Rockies to the Red Rocks Classic - 3 Day Rail with Moab National Parks

Your exploration of the American Southwest begins today as you arrive in Denver, the dynamic capital of Colorado. Surrounded by breathtaking views of the Colorado Rockies in the distance and with a walkable cityscape brimming with cowboy culture and modern amenities, Denver makes the ideal starting point for your journey.

Make your own way to your centrally located hotel to check in for the night, and the remainder of the day is then yours to explore at your own pace. Denver has a central pedestrianized promenade called the 16th Street Mall, which is filled with an incredible array of shops, selling everything from candy to cowboy hats, and a fantastic selection of restaurants. You might like to visit one of the restaurants serving game meats, such as elk and bison, or you could explore Denver's more global offerings. Overnight Denver.

Your journey on the luxurious Canyon Spirit begins today after walking the short distance to Denver's Union Station. The train's hosts welcome you on board for this scenic journey, and upon settling into your Signature seat, you can admire Colorado's dramatic scenery as breakfast is served at your seat. For an even more spacious onboard experience, consider an upgrade to Premier, which includes access to an exclusive lounge, tasting experiences and even more extensive menus.

Watch as the mountains unfold with a selection of included alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and enjoy captivating storytelling from your train car's hosts as the train crosses the Continental Divide and follows along the Colorado River. Surrounded by plunging canyons, lush forests and staggering Rocky Mountains peaks, this journey is awash in magnificent views at every angle.

Lunch is also served onboard before Canyon Spirit arrives in Glenwood Springs later this afternoon. After transferring to the hotel, you have a free evening to relax or head out into the charming town to explore the shops and restaurants housed in the historic buildings. Overnight Glenwood Springs.

• Breakfast, Lunch

With another day of picturesque scenery ahead, an included transfer takes you to the Glenwood Springs station to reboard Canyon Spirit. Settle in beside a panoramic window and let a chef-prepared breakfast, your host's storytelling and the final glimpses of the Rockies guide you west toward Utah.

Before long, forests that were once so lush become further apart, and the land flattens, with terracotta hues and craggy rock formations overtaking the vistas. With such a dramatic change in surroundings today, this is the perfect time to get an open-air perspective from the Dutch door at the back of your rail car.

Eventually, Canyon Spirit finds itself amongst the red rocks of Moab, where on arrival, you step aboard a coach for a tour of nearby Canyonlands National Park. Your driver-guide takes you into the famous Island in the Sky District, where towering mesas and dramatic cliffs complement the deep, serpentine canyons. Returning to Moab this evening, you can check into your hotel for two nights before finding dinner at one of the restaurants lining the main street. Overnight Moab.

• Breakfast, Lunch

With a full free day in Moab, you could immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes that make this region Utah's adventure capital. In addition to the two national parks at the cusp of Moab, there are numerous natural areas, hiking trails and walking paths from which to soak up views of the towering rock formations and impressive red cliffs.

Roaming the streets of downtown Moab instead, you can explore a range of boutiques, art galleries, jewelry shops and more. There are also plenty of outdoor gear stores if you need supplies for a hike and a shop selling fossils found throughout this rugged landscape, with some dating to the Mesozoic era.

For a compact city, Moab also boasts a surprisingly diverse range of dining options, from authentic Mexican cuisine to Thai food and a brewery serving locally brewed beers. Overnight Moab.

Another look at Moab's spectacular landscapes comes this morning as a guided tour takes you into Arches National Park. Your bus takes you within view of some of the park's most iconic arches and balanced rocks, giving you a taste of the awe-inspiring highlights. There are short stops included throughout the park, with easy optional walks allowing you to get closer to the breathtaking formations, carved by the elements over 65 million years.

Later in the afternoon, the bus continues to Thompson Springs, where you rejoin Canyon Spirit for the final leg of the journey to Salt Lake City, enjoying lunch and dinner onboard. The train passes through the Book Cliffs, weaves through Castle Gate, and then eventually navigates Price River Canyon. Hints of greenery and mountains return to the panoramas as Canyon Spirit approaches the ascent to Soldier Summit in the Wasatch Mountains. After passing through the Thistle Tunnels, the journey comes to a close as the Salt Lake City skyline appears on the horizon. Enjoy a free evening here after checking into your hotel. Overnight Salt Lake City.

• Lunch, Dinner

Forested mountains and colorful cliffs set the backdrop for this memorable rail vacation, featuring Canyon Spirit. Boarding the train in Denver, you enjoyed an up-close look at the beautiful Rocky Mountains, hidden lakes and emerald forests before spending a night in the spa town of Glenwood Springs, and then continuing into Utah's arid landscapes to Moab and, later, Salt Lake City. With tours of both Canyonlands and Arches National Parks and a free day here to explore Moab at leisure, there are so many ways to enjoy the splendors of this stunning journey.

Upon checking out of your hotel this morning, your tour concludes and you are free to begin your travels home.