Yellowstone & Rockies to the Red Rocks Canyon Spirit Experience

Arrive at Denver airport and make your own way to your hotel.

Nicknamed the ‘Mile-High City’, Denver dates back to the mid-19th century when gold and silver mining took place in the mineral-rich Rockies. However, it was with the boom in the energy and oil sector during the 1970s and ‘80s that the city found its place in the big leagues. Denver’s historic 17th Street and buildings, such as the Brown Palace Hotel and Paramount Theater, stand testament to its glory days.

Culture lovers have a lot to explore, from the historic buildings of Larimer Square to displays of indigenous creations at the Denver Art Museum. Do not miss visiting the Botanic Gardens. If you are in town for a while, head to the alpine slopes of the Rocky Mountains for exceptional skiing. As the sun sets, LoDo or Lower Downtown comes alive with its fun restaurants, bars and nightspots.

Group Downtown Denver Food Tour

Eat your way through downtown Denver during this walking food tour. Meet your guide, who will take you to five award-winning local restaurants. Try authentic Neapolitan pizza that has been certified by Italy’s Pizza Association. Sample the famous Colorado green chili, made from scratch, and enjoy fluffy baked empanadas from a family-owned shop. Then, sit down to Southwestern fusion cuisine at the renovated Dairy Block, the oldest hotel in Denver.

Complete your meal with dessert prepared by a James Beard award-winning chef at an establishment located inside the historic Union Station. In between tastings, your guide will regale you with stories about Denver’s rich history and architecture. Learn about the city’s Wild West days, secret tunnels, and famous bordellos. You will also visit landmarks such as Coors Field and McGregor Square along the way.

Make your own way from your hotel to Denver train station. Board the Canyon Spirit train to Glenwood Springs. 

Rockies to the Red Rocks Denver – Glenwood Springs – Moab (Day 1)

Experience the dramatic landscape of the American Southwest on this fascinating train journey on board the Canyon Spirit. Settle into your comfortable seat as the train starts from Denver. Travel along the Colorado River, past rugged canyons, as you relish a hearty breakfast along with a beverage as part of your Signature Experience.

Soak in scenic views as you cross the Continental Divide through the Moffat Tunnel. Head to the outside platform to take in the scenery. Your hosts will also share colourful stories about the region. 

Savour a three-course lunch featuring West Coast-inspired cuisine, served at your seat. You could also enhance your journey with the Premier Upgrade. Get access to the newly-renovated lounge car with a viewing area, where you can unwind with signature cocktails and premium alcoholic beverages. In addition, enjoy an extra course during select meals.

Disembark at the resort town of Glenwood Springs and check into your comfortable accommodation for a good night’s rest. Complimentary baggage transfers make for a hassle-free stay. 

Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs is a small resort city that lies at the confluence of two rivers in Colorado. With its abundance of natural wonders, the region is an excellent year-round destination. Explore the many scenic trails on walks or by cycling. You can discover more of the Rockies on ATV tours and aerial adventures. Rafting, kayaking, fly fishing and golf are also on offer for those who’d prefer a more leisurely pace.

A trip to this picturesque city is incomplete without a rejuvenating dip in one of its mineral-rich hot springs. The city also has a vibrant culinary scene, specialising in classic American favourites as well as international flavours such as Asian and Italian. Winter in Glenwood Springs brings with it a range of new activities, with skiing and snowboarding topping the charts.

Board the Canyon Spirit train from Glenwood Springs to Moab. 

Rockies to the Red Rocks Denver – Glenwood Springs – Moab (Day 2)

Wake up refreshed in the morning and resume your daytime train journey to Moab. Fuel up with a hot breakfast as part of your Signature Experience, while the train pulls out of Glenwood Springs. Take in picturesque views of the mountains as you cross the Colorado-Utah border. Sight landmarks such as De Beque Canyon, Mount Garfield and Mount Peale, while your hosts tell you about the region’s history.

