Grand Mountain Peaks and Canyons

Welcome to the Denver, also known as the “Mile High City.” This scenic metropolis is located 5,280 feet above sea level and offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. After you check into your hotel, you’ll have lots of free time to start exploring all Denver has to offer. There is much to see and do, like Red Rocks Park, the Denver Art Museum, Denver Zoo and more. (Overnight in Denver)

Experience the majestic splendor of the Rocky Mountains on an exhilarating day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park. Widely celebrated for its abundance of animals and spectacular views, Rocky Mountain National Park will make you feel like you’re on top of the world! On the journey back to your hotel, you’ll get a chance to enjoy several photo opportunities during a leisurely break for rest and refreshments. (Overnight in Denver)

Today you will travel on your own to the Amtrak station and board the California Zephyr to Glenwood Springs. Many travelers say this route is one of the most beautiful train rides in all of North America. As you climb through the heart of the Rockies and west through magnificent snow-capped mountains, we just know you will find it hard to disagree. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the gorgeous scenery around you. Upon arrival in Glenwood Springs, check in at your hotel and begin to explore this outdoor recreation lover’s paradise. The charming town is full of geological wonders just waiting for you to explore, including hot springs, rivers, caves, and a stunning canyon. Use your included admission to Iron Mountain Hot Springs and take a relaxing soak in one of the healing mineral pools. (Overnight in Glenwood Springs)

Visit Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park today for a one-of-a-kind mountain-top adventure. With your Tram and Cave Tour Pass, you’ll enjoy a ride on the Iron Mountain Tramway and two fascinating guided cave tours, featuring formations including stalactites and stalagmites. After the tour, enjoy the remainder of the day discovering the area at your leisure. (Overnight in Glenwood Springs)

Spend the morning in Glenwood Springs before boarding the train this afternoon for the short ride to Grand Junction. Enjoy the red rock formation views out your window as you relax on the train. Upon arrival in Grand Junction, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. (Overnight in Grand Junction)

Today you'll cross the border into Utah for a full-day tour of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Arches National Park is a geological treasure featuring 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the world-famous Delicate Arch. The park's rich colours, textures, and landforms highlight the extraordinary balanced rocks, fins, and pinnacles. Canyonlands National Park offers a stunning landscape filled with countless canyons, mesas, and buttes, carved by the mighty Green and Colorado rivers. Experience the park from the astounding Island in the Sky, a scenic drive that follows the rim of the mesa and offers amazing views. After the tour, spend the final night of your journey relaxing in Grand Junction. (Overnight in Grand Junction)

Continue your tour today from Grand Junction en route to Capitol Reef. Probably the least known and least crowded park in Utah (though equally as mesmerizing), this national park features cliffs, hidden arches, massive sandstone domes that resemble capitol buildings, and deep canyons. The scenery speaks for itself with plenty of opportunities to stop and take photos or simply admire the views. See the park's most famous attraction, the Waterpocket Fold. When you arrive in Bryce Canyon, the highlights will most certainly be the distinctive hoodoos (red rock pillars), bristlecone pine trees (the oldest trees in the world), and views from Sunrise, Sunset, and Inspiration Point. (Overnight in Springdale)

Today, you'll continue your tour from Springdale to Zion National Park and Lake Powell en route to Williams, Arizona. Experience one of Utah's most breath-taking landscapes in Zion. Featuring 200 miles of picturesque trails, stunning vistas, vermillion cliffs, canyons, jagged skyline, and flora and fauna, this national park is a must-visit! Highlights of the tour are Court of the Patriarchs, Emerald Pools, Weeping Rock, Temple of Sinawava and the Grotto. There is plenty to see and do without straining yourself, as there are fully-paved paths throughout Zion and many wheelchair accessible points of interest. Simply wander to a comfortable location and take it all the wonderful scenery. And you can't forget about the wildlife! Deer, wild turkeys, and bighorn sheep call this place home. After touring Zion, you'll depart for the Grand Canyon's South Rim, at which time you'll travel near the picturesque shores of Lake Powell. Make sure to have your camera ready when you drive over the Glen Canyon Dam. At the end of your tour, you'll arrive in the quaint mountain town of Williams, Arizona, famous for being the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon.” (Overnight in Williams)

After having breakfast at the Fred Harvey Restaurant, board the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. During your Grand Canyon Freedom Rim Tour, you'll discover why the South Rim has been hosting visitors since the 1850's. It's awe-inspiring. Except, back then, the trip here meant surviving a bone-jarring stagecoach ride that took anywhere from one to two days! With close to two dozen expansive, breath-taking viewpoints, the South Rim will provoke childlike wonder and a sense that the world is so much more magnificent and grand than you imagined. (Overnight in Grand Canyon National Park)

After a good night's sleep, you will board the Grand Canyon Railway from the South Rim back to Williams. This evening, you will celebrate the last night of your Grand Canyon journey with an included dinner at the Fred Harvey Restaurant. After dinner, board your transfer from the hotel to the Amtrak station and hop on the train to Los Angeles. (Overnight onboard Amtrak)

Your independent rail tour ends today.

Speak with a Discover North America Travel Specialist about extending your trip.