They say that, oftentimes, the journey is just as important as the destination, and Rocky Mountaineer’s luxury train trips prove just that! This ride takes you past some of the American West’s most jaw-dropping scenery. I was so excited to partner with Rocky Mountaineer last month and explore their Rockies to the Red Rocks route all the way from Moab, Utah to Denver. I absolutely loved this solo travel experience, so here are five reasons to book the trip for yourself:
A Calming Escape
From the moment you hop aboard the train, you’re met with a sense of calm. Much of this is attributed to the incredible scenery and amazing ambiance the staff provides. But internet access is another thing that keeps the Rocky Mountaineer a true escape. There’s no WiFi for most of the journey, allowing you to genuinely unplug from your worries. But never fear—you won’t get bored on the train! We had several sessions with our outstanding on-board historian/host who told us about historic sites and anecdotes from years past.
Majestic Natural Scenery
Of course, the number one reason to take this Rocky Mountaineer train trip is the postcard-perfect scenery. These landscapes are nothing like what we have at home in the Midwest, and the rock formations and flowing rivers are a sight to behold. If you’re lucky, you might even see some beautiful wildlife! I spotted a bald eagle and bighorn sheep, but it’s not unheard of to spy bears, elk, moose, and deer, too.
A Culinary Experience Unlike Any Other
You know what they say about airplane food—so, is train food any better? On this one, the answer is a resounding YES. The food on this trip was absolutely scrumptious. There were gourmet offerings like smoked salmon, pork tacos, fresh salads, and classic cheesecakes. The chef and her staff were the stars of this luxury train trip!
Outstanding Local Accommodations
The idea of a multi-day train trip puts some people off. After all, they picture themselves sleeping in cramped quarters and sharing a bathroom with other passengers. But on this trip, you can expect luxury accommodations as well. At the end of the first day, the train made an overnight stop in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, where I enjoyed an exquisite overnight stay at Hotel Maxwell Anderson. The hotel was just across the street from the train station, and making an overnight stop means you don’t miss any sights along the way. Plus, Glenwood Springs is home to the world’s largest hot springs pool, and the hotel was just a block away! My room was enormous and with all the creature comforts you expect of high-end travel.
My hotels in Denver (Hotel Indigo) and Moab (Gravity Haus Moab) were top-notch, too—super convenient and close to shopping, restaurants, activities, attractions and of course, the train station.
A Luxury Vacation for Solo Travelers
If you’re looking to get a taste of the luxe life, this trip is the way to go! Rocky Mountaineer is about more than just stunning views and delicious food (though those certainly are amazing!), it’s also about the little things. Whether you’re traveling solo, on a girls’ trip, or taking a couples vacay, here’s what you can look forward to on the train:
- Full glass dome windows
- An outdoor viewing area
- Complimentary beverages and snacks
- Cozy seats
- A lounge car with a piano, bar, and board games
Once the ride ends, the good times don’t have to end just yet! The wonderful people at Visit Denver have lots of suggestions for ways to spend your time in the capital of Colorado.
Hop Aboard a Rocky Mountaineer Route
After having such an idyllic experience with Rocky Mountaineer, I’m adding a luxury train trip to my yearly “must-do” list. It’s a whole vibe—I can’t begin to describe how relaxing and calming it is! And if you want to continue your vacation, Rocky Mountaineer offers a variety of before- and after-trip extensions. I highly recommend this flavor of solo travel, and you can see more of this luxe experience on Instagram.
Which Rocky Mountaineer route would you likely take first – the Southwest U.S.A or one of the Canadian routes? They have a route that starts in Denver and ends in Moab, as well as several through the Canadian Rockies. Head over to their website for the full itineraries.