Watch the landscape change from green and grey to the stunning red sandstone formations of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Choose to enhance your experience with the Premier Upgrade. With this, enjoy access to the newly-renovated lounge car with a separate outdoor viewing area. Unwind with signature cocktails handcrafted by an expert mixologist and take your pick of premium alcoholic beverages. You can also enjoy an elevated dining experience with an additional course during select meals. Disembark at Moab and head to your hotel for the night. 

Moab

The next morning, make your own way to the Canyonlands Field airport (CNY) and pick up your rental car.

Located in the southeastern part of Utah, Moab is home to dramatic rock formations, sheer vertical cliffs, and deep canyons framed by majestic snow-capped mountains. Just outside the town, lies the surreal red rock landscape of Arches National Park. Less than an hour’s drive brings you to the Island in the Sky, a part of the Canyonlands National Park that looks out over unending views of colourful canyons, mesas, and buttes. Dead Horse Point State Park, located close to the city, offers amazing views of the snaking Colorado River 600 meters below. 

Further south of Moab is the alpine La Sal Mountains, the second-highest range in the state, where you can go mountain biking, hiking, four-wheel driving and on river trips. For a slower pace, enjoy your drive through the national parks or on Moab’s three Scenic Byways.

Group Tour of Arches National Park

Explore the unique landscape of contrasting colours, landforms and textures at Arches National Park, with an experienced Moab Adventure Center trail guide. Located in the north of Moab, and bordered by the Colorado River in the southeast, the park is known for its 2,000 natural sandstone arches. Set out early in the morning in a sprinter van and enjoy beautiful views of rock formations and vast plains. Stop to go on short hikes, accompanied by your guide. You’ll get a close view of famous landmarks such as the Balanced Rock, towering over the desert landscape, the massive, red-hued Delicate Arch in the east, and the Landscape Arch in the Devils Garden to the north. 

Group Colorado River Rafting with Barbeque Lunch

Experience white-water river rafting in the famous rapids of the Colorado River with an expert guide. Start with an exclusive barbeque lunch at a riverside ranch at the Ida Gulch Rapid. Watch the rushing rapids set amid lofty red rocks on this stretch of the river. After lunch, try your hand at rafting on the famous White’s Rapid. If you are up for a spot of adventure, take the oars and paddle in a raft or an inflatable kayak. If you prefer to spend this time taking in the views, sit back and relax in an oar boat while a skilled guide leads you through the rapid.

Drive yourself from Moab to Salt Lake City in your rental car. This is a 4-hour journey. 

Surrounded by mountain ranges, Salt Lake City is rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. You have the Timpanogos Cave National Monument and the Red Butte.

If  history and culture is what you are after, explore Temple Square. The Cathedral of the Madeleine is also worth a visit. Other historic landmarks include the Beehive House and Fort Douglas. No trip to Salt Lake City is complete without experiencing the Great Salt Lake itself.

Explore Salt Lake City On Your Own

Discover the spectacular natural and cultural treasures of Salt Lake City. At Timpanogos Caves in the Wasatch Mountains, savour breathtaking views of the American Fork Canyon. The Red Butte Gardens in the foothills provide scenic trails that take you past fountains, waterfalls and exquisite flora.

Take a dip at the Great Salt Lake where the high salinity makes for a one-of-a-kind swimming experience. Later, visit Temple Square whose leafy walkways are lined with museums and art galleries. Though the Church is not open to visitors, you can take in a rehearsal of the famed Mormon Tabernacle Choir that continues till late in the evening. The Brewvies Cinema Pub and Capitol Theater make for great entertainment hubs while the art galleries, boutiques and bookstores of Sugar House exude local charm. End your day in the downtown area and relax in one of the many cafes and bars.

A 4.5-hour drive from Salt Lake City in your rental car brings you to Jackson.

Grand Teton National Park leaves you awestruck with its snow-capped peaks offering a striking contrast against the brilliant blue sky. Situated in northwestern Wyoming close to the town of Jackson, it sits adjacent to the more famous Yellowstone National Park. 

While the rugged peaks challenge even the most seasoned of rock climbers, the tranquil lakes are perfect for a languid afternoon of boating and floating. The alpine and valley lakes are abundantly stocked with trout assuring a rich haul for every fishing enthusiast. 

