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Rocky Mountains by...
 

America’s National Parks by Train: Rocky Mountains, Arches & Zion

10 days |  13 days with Grand Canyon National Park & Phoenix extension
Group size1534 travelers
Physical activity
Arches National Park
New
Rocky Mountaineer
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsHotels, flights & FAQ
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Explore some of the United States’ most awe-inspiring landscapes.

Towering mountains, otherworldly rock formations, ancient petroglyphs, and scenic train rides await on this journey through the American West. Begin your exploration in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park, where you’ll walk along scenic trails and spot wildlife up close. Then, travel by train over rugged mountain terrain to Utah, where you’ll explore the dramatic natural landscapes and Native American history of Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, and Zion national parks. Round out your tour with an overnight in bright, bustling Las Vegas.

Your tour package includes

  • 9 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 9 breakfasts
  • 2 lunches
  • 2 dinners with beer or wine
  • 1 beer tasting
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Included highlights

  • Craft beer tasting
  • Rocky Mountain National Park
  • A ride on the Rocky Mountaineer
  • Continental Divide crossing
  • Moab Petroglyphs
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Start planning today

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Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
Rocky Mountain National Park Region, Colorado3 nights
Day 1: Arrival in Denver & transfer to Rocky Mountain National Park Region
Included meals: Welcome dinner, Beer tasting

Welcome to Colorado! Arrive in Denver and transfer to your hotel in the Rocky Mountain National Park region. Then, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner and beer tasting at a local brewery.

Day 2: Rocky Mountain National Park
Included meal: Breakfast

Set out to explore the wonders of Rocky Mountain National Park.

  • Drive along Trail Ridge Road, which soars to 12,000 feet in elevation (weather-dependent)
  • Stop to take photos and several short trail walks
  • Try to spot wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, moose, and bears
  • Enjoy free time in the college city of Boulder, known for its culinary scene, breweries, and vibrant downtown
Day 3: Free day in the Rocky Mountain National Park Region
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day exploring the Rocky Mountain National Park region or add an excursion.

Top of the Rockies: Pikes Peak Cog Railway

From $149 per person

Glenwood Springs, Colorado1 night
Day 4: Glenwood Springs via Rocky Mountaineer Train ride
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, board the Rocky Mountaineer train at Denver’s Union Station for a scenic ride through the Rockies to Glenwood Springs.

  • Admire canyons, towering mountain peaks, and reservoirs on your day-long journey
  • Cross over the Continental Divide as you pass through Moffat Tunnel
  • Enjoy an included lunch aboard the train

Please note: Learn more about the benefits of upgrading to SilverLeaf Plus on the Rocky Mountaineer in our FAQ.

Moab, Utah2 nights
Day 5: Moab via Rocky Mountaineer Train ride
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Continue your scenic journey on the Rocky Mountaineer.

  • Make your way to Utah, crossing through desert canyons, basins, plateaus, and mesas of western Colorado and Utah
  • Spot Mount Garfield, a dramatic natural formation within the Book Cliffs mountain range, from the train

Arrive in Moab, then enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant before heading out on a sightseeing tour.

  • Explore some of Moab’s beautiful rock art and petroglyphs, which date back as far as 3500 B.C.
  • Learn about the history of regional Native American tribes from your local guide

Enjoy a free evening in Moab or add an excursion.

Red Rocks Sunset Hummer Safari

From $215 per person

Day 6: Arches National Park
Included meal: Breakfast

This morning, gaze at the red rock sculptures carved by nature as you explore Arches National Park, home to more than 2,000 arches, spires, domes, pinnacles, and fins.

Please note: The order of activities may vary based on season.

Enjoy a free afternoon in Moab or add an excursion.

Colorado River Raft Trip

From $155 per person

Zion National Park Region, Utah2 nights
Day 7: Zion via Bryce Canyon National Park
Included meal: Breakfast

Make your way through scenic southwestern Utah to tour Bryce Canyon National Park by bus and on foot.

  • Take in up-close views of the distinctive pink limestone and sandstone formations
  • See the awe-inspiring arches, bridges, and pinnacles known as hoodoos

Then, continue on to your hotel near Zion National Park.

