America's National Parks by Train: Rocky Mountains, Arches & Zion
10 days | 13 days with Grand Canyon National Park & Phoenix extension |
Marvel at otherworldly landscapes and landmarks, all in your own backyard.
Jagged peaks that rival the Alps. Martian plains with sandstone formations that wouldn’t look out of place in Wadi Rum. As far as natural attractions go, the American West is a microcosm of our planet’s varying elegance, and nowhere is it better seen than in the country’s national parks. By deluxe bus and rail, your Tour Director will whisk you from the Rocky Mountains to Zion—and the Grand Canyon, if you add this trip’s extension.
Your tour package includes
- 9 nights in handpicked hotels
- 9 breakfasts
- 2 lunches
- 2 dinners with beer or wine
- 1 beer tasting
- 6 sightseeing tours
- Expert Tour Director & local guides
- Private deluxe motor coach & ride on Rocky Mountaineer train
Included highlights
- Craft beer tasting
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- A ride on the Rocky Mountaineer
- Continental Divide crossing
- Moab Petroglyphs
- Arches National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Zion National Park
- Valley of Fire State park
Itinerary
Rocky Mountain National Park Region, Colorado
Day 1: Arrival in Denver & transfer to Rocky Mountain National Park region
Included meals: Welcome dinner, Beer tasting
Welcome to Colorado! Transfer to your hotel near Rocky Mountain National Park and take a moment to get settled. Tonight, you’ll join your Tour Director and groupmates at a local brewery for a three-course welcome dinner, complete with a tasting of a trio of beers. (If you prefer a glass of wine or water, that’s fine, too—just ask!)
Day 2: Rocky Mountain National Park
Included meal: Breakfast
Over its 415 square miles, Rocky Mountain National Park transitions from scrubby tundra to evergreen alpine forests. Today, you’ll set out into its breathtaking heights by bus and see its diverse ecosystems yourself.
- Stop at one of the park’s visitor centers before continuing on Trail Ridge Road, a scenic byway that climbs to an elevation of more than 12,000 feet.
- Pull over at a few different trailheads for photos and, if you’d like, follow your Tour Director on brief out-and-back walks. (Don’t worry about hiking boots: These paths are paved and well-maintained.)
- Peer into the distance to try and spot the park’s endemic wildlife—animals like elk, bighorn sheep, moose, and bears.
Finally, head down into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and pause in Boulder, a university city with a gourmand streak. Take some free time to browse the restaurants and breweries downtown, then return to your bus and drive back to your hotel.
Please note: Trail Ridge Road may close due to inclement weather. Additionally, be sure to stay hydrated—higher elevations can dehydrate you quickly.
Reviews
Hotels
We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
Flights
Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.