Itinerary
- Day 1
Denver
You'll arrive in Denver, the mile-high city sitting at 5,280 feet above sea level. Since arrival times vary throughout the day, you have the afternoon and evening to yourself. Wander around downtown, grab lunch at one of the local spots, or just settle into your hotel. It's a good chance to acclimate to the elevation before heading into the mountains tomorrow.
Optional Activities
- Explore Denver independently
- Day 2
Denver to Glenwood Springs
Board the Rocky Mountaineer train this morning for the start of a two-day rail journey through the Rockies. As the train pulls out, you'll see rugged canyons and valleys unfold outside your window. The route crosses the Continental Divide and runs alongside the Colorado River. By evening, you'll pull into Glenwood Springs where dinner with your travel group happens at a local restaurant, giving everyone a chance to swap first impressions of the trip.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner at a local restaurant)
Included Activities
- Rocky Mountaineer train journey from Denver to Glenwood Springs with scenic views of canyons, valleys, Continental Divide, and Colorado River
- Dinner at a local restaurant in Glenwood Springs
Landmarks/POIs Continental Divide Colorado River Glenwood Springs - Day 3
Glenwood Springs to Moab
The second day aboard Rocky Mountaineer continues as you head toward the Colorado-Utah border. Red rock sandstone landscapes start appearing more frequently as you approach Moab. The train pulls in by afternoon, and you'll settle into Utah's outdoor adventure hub. Moab serves as your gateway to two major national parks, and the landscape here already hints at what's ahead.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Rocky Mountaineer train journey from Glenwood Springs to Moab with views of red rock sandstone landscapes and Colorado-Utah border
Landmarks/POIs Colorado-Utah border - Day 4
Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
You're tackling two national parks in one day, so it's an active one. Start with Arches National Park, where you'll hike among red rock formations and natural stone arches. After lunch, drive into Canyonlands National Park and head to Island in the Sky for wide-ranging views across the high desert. Later, finish at Dead Horse Point State Park perched on sheer sandstone cliffs overlooking the Colorado River below (temperature around 85°F/29°C).
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Hike in Arches National Park
- Explore Canyonlands National Park
- Visit Island in the Sky
- Visit Dead Horse Point State Park
Landmarks/POIs Arches National Park Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky Dead Horse Point State Park - Day 5
Moab to Bryce Canyon
Drive west along Scenic Byway 24 through dramatic desert landscapes toward Capitol Reef National Park. The distinctive white rock walls here curve like the U.S. Capitol building, which is where the park got its name. You'll catch views of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument with its layered red and orange rock formations. From there, continue to Bryce Canyon City, your base for tomorrow's exploration of Bryce Canyon National Park.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Drive along Scenic Byway 24
- Visit Capitol Reef National Park
- View Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Landmarks/POIs Scenic Byway 24 Capitol Reef National Park Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument - Day 6
Bryce Canyon National Park
Spend the morning at Bryce Canyon National Park hiking among the hoodoos, those striking rock formations that resemble fairy chimneys jutting up from the canyon floor. After that, take it slower and walk along Rim Trail between Sunset Point and Sunrise Point for expansive desert vistas. By evening, drive to Springdale, a small town nestled just outside Zion National Park. You'll arrive with time to explore the town and grab dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hike in Bryce Canyon National Park
- Visit Sunset Point
- Walk Sunrise Point Rim Trail
Landmarks/POIs Bryce Canyon National Park Sunset Point Sunrise Point Rim Trail - Day 7
Zion National Park
Dedicate your day to Zion National Park and its towering red and white sandstone cliffs. Ride the open-air tram through Zion Canyon alongside the Virgin River, 2,400 feet below the canyon rim. A park ranger narrates the route and explains the Native American history of the area. In the afternoon, you can choose your own path: hike independently through the park, or visit Zion's Human History Museum to learn more about the region.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Ride Zion's open-air tram through Zion Canyon along the Virgin River with expert guide commentary
- Hike independently in Zion National Park OR Visit Zion's Human History Museum
Landmarks/POIs Zion National Park Zion Canyon Virgin River Zion's Human History Museum - Day 8
Las Vegas
You'll leave the painted desert canyons behind and arrive in Las Vegas by afternoon. Meet your travel group for a farewell lunch to reflect on the week. Later, spend your evening however you like on the neon-lit Strip. Check out the casinos, catch a show, or just wander and people watch. It's your last night, so take advantage of the energy and endless entertainment the city offers.
- Meals
- Lunch (Farewell lunch with travel companions)
Included Activities
- Farewell lunch with travel companions in Las Vegas
Optional Activities
- Explore the Las Vegas Strip
Landmarks/POIs Las Vegas Strip - Day 9
Departure
It's time to say goodbye to Las Vegas and head home. Depending on your flight time, you might have the morning to grab breakfast or do a bit of last-minute shopping. Then make your way to the airport for your departure, bringing the Southwest landscape and memories of the national parks back with you.
