I took a $1,500 luxury train from Colorado to Utah. Here are 5 of the best parts about the trip and 6 things I thought were disappointing.
Monica Humphries
![I took a $1,500 luxury train from Colorado to Utah. Here are 5 of the best parts about the trip and 6 things I thought were disappointing.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticbiassets.in%2Fthumb%2Fmsid-92161226%2Cwidth-700%2Cheight-525%2Cimgsize-141590%2Fi-took-a-1500-luxury-train-from-colorado-to-utah-here-are-5-of-the-best-parts-about-the-trip-and-6-things-i-thought-were-disappointing-.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
- I spent 15 hours traveling from Denver, Colorado, to Moab, Utah, on the Rocky Mountaineer train.
- The train's glass-dome windows created a grand atmosphere, and I didn't worry about my luggage.
I spent 15 hours over the course of two days on one of the world's most luxurious trains.
![I spent 15 hours over the course of two days on one of the world](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92161411,width-700,height-525,imgsize-430892/i-spent-15-hours-over-the-course-of-two-days-on-one-of-the-worldaposs-most-luxurious-trains-.jpg)
If you mention trains and luxury, there's a likely chance the Rocky Mountaineer with its grand glass-dome windows will come up in conversation.
The World Travel Awards named the Rocky Mountaineer the winner of the 2021 world's leading luxury train, and it has been called one of the most luxurious trains in the world by publications like CNN and Travel and Leisure.
Last year, the Canadian train company launched its fourth route — the first out of the US — called Rockies to the Red Rocks, which takes passengers between Denver, Colorado; Glenwood Springs, Colorado; and Moab, Utah, over the course of two days.
In May, I boarded the royal-blue-and-gold train where I spent 15 hours in total on the Rockies to Red Rocks route. I bought the ticket on sale for $1,052; it typically costs $1,465. Insider paid for the train, per our reporting standards.
With such a high price tag, I had lofty expectations. Here's where the Rocky Mountaineer met them, and where they fell short.
I thought that the glass-dome windows lived up to the hype.
![I thought that the glass-dome windows lived up to the hype.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92161402,width-700,height-525,imgsize-247204/i-thought-that-the-glass-dome-windows-lived-up-to-the-hype-.jpg)
Most of Rocky Mountain's main allure is its glass-dome windows offering panoramic views of the passing scenery.
Sure, they seemed picturesque, but I wondered if they really create a different atmosphere than traditional, straight-edged rectangular windows?
But when I stepped onboard the train, the answer was an immediate yes.
I could see the tops of towering mountains and the bottoms of valleys created by rushing water — views I don't think I could've seen without the curved, expansive windows. I thought the windows created an environment that felt more like a vacation and less like a commute.
The diverse landscapes I spotted through the glass-dome windows were the best part of the journey.
![The diverse landscapes I spotted through the glass-dome windows were the best part of the journey.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92161398,width-700,height-525,imgsize-186044/the-diverse-landscapes-i-spotted-through-the-glass-dome-windows-were-the-best-part-of-the-journey-.jpg)
Not only were the windows themselves impressive, but the train route traveling through the American Southwest showcased a part of the country that was breathtaking.
One minute I was peering onto lush prairies. The next, I was gazing down into valleys with rapids passing powerfully by. The next day, I saw miles and miles of Utah's iconic red sandstone desert.
Every minute of the entire trip was filled with fascinating views, and those views are ultimately why people book a Rocky Mountaineer trip.
The train company has routes in locations renowned for their scenery — from Banff, Canada, to Lake Louise, Canada.
The inspiring views made it easy for me to understand why the company's latest route navigates through this part of the US.
Unlike sleeper trains, the Rocky Mountaineer advertises itself as an "all daylight train," which meant I had a few hours to explore during an overnight stop.
![Unlike sleeper trains, the Rocky Mountaineer advertises itself as an "all daylight train," which meant I had a few hours to explore during an overnight stop.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92161394,width-700,height-525,imgsize-561950/unlike-sleeper-trains-the-rocky-mountaineer-advertises-itself-as-an-quotall-daylight-trainquot-which-meant-i-had-a-few-hours-to-explore-during-an-overnight-stop-.jpg)
All of Rocky Mountaineer's trains are "daylight trains," which means that passengers sleep in a hotel each night instead of in train sleeper cars such as Amtrak's roommettes.
Initially, the concept felt like a hassle. I thought I'd be lugging my suitcase to and from the hotel and train. I envisioned a long walk or drive to the hotel and was wary of having no privacy onboard the train.
Ultimately, I thought the "daylight train" concept was smart. It made the Rocky Mountaineer journey feel like a vacation that was about the journey rather than simply getting from point A to B.
I only had one overnight on my trip in Glenwood Springs where I had a few hours to explore. If I had taken an Amtrak train, the short stop likely wouldn't have been long enough to disembark.
Plus, having a conventional hotel room, which was included in the price of my train travel, instead of a roommette, meant a comfortable private room with my own shower, queen-sized bed, and more space to sprawl out for the night.
