America's National Parks by Train: Rocky Mountains, Arches & Zion
10 days | 13 days with Grand Canyon National Park & Phoenix extension | Estimated monthly payments as low as $564 CAD
Marvel at otherworldly landscapes and landmarks, all in your own backyard.
Jagged peaks that rival the Alps. Martian plains with sandstone formations that wouldn’t look out of place in Wadi Rum. As far as natural attractions go, the American West is a microcosm of our planet’s varying elegance, and nowhere is it better seen than in the country’s national parks. By deluxe bus and rail, your Tour Director will whisk you from the Rocky Mountains to Zion—and the Grand Canyon, if you add this trip’s extension.
Your tour package includes
- 9 nights in handpicked hotels
- 9 breakfasts
- 2 lunches
- 2 dinners with beer or wine
- 1 beer tasting
- 6 sightseeing tours
- Expert Tour Director & local guides
- Private deluxe motor coach & ride on Rocky Mountaineer train
Included highlights
- Craft beer tasting
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- A ride on the Rocky Mountaineer
- Continental Divide crossing
- Moab Petroglyphs
- Arches National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Zion National Park
- Valley of Fire State park
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! Transfer to your hotel near Rocky Mountain National Park and take a moment to get settled. Tonight, you’ll join your Tour Director and groupmates at a local brewery for a three-course welcome dinner, complete with a tasting of a trio of beers. (If you prefer a glass of wine or water, that’s fine, too—just ask!)
Day 2: Rocky Mountain National Park
Included meal: Breakfast
Over its 415 square miles, Rocky Mountain National Park transitions from scrubby tundra to evergreen alpine forests. Today, you’ll set out into its breathtaking heights by bus and see its diverse ecosystems yourself.
- Stop at one of the park’s visitor centers before continuing on Trail Ridge Road, a scenic byway that climbs to an elevation of more than 12,000 feet.
- Pull over at a few different trailheads for photos and, if you’d like, follow your Tour Director on brief out-and-back walks. (Don’t worry about hiking boots: These paths are paved and well-maintained.)
- Peer into the distance to try and spot the park’s endemic wildlife—animals like elk, bighorn sheep, moose, and bears.
Finally, head down into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and pause in Boulder, a university city with a gourmand streak. Take some free time to browse the restaurants and breweries downtown, then return to your bus and drive back to your hotel.
Please note: Trail Ridge Road may close due to inclement weather. Additionally, be sure to stay hydrated—higher elevations can dehydrate you quickly.
Reviews
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.

Rocky Mountain National Park Region - Courtyard by Marriott Boulder Longmont
This relaxing hotel is located in Longmont within the Rocky Mountains National Park area. Guests enjoy the indoor pool, fitness center, and bicycle rentals. Nearby you’ll find the Village at the Peaks mall and a handful of...
Glenwood Springs - Courtyard by Marriott Glenwood Springs
This peaceful hotel is located in downtown Glenwood Springs. Guests enjoy the indoor pool, stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, and fitness center. Nearby you’ll find Two Rivers Park, hiking trails, and the Iron Mountain Hot...

Moab - 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 remodeled rooms. Nearby you’ll find the Colorado River, the Moab Adventure...

Zion National Park - La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kanab
This comfortable hotel is located in Kanab. Guests enjoy a refreshing outdoor pool, a modern fitness center with Peloton Bikes, and convenient laundry facilities to keep your clothes fresh during your travels. Nearby, you'll...

Las Vegas - Horseshoe Las Vegas
This massive hotel is located right off of the Las Vegas Strip. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, multiple restaurants, and convenient location. Nearby you’ll find the Fountains of Bellagio, the shops at Caesars Palace, and an...
Grand Cayon - 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 breakfast buffet, and close proximity to hiking trails. Nearby, you’ll find The Grand...

