If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the Rockies, wandering through red-rock canyons, or spotting wildlife in Yellowstone, this tour has it all. The USA Rockies & Rails Tour takes you on a twelve-day adventure across some of the most iconic landscapes in the American West.
It’s a mix of city sightseeing, nature trails, and scenic train journeys, perfect for anyone who likes a little adventure but also wants time to take it easy and enjoy the views. From the “Mile High City” of Denver to the desert beauty of Utah, you’re in for a trip packed with variety.
Holiday Details
Your trip starts with a flight from the UK to Denver, Colorado, where your adventure begins. Once you land, you’ll transfer to your hotel and meet the rest of your group. Over the course of the tour you’ll travel by a mix of coach and scenic train, making it easy to cover long distances while enjoying the incredible views.
Accommodation is spread across eight hotels, mostly 3-star with a couple of comfortable 2-star stays along the way. The tour includes seven breakfasts, one lunch and one dinner, and you’ll be guided by local English-speaking experts who’ll bring each destination to life with stories and insights.
The trip finishes back in Denver, where you’ll catch your return flight home to the UK.
The Tour Experience
Once you’ve settled into Denver, the journey begins with a quick introduction to the city. Known as the “Mile High City”, Denver sits exactly one mile above sea level, and you’ll get to see the famous gold-domed State Capitol before heading into the mountains.
From here, you’ll travel through the stunning landscapes of the Rocky Mountains towards Cheyenne, the capital of Wyoming. The scenery quickly shifts from city skylines to rugged peaks and wide-open countryside. Along the way, you’ll stop at Fort Laramie, a historic trading post that played a big role during America’s westward expansion.
Another major highlight comes as you reach the famous Mount Rushmore National Memorial, where the faces of four U.S. presidents are carved into the rock of the Black Hills. Seeing it in person is even more impressive than the photos.
The tour then continues to Cody, a town closely tied to Wild West history. Here you’ll visit the Buffalo Bill Museum, where you can learn about the legendary showman and see fascinating artefacts from frontier life.
Next comes one of the biggest highlights of the trip – Yellowstone National Park. As the world’s first national park, Yellowstone is packed with natural wonders. You’ll explore geothermal landscapes filled with geysers, bubbling hot springs and waterfalls, while keeping an eye out for wildlife like bison, elk and even grizzly bears. The famous Old Faithful geyser is a must-see, erupting dramatically into the air.
From Yellowstone, the tour heads south to Salt Lake City, where you’ll visit the famous Temple Square, home to the headquarters of the Church of Latter-day Saints. The architecture here is impressive and the area has a peaceful atmosphere right in the middle of the city.
The scenery shifts again as you head into Utah’s dramatic desert landscapes. In Canyonlands National Park, you’ll see enormous mesas and canyons carved by the Colorado River, while Arches National Park is home to more than 2,000 natural stone arches rising out of the red rock desert.
One of the most memorable parts of the tour comes at the end – the two-day Canyon Spirit rail journey (formerly the Rocky Mountaineer). This scenic train ride takes you through spectacular mountain landscapes, following the Colorado River past towering cliffs and deep canyons. It’s a relaxing way to soak up the scenery as you travel back towards Denver.
After arriving back in the city, you’ll spend your final night there before heading to the airport for your flight home.
Handy Tips
Pack layers – temperatures can vary between mountain regions and desert areas.
Bring good walking shoes – many stops involve exploring national parks and scenic viewpoints.
Currency: US Dollar (USD). Carry some small cash for tips and souvenirs.
Sun protection: Sunglasses, suncream and a refillable water bottle are essential, especially in desert areas.
Age requirement: Minimum age for the tour is 7 years old.
Travel documents: Make sure your passport is valid and check ESTA or visa requirements before travelling.
The USA Rockies & Rails Tour is a great way to experience the American West, combining iconic sights like Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore National Memorial with a scenic journey on the Canyon Spirit train through incredible Rocky Mountain landscapes.
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