I traveled in a glass-domed luxury train from Colorado to Utah. Here are 14 things that surprised me about the trip.

Monica HumphriesMay 26, 2022, 17:43 IST

Insider's reporter was surprised to find a red carpet and expensive price tag attached to the two-day train ride.Monica Humphries/Insider

I rode the luxury Rocky Mountaineer train on its US route from Denver, Colorado, to Moab, Utah.
My ticket for the two-day journey was on sale for $1,052 but it typically costs $1,500.

Rocky Mountaineer is a luxury train operator with four routes, three of which depart from Vancouver, Canada. This May, I boarded the train's only US route from Denver, Colorado, to Moab, Utah.

A quick selfie before I boarded the Rocky Mountaineer in Denver, Colorado.Monica Humphries/Insider

Rocky Mountaineer is a luxury train operator with four routes, three of which depart from Vancouver, Canada. This May, I boarded the train's only US route from Denver, Colorado, to Moab, Utah.

The price was one of the most shocking parts of the entire journey.

A screenshot of the Rocky Mountaineer's booking page.Rocky Mountaineer

I wasn't expecting the first sign of luxury: a red carpet rolled out to welcome passengers onto the train.

A Rocky Mountaineer train host unrolls a red carpet before passengers board the train.Monica Humphries/Insider

I was surprised to be greeted by a train host and chef, who would be on hand for the two-day journey.

Christina passes out orange juice and Nephi follows behind with Prosecco.Monica Humphries/Insider

Each train host curated their own stories and facts to share throughout the journey, which felt like a personal touch.

A train host shares facts about Denver, Colorado.Monica Humphries/Insider

There were a handful of delays — and I was stunned when no one seemed to mind.

The Rocky Mountaineer waits for a freight train to pass by causing a delay.Monica Humphries/Insider

I didn't expect much legroom. However, I was thankful I could stretch my limbs and was shocked I wasn't aching after 15 hours on the train.

My backpack easily fit under my seat and I still had plenty of room for my legs.Monica Humphries/Insider

I envisioned stepping into a full train car. Instead, it was quite empty.

People switched from sitting on the left and right sides of the train based on the nearby landmarks.Monica Humphries/Insider

From welcome mimosas to 11 a.m. cocktails, there was no shortage of alcohol.

The bar cart on the Rocky Mountaineer.Monica Humphries/Insider

I didn't know that there would be no cell service for the bulk of the journey.

An arrow points to no bars during my ride on the Rocky Mountaineer.Monica Humphries

I was shocked by how slowly the train moved. What would've been a five-hour drive took 15 hours over the span of two days.

It was easy to snap pictures with the train moving so slowly.Monica Humphries/Insider

Even with all that time, I was surprised that I didn't get bored.

Zach Lucas plays the piano on the first-class train car.Monica Humphries/Insider

I didn't realize that I was expected to tip.

The envelope of cash I gave Nephi and Christina.Monica Humphries/Insider

For the most part, the train ride was surprisingly smooth.

The train was smooth enough for people to stand.Monica Humphries/Insider

Finally, I wasn't expecting to get mooned so much.

Rafters floating down the Colorado River have a tradition of mooning the train passengers rolling by.Monica Humphries/Insider

While some of the surprises about the Rocky Mountaineer were rooted in luxury, others were simply shocking things I learned about train travel.

The author leaves the Rocky Mountaineer.Monica Humphries/Insider

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I traveled in a glass-domed luxury train from Colorado to Utah. Here are 14 things that surprised me about the trip.

Rocky Mountaineer is a luxury train operator with four routes, three of which depart from Vancouver, Canada. This May, I boarded the train's only US route from Denver, Colorado, to Moab, Utah.

The price was one of the most shocking parts of the entire journey.

I wasn't expecting the first sign of luxury: a red carpet rolled out to welcome passengers onto the train.

I was surprised to be greeted by a train host and chef, who would be on hand for the two-day journey.

Each train host curated their own stories and facts to share throughout the journey, which felt like a personal touch.

There were a handful of delays — and I was stunned when no one seemed to mind.

I didn't expect much legroom. However, I was thankful I could stretch my limbs and was shocked I wasn't aching after 15 hours on the train.

I envisioned stepping into a full train car. Instead, it was quite empty.

From welcome mimosas to 11 a.m. cocktails, there was no shortage of alcohol.

I didn't know that there would be no cell service for the bulk of the journey.

I was shocked by how slowly the train moved. What would've been a five-hour drive took 15 hours over the span of two days.

Even with all that time, I was surprised that I didn't get bored.

I didn't realize that I was expected to tip.

For the most part, the train ride was surprisingly smooth.

Finally, I wasn't expecting to get mooned so much.

While some of the surprises about the Rocky Mountaineer were rooted in luxury, others were simply shocking things I learned about train travel.