Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation

Colorado Rockies Adventure

Independent rail trip from Denver to Glenwood Springs on the California Zephyr

Colorado Rockies Adventure, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations runs Colorado Rockies Adventure as a 5-day, 4-night independent rail vacation from Denver to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The trip starts with two nights in Denver, the Mile High City, including a day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park with a stop for photos on the drive back. Travellers then ride Amtrak's California Zephyr, a route described as one of the most beautiful train rides in North America, to Glenwood Springs, where the package includes admission to Iron Mountain Hot Springs and a Tram and Cave Tour at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park featuring stalactites and stalagmites. Travel between the two towns is independent, with the Rocky Mountain National Park tour and the Glenwood Springs tram and cave tour the only guided experiences. It suits travellers who want a short, outdoor-focused Colorado trip built around one scenic train ride, rather than a longer multi-city itinerary, and who are comfortable choosing their own hotel from a range of tiers in each town.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotel accommodation is chosen from 11 options across Denver and Glenwood Springs tiers (a sample includes the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver, The Crawford Hotel, Hotel Colorado, and Best Western Antlers), so the actual hotel depends on availability and tier chosen.
  • The package does not list any included meals; the Rocky Mountain National Park tour, Iron Mountain Hot Springs admission, and Glenwood Caverns Tram and Cave Tour are the only named inclusions beyond rail and hotels.
  • No current departure dates are listed for this package; confirm availability directly with Amtrak Vacations.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Denver

    Your Journey Begins in Denver

    Welcome to the Denver, also known as the "Mile High City." This scenic metropolis is located 5,280 feet above sea level and offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. After you check into your hotel, you'll have lots of free time to start exploring all Denver has to offer. There is much to see and do, like Red Rocks Park, the Denver Art Museum, Denver Zoo and more.

  2. Day 2overnight: Denver

    Rocky Mountain National Park

    Experience the majestic splendor of the Rocky Mountains on an exhilarating day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park. Widely celebrated for its abundance of animals and spectacular views, Rocky Mountain National Park will make you feel like you're on top of the world! On the journey back to your hotel, you'll get a chance to enjoy several photo opportunities during a leisurely break for rest and refreshments.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Glenwood Springs

    Denver to Glenwood Springs

    Today you will travel on your own to the Amtrak station and board the California Zephyr to Glenwood Springs. Many travelers say this route is one of the most beautiful train rides in all of North America. Upon arrival in Glenwood Springs, check in at your hotel and begin to explore this outdoor recreation lover's paradise. Use your included admission to Iron Mountain Hot Springs and take a relaxing soak in one of the healing mineral pools.

  4. Day 4overnight: Glenwood Springs

    Glenwood Springs

    Visit Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park today for a one-of-a-kind mountain-top adventure. With your Tram and Cave Tour Pass, you'll enjoy a ride on the Iron Mountain Tramway and two fascinating guided cave tours, featuring formations including stalactites and stalagmites. After the tour, enjoy the remainder of the day discovering the area at your leisure.

  5. Day 5

    Your Journey Ends in Glenwood Springs

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Free time to explore Denver, the 'Mile High City,' with options such as Red Rocks Park, the Denver Art Museum, and the Denver Zoo.
  • Day 2A day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park, with a leisurely break for photos on the drive back to Denver.
  • Day 3A scenic ride on Amtrak's California Zephyr from Denver to Glenwood Springs, followed by a soak at Iron Mountain Hot Springs.
  • Day 4A visit to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, riding the Iron Mountain Tramway and taking two guided cave tours featuring stalactites and stalagmites.

Included

  • One-way Amtrak in Coach accommodations from Denver to Glenwood Springs on the California Zephyr
  • 4 nights' hotel accommodations

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes, one-way Amtrak Coach travel from Denver to Glenwood Springs on the California Zephyr.
Is it escorted or independent?
It's an independent rail vacation with a guided sightseeing tour of Rocky Mountain National Park and a guided Tram and Cave Tour in Glenwood Springs; there is no tour manager for the rest of the trip.
Which train is used?
The California Zephyr, in Coach class, for the one-way Denver to Glenwood Springs leg.
What hotels are included?
4 nights of hotel accommodations, chosen from 11 options across Denver and Glenwood Springs, including the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver, The Crawford Hotel, Hotel Colorado, and Best Western Antlers.
What sightseeing is included?
A tour of Rocky Mountain National Park, admission to Iron Mountain Hot Springs, and a Tram and Cave Tour at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $1,029 per person.

Similar journeys, different answers