You have arrived in Denver, Colorado! Make your way to your centrally located hotel, and then explore the ‘Mile High City’ at your leisure. You may wish to visit historic Larimer Square, boasting Victorian buildings, boutiques and galleries. Lower Downtown and Denver Pavilions boast a buzzing food and drink scene, with rooftop bars overlooking the city’s Rocky Mountain backdrop.

If you fancy getting out into nature, enjoy the beautiful green spaces at the Denver Botanic Gardens. If you’d like to venture further out, you can explore the magnificent Garden of the Gods rock formations on a guided tour.

Hotel Indigo or similar

Welcome aboard the Canyon Spirit, as today you begin your Canyon Spirit and Utah’s National Parks adventure. Created by the team behind the iconic Rocky Mountaineer, this luxury rail journey and tour showcases the Colorado and Utah’s spectacular scenery, taking you from the Rockies to the red rocks.

Soak in some incredible views as you enjoy world-renowned hospitality and learn about the surrounding landscapes from your engaging Onboard Hosts. Today, you’ll traverse the meanders of the Colorado River and cross the Continental Divide, before pulling into the quaint town of Glenwood Springs, your home for the night.

Glenwood Springs hotel (confirmed at check in)

Breakfast and lunch

Your journey aboard the Canyon Spirit continues this morning, as you make your way from Glenwood Springs to Moab. You’ll cross the Colorado-Utah border, marked by the transition between grey mountain views and distinctive red rocks.

Disembark the train in Moab, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon, before you begin your national parks adventure the next day.

Hyatt Place Moab or similar

Breakfast

Although a fairly quiet city in itself, Moab is the gateway to some incredible landscapes. Either spend a relaxed day exploring the ‘Scarlet City’, or opt for a national parks guided tour.

The first stop on the tour is Arches National Park, showcasing a landscape of 2,000 natural sandstone arches, pinnacle formations and a distinctive red hue. Your next stop of Canyonlands National Park is similarly breathtaking, as the Colorado River has carved out dramatic gorges.

Hyatt Place Moab or similar

Continue your exploration of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks today. Next on the list is Capitol Reef National Park, filled with dramatic cliffs, vast canyons and the huge Capitol Dome.

Hopping back onto Utah’s Scenic Byway 12, you’ll make your way to Bryce Canyon. As one of the largest collections of hoodoos, distinctive columns of pinnacles of rock, in the world, making for a unique and spectacular landscape. Bryce Canyon is also famous for its horseshoe-shaped amphitheatres.

Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon or similar

Lunch

Today, you’ll discover the last of Utah’s Mighty 5: Zion National Park. Take in the views as towering sandstone cliffs, made up of distinct red, pink and cream coloured layers of rock.

This evening, your Canyon Spirit and Utah’s National Parks adventure comes to a close, and you’ll trade the natural beauty of Utah’s national parks for the bright lights of Las Vegas. Part ways with your fellow Canyon Spirit passengers and Hosts, before you meeting your escorted tour Travel Director for your California National Parks Tour.

Enjoy a Welcome Reception at The LINQ, before heading out to the Las Vegas Strip. Marvel at the city from the heights of the High Roller, the world’s tallest observation wheel, at 550 feet above the Strip.

Horseshoe Las Vegas

Welcome Reception

Today, you’ll visit Death Valley National Park. This unique landscape showcases extremes, with fascinating geological features spanning the park’s vast area. First, you’ll head to Zabriskie Point for views over the undulating rocky landscape, before you descend below sea level, visiting the Badwater Basin.

Enjoy lunch at The Ranch at Death Valley, before you continue through Death Valley to find your home for the night, Mammoth Lakes.

Mammoth Mountain Inn, Mammoth Lakes

Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy breakfast with a view this morning, as you take the gondola ride to Mammoth Mountain’s peak (seasonal). Then, you’ll take the scenic drive around the June Lake Loop, looking out over its peaceful, bright blue waters, surrounded by stunning alpine scenery.

After lunch at Lee Vining, you’ll wind your way through the Tioga Pass (seasonal), making your way to UNESCO-heritage Yosemite National Park, catching sight of Tenaya Lake and Tuolumne Meadows on your way. Tonight’s accommodation is a cosy lodge, just a stone’s throw from Yosemite Falls.

Yosemite Valley Lodge

Breakfast

Welcome to Yosemite National Park, known for its massive sequoia trees, sprawling meadows and unique rock formations. Learn about the significance of climbing in Yosemite, with a talk run by a naturalist, who will share fascinating stories and artifacts from its complex history.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Explore Yosemite Valley El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks of Bridalveil Falls.

Yosemite Valley Lodge

Breakfast, Dinner

Today, you’ll leave Yosemite, first visiting Kings Canyon National Park. Marvel at the iconic General Grant Tree, one of the largest giant sequoia trees in the world. After taking in this magnificent landscape, continue along the Majestic Mountain Loop, framed by towering redwood trunks.

Tonight, you’ll stay within Sequoia National Park, spending the night surrounded by dense forest and Sierra peaks. You can learn how to stargaze, lead by naturalist guides.

Wuksachi Lodge, Sequoia National Park

Breakfast

Today, it’ll feel as though you are walking in the footsteps of giants, as you explore trails sheltered by a canopy of sequoia trees. Witness the world’s largest living tree, General Sherman…

The Giant Forest Museum offers a deeper insight into this natural wonder. Then enjoy a leisurely walk around the Big Trees Trail, meeting a local specialist for an educational lunch. You are then able to explore the park independently, using the complimentary shuttle (seasonal).

Wuksachi Lodge, Sequoia National Park

Breakfast, Lunch

Making your transition from dense forest to the big city, you’ll stop at McKeller Family Farms for a wagon tour and a farm-to-table lunch.

The final stop on your tour is Los Angeles, where you can explore the heart of the American film industry, Hollywood. Enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers and your Travel Director, reminiscing over your incredible adventure.

Beverly Hills Marriott, Los Angeles

Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner

Following your scenic rail journey from the Rockies to the red rocks, and your adventures in Utah and California’s national parks, your incredible holiday has come to an end. You may wish to extend your stay in Los Angeles, or make your way to the airport.

Breakfast