All aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, a luxury passenger train that features overnight lodging at historic properties in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Stretch your legs to explore famous sites, iconic activities and local cuisine in this hot springs town.
A new passenger train is rolling into the historic Glenwood Springs station. The Rocky Mountaineer route, dubbed “Rockies to the Red Rocks,” travels between Denver, Colorado and Moab, Utah and vice versa with the route’s only overnight stop in Glenwood Springs.
Train Travel with Luxury Service and Spectacular Views
At a time when traveling seems anything but opulent, Rocky Mountaineer is refreshingly old-fashioned when it comes to first-class style and service. Glass-domed railcars facilitate unimpeded views of alpine, canyon and desert landscapes, while onboard hosts provide narratives that highlight the passing sights. When it comes to food and beverages, the choices are upscale with cuisine that takes its cue from the region and drink selections that include beer, wine, signature cocktails and champagne.
Coach seating is designed to be extra comfy to ensure that the magnificent views are always the focus of your attention. Between Denver and Glenwood Springs, passengers can expect to see breathtaking natural and manmade wonders including Gross Reservoir, Moffat Tunnel, and Byers, Gore and Glenwood canyons. Westward, the scenery is just as exquisite with De Beque Canyon, the Book Cliffs, Ruby Canyon and the red rock country near Arches National Park. Along the way, keep an eye out for magnificent wildlife including eagles, hawks, cranes, marmot, moose, deer and bighorn sheep.
Western Hospitality in Glenwood Springs
A highlight of the trip is overnighting in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Rocky Mountaineer has partnered with three lodging properties, each offering accommodations with an historic twist, and all within easy walking distance of the train station.
- Hotel Colorado. Completed in 1893, the hotel is a replica of the Villa de Medici in Rome. When out west, it was a favorite place to stay for President Teddy Roosevelt and was called the “Western Whitehouse” when he was in residence. The new owners have beautifully restored and remodeled the landmark. Enjoy dinner and drinks at the Hotel Colorado Restaurant & Bar.
- Hotel Maxwell Anderson. Located directly across the street from the train station, Hotel Denver was a hot spot in the Roaring Twenties, and it still is. Take note of Art Deco styles on the interior and exterior of the building. In addition to modern guest rooms that feature colorful quilts and restored antiques, the hotel is home to Glenwood Canyon Brewpub, the city’s first craft brewery.
- Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort’s world-famous geothermal pools, along with the property’s stunning red sandstone structures, have been grabbing the attention of visitors from around the globe since opening in 1888. For those staying at the lodge, admission to Glenwood Hot Springs Pool is included.
Take a Tour of Glenwood Springs
After arriving in Glenwood Springs, Rocky Mountaineer travelers still have time to squeeze in sightseeing opportunities.
- Dining Seventh Street is known as “restaurant row” in Glenwood Springs. Within a few blocks of the train station, you’ll find two dozen restaurants with everything from pizza to pierogis and steaks to street tacos.
- Shopping. The downtown neighborhood is also a treasure trove for shoppers. Browse galleries and shops that specialize in western wear, jewelry, unique gifts and Colorado-made items.
- Doc Holliday Sites. Dentist-turned-gambler, John “Doc” Holliday died of tuberculosis in Glenwood Springs. To learn more about him visit the Doc Holliday Collection, hike to his memorial marker in Linwood Cemetery or grab a beer and a bowl of green chili at Doc Holliday’s Saloon.
- Iron Mountain Hot Springs. Relax in any of 17 geothermal soaking pools situated on the bank of the Colorado River. It’s a lovely vantage point to watch the sun set, just be sure to make reservations in advance.
- Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. An amazing array of cave formations in the limestone rock intrigued Glenwood’s earliest visitors. Today America’s only mountaintop theme park offers two cave tours as well as thrill rides and family attractions.
- Glenwood Hot Springs Pool. Start with a soothing, hot soak in the therapy pool, and then retreat to cooler but still bathwater warm waters of the world’s largest hot springs pool for a thoroughly relaxing geothermal experience.
- Yampah Vapor Caves. Originally used by the Ute tribe for healing and sacred rituals, the Yampah Vapor Caves are the only naturally formed steam caves in North America. They are touted for their detoxifying qualities.
Experience the elegance of rail travel aboard the Rocky Mountaineer and the historic charms of Glenwood Springs. Train tour reservations are available through November 19, 2021, and in 2022 the company plans to expand to a 7-month schedule to accommodate growing interest in the trip. Learn more about the Rocky Mountaineer Rockies to the Red Rocks and plan your overnight stop in Glenwood Springs today!
Download the official Glenwood Springs Travel Guide
