Rocky Mountaineer USA: The Ultimate Rail Journey Through America’s Rockies
Is the Rocky Mountaineer experience worth the hype? After experiencing the breathtaking Moab to Denver route firsthand, I’m here to share everything you need to know about this luxury train adventure.
The Big Questions Answered
Before diving into my incredible journey, let me address the most common questions travelers have about Rocky Mountaineer’s US operations:
How Does the US Experience Differ from Canada?
The most significant difference lies in the rail cars themselves. In the United States, Rocky Mountaineer operates single-level cars due to tunnel height restrictions, while Canadian routes feature impressive two-level cars. This means your entire US experience—dining, viewing, and relaxation—happens within one beautifully designed level.
Silver Leaf vs. Silver Leaf Plus: What’s the Difference?
Silver Leaf passengers enjoy their complete experience within their assigned rail car, featuring panoramic windows, comfortable seating, and excellent service.
Gold Leaf Plus passengers get access to not one, but two dedicated lounge cars, plus elevated food service and an overall premium experience level. If you’re looking to splurge, this upgrade is worth considering.
The Logistics Made Simple
One of Rocky Mountaineer’s greatest strengths is handling the details:
- Transfers: All hotel-to-train-to-hotel transfers are included
- Luggage: You’ll never touch your bags—they magically appear in your room
- No overnight on the train: You sleep in comfortable hotels each night
Seating and Comfort Details
For couples: You’ll be seated together
For families of four: You’ll have facing seats that rotate, allowing everyone to look at each other during meals and games (though two will travel backwards—consider this if anyone gets motion sick)
Traveling with friends in separate bookings: Alert Rocky Mountaineer to link your reservations for adjacent seating
The bathrooms deserve special mention—they’re spacious and plentiful, with excellent accessibility considerations.
My Moab to Denver Adventure
Pre-Trip Planning
We chose the Moab to Denver route for its afternoon departure and stunning mountain ascent. Flying into Salt Lake City, we rented a car for the drive to Moab (watch for one-way rental fees, though Enterprise made the return process seamless).
Moab: The Perfect Starting Point
Where we stayed: Hilton Hoodoo (part of Curio Collection)
We booked a two-bedroom casita directly with the hotel, getting the best of both worlds—spacious accommodations with full hotel amenities across the parking lot.
Must-visit spots:
- Moab Coffee Roaster
- Doughbird Donut Shop (just steps from each other!)
- Multiple state and national parks
- Incredible dining and adventure opportunities
Pro tip: Alcohol service in Utah restaurants doesn’t start until 11:30 AM. Also, extend your Moab stay regardless of which direction you’re traveling—this place is magical.
The Rocky Mountaineer Experience
Day Before Departure: Rocky Mountaineer staff met us in our hotel lobby, providing tickets, luggage tags, and detailed instructions. Their recommendation to grab lunch in town after checkout was spot-on.
Boarding Day: Red carpets, flying flags, and buzzing excitement greeted us at the train. Each car boards independently, and within minutes we were settled with menus in our seat pockets.
Day One Highlights:
- Fabulous onboard dining
- Desert scenery that takes your breath away
- Access to lounge cars for Silver Leaf Plus passengers
- Seamless arrival in Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs Overnight
We stayed at Hotel Maxwell Anderson, directly across from the train station. Our luggage was waiting in a incredibly comfortable room that felt like a warm embrace after a day of adventure.
Morning discovery: The hotel’s Call of the Wild coffee shop became my morning ritual, though I later learned Rocky Mountaineer had a full coffee service at the train station too.
Day Two: The Mountain Majesty
The morning started with a delightful surprise—hot cinnamon rolls from a local bakery, fresh coffee, and the promise of tunnel adventures ahead.
The viewing platform experience was unforgettable—stepping out to breathe mountain air while hearing the rhythmic “clickety-clack” of the rails below.
Tunnel count: Over 20 tunnels, including four consecutive ones that had everyone counting along.
Special moments:
- Staff sharing stories of mountain life, past and present
- Waving to a staff member’s parents from their mountain home
- Playing dominoes in the lounge car
- The Colorado River providing a stunning backdrop throughout
Denver Arrival
We concluded our journey at The Crawford Hotel, a Rocky Mountaineer host hotel located within Denver’s Union Station—a perfect ending to an extraordinary trip.
Is Rocky Mountaineer Worth It?
Absolutely. This isn’t just transportation; it’s a carefully crafted experience that celebrates America’s natural beauty while pampering you with exceptional service. From the moment Rocky Mountaineer staff greet you in your hotel lobby to your final arrival, every detail is handled with precision and care.
The combination of stunning scenery, comfortable accommodations, excellent food, and seamless logistics creates memories that last a lifetime. Whether you choose Silver Leaf or Silver Leaf Plus, you’re in for an adventure that truly lives up to the hype.
Ready to book your own Rocky Mountaineer adventure? Start planning your route, extend your stays in departure and arrival cities, and prepare for one of America’s most spectacular rail journeys.
Have you experienced Rocky Mountaineer? Share your own stories and tips in the comments below!