Phoenix Region - Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Downtown North
This modern hotel is located in Phoenix. Guests enjoy a spacious indoor pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a complimentary evening reception with drinks and snacks. Nearby, you'll find the Heard Museum, the Phoenix...
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 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
FAQ
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who booked their own flights are responsible for securing their own airport transfers.
- When you arrive in Denver, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a Go Ahead sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.
Physical Activity Level
This is a moderate physical activity-level tour. You can expect casual walks and plenty of time to explore throughout the course of the tour.
Tour Pacing
This is a very fast-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:
- Two 1-night stays
- Most days full of included activities in a row (more if you add excursions)
- Most transportation by motor coach
- Some transportation by train
- Daily drive time varies and can be lengthy
Walking, Terrain & Physical Requirements
- Travelers should be prepared to walk 2-3 miles per day on city streets, cobblestones, stairs, and hills.
- Cobblestone streets can become slick when wet.
- Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
- Please note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on tour.
Climate Considerations
- Travelers can expect a wide variety of climates and altitudes, from the dry, desert-like climate of Arizona and Nevada to the cooler mountain climates of Colorado.
- In the summer months (June-September), travelers can expect heatwaves with temperatures consistently above 90°F in Arizona and Nevada. Colorado with its higher elevations, generally experience milder summer temperatures, though they can still reach the low 90s°F in some areas.
- Please be aware that you will be traveling to altitudes as high as 12,000 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.
Physical Activity & Tour Pace Questions
- Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
- Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring these on tour with you.
- If you have mobility concerns or tour pacing questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team.
- This tour includes various modes of transportation, including trains and motor coaches. Some modes of transportation will have raised platforms or steps and often not provide access to ramps or lifts.
- A ride on the Rocky Mountaineer train from Denver to Moab via Glenwood Springs is included in the price of your tour.
- All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
- 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 trains.
- A checked bag may not be included in your airline ticket.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
- Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- Travelers must manage their own luggage throughout tour as porters are not guaranteed. This includes at hotels and airports.
- 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.
- We recommend packing a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastic waste.
- In case of emergencies, we also recommend packing your medical insurance card in your carry-on.
- Go Ahead handpicks every hotel you’ll stay at, striking a balance between comfort, location, and local charm.
- Specific properties will vary based on your departure date, but are typically three-to-four-star hotels; always include private bathrooms; and usually have in-room safes for valuables. Additionally, your hotels will have Wi-Fi, but access may be limited to common areas. There may also not be elevators.
- Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that your accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with your hotels once they’ve been confirmed, about 30 days prior to departure.
- Some hotels on this tour are situated on narrow streets; as such, our buses can’t drop you off right out front. In these instances, you’ll have to walk your luggage to the property, no more than a few blocks.
- 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.
- Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date.
- Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app for an additional $10 USD.
- We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
- Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
- Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
- 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 contact our Customer Experience Team.
- 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.
- Most of our itineraries include headsets used during certain sightseeing tours so travelers can hear their guides or Tour Director. If you use an assisted listening device, such as a hearing aid or cochlear implant, please visit our Help Center for more information or contact our customer experience team. Please note that at this time not all our destinations offer headsets due to supplier limitations.
- Please be aware that you will be traveling to altitudes as high as 12,000 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.
- The water is safe to drink throughout your tour unless posted otherwise.
- This tour includes two lunches and two dinners: They may be set menus, buffets, or family-style meals, depending on the location. Dinners also include one glass of beer, wine, or a soft drink, as well as water, coffee, and tea.
- Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
- 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.
- At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
- We recommend tipping $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and $4USD per person per day for your driver.
- If applicable, we also recommend $2USD per local guide.
- Tips can only be paid in cash.
- If you are traveling to multiple countries with different currencies and the same Tour Director, ask them what currency they prefer for their tip.
- The cost of porterage is included in your tour price, and it is not necessary to tip baggage handlers.
- 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.
- International banks and businesses 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.
- Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your tour director, local guides, and bus drivers.
- To help you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend downloading the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. It’s free and provides information about important deadlines and entry requirements, as well as your detailed itinerary, packing tips, and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the app’s chat feature.
- 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.
- Your Tour Director will be leading your group throughout your journey. You will have the same Tour Director throughout your tour.
- The role of the Tour Director is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each days’ activities and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and cannot provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is our on tour emergency support team.
- Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
- This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
- As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
- 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.
- When you travel with Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
- Travel, when done responsibly, can have an enormous socioeconomic impact on communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at small businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
- Prepare for your trip: Be aware of monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market; learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette; and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
- When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
- Go Ahead Tours encourages travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single-use plastics. You can cut back on generating plastic waste by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.
- When visiting national parks, reserves, or other protected areas, please do not remove anything from the natural environment or leave any litter. Carry out what you carried in.
- When you come across wild animals on tour, take the philosophies of World Animal Protection to heart: Don’t touch or feed them, and maintain a respectful distance. The animals you encounter on your trip should be able to exhibit natural forms of behavior.
- Furthermore, avoid buying exploitative animal products, like crafts made from tortoiseshell or meals such as shark fin soup.
- If you feel we aren’t meeting any of these commitments, please let us know.