Most Scenic Train Route in America: Rocky Mountaineer’s Rockies to the Red Rocks

If you’re hunting for America’s most scenic train ride, don’t waste your time on endless lists. The Rocky Mountaineer’s Rockies to the Red Rocks route grabs the crown, hands down. Nothing beats a front-row seat to jaw-dropping views from Denver all the way to Moab, cutting through rugged canyons, red rock deserts, and snow-capped peaks.

This isn’t Amtrak’s casual hop from one coast to the other. You get massive panoramic windows, so you can catch every twist of the Colorado River and every flash of wildlife on the cliffs. The route is deliberately slow—no one’s in a rush. It’s about soaking it all in, not just getting from A to B.

Want to snap perfect photos or chill with a drink while the landscape rolls by? You’re covered. From the moment the train glides out of Denver, you’re in a moving luxury lounge. If you want comfort and buckets of scenery, this is it. Don’t even bother packing snacks—gourmet meals and wine pairings come to you, right at your seat.

Planning’s easy, but there are tricks to getting the best out of your ride. Stick around—I’ll walk you through what to expect, what not to miss, and how to make the most of this unbelievable journey.

• Why the Rockies to the Red Rocks Stands Out
• What You’ll See Along the Way
• Onboard Experience: Comforts and Perks
• Tips to Make the Most of Your Scenic Ride

Why the Rockies to the Red Rocks Stands Out

There are plenty of train routes across the country, but the scenic train route between Denver and Moab checks every box a traveler wants. The Rocky Mountaineer built its reputation in Canada, but this U.S. journey is in a league of its own for a few reasons.

First off, this isn’t just a route plopped anywhere. The tracks hug the Colorado River for long stretches and head through remote canyons—think Ruby Canyon and Byers Canyon—where there aren’t even roads. So if you want to see wild parts of the West that road trippers can’t reach, you’ve picked the right ride.

It’s also totally focused on comfort and views. You’re not crammed in coach seating—every car has panoramic windows, comfortable swivel seats, and open viewing platforms. The train goes slow on purpose, usually around 30 mph in the scenic stretches, so you can actually soak in the red rocks, natural arches, and crazy layered cliffs without missing a shot for Instagram.

On top of all that, the train only runs during daylight hours. No worrying about missing the best scenery while you’re asleep. The overnight part happens in Grand Junction, with your bag handled for you, so there’s nothing to organize. It’s rare among luxury train rides to stay this focused on the scenery and guest comfort.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what makes the Rockies to the Red Rocks stand apart from the typical train travel experience:

• Views you can’t get by car: The tracks slice through exclusive canyons and tunnels, far away from highways.
• Full service: Every guest gets meals, snacks, and drinks served at their seat. It’s full-on hospitality.
• Daylight only: You see every bit of the route—no boring overnight parts where you’re just stuck in darkness.
• Purpose-built for scenery: Floor-to-ceiling windows, glass-domed cars, and even open-air spots for photo ops.

In the last year, demand for this route has soared—about 30% more bookings compared to traditional Amtrak scenic trips, according to AAA Travel’s latest numbers. That means people are catching on to just how special this luxury train journey really is.

What You’ll See Along the Way

Once you board the Rocky Mountaineer heading from Denver to Moab, you can forget about dull scenery. The route is packed with unbelievable landscapes—think canyons, rivers, wild rock formations, and views you won’t see from any highway.

First, you’ll roll out of Denver and almost instantly start winding into the Rockies. The train takes the historic route through the famous Moffat Tunnel, which burrows right through the Continental Divide. Make sure you pay attention—it’s a 6.2-mile tunnel, and for a couple of minutes, it’s total darkness before the light explodes on stunning mountain views.

The Colorado River becomes your travel buddy for miles. The tracks trace the riverbank through Glenwood Canyon, where you get massive cliffs rising right outside your window. Watch for bald eagles and maybe even a daring kayaker below. Photographers say this stretch is the highlight—the glass-domed car really comes into its own here.

Leaving the mountains, the landscape shifts fast. Suddenly, you’re cruising across red sandstone canyons with twisted rock shapes straight out of a Western movie. You pass spots like Ruby Canyon, where the rock actually glows deep red in the sunlight. Pro tip: the Utah border section is a gold mine for selfies and videos with zero filter needed.

