Forged by fire and ice over millennia, the Rocky Mountains (commonly known as the Rockies) boast breathtaking landscapes shaped by glaciers and lava. This geological masterpiece features towering snow-capped peaks, lush forested valleys, deep gorges, and swift rivers.
It’s no wonder the name Rocky Mountaineer was chosen to reflect these majestic mountains, as our elevated train journeys are designed to offer guests a truly unique experience of these natural wonders.
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Tracing the Rockies on a map reveals their impressive stretch from northern Alberta and British Columbia down to New Mexico, forming North America’s geological backbone. Our passion for exploration has driven us south, offering unparalleled access to the US Southwest’s hidden gems, often accessible only by train.
Where are the Rocky Mountains?
Flanked to the west by Canada’s Coast Mountains and Interior Plateau, and by the Columbia Plateau and Basin and Range Province in the US, the Rockies are bordered on the east by the Great Plains, including Canada’s Prairie provinces (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta) and ten US states.
Spanning an impressive 4,800 km (3,000 miles) in length and up to 480 km (300 miles) in width, the Rockies encompass over 100 individual ranges, divided into four main regions. These include the Canadian Rockies & Northern Rockies (Montana and northeastern Idaho), the Middle Rockies (Wyoming, Utah, and southeastern Idaho), the Southern Rockies (Colorado, New Mexico), and the Colorado Plateau (Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona).
Despite geological differences across these regions, the Rockies share high elevations, with many peaks surpassing 13,000 ft (4,000 metres). The mineral-rich soil, a legacy of ancient volcanic and glacial activity, ensures that regardless of where you are in the Rockies, the scenery is always picture-perfect.
Experience the Rockies to the Red Rocks
Our new two-day Rockies to the Red Rocks route, akin to our three original Canadian Rockies rail routes, offers an unforgettable exploration of the US Southwest’s diverse landscapes and iconic destinations. From Denver, the ‘mile-high’ city nestled in Colorado’s Rockies, to Utah’s extraordinary sandstone red rocks near Moab, the route is packed with geological wonders.
As we journey through the Rockies, passengers are treated to an ever-changing panorama, transitioning from Denver’s snowy peaks to the arid southern landscapes. Highlights include the rugged Glenwood Canyon, carved by the Colorado River, and the lush vineyards of the Great Valley where the Rockies meet the Southwest’s desert canyons.
An overnight stop in Glenwood Springs, a charming mountain town known for its natural hot springs and rich Western history, provides a restful interlude. The journey continues with stunning sights like Mount Garfield’s towering bluff, the vibrant cliffs of Ruby Canyon, and the renowned sandstone arches of Arches National Park.
A notable part of our route is the Moffat Tunnel in Colorado, an engineering marvel that cuts through the Continental Divide. This tunnel, bored at an elevation of 9,200 feet but 2,800 feet below the surface, holds the distinction of being the highest and lowest boring simultaneously.
Throughout the journey, our onboard Hosts share fascinating stories about the sights and serve regionally inspired cuisine with the same meticulous care that defines our Canadian Rockies adventures.
Journey Through The Clouds
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