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2021 is proving itself to be the year of the epic train ride. From these luxury new sleeper cars in Europe to an all-you-can-drink tequila train in Mexico, rail travel is looking more glamorous (and eco-friendly) as we all rediscover domestic travel opportunities in our home countries.
But no new rail line launch is as exciting as this anticipated recent opening in the Rocky Mountains. The first US offering from luxury Canadian company Rocky Mountaineer, the new 'Rockies to the Red Rocks' trip kicked off on August 15, taking passengers on a two-day ride from Denver, Colorado to Moab, Utah – passing through stunning Rocky Mountains and southwest scenery along the way.
Best of all? Passengers will witness all that gorgeous nature from the train's glass-dome top! That's right, we're talking unobstructed views of some of the most gorgeous scenery in the USA. Each train car also has a small outdoor viewing platform where you can get a blast of fresh mountain air.
Rocky Mountaineer is renowned for its super luxurious service – in 2020, the company won a Globe Travel Award for 'Best Rail Company' – which includes personalized, at-your-seat meal service and cocktails. Meals are made using local ingredients (like Colorado bison and farm-fresh veggies) and feature collaborations with local companies (desserts are crafted by the Aspen Baking Company). And the route also includes a stop-off at a hotel for the overnight portion of the trip – both so that guests sleep well and so they don't miss any of that scenery we keep mentioning while traveling in the dark.
Ready to book your trip? There are two classes of service on the Rockies to the Red Rocks: SilverLeaf ($1,250 per person) and SilverLeaf Plus ($1,645). Both include all your meals and drinks (including alcoholic beverages), seats under the glass-dome windows and an overnight hotel stay in Glenwood Springs. The SilverLeaf Plus adds an additional course during meals and exclusive access to a separate lounge that features a mixologist who makes craft cocktails with premium spirits.
This year, the initial run will last through though November 19. The 2022 season will be extended to seven months and begin next spring. Which might give you plenty of time to save up for this epic journey through the west.
Looking for more epic train rides?
Drink your way through the Scottish Highlands on a luxury whisky train
Or, tour South Africa’s vineyards on a vintage double-decker wine tram
And, these are the most scenic train rides across the US