Luxury train travel in 2022 feels like stepping back in time in the best possible way. Think Downton Abbey meets insta-worthy vistas wrapped in impeccable service. For the ultimate North American experience, look no further than the storied Rocky Mountaineer which has been delighting guests across the Canadian Rockies for over three decades. For their first-ever U.S. offering, explore the majesty of the American Southwest, newly accessible on the Rockies to the Red Rocks Route.
Passengers begin their journey with an overnight stay in the mile-high city of Denver. Rocky Mountaineer works with several partner hotels downtown, though The Oxford Hotel & Spa is a pretty and historic property that stands out among them. Don’t miss complimentary bourbon tastings nightly in the bespoke lobby.
Day one on the train is a full eight-hour climb in the Rockies, traversing through tunnels and over the Continental Divide, past ski towns like Winter Park and vast landscapes like Burns Canyon. Expect a menu chock full of locally-inspired foods and served right in your seat, with a snack, breakfast, and lunch all enjoyed onboard. Opt for the SilverLeaf Plus service upgrade, which allows for expanded beverages (including Colorado-grown wines) and access to two stunning lounge cars. End this first leg with a one-night respite in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, a former mining town turned mountain getaway, complete with natural hot springs and vapor caves.
Day two is a shorter trek that transitions travelers to the red rocks of Utah, past the famous Book Cliffs and aptly named Ruby Canyon. Watch the landscape switch from mountain majesty to the open spaces of the wild west. After a half-day onboard, including breakfast and heavy hors d’oeuvres, disembark in Moab, Utah, sure to leave time to explore the area’s two National Parks: Arches and Canyonlands. Remember that train enthusiasts can enjoy the circle journey back to Denver or head home from Utah.
