2024 International Rocky Mountain High

Our tour starts at 6pm tonight with celebratory welcome drinks and dinner at our hotel so you can  meet your tour leader and fellow travellers in jolly style.   

For those wishing to explore more of Las Vegas, pre-tour accommodation at our start point hotel in Las Vegas is available upon request.

Overnight: Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort (D)

This morning after breakfast in the hotel, it’s off to the  Hoover Dam for a guided tour of this testament to civil construction. At the height of the Depression, thousands of men and their families migrated to the Hoover Dam and worked in excruciating conditions, dangling hundreds of feet above Black Canyon in 40°C heat to build this massive 221-metre-high dam, completed ahead of schedule and under budget in 1936. Ninety-six workers lost their lives building the iconic art-deco styled structure, which redefined the stark landscape by providing a permanent water supply to the desert.

From the Hoover Dam, we’ll drive to Kingman for lunch at the classic Mr D’z Route 66 Diner. Loaded with Route 66 memorabilia, Mr D’z is famous for its homemade root beer, giant burgers and tasty pizza – a genuine all-American experience.

Then, if that’s not enough, we’ll travel further on Route 66, stopping at the famous Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In in Seligman where you can purchase the All-American ice cream and soda before heading to the lively tourist town of Williams, arriving in the late afternoon.

Also known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon,” Williams is located in the heart of the Kaibab National Forest at an elevation of 2,063 metres and was the last town on the historic Route 66 to be bypassed by Interstate 40. Amtrak‘s Southwest Chief train served Williams between 1999 and 2017 and the surviving downtown station serves as the southern terminus for the Grand Canyon Railway.

The rest of your day and evening is free to relax or wander around town.

Overnight: Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel, Williams (B, L)

After breakfast, it’s all aboard the Grand Canyon Railway passenger train at the restored Santa Fe Railway Station in Williams for the 2- hour heritage rail journey to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon Railway is a 103 km heritage railroad built by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway and completed in 1901. Today you’ll be experiencing train travel circa 1923 in the Grand Canyon’s classic Pullman Class rail cars, equipped with bench-style seats and picture windows that open to let in the fresh mountain air. Apart from the wonder of life outside the window, a railroad offering an Old West experience wouldn’t be complete without the odd surprise along the way, but you’ll have to be on board to find out!

No matter how much you read about the majestic Grand Canyon or how many photos you’ve seen, nothing really prepares you for the sight of it. It’s listed as one of the world’s Seven Natural Wonders and at 446 km long, up to 29 km wide with a depth of 1,857 meters, it’s the largest canyon in the world. To make the most of your experience, we’ll have 3 hours to explore this magnificent place, including its historic buildings and exhibits. There are various restaurant options in the historic village, so the hardest decision will be where to have lunch.

We’ll have you back at your hotel late afternoon for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel, Williams (B)

This morning we’ll travel south to visit ghost towns and ride the railroads in the historic Verde Valley.

Central Arizona’s Verde Valley is characterized by prehistoric ruins, outpost towns, abundant wildlife and a wine trail that snakes around rivers and mountains. To get a sense of its rugged beauty, we’ll follow the 50-kilometre road that winds through the valley, starting in atmospheric Jerome, once known as the “wickedest town in the West.” Built by a mining magnate in the 19th century, this once-notorious outpost is today considered a ghost town, although it still has around 500 residents.

You’ll get to explore Jerome’s Cleopatra Hill, which once delivered payloads of gold, silver and copper for eager miners, but today is a mix of eclectic restaurants, artists’ studios and offbeat boutiques, all set inside beautifully restored Victorian buildings.

Later, we’ll visit the Verde Canyon Railroad Depot and Railway Museum in the historic town of Clarkdale. Housed in an old boxcar, the John Bell Railroad Museum displays rail artifacts and photographs, many of which came from Bell’s personal collection. After a guided tour of the museum, you’ll enjoy a group lunch before boarding your first-class train carriage for the magnificent journey to the Verde Canyon.

