04/01/2022

Rocky Mountaineer Returns to Glenwood Springs, Colorado

After a successful launch of its first-ever U.S. route in 2021, Canada-based Rocky Mountaineer is back with its luxury “Rockies to the Red Rocks” excursion from the vibrant city of Denver, Colorado, to the red rock formations of Moab, Utah. The two-day route’s only overnight stop is in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, with Glenwood Hot Springs Resort serving as one of the lodging hosts. 

Train travel has never been easier or more deluxe. Passengers on Rockies to the Red Rocks enjoy top-notch culinary and beverage service while winding alongside rivers and mountains and through canyons. Among the many highlights are crossing the Continental Divide and an evening in historic Glenwood Springs, known for mineral hot springs, outdoor adventure and a vibrant downtown district within easy walking distance from Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. 

“Glenwood Springs is an ideal overnight destination for Rocky Mountaineer train journeys with its offering of several hotel properties, a variety of dining options, and multiple local shops to enjoy. Guests can also take a relaxing soak in the hot springs, which is a wonderful way to unwind after their day on the train,” says Nicole Ford, director of communications and stakeholder relations for Rocky Mountaineer.

Due to strong interest from travelers in 2021, Rocky Mountaineer extended the inaugural Rockies to the Red Rocks season by four weeks, adding rail cars and additional departure dates to increase availability. In 2022, there are 94 departure options from April 17 – October 28 with the choice of starting the train journey in Denver or Moab and adding Salt Lake City and Las Vegas to the itinerary when incorporating motorcoach or flightseeing tours. 

Here’s a glimpse at what you can expect when booking Rockies to the Red Rocks from Denver to Moab or in reverse.

glenwood train exterior

Day 1: Denver to Glenwood Springs
The journey starts at the beautifully restored Denver Union Station located in Lower Downtown (LoDo) near Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies professional baseball team, and runs alongside the Colorado River through a series of canyons and rugged landscapes. Enjoy breakfast while taking in the scenic views of Gross Reservoir and watch as the train slowly gains elevation before reaching the Continental Divide and passing through historic Moffat Tunnel. The tunnel opened in 1928 and cuts through 6.3 miles of mountainous terrain.

Savor the landscapes, a three-course lunch and stories about the region shared by an onboard host and marvel at a series of canyons, including Byers Canyon and Gore Canyon where you might spot pronghorn antelope, deer, eagles and other wildlife. The day ends in Glenwood Springs with time to soak at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, featuring the largest natural hot springs pool in the world. All guests at Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge receive complimentary pool access, and day passes are available for purchase. 

It's an easy walk from the resort over the pedestrian bridge overlooking the pool to a bustling downtown district for dinner at one of the excellent local eateries. Don’t forget to stop by a microbrewery or distillery! 

Day 2: Glenwood Springs to Moab
Board Rocky Mountaineer in the morning at Glenwood Springs’ historic depot for another day of amazing scenery as the train heads southwest past mountain vistas, desert cliffs and sandstone mountains. Dine on a two-course hot breakfast while passing by Parachute Creek and Mount Logan en route to De Beque Canyon, a 15-mile-long narrow canyon with stair-step cliffs of sedimentary rock layers. 

Next, watch for Mount Garfield, the highest point of the Book Cliffs, sandstone mountains that stretch nearly 200 miles from west to east. Ruby Canyon, accessible only by train or the Colorado River, is 25 miles long and appropriately named after the vibrant ruby-toned cliffs that line the canyon walls. After crossing over the Colorado/Utah state line, look for Mount Peale, the highest point of the La Sal Mountains at 12,726 feet. 

The end destination is Moab, an ideal spot to admire the legendary sandstone mountains that are synonymous with the American Southwest and catch a glimpse of the iconic Arches National Park, a 73,234-acre wonderland of geological marvels. Head downtown for all sorts of shops, galleries, restaurants, breweries and more.  

glenwood springs train depot

Railroads are key to Glenwood Springs’ hot springs history
Glenwood Springs sits at the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork rivers. The nomadic Ute Native Americans were the first known visitors to the mineral hot springs that flow along the banks of the Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon. They called the springs Yampah, meaning “big medicine.” 

The community experienced a huge tourism boost after the railroads arrived in 1887 and Glenwood Hot Springs Resort opened in 1888 on the site of Yampah spring, which continues to fill the pool for blissful hot springs soaking today. Two railway companies were competing to be the first to arrive, and Denver & Rio Grande won by a mere week after constructing a route that blasted through the south side of Glenwood Canyon. This is the railroad that makes the Rockies to Red Rocks and Amtrak California Zephyr routes possible. 

Kick back, relax and embrace the joy of an excursion that joins three terrific communities and meanders through majestic mountains.