As many travelers want to get from one point to another as quickly as possible, going by rail doesn’t seem to cross their minds often. In the nineteenth century, it was considered the fastest mode of transportation. However, people will now take a train whenever the opportunity arises. Perhaps that explains the growth of travel vendors like Amtrak Vacations, Via Rail, and Rocky Mountaineer.
The Canadian company Rocky Mountaineer has offered train itineraries between Vancouver and the Rocky Mountains region, including Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise, as well as Edmonton and Calgary, for almost 35 years. Since summer 2021, they’ve added the Southwestern United States route, which travels between Denver and Moab, with a stop in Glenwood Springs and optional add-ons to Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. That’s what I did this past week before heading to the ASTA Travel Advisor Conference in Salt Lake, which ASTA offered as a pre-conference FAM.
Having lived in the Denver area, I never considered taking this trip. But I changed my mind after learning two things: 1.) I’ve heard fabulous things about Rocky Mountaineer and how they make a rail journey luxurious and memorable. We would see landscapes I never would have seen if I had just traveled on Interstate 70 or Colorado’s byways. Here’s how my two-day journey went
All aboard in Denver
I arrived early in the morning at Union Station and boarded Rocky Mountaineer’s train. With their Canadian Rockies routes, there are two distinct types of service: Gold Leaf and Silver Leaf. The only difference is Gold Leaf has some extra-special amenities. On this route, there are Silver Leaf Plus and Signature, which have a similar setup. Other travel advisors and I experienced Silver Leaf Plus. With this option, we enjoyed access to two lounge cars, outdoor viewing vestibules, as well as a wine-paired lunch and unlimited beverages.
The cars on the Rockies to Red Rocks itinerary are different than those in the Canadian Rockies. While they don’t feature the larger domed glass viewing areas and double-decker seating, they still offer an impressive way to see the postcard-worthy scenery. One of the defining features of the Rocky Mountaineer is the guides, who share fascinating historical and geographical stories about the regions we travel through. In this case, l learned more about Colorado’s landscape between Denver and Glenwood, which I had passing knowledge about but didn’t realize. For instance, our guides Olivia and Sophia described some of the offbeat stories of small towns like Fraser and Kremmling. That’s something I wouldn’t have known if I had read a book.
Overnight in Glenwood Springs
As part of the itinerary, we stopped in this hot springs resort town that I’ve gone to with my family several times. The main pools have been in operation since the late 1800s and have been a significant destination for those seeking relaxation and wellness through immersion in the mineral-rich waters. Now, there are two massive pools, along with smaller kiddie ones on one end and a waterslide on the other. However, I didn’t visit this one, nor the newer resort (Iron Mountain), as I just wanted to relax.
We stayed at the Maxwell Anderson (formerly the Hotel Denver), which was located across the street from the train station. Since I was stuffed from our hearty breakfast and lunch, I didn’t have a proper dinner – just a drink and some beer cheese soup. My room was surprisingly spacious, likely a suite with a comfortable king bed and a separate sitting area featuring a leather couch and an accent chair. My bathroom featured a bathtub, which I eagerly used before retiring for the night.
The journey
One reason why I went on this short tour was to see areas of Colorado and Utah I normally wouldn’t by car. And Rocky Mountaineer’s route didn’t disappoint. But I learned why travelers love this brand – the train ride itself is a major part of the experience, and it’s incredible to see places I never would have otherwise. On our second day, from Glenwood to Moab, we rode along the Colorado River, which becomes wider and swifter further west. Another hallmark of the Rocky Mountaineer is the their service, which is aimed to surprise and impress guests, from the staff’s genuine friendliness to anticipating every need.
The meals we enjoyed were above average to excellent. Since I had a small breakfast before boarding, I couldn’t have much of my one onboard – a freshly baked, crumbly berry scone and fruit, yogurt and granola parfait, with a mango and pear fruit salad. For our lunch (which was served late) I dined on grilled chicken, saffron rice and a mixed salad followed by a chocolate mousse cake. For breakfast the next day, I had avocado toast and then a late morning snack of masa cakes with bean, squash and corn relish.