My luggage awaiting me in my hotel room was a nice surprise.
![My luggage awaiting me in my hotel room was a nice surprise.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92161391,width-700,height-525,imgsize-271598/my-luggage-awaiting-me-in-my-hotel-room-was-a-nice-surprise-.jpg)
Most of my concerns about an "all daylight train" vanished when our train manager Zach Lucas announced how the stop in Glenwood Springs worked.
From the train station, Lucas pointed to the hotel where the majority of passengers would be spending the night. Luckily, it was just a five-minute walk from the station.
The better news was that we didn't have to worry about our luggage. It was already waiting for us in our individual hotel rooms.
That meant the moment I disembarked, I had nothing to worry about except for the backpack I packed for the train ride. There were no lines to wait in to retrieve my suitcase or concerns about dragging the overpacked bag up a flight of stairs.
And it was the same process the next morning. When I left my hotel room to board the train, I left my luggage behind me. Later, when we arrived in Moab, it was waiting for me again.
The lack of cell service allowed me to connect with passengers and appreciate the nature that was zooming by.
![The lack of cell service allowed me to connect with passengers and appreciate the nature that was zooming by.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92161384,width-700,height-525,imgsize-187066/the-lack-of-cell-service-allowed-me-to-connect-with-passengers-and-appreciate-the-nature-that-was-zooming-by-.jpg)
For me, a lack of cell service usually comes with a thick layer of dirt. The only times I'm able to fully disconnect is when I'm camping or hiking in a remote area of Colorado.
But a significant portion of the Rockies to the Red Rocks train route lacked cell service. So sitting in air conditioning while sipping a gin-and-tonic without TikTok or texts distracting me was a surprising plus of the trip that allowed me to disconnect and focus instead on the passing scenery and my friendly fellow passengers. If I had been glued to my phone, I might have missed the chance to fully appreciate these moments.
However, not everything was as straightforward. I struggled to find a train itinerary, which made planning logistics a challenge.
![However, not everything was as straightforward. I struggled to find a train itinerary, which made planning logistics a challenge.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92161374,width-700,height-525,imgsize-52680/however-not-everything-was-as-straightforward-i-struggled-to-find-a-train-itinerary-which-made-planning-logistics-a-challenge-.jpg)
Before booking the Rocky Mountaineer, I searched the website for a better understanding of the train's schedule.
I knew Glenwood Springs was a two-and-a-half-hour drive away from Denver, so I naively thought the train would add an hour or two to the journey time (the first day ended up being a nine-hour ride). I wondered if the train would have a late morning start or if I'd have an entire afternoon and evening in Glenwood Springs.
Similarly, I was planning to rent a car and teardrop camper for my time in Moab. Both bookings required a pickup time, but I had no idea what time we would arrive in Moab to mark for my reservations.
Once I booked and paid for my seat on the train, I still had no clue what the schedule would look like. The itineraries I found showcased dates but I couldn't find any specific times listed.
It wasn't until 30 days before the trip that passengers learned more about the train's schedule. Only then, an email outlined the meeting times passengers were expected to board the train on both days. However, this itinerary still lacked arrival times.
In a statement sent to Insider, a spokesperson shared a link where guests are able to see the itineraries for all the Rocky Mountaineer trains.
I somehow missed the webpage, and after searching the train's website and my email inbox, I finally gave up and called the Rocky Mountaineer customer service line. Luckily, they were incredibly responsive and able to share estimated arrival times.
I thought that meeting at Denver's Union Station felt like a waste of time.
![I thought that meeting at Denver](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92161370,width-700,height-525,imgsize-487014/i-thought-that-meeting-at-denveraposs-union-station-felt-like-a-waste-of-time-.jpg)
The day before the trip, I packed a suitcase and reviewed my travel documents. The documents, which were sent a few days before the trip with times finally listed, stated that I would need to check in at Denver's Union Station around 7:45 a.m.
Union Station is Denver's main transportation hub, so I assumed we'd be boarding the Rocky Mountaineer there. I was wrong, and instead, we boarded a motorcoach, which drove us to train tracks in Denver's River North District.
The entire process took me an hour and a half. Since I only live a 10-minute walk from the site where we boarded the train, I wish I could have gone directly there.
A spokesperson for the Rocky Mountaineer told me that passengers can't meet at the River North District train tracks since it's an active railyard and poses a safety issue.
She also added that "the majority of our guests stay in a downtown Denver hotel the evening before the departure, so Denver Union Station offers a central meeting point."
While I understand having a central downtown meeting spot makes sense for most travelers, I could've saved time and an Uber fee if I had the option to board at the River North District location.
The train's early departure times also weren't my cup of tea.
![The train](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92161366,width-700,height-525,imgsize-71322/the-trainaposs-early-departure-times-also-werenapost-my-cup-of-tea-.jpg)
As the train approached Glenwood Springs, Lucas stopped in every train car to make announcements.
