Amtrak Vacations · Rail vacation

Peaks, Arches, and Canyons Express

Colorado to Utah rail journey from Denver through Glenwood Springs to Moab

Peaks, Arches, and Canyons Express, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations runs this 7-day, 6-night rail trip from Denver, Colorado, to Moab, Utah, using the California Zephyr for the legs between Denver, Glenwood Springs, and Grand Junction. The first two days are based in Denver, with a guided tour of Rocky Mountain National Park before you make your own way to the station to board the train. Two nights in Glenwood Springs bring the Iron Mountain Hot Springs, a tramway ride, and cave tours, then a short rail ride and shuttle transfer lead to two nights in Moab for a full day touring Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. The mix of guided park tours and independent train travel suits travelers who want scenery and some structure without a fully escorted schedule.

What to know before you look closer

  • The hotel list includes 17 accommodation options across different tiers and cities, so the specific hotel you get depends on which tier and city option you choose.
  • On day 3 you travel to the Amtrak station on your own before boarding the California Zephyr; that leg is not an escorted transfer.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Denver

    Your Journey Begins in Denver

    Welcome to 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, 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. 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 3overnight: 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. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and begin to explore this outdoor recreation lover's paradise. Use your included admission to Iron Mountain Hot Springs.

  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.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Moab

    Glenwood Springs to Moab

    Spend the morning in Glenwood Springs before taking a short train ride to Grand Junction. From there, enjoy a scenic shuttle transfer to Moab and check in at your hotel for a two-night stay.

  6. Day 6overnight: Moab

    Arches and Canyonlands National Parks

    Today enjoy a full-day tour of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Arches National Park is a geological treasure featuring 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the world-famous Delicate Arch. Canyonlands National Park offers a stunning landscape filled with countless canyons, mesas, and buttes.

  7. Day 7

    Your Journey Ends in Moab

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A guided sightseeing tour of Rocky Mountain National Park, with a stop for photos on the way back to the hotel.
  • Day 3Ride Amtrak's California Zephyr from Denver to Glenwood Springs.
  • Day 4Ride the Iron Mountain Tramway and take two guided cave tours at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.
  • Day 6A full-day tour of Arches National Park, home to the Delicate Arch, and Canyonlands National Park.

Included

  • One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Denver to Glenwood Springs; and Glenwood Springs to Grand Junction on the California Zephyr®
  • 6 nights' hotel accommodations
  • Roundtrip transfers between Grand Junction and Moab

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Amtrak Vacations includes one-way Coach travel on the California Zephyr from Denver to Glenwood Springs, and from Glenwood Springs to Grand Junction.
Is this trip escorted or do I travel on my own?
It's a mix. Guided sightseeing tours are included for Rocky Mountain National Park and for Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, but on day 3 you make your own way to the Amtrak station to board the train.
What hotels are used?
The package offers 17 accommodation options across Denver, Glenwood Springs, and Moab, including the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver, The Crawford Hotel, Hotel Colorado, and the Best Western Antlers, among others.
How much walking is involved?
The trip includes full-day national park tours, two guided cave tours, and a tramway ride at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, so expect a fair amount of walking beyond train and station transfers.
Does the itinerary change by season?
The Rocky Mountain National Park tour is seasonal; a combination city and mountain parks tour is offered in the off season instead.

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