Rocky Mountaineer Train trip Rockies to the Red Rocks

Al18

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Thinking of this Rocky Mountaineer train trip Rockies to the Red Rocks, MOAB to Denver Rockies to the Red Rocks | Train between Moab and Denver

Saw the special TV show on PBS tonight. Looks nice - scenery and food.

Never spent the night on a train. Longest train trip was Delaware to CT and back for work.

Anyone on this train?

Might spend 3 days in Vegas after the trip.
 
We did most of this trip many years ago. Sleeping on a train was difficult. We didn't spring for the small sleeper and slept (sort of) in the regular seats. We were traveling with another couple who had the sleeper. It made them sea sick so the next night they slept (sort of) in seats. The train broke down several times (both ways) and it was often dangerous to simply walk down the aisles because the train rocked so badly.

The scenery WAS stunning and it WAS the only reason to take this trip IMHO. YMMV
 
We’ve taken a Rocky Mountaineer trip in Canada. Didn’t sleep on the train - they had nice hotels each night by the train stations. Wonderful time and while expensive, the “gold” package is worth the price fot the double height car where you sightsee on the top and dine below.
 
We’ve taken a Rocky Mountaineer trip in Canada. Didn’t sleep on the train - they had nice hotels each night by the train stations. Wonderful time and while expensive, the “gold” package is worth the price fot the double height car where you sightsee on the top and dine below.
That sounds much more comfortable!
 
We took my Mom, who was then 87, on this trip in the fall of 2021. DH and I had enjoyed the Rocky Mountaineer Vancouver to Banff trip back in 2004 and we wanted to do something easy with my Mom once travel started loosening up late in the pandemic and this was what we chose. We went in late Sept to early Oct so we could enjoy the fall foliage (Mom is originally from New England and she misses that living in CA).

I booked the flights on my own, and the rest of the itinerary below was their package.

Day 1: flew SFO to SLC, got ourselves to the Marriott City Center Hotel via the light rail
Day 2: morning bus ride to Moab, afternoon free, stayed at the Hoodoo Moab, Hilton Curio Collection
Day 3: bus to train boarding just north of Moab, train ride to Glenwood Springs, CO, stayed that night at Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge
Day 4: reboard train and ride to Denver, stayed at The Rally Hotel at McGregor Square
Day 5: got ourselves to the airport (light rail again) and flew back to SFO

The meals on the train are very good but they don't have a restaurant sized kitchen, so you have a choice of two or three items. It's much better than airline food, a lot better than an Amtrak dining car and somewhat better than the food we had on the Glacier Express in Switzerland. Also, there is plenty of wine and hard liquor available for anyone who wants it.

The attendants in the train cars are excellent. They narrate a bit, but not too much, and are happy to answer any questions or chat with you about their work and places they like to visit on their off days.

We all enjoyed the scenery and fall foliage, and DH and I liked Glenwood Springs enough that we went back there on a road trip in 2023. We didn't see as much wildlife from the train as we had in Canada, but didn't really expect to. Mom still talks about the trip and how much she enjoyed it, so I'm really glad we were able to take her and it was a perfect way for someone who is older and still mobile, but not comfortable traveling alone, to get out after being cooped up due to the pandemic.
 
We did the Rocky Mountaineer round trip Vancouver, Jasper, Banff. No overnight on the train. Gold Leaf service was amazing food and views all day (in December). Enjoy the trip!
 
You tube has several videos of people on board this train actually taking trips. It's a birds eye view.
 
Thinking of this Rocky Mountaineer train trip Rockies to the Red Rocks, MOAB to Denver Rockies to the Red Rocks | Train between Moab and Denver

Saw the special TV show on PBS tonight. Looks nice - scenery and food.

Never spent the night on a train. Longest train trip was Delaware to CT and back for work.

Anyone on this train?

Might spend 3 days in Vegas after the trip.
Hi, Al18 - I am a tour director and have done the Rockies to Red Rocks twice in the past two years, in combination with southern Utah's national parks and then Las Vegas. Feel free to DM me if you'd like to talk about it. Cheers
 
DW is interested in this.
 
$2100!!! I don't think so.
Why not? If you cannot afford it, I can understand. If it is affordable for someone, the Canada one was a great trip and I can't take the $ with me in the end. Some people could spend that in a restaurant in one night and others prefer a fast food place. Its all about assets and mindset to me.
 
That's a nice stretch of sightseeing and I believe Amtrak travels the same route. Probably not as luxurious but costing a lot less. You might also consider stopping off at Glenwood Springs to soak in some hot springs before you continue west.
 
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