Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation

Rocky Mountains to Arches and Canyonlands

Rail journey from Denver's Rocky Mountains to Utah's Arches and Canyonlands

Rocky Mountains to Arches and Canyonlands, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations runs this 5-day, 4-night independent rail vacation from Denver to Moab, Utah, linking Rocky Mountain National Park with Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. The first two days are based in Denver, the 'Mile High City,' with free time to explore and a full day touring Rocky Mountain National Park, including photo stops on the return drive. Day 3 boards the California Zephyr for a scenic ride past snow-capped mountains and red rock formations to Grand Junction, followed by a shuttle transfer to Moab for a two-night stay. Day 4 brings a full-day tour of Arches National Park, home to around 2,000 sandstone arches including the well-known Delicate Arch, and Canyonlands National Park. This suits travellers who want two very different Western landscapes, mountains and red rock desert, connected by one scenic rail ride rather than a long drive.

What to know before you look closer

  • The trip includes a choice from 12 accommodation options across Denver and Moab, for example The Crawford Hotel or the more standard Hampton Inn & Suites Denver Downtown, so which hotels you get depends on what you book.
  • No meals are listed as included on this trip.
  • The Rocky Mountain National Park tour is seasonal; in the off season, the evidence says a combination city and mountain parks tour is offered instead.
  • The evidence does not list specific departure dates; confirm current availability with Amtrak Vacations.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Denver

    Denver, CO

    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. You'll have lots of free time today 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

    Denver, CO

    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: Moab

    Denver to Moab

    Board the train this morning for your scenic and comfortable journey with breathtaking views of the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas and the dramatic red rock formations. Upon arrival, in Grand Junction, you will take a shuttle transfer to Moab where you will check in to your hotel for a two-night stay and then begin exploring the shops, restaurants and galleries of the charming downtown area.

  4. Day 4overnight: Moab

    Moab, UT

    Today you'll have a full-day tour of two spectacular national parks: Arches and Canyonlands. Arches National Park is a geological treasure featuring 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the world famous Delicate Arch. The park's rich colors, textures, and landforms highlight the extraordinary balanced rocks, fins, and pinnacles. Canyonlands National Park offers a stunning landscape filled with countless canyons, mesas, and buttes, carved by the mighty Green and Colorado rivers. Experience the park from the astounding Island in the Sky, a scenic drive that follows the rim of the mesa and offers amazing views.

  5. Day 5

    Your Journey Ends in Moab

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Free time in Denver, the 'Mile High City' at 5,280 feet, to visit sites such as Red Rocks Park or the Denver Art Museum.
  • Day 2A day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park includes photo opportunities during a break on the return to the hotel.
  • Day 3The California Zephyr rolls past snow-capped mountains and red rock formations from Denver to Grand Junction, followed by a shuttle transfer to Moab.
  • Day 4A full-day tour covers Arches National Park's roughly 2,000 sandstone arches, including the well-known Delicate Arch, and Canyonlands National Park.

Included

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

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Amtrak Vacations includes one-way Coach travel on the California Zephyr from Denver to Grand Junction, followed by a shuttle transfer to Moab.
Which train is used?
The California Zephyr.
What hotels are used?
A choice from 12 accommodation options across Denver and Moab, for example The Crawford Hotel or the Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
The evidence labels it an independent rail vacation.
When does the Rocky Mountain National Park tour run?
It's seasonal; the evidence says a combination city and mountain parks tour is offered in the off season instead.
What is not included?
No meals are listed as included on this trip.

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