Hike and go on bicycle rides to explore the flora and fauna of the area. When snow envelops the park, cross country skis and snowshoes take over.

Group Sunrise Grand Teton Wildlife Adventure

Discover the best wildlife spots in Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National park during this adventure in Wyoming. In the morning, meet your guide at Cache St in Jackson and board a custom designed 4×4 vehicle in which everyone gets a window seat. 

Your guide is guaranteed to have a science background and will interpret the flora, fauna and geology of the region for you. Make your way to Grand Teton National Park, located to the north of Jackson. Drive along the back roads to avoid the crowds. You will be taken to a number of wildlife hotspots where you can enjoy sighting animals such as moose, elk, and bison, depending on the season. If you are lucky, you might also see carnivores such as wolves, black bears, and grizzly bears. Birders can watch for bald eagles and trumpeter swans.

Drive from Jackson in your rental car for about an hour and a half to reach Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone National Park, located primarily in the state of Wyoming in the western United States, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. From gushing geysers and hot springs to grizzly bears and bison, it’s all here. Cascading waterfalls and magnificent canyons complete the picture. Hikers and bikers have a pick of trails to explore the wilderness. Meanwhile, the park’s network of waterways including the azure Yellowstone Lake is ideal for boating and fishing. The onset of winter offers snowmobile tours and skiing. 

Group Upper Loop and Lamar Valley Tour

Discover the wildlife of Yellowstone National Park on this tour in an Active Van. You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and taken to the park. Your guide will lead you to the famous Shadow Canyon by the Madison River to look for bears and elk. 

Then head to Mount Washburn, one of Yellowstone’s tallest peaks, and use the spotting scopes to scan for wildlife. Explore the Lamar Valley, known as the Serengeti of North America, and once again use spotting scopes to look for wolves, bears, and bison. Sip a hot beverage while you take in the wildlife and landscape around you. 

Stop at the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces and take a short walk to view the springs. If you don’t feel like walking, you can wait for the group at a safe, scenic spot near the van. Finally, head back toward West Yellowstone.

Group Yellowstone Lower Loop Tour

Explore the Lower Loop of Yellowstone National Park on this day tour. Enjoy glorious mountain scenery and learn about the geothermal landscape of the Upper Geyser Basin, home to the world’s largest concentration of geysers. Witness the Old Faithful Geyser, which erupts around 17 times per day to an average height of about 130 feet. 

While walking along the Firehole River, see mineral pools and steaming fumaroles. Continue to Grand Prismatic Spring, known for its incredible colours. Here, a boardwalk takes you past Excelsior Geyser Crater, Opal Pool and Turquoise Pool. Next, trace the shores of Yellowstone Lake and view the Lower Yellowstone River Falls from various lookouts. 

Head to the wildflower-filled meadows of Hayden Valley, teeming with herds of bison and elk. At the dramatic Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, follow your guide along the rim to view cascading waterfalls. Stop at the Fountain Pot Trailhead for a stroll through the geyser basin before the tour winds up.

Drive yourself from Yellowstone National Park, WY to Buffalo, WY in your rental car. This is a five hour journey.

Buffalo is a small town in the foothills of the Big Horn Mountains in Wyoming. Located at the intersection of Interstates 25 and 90, this historic town is a popular pit stop for visitors to Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore. Experience the Old West vibe of the town at the Jim Gatchell Museum.

Alpine lakes and streams present fishing and boating opportunities. The Cloud Peak Scenic Byway that runs through Bighorn National Forest is popular with road trippers for its gorgeous views of the snowcapped mountains. Landmarks such as Fort Phil Kearney and the infamous hideout of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid are just a short drive away. 

Explore Historic Buildings in Buffalo on your own

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend visiting some of the historic buildings in Buffalo. Here will you find a number of structures that are on the United States National Register of Historic Buildings. 

You could start at 90-94 South Main to see the sandstone building with decorative ironwork that was built by jeweler F.A. Shaver in 1892. Then, check out the two-storey building with a cast iron façade located at 84-89 South Main. Built in 1895, it is the only surviving building of its kind in the city. 

