Brian Murray, senior manager of travel product for AAA Western and Central New York, has been in the travel industry for over 40 years. He recently escorted a AAA group on the Rockies to the Red Rocks Tour and shares his experience.

I’m sure you have heard the phrase “Oh Beautiful for Spacious Skies” – well, that’s certainly what you experience on Rocky Mountaineer’s Rockies to the Red Rocks Tour.

This past year, Rocky Mountaineer brought its luxury rail cars to the United States to begin rail tours from Moab, Utah, to Denver, Colorado. There are majestic mountains and rock formations spread throughout national and state parks such as Capitol Reef National Park, Goblin Valley State Park, Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.

Seeing the highest mountain peaks framed by a beautiful, sun-filled, crisp blue sky is as awe-inspiring as the deep gorges and winding Colorado River.

My journey began in Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah. Highlights included a city tour including downtown, which offers spectacular views of the wider city and beyond, and Temple Square. Then, there was a scenic drive up Provo Canyon and a stop at the famous Sundance Ski Resort.

After an overnight at a true rustic Western resort in Torrey, we were well on our way to a full day of sightseeing in Capitol Reef National Park and taking in the ancient petroglyphs, followed by the “goblin” rock formations in Goblin Valley State Park. Weather dependent, an evening of stargazing with local astronomers completes the day with a captivating experience.

Moab, Utah, was home for the next two nights. Arches National Park provided the most spectacular sightseeing, including Balanced Rock, Delicate Arch Viewpoint and The Windows. A boat ride on the Colorado River finished a day of breathtaking views and scenery.

After a morning of great views in Canyonlands National Park, with sights including Mesa Arch, Grand View Pointe, and Dead Horse Point State Park, we were ready to board our Rocky Mountaineer train!

With the traditional “red carpet” welcome and greeting by the train manager and car attendants, we were shown to spacious seats with huge picture windows.

Our train traveled between Moab, Utah, and Denver, Colorado (the trip is offered in the opposite direction as well) with an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs, a world-class wellness destination. While there’s just a one-night stay in Glenwood Springs, arrangements can be made for a longer stay if you prefer.

The onboard team of hosts and culinary team members take care of everything. They share stories and highlights of the passing landscape and take care of any special requests to ensure your comfort.

Highlights of our journey included Mount Garfield, Ruby Canyon, the Continental Divide, Moffat Tunnel, Byers Canyon, and Mount Peale. Meals and snacks are served at your seat, and I must say the food was delicious and the service very attentive.

THE TRAIN EXPERIENCE

The glass-dome coaches give a panoramic view of your surroundings, and the oversized windows provide a spectacular view of sites near and far. You can enjoy this breathtaking scenery from the comfort of your reclining seat, with plenty of leg room and footrests. You can even walk back to the outdoor viewing area of your railcar for that picture-perfect photo.

Gourmet meals are served in the comfort of your seat. Breakfast begins with offerings of mimosas and Bloody Marys as well as coffee and tea. Fresh-baked pastries and fruit were followed by main items such as a pepper, onion and cheese frittata, buttermilk pancakes or a berry and granola parfait. Lunch offers such entrees as baked salmon or honey roast pork, followed by a chef-prepared sweet ending. Beverages and cocktails are continually served throughout your journey.

Depending on the direction, day one (or day two) is a journey of about five hours and day two (or day one) is approximately 8 hours.

Rockies to the Red Rocks – a front row seat to witness the beautiful and majestic American Southwest!

Thinking of taking a vacation by rail? Let the pros at AAA plan it for you! Get on track at AAA.com/TrainSpring or call (855) 862-6651.

AAA Travel