Much of it inaccessible by road, travel through stunning mountain and canyon scenery along the Colorado River, on the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer’s newest (and first USA) route – the Red Rocks to The Rockies between Denver and Moab. Before your Rocky Mountaineer experience, collect a car and discover this incredible region by road, travelling on scenic byways, stopping at some of the iconic National Parks this area is known for, enjoying the amazing landscapes and activities on offer. 

Day 1 - Fly from the UK to Las Vegas 

Las Vegas has to be seen to be believed! It keeps on growing and new and unique hotels and resorts open year on year. Even if trying your luck in one of the casinos is not for you, Las Vegas offers something for everyone with world class entertainment, great shopping and dining, amazing themed hotels, golf courses, tennis and a host of attractions such as the Liberace Museum, the Lied Children's Discovery Museum, Las Vegas Art Museum and the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. With more than 320 days of sunshine and only around 10cm of rain a year, Las Vegas makes a perfect getaway whatever you are looking for.

Stay one night in Las Vegas.

Discover the park’s deep, narrow canyons, towering cliffs, streams, waterfalls, hanging wildflower gardens and majestic, forested mountains. Hiking maps and guides are available from the Visitors Centre, including for the popular Narrows, and there is also a selection of ranger-led programmes available. 

Whether you stay in the park itself or in Springdale, at the entrance of the park, you will be close to an abundance of outdoor recreation. Springdale offers a great choice of restaurants and shopping, as well as a number of adventure companies who can take you on guided hikes, canyoneering or ATV trips.

Stay two nights at Zion National Park. 

Now on with your road trip and make sure to stop en route at Capitol Reef National Park – one of Utah’s best kept secrets. The Bryce Canyon region is great for hiking, horse riding, photography, ATV riding, camping and other activities. The Canyon itself has been carved by wind and rain and offers some amazing rock formations called hoodoos. The area offers a myriad of slot canyons and other hiking trails. The Visitor Centre also offers information on a variety of ranger-led programmes that are available. You can also visit Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument from here.

Stay two nights at Bryce Canyon.

Moab is your base for discovering Arches National Park. Arches is a red rock wonder containing the world's largest concentration of natural arches, over 2000 of them! A paved road winds through the park allowing easy access to some of the most impressive sites, and hiking trails penetrate more remote areas. Most of the trails are easy to moderate and do not require a permit, and some are particularly impressive at sunset. 

As well as the park, you can enjoy rafting and boat trips on the Colorado River, horse riding at a nearby ranch or mountain or road biking through the stunning red rock country. 

Stay two nights in Moab.

Drop your car off this morning ready to board the Rocky Mountaineer this afternoon, to start your journey through the Colorado Rockies. The train travels only during the day and features oversized windows, so you do not miss a moment of the ever-changing landscapes. Enjoy Rocky Mountaineer’s SilverLeaf Service, including premium Southwestern U.S. cuisine (breakfast each day and lunch on your first day, as well as beverages), compelling scenery, on-board storytelling in a custom-designed glass-dome coach. 

The route between Glenwood Springs and Moab offers a variety of scenery, including mountain vistas, desert cliffs and rock formations, so plenty to see as you head east from Utah into Colorado. Dinner will be included on the train. Spend the evening in the beautiful mountain town of Glenwood Springs, with a great selection of local restaurants, bars, galleries and shops. As its name suggests, you can also enjoy a dip in the natural hot springs here. Open into the evening, you can soak in the water and enjoy the night skies above. 

Overnight in Glenwood Springs. 

Depart Glenwood Springs and travel onboard Rocky Mountaineer. Take in the spectacular views of rugged canyons and the Colorado River before crossing the Continental Divide before reaching the vibrant city of Denver. Breakfast and lunch will be included on the train.

Denver is known as the Mile High City - visit the State Capitol Building where you will find the marker that shows you exactly one mile above sea level! Enjoy the city’s diverse range of attractions, museums, arts and entertainment and shopping. After all that why not experience the nightlife of LoDo (Lower Downtown Denver), a 26-square block of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Thrill seekers could try the city’s Elitch Gardens theme park. Alternatively, venture just outside the city to the stunning Red Rock Park and Amphitheater.

Stay two nights in Denver.