For those that have been dreaming of a train journey on Rocky Mountaineer in Canada for years, there’s now a new bucket-list adventure to pin to the top of that manifestation board for when international travel is back on the cards.
Going beyond its three existing routes in Western Canada, between Vancouver and the towns of Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper, the Rocky Mountaineer will now be heading to the Southwest United States.
The ‘Rockies to the Red Rocks’ route will be a two-day rail journey between Denver, Colorado, and Moab, Utah, with an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs, Colorado along the way. Sign. Us. Up.
The experience
There’s a reason that the Rocky Mountaineer is one of the world’s most famous and favourite train journeys. Think: spacious, glass-domed train coaches. Three course meals with perfectly paired wines and specialty cocktails delivered right to your seat. Hot breakfasts while you sit in comfort and gaze out the window at the jaw-dropping scenery. Or venture to the outdoor viewing area to get right among the action.
The new route has the option to add SilverLeaf Plus which includes exclusive and unlimited access to a lounge car, an elevated dining experience with an additional course during select meals, and premium alcoholic beverages.
The new route
Think magnificent scenery, national parks and vast opportunities to explore. The rock formations, colourful archways and sandstone backdrops are like nothing you’ve ever seen.
Rocky Mountaineer plans their multi-day journeys around destinations that are best experienced while looking out a train window, and they only travel during the day so you don’t miss out on anything along the way.
With this journey starting in Denver, you’ll travel through the Gross Reservoir dam and gradually gain elevation until you reach the Continental Divide, cutting through railway tunnels and enjoying a number of canyons along the way, including Byers Canyon and Gore Canyon. Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep, bears, mountain lions, deer, and marmots.
Stay the night in a hotel in Glenwood Springs before heading towards towards De Beque Canyon, Mount Garfield and the stunning red rock formations of Ruby Canyon, only accessible by train or from the river.
You’ll finish the journey in Moab, home to iconic Arches National Park; a vast park of geological marvels, yours to explore and discover.
The details
Rocky Mountaineer will launch the route with a preview season of 40 departures across 10 weeks from August 15 to October 23, 2021.
The two-day rail journeys, including a one-night hotel accommodation in Glenwood Springs, will start from $1,250 USD plus tax per person.
Travellers can reserve a place on a 2021 departure with a refundable deposit of $25 USD by contacting their travel professional or Rocky Mountaineer directly. Guests can also go here to sign up for information on the Rockies to the Red Rocks route.
We’ll see you on the train.
