“…what thrills me about trains is not their size or their equipment but the fact that they are moving, that they embody a connection between unseen places.
Marianne Wiggins
All Aboard! Rocky Mountaineer: Denver-Moab-August 2023
Last week, my sister-in-law and I boarded the Rocky Mountaineer, a luxury train in Colorado, servicing various destinations through Western Canada and the American Southwest. This route took us from Denver, Colorado into Moab, Utah by winding thru the mountains and following rivers and streams for an incredible experience. After months of planning, we were finally boarding on a Wednesday morning after flying into Denver the night prior. We ate dinner in Denver then relaxed in our hotel, excitedly anticipating our journey. The next morning we boarded for the 8 hour first leg of the trip.
The customer service was impeccable from the start. My SIL was looking to buy a magazine to take along, but the shops at the train station were closed. A RM team member volunteered to go to a local market to buy her a magazine as we boarded the bus to take us to the train. Once at the train, we received word the team member had gone to 3 stores, not 1, but could not find a magazine! Later, a different team member approached us and said he heard my SIL wanted a magazine and one was found. Above and beyond the team members went to make us happy. Cold? Here’s a clean blanket. Thirsty? Here’s whatever you like. Questions? We can answer. Whether it was filling our glasses or providing a blanket, the team aimed to please.
Throughout the journey, RM team members provided educational commentary regarding the scenery, history, people and communities we passed. Look up Mike, the headless chicken….! Fun facts.
The first night we stopped in Glenwood Springs, CO and stayed at the historic Hotel Colorado. Beautiful interior and gorgeous outdoor restaurant and bar area provided us with entertainment and a nice meal. Earlier, we soaked in the largest natural hot springs pool- as big as a football field- for some hydrotherapy. It was very relaxing and welcoming after the train ride. Floating in the pool and looking out at the majestic mountains surrounding us is a memory I won’t forget.
We re-boarded the train early the next morning for our journey on into Moab, Utah. The scenery began to change and the huge red rock formations began appearing. More pics, delish food and drinks and oooing and ahhhing from the travelers. Our adventure was slowly coming to an end. We arrived a few hours later to board a bus to take us to the Hoodoo Hotel, the drop off location. This hotel is a new Hilton and was in the perfect location to go into the quaint town to shop and browse. We loved it. We hired a private driver for an evening tour of Arches National Park. It was amazing seeing these huge rock formations towering around us made from iron-bearing clay. Many visitors walked way into the trails, but we were able to view from afar in the 95 degree heat and appreciate the magnitude of this park.
Overall, our two day rail trip, combined with our pre and post hotel stays, was a nice change from the usual beach or cruise trip. We have never been treated better by a professional team of hardworking rail staff! The food was so good and the scenery and comradery with others from all over the world were highlights.
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