities available here as well. Since the Salt Lake City portion hadn't started yet, we travelled by coach for 3hrs to Moab; quite a scenic drive so we didn't mind the length. Moab is situated along the Colorado River and is a real adventure capital as I mentioned previously. Our hotel, Homewood Suites, was right on the main street in the middle of everything; easy walking distance to restaurants, bars and lots of souvenir shops and local artisan exhibits. A short drive from town (5min) is Arches National Park, one of Utah's Mighty Five Parks which offers spectacular scenery. Every angle is an Instagram shot waiting to happen. Red Rocks, canyons, incredible arches - makes you feel very small compared to the vastness of the region. Within 20min from the town is Canyonlands National Park, the largest of the Mighty Five Parks. Stunning vistas, colours and rock formations. Again, we seemed so small walking through the Island in the Sky section of the national park, which is the closest area to the city of Moab.

We were all very excited to board the Rocky Mountaineer on Day One. We arrived at the station and the attendants had the flags and red carpet waiting for us. After the obligatory picture, we were given our seat assignments and boarded. Our luggage had been transferred separately and was waiting for us at our Glenwood Springs (first overnight stop) hotel. Fresh fruit and a water tower infused with cucumber, oranges and limes was at the front of the cabin. There are two classes of service on the US rail - Silverleaf (soon to be called Premium Experience) and Silverleaf Plus (soon to be called Signature Experience) - both offer the same seated service; however, in the Plus/Signature class you also have access to two lounge cars. Windows for both classes are very large and have domed ceilings which makes viewing the spectacular mountains easy. The staff are friendly, always smiling, and eager to offer all their complimentary services - drinks and meals are included; paired with local regional wines, delicious 5* dining and signature beverages of the local area. The attendants are very knowledgeable and enthusiastic to share information with us as we pass by area highlights, wildlife and history. The meals are out of this world delicious. Attendants set linens down at your individual table and offer whichever wine is paired with the meal. If you'd like something different to drink, you merely ask and it's provided. The chef comes to the front of the cabin and announces the choices of the day, describing each plate with mouth-watering anticipation. Whether you choose beef, shrimp, salmon, chicken, pasta, or salads, you couldn't go wrong! We arrived at our first overnight stop, Glenwood Springs at about 8:00pm, because we were the last train of the season, and unfortunately it was dark so no opportunity to walk around exploring; however, in 2026 the train will arrive at 3:00pm giving guests lots of time to check out the city. The hotel, Maxwell Anderson, is right across the street from the station which made for easy access. It was a unique hotel; my window faced the lobby resplendent with historic photos and old lamps - rooms again were spacious and very comfortable. In the morning prior to boarding the train, I walked around to see the hot springs. You can get a day pass and go back and forth from your hotel all day, if you have the time. Restaurants and bars - particular Doc Holliday's - are worth checking out.

Day Two we were met by the staff; coffee station prior to boarding, although our first meal was only 1hr from departure. Staff line the platform to wave us on to our next stop, Denver, and along the way passing through towns, people wave at the train. This was a long rail day - we had lunch and dinner on board - with the same pleasant, enthusiastic service as the day prior. The topography seemed to change - more colourful, even snow as we got closer to Denver. I enjoyed taking lots of photos, both inside the car and outdoors on the platforms. When we arrived in Denver, there was a great celebration as the staff completed their summer season and were off to their homes for the winter. So many thank yous and hugs as we left the train, along with a few gifts given to us by the attendants as reminders of our journey. Next year will be different for them as Salt Lake City will be included. From the train station, you could walk a couple of blocks to the hotel, or Rocky Mountaineer provided a coach transfer to the Thomson Hotel. Luggage was in our rooms when we arrived - great service. Again, the hotel was in a great location - walk one block to the complimentary shuttle bus around downtown and a couple of blocks to Union Station to pick up sightseeing tours and rail to the airport (30min). Hotel had great service, very comfortable beds and a bar and coffee shop in the main lobby. Walking distance to Coors Field if you were interested in touring the facility or taking in a game.

I signed up for a City Tour with Aspire Tours and it was well worth it. Just a 2hr tour but the guide was knowledgeable and friendly, providing a relaxed tour. Saw highlights such as the Capitol Building, some of the 28 boutique districts all with their own personality, the Botanical Gardens, the only "beach" in the area and much more. The tour dropped me off at Union Station and I walked to 16th Street for the complimentary bus and went back to the Capitol Building stop then walked a couple of blocks to the Molly Brown House and Museum. A $15 entrance fee was well worth it to see the history of this woman's life. Not only did she survive the Titanic but she continued to help the survivors and continued on to advocate for women's rights. A truly remarkable woman and her house still has many original pieces, with lots of Titanic memorabilia. I was really moved by the exhibit and highly recommend it to those visiting the area.

All in all it was a wonderful experience. The Rocky Mountaineer is a real gem; great service, knowledgeable attendants, delicious culinary options, comfortable seats and the lounge cars give you an added bonus to get out of your seat and mingle with the other guests.