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Zion National Park
Included meal: Breakfast

Take a tour of Zion National Park, which is located at the intersection of the Great Basin, the Colorado Plateaus, and the Mojave Desert.

  • View the yellow- and orange-hued rocks during an open-air tram ride
  • Hear commentary on the surrounding landscape from a local guide
Las Vegas, Nevada1 night
Day 9: Las Vegas via Valley of Fire State Park
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Stop in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada’s first state park, before continuing on to Las Vegas to celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner.

Flight Home
Day 10: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or continue on to Grand Canyon National Park.

Extension to Grand Canyon National Park & Phoenix
Just when you thought America’s landscapes couldn’t get any more grand, enter the Grand Canyon. A mile deep and up to 18-miles wide, the canyon is laced with hiking trails that promise jaw-dropping scenery and photo ops aplenty. Soak in its massive size and scale, and its distinctive color palette, before capping off your adventure with a visit to Sedona and Montezuma Castle National Monument.
Grand Canyon, Arizona2 nights
Day 10: Grand Canyon National Park via Hoover Dam
Included meal: Breakfast

Depart Las Vegas and make your way to the Hoover Dam, an iconic American landmark that separates the states of Nevada and Arizona. During this stop, enjoy free time to explore this engineering marvel on your own.

Continue on to Grand Canyon National Park and get settled at your hotel.

Day 11: Grand Canyon National Park
Included meal: Breakfast

Set out to explore the Grand Canyon, one of the most-visited national parks in the U.S.

  • Join your Tour Director for a walk along the South Rim
  • Walk through a ponderosa pine forest and admire panoramic views of the sandstone landscape from a plateau at the end of the trail

Enjoy free time to hike other trails, explore the various museums and shops along the rim, or add an excursion.

Grand Canyon Helicopter Ride

From $309 per person

Phoenix, Arizona1 night
Day 12: Phoenix Region via Sedona
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Explore the Southwest landscapes of Arizona as you make your way toward Phoenix.

  • Visit Sedona, a city known for its festive art scene, and enjoy free time to shop, eat, and explore its many galleries
  • Make photo stops at the majestic rock formations surrounding Sedona, including Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte
  • Stop at Montezuma Castle National Monument to view cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans, an ancient culture with ties to the Hopi and Yavapai tribe

Celebrate your trip with your group at tonight’s farewell dinner.

Flight Home
Day 13: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Hotels, flights & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
Hyatt Place Boulder/Pearl Street
Hyatt Place Boulder/Pearl Street

This modern hotel is located in the Transit Village neighborhood in Boulder, Colorado. Guests enjoy a fitness center, pool, and bar. Nearby, you’ll fi...

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The Hotel Denver Glenwood Springs
The Hotel Denver Glenwood Springs

This charming, historic hotel is located in downtown Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Guests enjoy a bar and lounge that specializes in American cuisine, a...

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Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn
Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn

This spacious hotel is located in downtown Moab, Utah outside of Arches National Park. Guests enjoy an outdoor pool, exercise facility, and recently r...

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Holiday Inn Express Springdale - Zion
Holiday Inn Express Springdale - Zion

This rustic, lodge-style hotel is located in Springdale, Utah next to Zion National Park. Guests enjoy a fitness center, pool, and laundry facilities....

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Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Canyon
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Canyon

This comfortable hotel is located just 15 minutes from the Grand Canyon National Park entrance. Guests enjoy the indoor swimming pool, a full breakfas...

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Hampton Inn Tropicana
Hampton Inn Tropicana

This comfortable hotel is located a block away from the Las Vegas Strip. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, fitness center, sun deck. Nearby you'll find t...

