A Magical Two-Day Rail Journey Aboard the Rocky Mountaineer
Our experience aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, traveling from Denver to Moab, was nothing short of magical. This two-day rail journey offered ever-changing landscapes, with each turn unveiling something new: rugged canyons, winding rivers, red rock cliffs, and snow-capped peaks. It was the kind of scenery that makes you put your phone down and just be present.
A Cozy Overnight in Glenwood Springs
We spent the night in Glenwood Springs at the boutique-style Hotel Maxwell Anderson. While a heavy rainstorm kept us from soaking in the town’s famous hot springs, the hotel more than made up for it. With its cozy charm, thoughtful touches, and beautiful design, it felt more like a warm, welcoming bed-and-breakfast than a hotel. We enjoyed a relaxed dinner downstairs, listening to the rain and recounting the day’s sights.
Day two brought even more awe-inspiring views and fascinating stories. The onboard hosts kept us captivated with rich history and interesting geological tidbits. We spotted eagle nests perched high above and even caught a glimpse of a goat expertly scaling the cliffs beside us. Those wild, unexpected moments are the ones that stick with you.
Service That Goes Above and Beyond
The service onboard was top-tier. During the booking process, I was able to inform Rocky Mountaineer of our preferences for gluten-free dishes, and they took great care to accommodate us! Every detail was taken care of, from gourmet meals to attentive hosts who made us feel truly cared for. We were treated to delicious food, flowing drinks, and exceptional hospitality that elevated the whole experience.
Our SilverLeaf Plus Experience
For this journey, we chose SilverLeaf Plus, the elevated class of service available on Rocky Mountaineer’s U.S. routes — and it was absolutely worth it. While standard SilverLeaf offers exceptional service with large picture windows, comfortable seating, engaging hosts, and prepared meals served at your seat, SilverLeaf Plus takes everything a step further.
With SilverLeaf Plus, we enjoyed access to an exclusive lounge-style car, complete with a private bar, premium craft cocktails, and additional gourmet snacks. The atmosphere felt more relaxed and intimate, giving us a quiet space to unwind between sightseeing highlights. SilverLeaf coaches feature large rectangular windows, but SilverLeaf Plus offers enhanced viewing with a glass-dome style seating area, giving you even better panoramic views of the canyons, cliffs, and rivers along the route.
If you want a little extra comfort, more space to move around, elevated drinks, and the best possible views on the Rockies to Red Rocks route, SilverLeaf Plus is the perfect upgrade.
Final Thoughts: A Journey I’d Recommend to Anyone
While this was my first time riding Rocky Mountaineer in the U.S., it’s worth noting that the company is world-renowned for its Canadian Rockies itineraries, which feature glacier-fed lakes, towering peaks, and some of Canada’s most iconic scenery.
Big changes are on the horizon for this route as well. Starting next year, the Rocky Mountaineer brand will focus solely on its Canadian journeys. The Denver-to-Moab trip will be rebranded under Canyon Spirit, a new and improved brand for the Rockies to the Red Rocks route. Even more exciting, they’re adding a stop in Salt Lake City, giving travelers an expanded and even more scenic journey to look forward to.
This trip wasn’t just a train ride—it was an immersive journey through the heart of the Rockies, and one I’ll always recommend to clients looking for something scenic, relaxing, and truly special.
This route was unforgettable — and yours can be too. You can even take the same path we did and continue on to Moab’s incredible national parks for the perfect mix of scenery and adventure. And don’t worry… I’ll help you plan it all.