The Verde Canyon Heritage Railroad winds its way between Clarkdale to the ghost ranch of Perkinsville deep within Arizona’s other Grand Canyon. Home to America’s national symbol, the majestic bald eagle, Verde Canyon is accessible only by rail. The line operates on 32 kms of tracks and was opened in 1912 as part of a north–south branch line linking a copper smelter at Clarkdale and the copper mines at Jerome to Santa Fe Railway tracks passing through Drake.

Our adventure wraps up in the late afternoon, when we’ll travel to the nearby town of Sedona, home to imposing red-rock formations and 1,500-metre-high monoliths such as Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock, and our home for the night.

This quirky town has evolved from an outpost of ranches and apple orchards to a popular place for spirituality, wellness, art buffs and even UFO sightings. On arrival in Sedona, enjoy an entertaining evening of stargazing and astronomy under the canopy of Sedona’s award winning, brilliant, starry sky. Your evening is free to enjoy dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Element Sedona (B, L)

After a leisurely breakfast, it’s off to the town of Flagstaff. In 1882, Flagstaff became the most popular stop on the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad between Albuquerque in New Mexico and the California Coast. These days it’s a major stop on the 3,645 kms Southwest Chief train between Chicago and Los Angeles.

Situated in the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest, “Flag” is home to Northern Arizona University, which contributes to the city’s youthful vibe. Flagstaff is also a major destination for ‘astro tourism’. Astronomers at Lowell Observatory discovered Pluto in 1930, and it’s the training base for all the US astronauts who’ve walked on the moon. In 2001, the town became the world’s first international dark sky city, offering a unique experience for those with a love of the stars. You’ll get to enjoy a guided tour of Lowell Observatory and have time to wander the pedestrian-friendly historic downtown and railroad district to learn about the town’s history.

After enjoying some lunch in Flagstaff, we’ll continue two hours north past the Wupatki National Reserve to Antelope Canyon where you’ll join a local Navajo guide to explore the stunning natural sandstone slot canyon. Sitting on Lake Powell, America’s second largest reservoir and shaped by millions of years of water and wind erosion, the magnificent canyon was named for the herds of pronghorn antelope that once roamed the area.

In the late afternoon, we’ll visit the dramatic Horseshoe Bend to take in the breathtaking view of the Colorado River winding 1000 feet below from an overlook perched on sheer cliffs as it carves a perfect horseshoe through the Navajo sandstone.

Our next stop is Kanab, which was founded by the Mormons in 1870 but is now better known as “Little Hollywood” due to its history as a filming location for many western movies and television series including Gunsmoke, Daniel Boone, El Dorado, Planet of the Apes and The Lone Ranger.

We’ll arrive at our hotel in the Zion National Park in the early evening, in time to enjoy a stunning sunset as you reflect on your day in this magnificent part of the country before dinner at a restaurant in town.

Overnight: Holiday Inn Express Springdale – Zion National Park (B, L, D)

Today we immerse ourselves in the wonder that is Zion National Park. Nestled in Utah’s southwest corner, it’s arguably one of the most stunning national parks in America. Home to brilliantly coloured Navajo sandstone canyons formed by extraordinary processes of erosion, desert landscapes, waterfalls and hanging gardens, the park protects a series of incredible rock formations and high sandstone cliffs, and is a favourite spot for hiking, canyoneering and climbing.

The most dramatic section of Zion National Park is Zion Canyon, accessed along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, an in-and-out road that runs along the canyon floor, with towering cliff walls on both sides. This road offers views of some of the most famous sites in the park, including a view up to Angels Landing, a close look at The Narrows, one of the park’s signature features, and key attractions like Emerald Pools and Weeping Rock. You will enjoy lunch on your guided tour today.

We’ll have you back at the hotel in the late afternoon, where you’ll have some time to relax before enjoying an evening at leisure. As another place that has been designated an International Dark Sky Park, there’s bound to be stars in your eyes.