Here’s a quick look at a few key highlights along the line:

• Moffat Tunnel – A historic rail tunnel piercing the Continental Divide
• Fraser River Valley – Watch for elk and deer on the open flats
• Glenwood Canyon – Giant cliffs, rapids, and riverside forests
• Ruby Canyon – Wild red-rock formations only visible by train or raft
• Book Cliffs – Rugged mesas that signal you’re almost in Moab

Here’s something you might not know: About 98% of this exact route isn’t accessible by road. So unless you’re traveling by train or rafting the river, you’re missing out on views hardly anyone gets to see.

If you’re a fan of stunning landscapes or want to brag about seeing what others can’t, this scenic train route is the jackpot.

Onboard Experience: Comforts and Perks

Right when you step onto the Rocky Mountaineer, you feel the jump from regular travel to a true luxury train. You're not squeezed into tiny seats or fighting for leg room—there’s space to stretch out and move around. The train’s massive dome windows keep you glued to the scenery, no matter which direction you turn your head. Not every seat faces forward, but you’ll still get big, clear views from anywhere in the car.

The vibe is way more relaxed than a plane. Trained hosts come around with snacks and drinks within minutes of leaving the station, and it doesn’t stop there. Unlike standard trains, here you actually cruise by while skilled chefs make fresh meals right on board. It’s all locally-inspired, too; think Colorado beef, Utah peaches, and gourmet breakfasts. And yes, you can pair it all with regional wines and craft beers without ever getting up from your seat.

Here’s what else stands out about the luxury train setup:

• Plush, reclining seats with heat and extra legroom
• Open-air viewing platforms for those photos you want to brag about later
• Uninterrupted Wi-Fi if you want to post those views in real time (signal permitting)
• Hot towels and little extras—sometimes it feels more spa than train
• Onboard commentary that doesn’t just point at mountains, but shares quick stories behind the towns and rock formations you roll past

The Rocky Mountaineer runs only by day, so no one sleeps onboard. You get off every evening at a nice hotel (included in your ticket), then reboard the following morning. This keeps you fresh for the best parts of the landscape and adds another layer of comfort. And because this train is dedicated to sightseeing, it rarely fills up like commuter routes. You can expect personal service and way more attention than most forms of train travel offer.

If you're all about details, check out the sample breakdown of what's included:

Sure, you pay for the extra comforts, but the difference is obvious from the first mile. It’s scenic train route travel dialed up to the max, with perks you actually notice and enjoy.

Tips to Make the Most of Your Scenic Ride

Ready to squeeze every drop out of the most scenic train route in America? Here’s how to do it right—no FOMO, just the best memories and photos.

• Book Early for the Best Seats: The Rocky Mountaineer has massive dome windows, but for the best angles (especially if you want those Colorado River shots), try to book GoldLeaf Service. The upper-level seating gives you the clearest, widest view, and seats fill up quick for peak season (mid-May to October).
• Pack Smart: Forget hauling big suitcases onboard. The train has a relaxed vibe, so go for comfy clothes and layers. Mornings can start chilly in Denver and heat up in Moab. Bring a power bank—there are charging points, but you’ll want your phone ready for nonstop photos.
• Plan for the Good Stuff: The crew points out scenic highlights like Ruby Canyon and Mount Garfield, but it pays to study the route map beforehand. You’ll know when to have your camera out, especially near Glenwood Springs, where eagles often fly close to the train.
• Skip the Diet for a Day: Meals onboard are a perk for luxury train fans—locally-sourced meats, fresh Colorado trout, and wine from regional vineyards. If you have food allergies, let them know early. Don’t miss out on the wine pairings—they really do complement the view.
• Stay Overnight in Glenwood Springs: The trip splits here—with a night in the historic town (hotel included in your fare). Use this stop to soak in the hot springs or stroll downtown. Some folks say this is their favorite part of the route because it’s old-school and not over-hyped.
• Bring Binoculars: Wildlife pops up—bighorn sheep chill on the cliffs, especially near Gore Canyon. Binoculars make a difference. Staff usually point out rare sightings, but you’ll want your own close-up.
• Expect to Disconnect: There’s no steady WiFi and cell service is spotty in canyons. That’s not a bug, it’s a feature. Download maps or playlists before you board, but honestly, the train’s onboard commentary and views keep you busy.
• Save Room for Extras: The train sells souvenirs, but the Glenwood Springs station shop has exclusive stuff you won’t find elsewhere. Also, if you’ve got a sweet tooth, try the huckleberry chocolates onboard.

To give you more context, here’s a quick look at the trip’s structure and average travel stats:

Pull these moves and your scenic train travel across America won’t just live up to the hype—it’ll set the bar for every other trip you take.