Head towards 10-20 North Main to find the Museum of the Occidental Hotel. The original log structure was built in 1880 and three major additions were made to it in 1903, 1908 and 1910. Finally, visit the museum to see its collection of antiques and photos from the early days of Buffalo.

Drive yourself from Buffalo, WY to Rapid City, SD in your rental car. The travel time is 3 hours.

Rapid City sits on the slopes of the Black Hills mountain range, on the shores of Rapid Creek. Close to half a dozen national parks, this erstwhile hub of gold mining is now a big attraction for nature enthusiasts. Within easy reach of world famous attractions such as Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial, it offers convenient access to both urban comforts and outdoor adventures. 

Explore Rapid City on Your Own

Discover the scenic Rapid City at your own pace. You could head out on a short trip to one of six national parks in the vicinity, including Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Badlands National Park. Take your pick of scenic driving routes to spot wildlife and explore the rugged landscape of the Black Hills region.

If you’d rather experience the city itself, visit its museums and galleries and learn about its rich Native American heritage and culture. Stop at a Sioux pottery workshop to get a closer look at this craftsmanship. Stroll around the downtown area to check out some vibrant street art and bronze replicas of past presidents. Round off your day at one of the restaurants in town and enjoy wholesome food and microbrews.

Explore The City of Presidents on your own

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend visiting The City of Presidents. Stroll through downtown to see the ‘City of Presidents’, a series of life-sized bronze statues of more than 40 American Presidents. You will find the sculptures of the presidents, along corners of intersecting streets and sidewalks. 

Each iconic individual is portrayed sitting or standing, along with a plaque commemorating their time at the White House. Set out along Main Street and pass by James Buchanan, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. At Saint Joseph Street, you will be greeted by George W. Bush. Stop for selfies with George Washington, Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. Then, encounter some lesser known presidents such as Millard Fillmore as well as Andrew Johnson, credited for purchasing Alaska from Russia.

Drive yourself from Rapid City, SD to Cheyenne, WY in your rental car. This is a five hour journey.

Cheyenne, the capital of Wyoming, has something to offer culture seekers and foodies as well as leisure and adventure travelers. Think cowboys, rodeos and railroad towns of the pioneering Wild West and you’ll get an idea of what Cheyenne is all about. 

Explore Cheyenne On Your Own

Feel the spirit of the Wild West by exploring the nation’s rodeo and railroad capital, Cheyenne. With a variety of museums, historic hotels, and a collection of steam engines, the city is also home to a thriving art community. There is also an eclectic selection of shops and dining options. 

Head to the Terry Bison Ranch where you can take a train or go horseback riding through nearly 30,000 acres of rolling hills and lush grasslands. Spot the grazing bison, before dining at the Western-themed Senator’s Restaurant. 

Visit the Wyoming State Capitol, a National Historic Landmark, or the Cheyenne Depot Museum, the last of the grand 19th century depots remaining from the transcontinental railroad. Stroll through the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens to see the award-winning curated displays of plants, shrubs, and trees from around the world. End the day by touring one of the lively farmer’s markets in the city.

Explore Cheyenne Big Boots on your own

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend visiting Cheyenne Big Boots. There are more than 30 hand-painted, eight-foot-tall boots that give the city’s downtown area an artsy feel. The display theme, ‘These Boots were Made for Talking’, features boot sculptures painted like murals by local artists. 

From the Cheyenne Depot Plaza, borrow a map and free audio guide, and set out along Central Avenue. First stop, ‘Licensed to Boot’ that depicts the changes in Wyoming’s license plates over the decades. Down the road you will find ‘8-Second Steps to the Big Time’, which portrays a cowboy’s journey to becoming a top rodeo performer. Listen to artists’ narratives, while viewing ‘Where the Deer and the Antelope Play’, ‘Don’t Feed the Animals’ and ‘Governors of Wyoming’. Then, pass by ‘Downtown Cheyenne’, ‘Milestones: Chamber 100th Anniversary’, and ‘Memories of the Old West’. Make your way to the ‘Book Boot’, installed outside the Laramie County Library, to conclude your tour.

On your last day, drive yourself to Denver Airport and return your rental car. Then, catch your flight to your next destination.