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Rocky Mountaineer: Rockies to the Red Rocks
Explore the stunning landscapes around Moab by train with the Rockies to the Red Rocks route from Rocky Mountaineer.
This two-day rail journey is steeped in history and panoramic views — think breathtaking plains, mountain vistas and chromatic deserts alongside towering red rock canyons carved by the Colorado River. The Moab to Denver route can be traveled eastbound, westbound, or with a return journey, and includes an overnight hotel stay in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Whether you begin or end your journey in Moab, reserve time to explore off-train highlights like Arches and Canyonlands national parks or Dead Horse Point State Park, as well as the unlimited opportunities for guided outdoor recreation.
Train Route & Highlights
The Rockies to the Red Rocks one-way route covers more than 350 miles of the American Southwest and is filled with highlights best seen by train, including Ruby Canyon, Mount Garfield and Moffat Tunnel. The Rocky Mountaineer coaches feature oversized glass-dome windows, an outdoor viewing area and are attended by Hosts with stories about the route's historic sites, scenery and wildlife. Rocky Mountaineer offers SilverLeaf Service on this route, or guests may choose to enhance their onboard experience with SilverLeaf Plus. All guests enjoy meals served right to their seat. Guests opting for SilverLeaf Plus service enjoy an elevated dining experience with wine pairings and premium beverage options as well as exclusive access to the lounge car.
More Utah Rail Experiences
One of the most iconic and life-altering events in U.S. history — the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad — happened in Utah on May 10, 1869. Today, you can visit the Golden Spike National Historic Park in Northern Utah to relive the history with exhibits and demonstrations. And in Central Utah discover the city of Helper, named after the team of “helper” coal-powered steam engines that assisted freight trains up the neighboring canyon and summit. Home to the Western Mining and Railroad Museum, Helper features a treasured historic Main Street and burgeoning artist community.
"This two-day rail journey is steeped in history and panoramic views — think breathtaking plains, mountain vistas and chromatic deserts alongside towering red rock canyons carved by the Colorado River."
Rockies to the Red Rocks Route
Where to Stay In Moab
Tucked in southeastern Utah, Moab is a major hub for outdoor recreation and offers a plethora of lodging options. Downtown you’ll find high-end or boutique options like Hoodoo Moab and Radcliffe Moab, and on the northern outskirts of town are the Sorrel River Ranch and Red Cliffs Lodge. You’ll also find a number of nearby camping and RV options.
Things To Do in Moab
Moab is a thrill-seeker's playground. But it’s also a place where you can stretch your legs or hone your skills in nearly every outdoor pursuit. There are quick hikes leading to world-famous landmarks, technical sandstone features to bike and some of the greatest regions of undisturbed backcountry in the American West. No matter how you choose to spend your time in Moab, come prepared with a sense of exploration, adventure and plenty of water.

01
4 Days
The Complete Arches Trip
Discover a new side of Arches National Park with this four day itinerary. Start exploring the hidden gems in the Arches region today.
Hiking, Scenic Drives/Road Trips
Highlights
- Arches National Park
- Colorado River Rafting Trips
- Delicate Arch
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Manti-La Sal National Forest

02
5 Days
The Complete Canyonlands Trip
The Canyonlands Region of Utah combines the best of the Moab area's easy proximity to Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park's most accessible district with some of the United State's most remote and culturally significant landscapes.
Hiking, Scenic Drives/Road Trips
Highlights
- Canyonlands National Park
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Bears Ears National Monument
- Natural Bridges National Monument
- Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

03
3 Days
Denver to Moab: A High-Octane Weekend Road Trip
Start planning your road trip from Denver to Moab with three days of mountain biking, hiking, skydiving, rafting and experiencing the best of Moab.
Hiking, Adventure, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Mountain Biking, Watersports and Rafting
Highlights
- Colorado River Rafting
- Moab Mountain Biking
- Skydive Moab
- World-Renowned Mountain Biking

