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Join R&J Tours as we embark on a Red Rocks Adventure with one of the most renowned rail companies around, the Rocky Mountaineer, on their first expansion tour into the lower 48 states. We’ll join Rocky Mountaineer’s great itinerary by exploring the best of this unique area for the first several days before we board the Rocky Mountaineer Train for two days of breathtaking views. Then we bid farewell to our Rocky Mountaineer friends before our group spends the day with some exciting adventures in Denver before we fly home to Minnesota.

Day 1 – Home to Salt Lake City, Utah 

Today we’ll fly from Minnesota to Salt Lake City, UT with our R&J Tour Director who will help navigate the airport and stay with us even after we are joined by our local guide in Utah before transferring to our hotel. Tonight, we’ll join our Rocky Mountaineer friends and leaders who will introduce us to our exciting Red Rocks & Rails Adventure during dinner!

Included Meals: Dinner 

Hotel: Little America Hotel or similar 

Day 2 – Salt Lake City to Capitol Reef National Park, Utah 

This morning enjoy a tour of Salt Lake City, known as “The Crossroads of the West,” including downtown, Temple Square, and the Great Salt Lake. Take a scenic drive up Provo Canyon on your way to Sundance Resort. In 1969, Robert Redford bought the land now known as Sundance and envisioned a place committed to the balance of art, nature and community. Enjoy a delicious lunch surrounded by art, most of which is part of Robert Redford’s private collection. Later this afternoon, arrive in the small town of Torrey for the night. This evening, join the group for a fun Western dinner experience with a view of the setting sun in Color Country. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Hotel: Capitol Reef Resort Hotel or similar 

Day 3 – Capitol Reef National Park, Utah 

After breakfast, enter Capitol Reef National Park to enjoy touring the highlights of the park including petroglyphs, beautiful rock formations, deep canyons, and pioneer history. After a picnic lunch under old growth cottonwood trees, take a short drive to nearby Goblin Valley State Park for some exploration. This strange and colorful valley, which is unlike any other on the planet, is covered with thousands of sandstone formations referred to locally as goblins. It is a place that many describe as other worldly. Next we travel through the San Rafael Swell and the town of Green River and on our way to Moab. After checking in, the evening is yours to explore and have dinner on your own. Later tonight, join the group for a private Stargazing Experience as we join local astronomers to explore the wonders of the night sky and our universe. The dark skies of the Canyonlands will allow us to view planets, galaxies, star clusters, nebulae, and other breathtaking celestial sights with high powered telescopes that will fill us with wonder at the vastness of our universe. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Hotel: Hyatt Moab Hotel or similar (2 Nights) 

Day 4 – Arches National Park, Utah 

This morning we are off to nearby Arches National Park for touring. The unique geology of the area created the highest concentration of natural arches in the world with over 2,000 named arches within the park boundary. We will visit the park’s highlights including Balance Rock, The Windows, and Delicate Arch Viewpoint. Return to Moab with some free time for lunch on your own and to explore this fun town. In the afternoon, join the group for a unique experience as we take a Jet Boat Ride on the mighty Colorado River through spectacular red rock canyons. As the sun dips in the west, the canyon colors come to life while we learn about the river’s ecosystem, geology, and history. After a thrilling ride, enjoy dinner with a million dollar view at the Sunset Grill, the former home of Uranium King Charlie Steen. Charlie’s discovery of a large uranium deposit in the area created a boomtown and made him a millionaire. See historical artifacts and pictures in the home that once had the largest swimming pool in Utah & hosted Hollywood celebrities. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Day 5 – Moab to Glenwood Springs, CO 

This morning take a scenic drive to Canyonlands National Park for sightseeing the Island in the Sky district including the Visitors Center, Mesa Arch, and Grandview Point. Next arrive at Dead Horse Point State Park for one of the most spectacular scenes in the southwest and a picnic lunch. We will see the expanse of Canyonlands National Park stretching to the south and the mighty Colorado River 2,000 feet below. Later we’ll board the Rocky Mountaineer for a spectacular rail journey through the Colorado Rockies! Dinner is served on board before we disembark in Glenwood Springs and check into our hotel. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Onboard Dinner 

Hotel: To be determined 

Day 6 – Glenwood Springs to Denver, CO 

We depart Glenwood Springs via the Rocky Mountaineer once again. Take in the spectacular views of rugged canyons and the Colorado River before crossing the Continental Divide. Soon, we’ll reach the vibrant city of Denver. Once we’ve checked into our downtown Denver hotel, you’ll have a free evening to explore the LoDo District and the Union Station area, which are within walking distance of our hotel, for some shopping and wonderful restaurants. 

Included Meals: Onboard Breakfast, Onboard Lunch 

Hotel: TBD  (2 Nights) 

Day 7 – Denver area 

Today we’ll enjoy a sightseeing tour of “the Mile High City” with highlights of downtown, the civic center, Larimer Square, Union Station and more. Then we’ll bid farewell to our dear Rocky Mountaineer friends. Our later morning and early afternoon will be spent at the fantastic Denver Zoo. Tonight, after some time on your own to enjoy an early dinner, we head to the spectacular Red Rocks Amphitheater for a fabulous view and sounds of the Green Sky Bluegrass Band for a “red rockin’” time! We’ll head back to our hotel for our final night of rest before we fly home tomorrow.

Included Meals: Breakfast 

Day 8 – Denver to Home 

Gather up your belongings and take one last look at Denver before our flight back to Minnesota with thoughts of the beautiful vistas of Utah and Colorado! 

Included Meals: Breakfast