The clickety-clack of the rails, the panoramic views unfolding like a living canvas, the attentive service that anticipates your every need – these are the hallmarks of luxury rail travel. While my usual travel inclinations lean towards bustling cityscapes, gourmet food tours, and immersive museum experiences, I recently embarked on a journey that redefined my perception of sightseeing: the Rocky Mountaineer’s new Rockies to the Red Rocks route. It was a revelation, demonstrating that luxury train travel offers far more than just pretty scenery; it provides an experience that is both enriching and unforgettable. The experience, riding the rails on the Rocky Mountaineer’s new U.S. Train Route, is more than one expects.
A Legacy of Luxury Rail
Before delving into the specifics of the Rockies to the Red Rocks route, it’s important to acknowledge the Rocky Mountaineer’s established reputation. For over three decades, this company has been synonymous with premium rail travel in North America, carving a niche for itself with meticulously planned itineraries through the breathtaking landscapes of Western Canada. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2020, the Rocky Mountaineer began with a two-day, all-daylight journey through the Canadian Rockies. The company quickly grew, at one point holding the record for the longest passenger train in Canadian history, boasting an impressive 41 cars. The Rocky Mountaineer’s success story is built on a foundation of unparalleled service and a commitment to showcasing the natural beauty of the region.
Rockies to the Red Rocks: A New American Adventure
The Rocky Mountaineer’s newest venture, the Rockies to the Red Rocks route, marks its highly anticipated entry into the United States. This two-day journey connects the vibrant city of Denver, Colorado, with the stunning desert landscapes of Moab, Utah, with an overnight stop in the charming town of Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Spanning approximately 354 miles, the route is carefully designed to maximize daylight hours, ensuring passengers can fully immerse themselves in the ever-changing scenery. This is not just a mode of transportation; it’s an orchestrated experience, complete with gourmet cuisine served with white-tablecloth elegance and engaging narration from knowledgeable hosts.
Embarkation: A Red-Carpet Welcome
The journey begins with a seamless transition from hotel to train platform. A dedicated coach bus transports passengers to the departure point, where the Rocky Mountaineer awaits, a gleaming testament to luxury rail travel. The train itself is an impressive sight, comprised of multiple rail cars, lounge cars, locomotives, a generator car, and crew cars. As you approach, the staff extends a warm welcome, literally rolling out the red carpet for boarding. Attentive staff members are on hand to assist guests, ensuring a smooth and stress-free embarkation.
The Rolling Palace: SilverLeaf Plus Coaches
Stepping inside the coach is like entering a different world. The spacious interior is meticulously designed for comfort and optimal viewing. The windows extend upwards, creating an expansive field of vision that captures the grandeur of the passing landscapes. (It’s worth noting that these large windows allow ample sunlight, so dressing in layers and having sunglasses readily available is advisable.)
The plush leather seats offer generous legroom, far exceeding the cramped conditions often associated with train travel. Even with a large travel backpack stowed in front, there’s ample space to move around comfortably. Thoughtful design elements enhance the experience, including a clever reclining mechanism that slides the seat forward, avoiding any intrusion on the space behind. Charging ports are conveniently located between each pair of seats, and the tray tables, adorned with crisp white linens during mealtimes, offer a touch of elegance.
While the Rocky Mountaineer offers two levels of service on its Canadian routes – SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf – the U.S. route features a unique offering: SilverLeaf Plus. While SilverLeaf provides ample legroom and delicious meals, the GoldLeaf service boasts bi-level coaches with full glass dome windows and a separate dining car with a full culinary team. SilverLeaf Plus offers all the benefits of the original SilverLeaf service, with added enhancements. This includes an additional meal course, signature cocktails, and premium alcoholic beverages, along with the notable addition of lounge cars. The introduction of SilverLeaf Plus ensures a premium experience tailored to the specific constraints and opportunities of the Rockies to the Red Rocks route.
The lounge car is a welcome addition, providing a change of scenery and a more relaxed atmosphere. While the windows may not extend to the ceiling, the comfortable seating and full bar create a convivial space to unwind and socialize. Additionally, small viewing areas with open windows are located between cars, offering a perfect spot for unobstructed photography and a breath of fresh air. These coveted spots tend to fill up quickly, so timing is key.
An Immersive Journey: Service and Scenery
From the moment you board, you are enveloped in the Rocky Mountaineer’s signature hospitality. Attentive hosts, brimming with energy and local knowledge, become your companions throughout the journey. These dedicated professionals share captivating stories about the history of the region, its people, and its landmarks. They are always ready to answer questions, providing insights into everything from the mineral composition of the rocks to the names of the towns you pass through.
Shortly after departure, the hosts circulate with hot coffee and tea, ensuring everyone is comfortably caffeinated for the adventure ahead. A selection of pastries and fresh fruit provides a light and refreshing start to the day. As the train pulls away from the station, the staff who remain behind offer a charming farewell wave, a personal touch that adds to the overall sense of warmth and hospitality.
The culinary experience is another highlight of the Rocky Mountaineer journey. A host presents a seating chart and takes breakfast orders, offering a selection of regionally inspired dishes served directly to your seat. On the first morning, passengers can choose from options such as a Colorado pepper, onion, and cheese frittata, a waffle with local berries, or a lighter wild mountain berry parfait.
As the train leaves Denver behind, the landscape undergoes a dramatic transformation. The urban sprawl gives way to sweeping vistas of dry grasslands, eventually transitioning into lush forests of Douglas fir and blue spruce. The mountains and hills become adorned with the vibrant yellows and reds of changing aspen trees, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The hosts expertly point out key landmarks and provide historical context, enhancing the viewing experience. The train then follows the course of the Colorado River, its shimmering surface reflecting the sunlight, creating picture-perfect moments.
The journey is not just about static landscapes; it’s also about the possibility of encountering wildlife. As the train traverses moose and elk country, passengers eagerly scan the horizon, hoping for a glimpse of these majestic creatures. The excitement is palpable, and the shared experience of spotting a bald eagle creates a memorable moment for everyone on board.
Around mid-morning, the hosts offer a selection of beverages from the bar cart. Lunch follows soon after, beginning with a refreshing arugula, cranberry, and shaved Manchego cheese salad. The main course options might include coriander-crusted Coho salmon or rosemary and Durango honey-roasted pork loin. The SilverLeaf Plus experience includes a delectable dessert, such as a lemon bar.
The first day of the train ride lasts approximately eight hours. While the scenery is undeniably stunning, the views can become somewhat repetitive as the train approaches Glenwood Springs. The lack of reliable data access in certain areas can also make it challenging to pass the time. However, the lounge car provides a comfortable alternative, offering a change of scenery and a relaxing space to enjoy a cup of tea.
Glenwood Springs: A Respite of Relaxation
The first day culminates in Glenwood Springs, a town with an undeniable charm. Passengers are accommodated at various hotels, including the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, Hotel Denver, Hotel Colorado, Hampton Inn, and the Courtyard by Marriott. Accommodations are allocated based on seat selection and service level.
The Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is particularly noteworthy, boasting the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool. After a long day on the train, a soak in the therapeutic waters is the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate.
The Red Rocks Beckon: Moab Awaits
The second day begins early, with passengers boarding the train around 6 a.m. The early start offers a unique opportunity to witness a spectacular sunrise over the Colorado River. As the train departs, passengers are treated to hot coffee or tea, served at their seats. This early morning experience, with the colorful sunrise and the steam rising from the river, is a truly unforgettable moment.
Breakfast is served shortly after departure, with options such as the wild mountain berry parfait from the previous day, buttermilk pancakes, or a farm-fresh scrambled egg cazuela. The pancakes, while small, are undeniably delicious. Instead of a full lunch, a snack is served towards the end of the journey – a personal charcuterie board featuring Colorado-raised bison, elk, and venison, a fitting tribute to the wildlife that passengers have been hoping to spot.
As the train approaches Moab, the landscape undergoes another dramatic transformation. Evergreen forests give way to striking sandstone formations and the iconic red rocks that define the region. While the scenery can become somewhat monotonous towards the end of the journey, the shorter duration of the second day ensures that the journey remains engaging. Before long, the train arrives in Moab, marking the end of the rail portion of the adventure.
Beyond the Rails: Exploring Moab and Beyond
Upon arrival in Moab, the options for extending your trip are plentiful. The Rocky Mountaineer offers various packages, ranging from basic options that include only the overnight stay in Glenwood Springs to more comprehensive itineraries that extend to Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. Return packages, including off-board excursions, are also available. The cost of these packages varies, with basic options starting around $1,100 per person and more extensive packages exceeding $2,000 per passenger.
Alternatively, you can plan your own excursions, taking advantage of the numerous tourist-friendly opportunities available in both Moab and Denver. Moab offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking and mountain biking to whitewater rafting and exploring Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Denver, on the other hand, boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with museums, art galleries, breweries, and a thriving culinary landscape.
A Journey to Remember
Riding the rails on the Rocky Mountaineer’s new U.S. Train Route, from Denver to Moab is an experience that transcends mere sightseeing. It’s a journey that combines luxurious comfort, unparalleled service, breathtaking scenery, and engaging storytelling. While the length of the ride may feel long at times, the overall experience is undeniably rewarding. The opportunity to witness the stunning landscapes of Colorado and Utah, to learn about the history and geology of the region, and to connect with fellow travelers creates memories that will last a lifetime. Even for someone who typically prefers high-energy travel experiences, the Rocky Mountaineer offers a unique and unforgettable adventure. The experience, riding the rails on the Rocky Mountaineer’s new U.S. Train Route, is well worth it.