Overnight: Holiday Inn Express Springdale – Zion National Park (B, L)

Leaving early, we’ll travel along the scenic Zion-Mount Carmel Highway to Bryce Canyon National Park – home to unique landscapes and a kaleidoscope of desert colours.

Rather than a single canyon, Bryce Canyon is a spectacular series of natural amphitheatres or bowls, carved into the edge of a high plateau. The most famous of these is the Bryce Amphitheatre, which is filled with the world’s largest number of irregularly eroded odd-shaped spires of rocks called “hoodoos.” Enjoy a tour of the Bryce Canyon National Park and enjoy lunch.

Our journey continues along southern Utah’s Highway 12, one of the most beautifully scenic drives in America. Called “A Journey Through Time Scenic Byway,” the 200-kilometre strip is home to funky small towns, steep sandstone canyons and majestic vistas.

Our first stop is the unique Kiva Koffeehouse, which overlooks the expanse of the rugged and remote Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument (GSENM). This area is larger than the US states of Rhode Island and Delaware put together, or at least it was before President Donald Trump issued a proclamation in 2017 that reduced its size nearly in half! You’ll have time to enjoy some light refreshments here before moving on.

Next up is the narrow cliff-hanging ridgeline road called The Hogback. This road trip gives way to panoramic videos of the colourful Slickrock and once you make your way past the summit of Boulder Mountain, you’ll wind through a spectacular forest with views of the glowing golden sandstone, twisting canyons, monoliths and spires of the Capitol Reef National Park.

In the late afternoon, we’ll drive to Capitol Reef National Park, where you will have time for a short walk before making our way to the small town of Torrey (population 250) and our uniquely local hotel. Your evening is free where you can enjoy dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Chuck Wagon Lodge, Torrey in the Capitol Reef National Park (B, L)

Today, our comfortable coach will take us east along the scenic Route 24 byway to Hanksville then south along Route 95, through more spectacular mountain and desert scenery including Hite Crossing Bridge, Natural Bridges National Monument, Mexican Hat Rock before arriving in the town of Mexican Hat, where we’ll connect with the magnificent US Route 163. This 103 kms scenic highway which travels from Kayenta in Arizona through the Navajo Nation in Southern Utah, shows off the dramatic and beautiful landscapes of Utah and Monument Valley. The red rocks and cliffs are one of the most iconic scenes in the country, and the wide-open spaces make it feel as if you’re the only people there. Stop in the town of Mexican Hat for lunch at the halfway point of today’s adventure.

Monument Valley, so named for the giant sandstone formations scattered across the desert, and the backdrop for countless Western movies, is one of the most majestic and most photographed points on earth. This valley boasts sandstone masterpieces towering at heights of 120 to 300 metres, framed by scenic clouds casting shadows that graciously roam the desert floor. The angle of the sun accents these graceful formations, providing scenery that is simply spellbinding.

During your tour of the area, you’ll visit a Hogan, a traditional Navajo Indian hut made of logs and earth. Made out of natural resources such as desert juniper trees, juniper barks for insulation, and red desert earth plastered over the dome-shape structure, a hogan is very similar to the igloo shape of the Eskimos.

We’ll gather together for a special dinner of traditional Navajo cuisine at the Haskenneini Restaurant, overlooking some of the valley’s dramatic sandstone formations before checking into our hotel.

Overnight: Hampton Inn Kayenta, Monument Valley (B, L, D)

Wake up to a stunning sunset in Monument Valley and enjoy breakfast before we continue our journey north through Monument Valley and the impressive landscapes of Utah, including the Goosenecks State Park overlook, which is where you’ll stop for lunch. Moving on, you’ll see Church Rock, Wilson Arch as we travel along Route 191 to Moab and Arches National Park.

Here, you’ll discover a landscape of contrasting colours, landforms, and textures unlike any other. With over 2,000 natural stone arches, hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive rock fins, and giant balanced rocks, Arches National Park will amaze you with its formations, refresh you with its trails, and inspire you with its sunsets.

Our tour of the park includes Delicate Arch, with its backdrop of the snow-capped peaks of La Sal Mountains, Balanced Rock, Courthouse Towers, La Sal Mountains, Petrified Dunes and Panorama Point before returning to your Moab where your evening is free.

Overnight: Wingate by Wyndham, Moab (B, L)

After an early breakfast, we’ll depart Moab and head north to Green River where we’ll board the Amtrak California Zephyr #6 train to Glenwood Springs via Crescent Junction, and Grand Junction.  This 300 kms journey follows the same spectacular train route as the Rocky Mountaineer ‘Rockies to the Red Rocks’ train journey from Denver to Moab, so you’ll be enthralled by the views from your window.   

There’s the option to purchase lunch on board the train before disembarking at Glenwood Springs before travelling south by coach to Montrose and the Black Canyon in the Gunnison National Park, where you’ll discover some of the most dramatic canyon spires in North America. Later, you’ll traverse the famous South Rim Drive from Tomichi Point to High Point, packing in a dozen or so scenic outlooks in less than 12 kilometres.

South of here is the Million Dollar Highway, one the most spectacular drives in America and a journey you will not forget! The highway was originally constructed as a toll road by Otto Mears, who also oversaw the building of many narrow-gauge railroads in the 1880s. Offering breathtaking mountain, valley and gorge views, the road winds and clings to the mountain providing dramatic views at every turn.

Our drive continues along the San Juan Skyway Scenic and Historic Byway to the former Colorado Gold Rush mining town of Silverton, famous for being the home of the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a former mine train that is now a National Historic Landmark.

It’s then on to Durango where we’ll spend the next two nights. You will enjoy dinner on arrival at your hotel after check in. 

Overnight: Holiday Inn, Durango (B, D)

Today is devoted to The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad which travels through the magnificent Colorado Rocky Mountains. Often abbreviated as the D&SNG, this 914 mm narrow-gauge heritage railroad operates on 73 kms of track between the towns of Durango and Silverton.

The route was originally opened in 1882 by the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad to transport silver and gold ore mined from the San Juan Mountains, and the last train to operate into Durango from the east was in 1968.

The line from Durango to Silverton has run continuously since 1881 and is one of the few places in America which has seen continuous use of steam locomotives throughout its history.

We’ll first tour the Durango & Silverton Railroad Museum, after which we’ll board the first train of the day on this famous line. The train takes us deep into the Colorado Rockies to the wild west mining town of Silverton, where you’ll have time to explore and get some lunch before reboarding the train for the trip back to Durango and an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Holiday Inn, Durango (B)

After breakfast this morning, we’ll travel to Chama in New Mexico for a really special treat – a steam train journey on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad up and over the Rocky Mountains and along the rim of Toltec Gorge to Antonito, Colorado. A National Historic Landmark of 103 kms in length, it is the longest, highest and most authentic steam railroad in North America, traveling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rocky Mountain West. You will enjoy lunch on today’s rail adventure at Osier Station.

This great train steam’s along through deep forests of aspens and evergreens, across high plains filled with wildflowers, through a rocky gorge of remarkable geologic formations, crosses state borders eleven times, zigzags along canyon walls, burrows through two tunnels, and steams over a 42-metre Cascade Falls and Trestle. If that’s not awesome enough, deer, antelope, elk, fox, eagles and even bears are often spotted on this very special, off-the grid adventure.

We’ll arrive at Antonito station in the late afternoon for our transfer to the town of Alamosa where we’ll spend the night.

Your evening is free where you can enjoy a meal at a restaurant close to the hotel.

Overnight: Hampton Inn, Alamosa (B, L)

After breakfast this morning, we’ll travel from Alamosa to Cañon City, Colorado to board the 12.30pm train on the heritage Royal Gorge Scenic Railroad for a two-hour journey through the spectacular Royal Gorge.

