Itinerary

Land in the mile-high cultural epicentre of the Rocky Mountain region, Denver and get settled in to your hotel. You’ll be situated right in downtown Denver within easy walking distance of all there is to see.

Start with a stroll along the nearby 16th Street Mall, a mile-long pedestrian zone in the heart of the city to get your bearings. Denver has plenty to do and see, so set yourself up with a City Pass first thing to see up to three attractions during your two days in the city. You’ll save money and get access to an impressive number of places, including the renowned Denver Art Museum, the Denver Botanic Gardens, the History Colorado Centre and the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. If you’re a sports fan and fancy catching a professional baseball, basketball or hockey game while you’re in town, you’ll also be happy to know you’re just minutes away from both Coors Field and Mile High Stadium.

Spend the day making the most of your City Pass or pick and choose from what you’d like to explore. Storied with history, Denver has numerous landmarks that are worth passing by, from the impressive Capitol Building (whose 13th step sits at the same elevation as the city) to the iconic historic blocks of Larimer Square and the Lower Downton (LoDo) District. It’s the diversity of Denver’s neighbourhoods that makes the city so special. Visit the nearby River North (RiNo) District which specialises in art – both in galleries on along the streets – or head over to Five Points which offers the finest jazz outside of New York and New Orleans. Highland is hip with chic cafés, breweries and boutiques, and Cherry Creek offers the best shopping between California and the Midwest.

No matter what you choose, you’ll be in for a treat, and don’t forget to try one of Denver’s many farm-to-table restaurants or local breweries before you leave.

Start a two-day journey on the Rocky Mountaineer from Denver all the way up to Moab with an overnight stay in the beautiful mountain resort town of Glenwood Springs. You’ll leave first thing in the morning – an ala carte breakfast will be served as your train departs – and you’ll spend almost the entire day witnessing the breathtaking scenery of the Rocky Mountains. From rugged landscapes to towering cliffs and time-carved canyons, you won’t miss a thing as the Rocky Mountaineer boasts full glass-dome coaches, and an outdoor viewing area. Highlights include crossing through the Continental Divide and coming upon spectacular canyons along the Colorado River. A three-course lunch will also be provided come early afternoon.

You’ll arrive early evening in the former Wild West outpost of Glenwood Springs. Check in to your overnight hotel and stretch your legs with a stroll around this scenic historical town. Known for its beautiful location and famous hot springs, we highly recommend enjoying the latter during your short stay.

Leave Glenwood Springs onboard the Rocky Mountaineer first thing in the morning to continue your journey to Moab. An oasis widely considered the heart of Utah’s adventure epicentre, Moab is one of the most sought-after destinations in the American West, and the perfect base for exploring the rugged beauty of Utah’s National Parks region. You’ll cross the Colorado-Utah border encountering stunning mountain views every which way you look, until eventually, red sandstone landscapes emerge on the horizon.

Arrive at your destination and get settled in at the comfortable Aarchway Inn – just minutes from the entrance to Arches National Park – before spending some time exploring the town. The downtown district has an impressive array of restaurants, microbreweries, shops, and galleries to satisfy any palate, and is well worth a look. Spend the evening looking up at the stars – Moab is home to some of the darkest night skies in the world, and chances are, you won’t get a better view.

Home to the largest proliferation of arches in the world over a 73,234-acre wonderland that’s been sculpted by wind and time, Arches National Park is widely considered unmissable amongst Utah’s National Parks. Explore on your own throughout the day or wait until the afternoon to head to the park for a Sunset Tour. A hike through Landscape Arch at sunset is a must for any visitor, and this private guided tour will offer an unforgettable experience.

Offering one of Utah’s most scenic views at Mesa Arch, Canyonlands National Park boasts a rugged terrain filled with deep canyons and towering mesas that extend as far as the eye can see. Spend the day discovering this fascinating landscape with a guided backcountry Jeep tour or drive there by yourself at your leisure – you’ll have a wonderful time hiking and exploring either way.

Pick up your rental car first thing in the morning and make the 4-hour drive up to Salt Lake City. Nestled at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains, next to the exotic waters of the Great Salt Lake, Utah’s metropolitan capital is a hidden gem with excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation. You’ll be arriving at your centrally-located hotel near Salt Lake City’s downtown district. Get settled in – you’ll be staying here the next two nights – then head out to explore. The city is pedestrian-friendly and has good public transport.

Start with a trip to the Natural History Museum of Utah which delves into the science behind Utah’s remarkable landscapes. Or take in the city’s unique examples of architecture – from the striking State Capitol and Salt Lake City Public Library to the iconic Temple Square of the Latter Day Saints and the Tabernacle, home to the world-famous Tabernacle Choir – there’s an impressive range of buildings. End the day with dinner in downtown – the city has a delightful culinary scene and restaurants to suit all tastes.

Salt Lake City is renowned for its access to outdoor recreation so spend the day outside. Within the city you can visit Red Butte Garden, the West’s largest botanical garden, or the Tracy Aviary, where you’ll find some of the most incredible bird watching. Outside of the city you’re just a short drive away from the wild Wasatch Mountains where stunning locations like Big Cottonwood Canyon await. You’re also right next to one of the world’s most famous saltwater lakes, Great Salt Lake, and just an hour and a half’s drive to the otherworldly plains of the Bonneville Salt Flats. Take your pick and make a day of it!

After breakfast head to the final stop on your itinerary: Zion National Park. Known for its stunning scenery, follow the Virgin River throughout the main canyon on a guided half day hiking tour to see the lush greenery contrast with the bright orange cliffs, or choose to explore the park on foot at your leisure. Just keep in mind adventurers won’t want to miss out on Angel’s Landing. You’ll be staying at a lodge in the park with unparalleled views of the towering sandstone cliffs, and you’ll find your accommodation also offers plenty to do.

Spend your last day exploring the otherworldly locales of Zion National Park. We recommend taking a guided adventure on one of the most sought-after hikes in the United States: The Narrows. You will hike between towering walls of beautifully sculpted read sandstone and through surreal-looking clear waters all the while immersing yourself in nature like never before. There’s no better way to end your trip than on this scenic 6 mile journey of a lifetime.