He explained that we'd be spending the night in Hotel Colorado and that once he left, our train attendant would pass out our room keys. Lucas went on and said that our luggage was already inside our hotel room, and that tomorrow morning, we'd all need to be back at the train station by 6:30 a.m.
At the mention of the early morning, passengers, including me, murmured and groaned. Lucas quickly reassured us that complimentary coffee would be waiting for us at the station before we boarded.
I thought 6:30 a.m. felt early for a train ride that's tailored as a vacation.
While I'm glad the train had an overnight stop, I wish I had more time to explore Glenwood Springs.
![While I](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92161361,width-700,height-525,imgsize-524654/while-iaposm-glad-the-train-had-an-overnight-stop-i-wish-i-had-more-time-to-explore-glenwood-springs-.jpg)
The Rocky Mountaineer pulled up to the Glenwood Springs train station at 6:30 p.m.
I thought a visitor could easily spend an entire weekend in the town, which is sprinkled with cute shops, ice cream parlors, and cozy restaurants. It's also hard to visit the town without seeing its hot springs, nature trails, and amusement park, which sits on the top of a mountain.
I disembarked the train struggling to decide how to prioritize my few hours in the town.
Ultimately, I landed on taking a dip in the hot springs. By the time I exited the springs, showered, and was ready for dinner, nearly every restaurant was closed.
A few more hours of exploration in Glenwood Springs would've been nice, but as another passenger on the train pointed out to me, "it was a nice taste of the town, and we'll just have to come back another time."
I was thrilled by the train's dietary options when booking but was disappointed with the actual meals served.
![I was thrilled by the train](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92161353,width-700,height-525,imgsize-86876/i-was-thrilled-by-the-trainaposs-dietary-options-when-booking-but-was-disappointed-with-the-actual-meals-served-.jpg)
When I booked my trip on the Rocky Mountaineer, guests were instructed to list their dietary preferences and restrictions. I'm a pescetarian and was thrilled to see all the options the train outlined for guests. I could choose between Asian vegetarian meals, diabetic meals, gluten-free meals, low-fat meals, non-lactose meals, vegan meals, and vegetarian lacto-ovo meals.
I eat eggs and dairy, so I marked the vegetarian option and excitedly anticipated a train ride with solid veggie-friendly options.
Once I boarded, I was disappointed with the menu. I had a breakfast parfait option as a non-meat eater, but for lunch, there weren't any vegetarian-friendly options. I told my car's chef that I don't eat meat, and while she was helpful at crafting alternatives, I thought my meals seemed lackluster in comparison to the main offerings.
For lunch, I had the appetizer salad that everyone ate, and for my main entree, I was served the same salad, only this time with a side of hummus, carrots, and broccoli.
On day two, the breakfast menu listed the same parfait, and I was also able to order the egg strata bake and frittata without meat. Post breakfast, the train served an hors d'oeuvre of chicken flautas. Since I couldn't eat that, the chef created an egg and mushroom dish for me instead.
A spokesperson for the Rocky Mountaineer said that "our onboard team does its best to accommodate dietary preferences wherever possible. Space in the train's galley is limited, so when we know in advance, there is an opportunity to work with our culinary team to bring additional meal options onboard."
She added that "the vegetarian meals are sourced and prepared in addition to the standard menu and may vary, based on the freshest options the culinary team can provide."
While I'm used to adapting what I eat for my dietary preferences, I anticipated more options based on the detailed booking process.
The train advertises an outdoor viewing area, but the space couldn't fit more than two passengers at a time. I thought the views were better inside the train car.
![The train advertises an outdoor viewing area, but the space couldn](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92161348,width-700,height-525,imgsize-507308/the-train-advertises-an-outdoor-viewing-area-but-the-space-couldnapost-fit-more-than-two-passengers-at-a-time-i-thought-the-views-were-better-inside-the-train-car-.jpg)
The Rocky Mountaineer advertised trains with outdoor viewing areas during the ride. I pictured a large space with enough room for a handful of passengers and the chance for even better views of the passing landscape.
The reality was that the viewing area was a small space between each train car. It had just enough room for two passengers, and its open window couldn't offer the same views as those observed through the curved ones inside the train.
Initially, I planned to spend the bulk of my train journey outside, but after seeing the space, I only popped into the observation area a few times throughout the two-day ride.
I disembarked the Rocky Mountaineer with a new understanding of America's West and a fondness for train travel with domed windows, especially.
![I disembarked the Rocky Mountaineer with a new understanding of America](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92161343,width-700,height-525,imgsize-377928/i-disembarked-the-rocky-mountaineer-with-a-new-understanding-of-americaaposs-west-and-a-fondness-for-train-travel-with-domed-windows-especially-.jpg)
While a few aspects of the trip felt disappointing, the best parts of the Rocky Mountaineer easily outweighed the worst parts.
Sure, I wish I had more meal options or hours in Glenwood Springs, but the diverse landscapes, impressive windows, and friendly travelers are what left a lasting impression.
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