Luxurious carriages, delicious food, and breathtaking views: this train has been recognized as the best in the world
Rocky Mountaineer's "Rockies to the Red Rocks" route takes passengers on an epic train journey from Colorado to Utah. Travel + Leisure readers voted this route as their favorite train in this year's World's Best Awards, marking the first-ever winner in this new category.
The Rocky Mountaineer train has been traversing stunning landscapes since 1990, initially exploring western Canada and the Canadian Rockies. The distinctive dome-shaped windows, exclusive to Canadian routes, and the high level of service have been well-received by passengers. The company's success has led to the introduction of three additional routes – Whistler Sea to Sky Climb and Rainforest to Gold Rush (both in Canada), and the newest line, Rockies to the Red Rocks in the United States, as reported by Travel + Leisure.
The inaugural season for the American Rockies to the Red Rocks route commenced in August 2021. Travel + Leisure journalist Jalyn Robinson, who initially considered herself more drawn to beach and city destinations, was invited aboard in October and expressed a transformation in her travel preferences.
Passengers have praised the comfortable seats that recline without sacrificing legroom for others, and the expansive windows that extend to the roof's edge, providing a truly luxurious experience.
Those opting for the GoldLeaf service can enjoy a two-level carriage with a dining room on the ground floor and all-glass dome windows on the second floor. SilverLeaf cars, on the other hand, are on one level, with meals and snacks delivered directly to the seat.
The journey from Denver, Colorado, to Moab, Utah, was particularly memorable, passing along the sparkling Colorado River, skirting the Rocky Mountains, and dipping into valleys. The host on board shared interesting historical anecdotes, allowing passengers to fully immerse themselves in the experience.
After a restful night in Glenwood Springs, the train continued to Moab, where lush mountains transformed into striking cliffs of red, beige, and terracotta.
The cuisine served during the journey reflects the local flavor, featuring a board with cuts of meat from Colorado-raised bison, elk, and venison.
Nicole Ford, vice president of communications, sustainability, and stakeholder relations at Rocky Mountaineer, highlighted the company's commitment to offering exceptional experiences, stating, "From the moment guests begin their train journey, our team takes care of everything so they can just sit back, relax and enjoy the experience."