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Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Downtown
Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Downtown

This comfortable hotel is located in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant. Nearby you’ll fi...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
Add our airfare package and you'll get:
  • Round-trip flight for your tour
  • Airport transfers at your destination
  • A great price locked in today
  • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
  • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
  • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
  • Find out more about flights

FAQ

Print FAQ
About the Rocky Mountaineer Train
  • Travelers will enjoy a two-day ride aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train from Denver, Colorado to Moab, Utah. SilverLeaf service is included as part of your tour package, but you can choose to upgrade to SilverLeaf Plus service for an additional cost. This upgrade must be purchased at least 90 days prior to departure.
  • Here are some of the benefits and reasons we recommend travelers upgrade to SilverLeaf Plus service:
    • SilverLeaf Plus includes all the benefits of the exceptional SilverLeaf Service, plus exclusive access to the newly renovated lounge car. Featuring signature cocktails, the lounge car offers additional space indoors to relax and soak in the scenery as it passes you by, as well as a small outdoor viewing area.
    • Passengers in SilverLeaf Plus enjoy an elevated dining experience with an additional course during select meals, and premium alcoholic beverages.
  • Tips for porterage, meals, and other services provided aboard the Rocky Mountaineer are included in the tour price. Travelers are responsible for tipping Tour Directors, bus drivers, and local guides at the end of their tour.
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Passport, visa & entry requirements
  • U.S. citizens need valid government-issued identification for air travel within the United States. If you plan to use a state-issued ID or driver’s license on or after May 7, 2025, it will need to meet Real ID requirements. Real ID compliant versions of these IDs will have either a yellow or black star, white star inside a yellow or black circle, or a white star inside a bear in the top righthand corner. Please visit dhs.gov for more information.
  • In order to enter the United States, Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
  • If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
  • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code RAM.
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Tour pacing & mobility
  • You will walk for at least 2 hours daily across mostly flat terrain, including paved trails and dirt paths, with some hills. Some activities will take place at high altitudes.
  • Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
  • You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.
  • Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
  • If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
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Transportation & arrival information
  • Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Denver, Colorado and depart from Las Vegas, Nevada (or Phoenix, Arizona on the tour extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
  • Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
  • A two-day ride on the Rocky Mountaineer train from Denver, Colorado to Moab, Utah is included in the price of your tour.
  • All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
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Baggage allowance
  • Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
  • Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
  • Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
  • Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
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Clothing & packing tips
  • We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
  • A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
  • You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
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Health
  • Be sure to check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and personal travel requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
  • Please be aware that you will be traveling to altitudes as high as 14,000 feet above sea level. These high altitudes can sometimes cause breathing difficulties for travelers who have heart problems or respiratory ailments. If you suffer from any of these conditions, please speak to your doctor regarding any potential health risks.
  • During the summer months, take proper care with sun exposure and heat.
  • If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
  • If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
  • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code RAM.
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Cuisine
  • The western region of the United States is known for barbecue, especially in the plains and mountain states like Colorado where the cowboy tradition lives on. Try a bison burger or a steak for a true local dining experience.
  • The cuisine of the American southwest combines influences from Spanish colonial settlers, Mexican staples, and Native American tradition. Expect dishes spiced with chile peppers, like enchiladas, tacos, and chili con carne.
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Electricity & air conditioning
  • All of North America operates on 110-120 volts and uses Type A or B plugs with two flat pins or two flat pins and one round pin, respectively.
  • The majority of the hotels on this tour will have air conditioning.
  • Some of the hotels on this tour will provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances, but these amenities cannot be guaranteed for hotels in more remote locations.
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Connectivity
  • Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
  • There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
  • Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
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Time zones
  • Colorado, Utah, and Nevada (plus Arizona on the tour extension) are on Mountain Time (MT), which is two hours behind Eastern Time (ET).
  • When it’s noon in New York City, it’s 10am on tour.
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Currency
  • You will use the U.S. dollar on this tour.
  • We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
  • You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
  • Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your purchases for fraudulent charges.
  • Many banks and businesses now primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
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Tipping
  • At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in USD.
  • We recommend tipping $8USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and $3USD per person per day for your driver.
  • Tips for porterage, meals, and other services provided aboard the Rocky Mountaineer are included in the tour price.
  • If applicable, we also recommend $2USD per local guide.
  • Tips can only be paid in cash.
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Purchasing excursions on tour
  • Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on your tour.
  • Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
  • Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
  • Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.
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