04
4 Days
Salt Lake City to Moab
Moab is Utah’s adventure epicenter — a place where world-renowned natural destinations are scattered around a town that’s brimming with local charm. Be sure to bring a vivid imagination and taste for exploration along with your hiking shoes, sunscreen and water bottle, because this is not your typical retreat.
Hiking, Adventure, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Arts, Mountain Biking
Highlights
- Arches National Park
- Guided 4x4 Wheeling
- Canyonlands Stargazing
- Floating the Colorado River
What's Nearby
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Arches National Park
Moab, UT
Arches National Park contains more than 2,000 natural arches—the greatest concentration in the country. Find places to stay, itineraries, reservation info and weather for Arches, Moab and Canyonlands National Park.
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Canyonlands National Park
Moab, UT
Canyonlands is home to many different types of travel experiences, from sublime solitude in the more remote stretches of the park to moderate hikes through the Needles district to the opportunity to create your own version of one of the West's most photographed landforms, Mesa Arch.
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Dead Horse Point State Park
Moab, UT
A broad peninsula of land jutting out over the spectacular White Rim of the Colorado River, Dead Horse Point State Park specializes in the type of sweeping, jaw-dropping views that make visitors run for their cameras to try and capture the area’s grandeur. In recent years, a tight network of fun singletrack trails has begun attracting mountain bikers who want epic views with moderate rides, increasing the popularity of the park.
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Discover Moab
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10 Top Stops Along the National Pioneer Mormon Heritage Area
Written By Matcha
5 minute read
Here are 10 of the best stops along Utah's Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area’s backroads and byways. Explore rich Mormon historic sites, awe-inspiring canyons and mountains and unforgettable outdoor adventures.
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11 More Utah Winter Experiences Outside the Ski Resorts
Written By Matador
6 minute read
No matter your level of adventure, you will find good reason to save some time for a day away from the resort.
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5 Expert Tips to Prepare for Your Utah National Parks Adventure
Written By Visit Utah
3 minute read
If you’re planning to visit Utah national parks for a hike, learn important tips to maximize your experience and keep you and your family safe.
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Bryce Wildlife Adventure Museum
Explore wildlife near Bryce Canyon at the Bryce Wildlife Adventure Museum.
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Chasing Old West Outlaws on the Cassidy Trail
Written By Matcha
4 minute read
The Cassidy Trail wasn’t just the filming location for an iconic Western movie, it’s steeped in history. Once you find this hidden trailhead, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery and Wild West legend.
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Desert Shutter Speed
Written By Jeremy Pugh
10 minute read
After lunch isn't the prime time to head to the desert. Come early or late, and Utah's deserts will reward you with their isolated landscapes, sunrises and sunsets, and stargazing opportunities.
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Dog-Friendly Utah: The Road to Mighty
Written By Visit Utah
7 minute read
Want to bring your furry friend on your next vacation? Utah is home to several great dog-friendly national parks and other fun destinations. Check it out and plan your trip!
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Endless Utah Ski Options for Families: Four Itineraries to Get You Started
Written By Jill Robinson
Here are some pointers for planning your Utah family ski vacation, including where to make homebase and why.
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Ice and rock, snow and splendor: Winter in Southern Utah
Written By Jeremy Pugh
7 minute read
Come along on a five-day expedition to see Southern Utah’s wintry face, explore national parks, ski its mountains and find ways to play in the snow.
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Make Your Next Trip A Volunteer Vacation
Written By Megan Michelson
5 minute read
At the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, you can enjoy a getaway to stunning southern Utah while also making a difference in the lives of rescued animals.
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Max Out Your Multi-Pass
Written By Paula Colman
With so many ski and snowboard resorts easily accessible in and around Utah, using the state as your gateway can maximize the value of any multi-pass. Here's some tips on how to make your ski vacation more flexible, fun and affordable than ever before!
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Ofland Escalante
Airstreams, cabins and RV sites on the grounds of an old drive-in movie theater near Bryce Canyon and Escalante.
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Paradise and Slickrock
Written By Stephen Trimble
Utah's national parks seen through a lifelong relationship with Capitol Reef
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Ski into Summer: Mountain Resorts in Transition
Written By Jill Robinson
From spring skiing to golfing and fly fishing, here are tips and things to do to make the most of spring in Utah.
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The All-American Road: Scenic Byway 12
Written By Visit Utah
4 minute read
This is 122.863 miles (to be exact) of pure driving bliss. Welcome to Utah’s Scenic Byway 12, a designated All-American Road.
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The Complete Winter Camping Packing List for Staying Warm in Southern Utah
Written By Jeremy Pugh
For most travelers, Southern Utah winters prevent comfortable camping, and occasional snowfall can make outdoor adventure a little more challenging. With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter.
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The Cool Old Hotels, Rich History and Eclectic Shopping of Historic Panguitch
Written By Matcha
4 minute read
Explore Panguitch, the gateway to Scenic Byway 12 and Bryce Canyon National Park.
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Top 10 Family-Friendly Hikes in Utah National Parks
With so many destinations, and so many trails, it can be difficult to decide where to begin in Utah's Mighty 5® national parks. Here are 10 family-friendly hikes, two per national park, you cannot miss.
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Traveling with Dogs: The Mighty 5 National Parks
Written By Visit Utah
At all of The Mighty 5® national parks, activities with pets are extremely limited, and every time your dog is out of your vehicle, it must be restrained in a crate, cage, or on a leash (of no more than 6 feet).
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Tropic, Utah: Bryce Canyon Coffee Company and The Stone Hearth Grille
Get an introduction to the best-known restaurants in Tropic, Utah — The Stone Hearth Grille and Bryce Canyon Coffee Company. Prepare your appetite!
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Utah’s Unexpected Pit Stops
Written By Melissa McGibbon
5 minute read
You’re doing it wrong if you think road trip pit stops are boring layovers on your way to more exciting destinations. How many of these hidden gems have you been to? Here are 11 mini-adventures to check off your list next time you’re road-tripping through Utah.
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Why You Should Ditch I-15 on Your Way to Zion
Written By Melissa McGibbon
6 minute read
If you’re not in a rush to get to Zion National Park from Northern Utah, consider taking a long, meandering route that features historic sites, adventure breaks and out-of-this-world scenery. Hop off I-15 and take Highway 89 and four nearby scenic byways to see and do as much as you possibly can on your way to Zion.
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Winter in the Bryce Canyon Area: Hiking, Cross-Country Skiing and Snowmobiling
Written By Jeremy Pugh
4 minute read
Learn more about why Bryce Canyon and the surrounding areas are the perfect place for winter hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
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Winter Road Trip: Where to Stay, Hike and Eat When Traveling from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon
Written By Jeremy Pugh
Need winter break ideas? Take a road trip from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon and enjoy the best of Utah landscapes during its quiet season.
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Winter Wonders in Greater Zion
Written By Matcha
As you’re mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary.