Red Rocks to the Rockies: Luxury Rail and Road

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the striking landscapes of Utah and Colorado, combining the independence of self-drive exploration with the luxury and comfort of rail travel. Begin by driving through the iconic deserts of Utah at your own pace, from the neon lights of Las Vegas to the towering sandstone cliffs of Zion, the surreal hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, and the dramatic canyons surrounding Moab.

Then, trade the wheel for the tracks as you board the Canyon Spirit, traveling in style through spectacular red rock canyons and the Rocky Mountains, with panoramic dome windows, gourmet dining, and attentive onboard hosts enhancing the experience.

Whether navigating winding canyon roads, hiking among towering cliffs, or sipping a drink while panoramic vistas unfold outside your train window, this journey offers the perfect combination of adventure, comfort, and discovery.

Everything can be adjusted to suit your needs and create your perfect USA holiday.

What should I expect from the Canyon Spirit?

When you travel on the Canyon Spirit, every journey comes with the all-inclusive Signature experience, which includes two- or three-days onboard the train with reclining, comfortable, spacious seats; snacks, meals, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages; elevated service and storytelling from Onboard Hosts; access to an outdoor viewing area; motorcoach rail station transfers; and luggage delivery to and from your overnight accommodation between train days, where applicable.

You can also enhance your journey with thePremier upgrade, which builds on the Signature experience and offers even more comfort and luxury. This includes exclusive lounge car access, regionally inspired meals paired with selected wines, signature cocktails and additional gourmet snacks, and an additional outdoor viewing platform.

As the train only runs during the day so you don’t miss a moment of the scenery, you’ll have an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs, which is allocated locally. While it may not be at the same luxury level as some of the hotels on your trip, it’s comfortable and of a good standard to ensure you’re well rested for the next day’s journey.

Convenient transfers between the train and your Glenwood Springs hotel, as well as to and from the train at your hotels at either end of the train journey, are included, to ensure your trip is streamlined.

Is this a Private Tour or a Group Tour?

All of our USA tours are private, tailor-made itineraries, designed around your preferences. We can adjust every element to suit your interests, pace, and travel style. This particular USA trip includes flights, accommodation, and car rental (where applicable).

What are the Departure Dates?

Since this is a private trip, there are no set departure dates. Let us know your preferred dates of travel, and we will find the best flights to fit your itinerary. We can advise on the best times to visit each region of the USA, as well as periods to avoid due to peak tourist seasons, inclement weather, or when travel would simply be better timed for your itinerary.

Which Airlines do you use?

We work with all major airlines flying to the USA. Depending on your departure city, we typically suggest carriers such as Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, and Delta. If you have a preferred airline or route, just let us know. We can also organise flights from any regional UK airport. There are direct flights from the UK to many US hubs including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and San Francisco.

Which Hotels do you use?

We carefully select hotels based on location, style, and quality, but we are guided by your preferences. We specialise in boutique hotels, charming historic properties, and smaller luxury hotels where available. In major cities like New York, Chicago, or San Francisco, hotel rooms can sometimes be smaller and more expensive, and many properties lean towards a more business-style design. If room size or character is important to you, please let us know and we can suggest alternatives.

We also consider proximity to attractions and transport links, as driving or using public transport in large cities can add travel time.

Please note that many US hotels charge resort or facility fees (covering amenities such as Wi-Fi, fitness centres, or pools). We try to include these in our pricing wherever possible, but as policies vary by hotel, we recommend checking with us for details at the time of booking.

Car Rental & Driving in the USA

Many of our itineraries include car rental to explore regions at your own pace. Rental cars give you freedom, but there are a few practical points to note:

• One-way fees: Some itineraries involve picking up a car in one city and dropping it off in another. One-way fees can apply, depending on the rental company and locations. We will try to include these where possible.

• Parking: City hotels may charge for parking, and rates can vary. We will guide you on likely costs.

• Insurance & Navigation: We can advise on the best insurance coverage and suggest GPS or app-based navigation for ease of travel.

• Driver Requirements: A valid driver’s licence is required. For most rentals, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, particularly if you plan to drive across multiple states.

Ask us for more details so you can plan your trip with confidence.

Isn’t the USA expensive now?

Well, it depends on where you go! The USA offers incredible variety, from budget-friendly options to luxury experiences. We plan your trip to balance value and comfort, helping you get the most out of your accommodation, transport, and excursions. Many of our itineraries include car rental, which gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems off the beaten path.

There’s plenty to see and do without spending much, from scenic drives and hiking trails to charming small towns and local markets. Entrance fees to national parks, museums, or attractions are generally reasonable but vary by location. Private guided trips can be more expensive, but there are also plenty of small-group options available, which allow you to enjoy expert guidance while keeping costs manageable.

We can mix and match this to suit your itinerary. Dining in the USA can suit every budget — from food trucks and diners to world-class fine dining.

What’s the best pass for visiting multiple U.S. National Parks?

If you plan to visit three or more parks on your trip, the America the Beautiful Annual Pass is usually the best value. It provides access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all 63 U.S. national parks. The pass is available to international visitors and can be purchased easily at the entrance station of the first park you visit. It covers entrance fees for the pass holder and all passengers in a private vehicle, or the pass holder plus up to three adults if entering on foot, by motorcycle, or bicycle.

Do note that some of the most popular national parks now require advance reservations in peak season or weekends to manage visitor numbers – ask us for more details.

Las Vegas

Officially known as the City of Las Vegas, this spectacular city is situated in the state of Nevada in the heart of the Mojave Desert. Las Vegas, America’s fastest-growing metropolis, is infamous for its fabulously over-the-top mega-resorts adorned with dazzling neon lights.

Vegas pulses with energy during the day and positively heaves at night. The city’s club scene rivals Ibiza for its intensity and it stages boasting extravagant shows that give Broadway a run for its money.

This high-energy desert oasis also has plenty of history and off-the-beaten-track experiences to discover, especially if you wander off 'The Strip' and into the Fremont Street Experience in the old downtown area.

Whether visiting Las Vegas for the casinos, the poolside cocktails, the all-you-can-eat buffets, or the wild parties and crazy characters, Sin City has got you covered.

Zion National Park

Located in southwestern Utah, Zion National Park is an impressive nature reserve characterised by Zion Canyon’s steep red cliffs.

The park’s unique geography allows for unusual plant and animal diversity including 289 species of birds, 75 species of mammals, and 32 species of reptiles.

Visitors can look forward to exploring Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which leads to forest trails along the beautiful Virgin River.

This river flows to the Emerald Pools, which feature spectacular waterfalls and a lovely hanging garden. Also along the river, partly through deep chasms, runs the Zion Narrows, one of the world's best slot canyon hikes.

This adventurous route involves a fair amount of wading and swimming in addition to hiking. Other popular outdoor activities on offer include kayaking, bird watching, and visiting the historic Zion National Park lodge, built in 1924.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Located in southwestern Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park was established to protect Bryce canyon - a collection of giant natural amphitheatres along the eastern side of the Paunsaugunt Plateau.

The park is known for its crimson-coloured 'hoodoos', which are spire-shaped rock formations stretching across the expansive landscape.

Visitors can look forward to some spectacular scenery and countless recreational opportunities such as hiking and horse riding in the summer and cross-country skiing and sleigh rides in the winter.

Not-to-be-missed are the viewpoints at sunset and sunrise, the most popular of which are Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point and Bryce Point.

Other well-known attractions include the Rim hiking trail and the waterfall at Mossy Cave.

Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park is located in south-central Utah. This small but stunning protected area features a rocky desert landscape, and is centred around the geological feature known as Waterpocket Fold, a spiny ridge (called a monocline) which runs the length of the Park from Thousand Lake Mountain to Lake Powell.

Visitors can look forward to enjoying scenic drives (Grand Wash) and fantastic hiking trails (Rim Overlook, Cohab Canyon) through the magnificent area, where colourful cliffs and crags rise starkly from the ground in a manner that resembles a coral reef.

There are a range of camping options available at Capitol Reef National Park, in addition to a number of small nearby towns (Torrey, Caineville, Hanksville) offering lodging, shopping and other tourist amenities.

View Itinerary in Detail

To view a sample holiday, click on one of the links below. This will open the itinerary up in a new window.

All of our USA Holidays are completely tailor made and we can put together any kind of itinerary to suit your interests and budget.

We have many other options so if you have a particular hotel in mind just let us know and we'll put together a price and itinerary for you.