Denver Loop & Rail - 10 Days

Welcome to Denver. Set against the dramatic Rocky Mountains, the city combines Old West heritage with a modern skyline and lively urban atmosphere. On arrival at Denver International Airport, make your own way to the hotel, where you will meet your Tour Director. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

Denver - Cheyenne. This morning we enjoy a short tour of the Mile High City, including the gold-domed State Capitol, where the 13th step on the west side sits exactly 5,280 feet above sea level - one mile high.

A short drive from Denver brings us into Rocky Mountain National Park, where vast mountain landscapes stretch across 415 square miles of protected wilderness. We then travel along Trail Ridge Road, known as the Highway to the Sky, with sweeping views across alpine tundra, rugged peaks and the Continental Divide at 12,183 feet.

Later we continue to Cheyenne, Wyoming’s capital, a city that captures the spirit of the Old West. Often regarded as the nation’s railroad capital, Cheyenne is home to an impressive collection of steam engines, including Old Number 4004 - the world’s largest steam locomotive and one of only eight remaining Big Boys on display in the United States.

Cheyenne - Mt Rushmore - Deadwood. Our day begins with a visit to Fort Laramie National Historic Site. First established as a private fur trading post, it later became the largest and best-known military post on the Northern Plains, playing an important role in America’s westward expansion.

We then continue through the scenic Black Hills of South Dakota to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Here we come face to face with the carved granite figures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln - an enduring symbol of American history and identity.

Deadwood - Cody. Today we cross back into Wyoming on our way to Cody, travelling through Bighorn National Forest. Along the route, rolling hills, alpine lakes, steep cliffs, pine forests and the Bighorn Mountains create some of the region’s most striking scenery.

On arrival in Cody, we visit the Buffalo Bill Museum, which brings the heritage of the American West to life through its focus on the life and legacy of William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody - the town’s founder and one of the West’s most famous figures. This evening, seasonal attractions may include rodeos, gunfight re-enactments and cowboy music.

Cody - Yellowstone. Today we enter Yellowstone National Park, America’s first national park and one of the country’s great natural wonders. Here the landscape is shaped by geysers, rivers, waterfalls, mountain ranges and ancient volcanic forces.

We visit iconic sights such as Old Faithful and Yellowstone Canyon - landmarks that are every bit as impressive in person as they are in photographs. Yellowstone is also rich in wildlife, and we may spot eagles, grizzly and black bears, bison, elk and more as we explore.

Yellowstone - Salt lake City. Today we travel through scenic southern Idaho to Salt Lake City, Utah’s capital and largest city, long associated with the Mormon community. On arrival, we take in views of the State Capitol Building and historic Temple Square, home to the six-spired Salt Lake Temple and the domed Tabernacle, famous for the world-renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir, before continuing to our hotel.

This evening, you may wish to dine at The Roof Restaurant, known for its generous buffet and excellent views over Salt Lake Valley and Temple Square.

Salt Lake City - Canyonlands National Park - Dead Horse State Park - Moab. Heading south, we pass through Provo, home to Brigham Young University, before continuing to Canyonlands National Park. The landscape here has been carved by the Colorado River, creating a vast network of canyons and buttes.

We explore the Island in the Sky district, where sheer sandstone cliffs rise more than 1,000 feet above the surrounding terrain. We also visit Dead Horse Point State Park, known for its panoramic views over the Colorado River, before continuing to Moab.

Moab - Arches National Park - Moab. Today we visit Arches National Park, one of Utah’s Mighty 5. The park is known for its striking red rock formations and contrasting colours.

With over 2,000 natural stone arches, as well as towering pinnacles and balanced rocks, the landscape is both varied and distinctive. We return to Moab for the evening.

Moab - Glenwood Springs. Today we board the Canyon Spirit for a two-day rail journey through the landscapes of the American Southwest. Departing Moab, we travel through canyons, desert terrain and dramatic rock formations, including natural arches and hoodoos.

As the journey continues, we take in views of Mount Garfield and Ruby Canyon before arriving in Glenwood Springs, where we stay overnight.

Glenwood Springs - Denver. We continue east towards Denver this morning, following the Colorado River through rugged canyon scenery. A hot breakfast is served on board as we take in the changing landscapes.

The route leads into the Colorado Rockies, crossing the Continental Divide via the Moffat Tunnel. Commentary from the onboard hosts provides insight into the region along the way.

The tour concludes on arrival at Denver Union Station.