This 1950s-era train runs from the Santa Fe Depot through the Royal Gorge to Parkdale along a famous section of the former Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. Since 1879, these tracks have followed the winding, tumbling Arkansas River deep within the soaring, 305-metre granite cliffs of Colorado’s Royal Gorge. You’ll enjoy lunch on board the train while taking in the scenery.

Upon arrival in Parkdale, we’ll journey further through the mountains to the resort town of Manitou Springs/Colorado Springs and our hotel. Your evening is at leisure where you can dine at a restaurant close to our hotel.

Almost immediately following the arrival of railroads beginning in 1871, Colorado City’s location at the base of Pikes Peak and the Rocky Mountains made it a popular tourism destination. Manitou Springs was founded for its natural mineral springs and is also home to the popular but very steep Manitou Springs Incline hiking trail, developed on the remains of a former 914 mm narrow gauge funicular railway tracks washed out during a rockslide in 1990. With an average grade of 45% and as steep as 68% in places, it’s something that is more attractive to the younger, fitter people of our world but you’re welcome to try it!

Overnight: The Cliff House at Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs (B, L)

This morning after a leisurely breakfast, we’ll head to the station in Manitou Springs to board the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway.

Pikes Peak, known as ‘America’s Mountain’, may be the star attraction, but the journey along the way is full of show-stopping moments. You’ll never forget this 3- hour round trip and your first glimpse of the Summit. Recognized as the world’s highest cog railroad, The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway is an important part of the heritage of the Western USA. Originally powered by steam locomotives, the line now runs with diesel-powered locomotives and self-propelled railcars.

We’ll enjoy lunch overlooking the spectacular red sandstone Garden of the Gods rock formations near Colorado Springs before continuing on to Denver. Colorado’s capital embraces its cowboy and mining past but also looks toward the future with a vibrant arts and theatre scene, dozens of great outdoor festivals, and distinct neighbourhoods each offering a unique experience.

Tonight, we’ll head out to the River North Arts District, a hub for colour and creativity for an enjoyable dinner.

Overnight: Hampton Inn and Suites Denver Downtown (B, L, D)

Cue John Denver’s Rocky Mountain High! The best-known Rocky Mountain state, with the highest concentration of peaks above 4,260 metres, Colorado owes its public adoration to the granite behemoths that rise out of the Great Plains. Denver is a hub for the nearby major ski resort of Aspen and Colorado’s favorite mountain getaway, Estes Park where you can hike the Rocky Mountain National Park to the stunning Bear Lake.

This morning, we’ll travel from Denver via road to the Georgetown Loop Railroad in the Rocky Mountains.

The Georgetown Loop Railroad is a 914 mm narrow gauge heritage railroad that runs between Georgetown and Silver Plume, a distance of 3.2 kms. The total 90-minute grand loop route is 7.2 kms long and ascends an elevation of 195 metres through mountainous terrain past trestles, cuts and fills. Cuts and fills is the process of constructing a railway whereby the amount of material from cuts roughly matches the amount of fill needed to make nearby embankments to minimize the amount of construction labour.

Upon disembarking the train, you’ll have some free time to explore downtown Georgetown and enjoy some lunch before returning to Denver by highway via glorious mountain scenery. En route, we’ll stop at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre – a world-famous concert venue built into a rock structure with a seating area of 9,500. You’ll have time to tour the Colorado Music Hall of Fame to learn more about John Denver’s incredible musical legacy.

Upon our arrival back in Denver, we’ll take a guided tour of the city visiting the historic old town including Denver Union Train Station, Larimer Square with the D&F Clock Tower, Denver’s Historic 16th Street and Capitol Hill. You’ll also get to explore Tattered Cover to Warehouse Row to discover how the largest collection of historic warehouses in the West were transformed from railroad hub to skid row to urban hot spot.

Tonight, we’ll finish our adventure together with a lavish farewell dinner including drinks.

Overnight: Hampton Inn and Suites Denver Downtown (B, L, D)

Our tour comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Transfer to the airport or train station for your homeward or onward travel. (B)