Rockies and Rails

Day 1: Denver

Welcome to Denver! With the impressive Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, Denver effortlessly blends the city’s Old West heritage with today’s modern skyscrapers and urban energy. Upon arrival at Denver International Airport, transfer independently to your hotel where you will meet your guide.

Day 2: Cheyenne

This morning, enjoy a short city tour of the “Mile High City”, including the gold-domed State Capitol whose 13th step on the west side of the building is exactly 5,280 feet above sea level – one mile high. A short distance from Denver you’ll enter Rocky Mountain National Park where you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world. Here, 415 square miles encompass and protect spectacular mountain environments. And if you thought the journey to the park was beautiful, just wait until you experience Trail Ridge Road. Known appropriately as the “Highway to the Sky”, and offering incomparable views in every direction, Trail Ridge Road winds past countless peaks, through tundra high above the treeline and crosses the Continental Divide at 12,183 feet. Continue to Cheyenne, Wyoming’s capital city that embodies the spirit of the Old West. Considered the nation’s railroad capital, Cheyenne is home to a collection of steam engines, including Old Number 4004, the world’s largest steam locomotive and one of the eight remaining Big Boys on display throughout the country.

Day 3: Rapid City

Your journey begins this morning with a visit to Fort Laramie National Historic Site. Originally established as a private fur trading fort, this “grand old post” evolved into the largest and best-known military post on the Northern Plains and witnessed the entire sweeping saga of America’s western expansion. Continue through the majestic beauty of South Dakota’s Black Hills to Mount Rushmore National Memorial where you’ll come face to face with George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, and America’s rich heritage.

Day 4: Cody

Today, crossing back into Wyoming en route to Cody, you’ll travel through Bighorn National Forest where undisturbed rolling hills, alpine lakes, craggy cliffs, thick pine forests and the Bighorn Mountains dominate the landscape. Upon arrival in Cody, you’ll visit the Buffalo Bill Museum. Celebrating the spirit of the American West, including the culture and art that bring the heritage of Wyoming alive, the Buffalo Bill Museum focus’ on the life and times of William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, the town founder, and a living legend. In the evening enjoy attractions that include rodeos, gun fight re-enactments and cowboy music (seasonal).

Day 5: Yellowstone Area

Today, take an unforgettable journey into America’s first national park and nature’s wonderland, Yellowstone National Park. Here, the Earth is in action with geysers, mountain ranges and rivers, waterfalls, and ancient volcanoes. The iconic spots – Old Faithful, and Yellowstone Canyon – will be familiar from photographs, but seeing them in person is a humbling experience. They’re not just as good as you’ve heard – they’re better. This mountain wildland is also home to eagles, grizzly and black bears, buffalo, elk and much more, so you’re bound to see wildlife wherever you go.

Day 6: Salt Lake City

Today’s journey takes you through scenic Southern Idaho to Salt Lake City, the capital of the state of Utah and most populous, known for the Mormon Community. Upon arrival, enjoy views of the State Capitol Building and downtown’s historic Temple Square, home to the 6-spired Salt Lake Temple & domed Tabernacle of the world famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir, prior to arriving at your hotel. This evening we recommend dining at The Roof Restaurant: it offers an extravagant buffet & inspiring views of the Salt Lake Valley & Temple Square.

Day 7: Moab

Heading south this morning, you’ll pass through Provo, home to Brigham Young University, en route to Canyonlands National Park. Today you will see a wilderness of countless canyons and fantastically formed buttes carved by the Colorado River & its tributaries. Rivers divide the park into four districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze & the Rivers themselves. We will visit some of the most scenic spots in the Island in the Sky mesa that rests on sheer sandstone cliffs over 1,000 feet above the surrounding terrain. Continue on to Moab for your stay tonight.

Day 8: Moab

Today we visit Arches National Park, one of Utah’s Mighty 5. Once in the park, you’ll discover a landscape of contrasting colors, landform, and textures unlike any other in the world. With over 2,000 natural stone arches, in addition to hundreds of soaring pinnacles and giant balanced rocks, this red rock wonderland will amaze you with its formations and inspire you with its most unique scenery.

Day 9: Glenwood Springs

Today you will board the luxury Rocky Mountaineer train for an unforgettable 2 day journey through extraordinary landscapes between Moab, Utah and Glenwood Springs, CO. You will be amazed by the vast canyons, inspiring deserts, natural archways and enchanting hoodoos. Get comfortable as you depart from Moab, where you’ll set out on the journey to Glenwood Springs. Gazing out your window, take in the scenic views of the stunning American Southwest. Before arriving in the resort town of Glenwood Springs, take a moment and admire the stunning mountain views of Mount Garfield and the vibrant Ruby Canyon.
Breakfast

Day 10:

Leave beautiful Glenwood Springs rested as you continue heading east for another day of extraordinary views towards Denver. Enjoy a hot breakfast while watching the morning sun bounce off the rugged canyons as you tour along the Colorado River. Let the hosts captivate you with stories of the region as you take in the views of the picturesque canyons before reaching the Colorado Rockies. Cross the Continental Divide, while cutting through the Moffat Tunnel. The tour ends upon arrival at the Train Station in Denver. Breakfast and Lunch. End of services.