rocky mountaineer fam trip

Travel Media Association of Canada

Search form, tmac press release: rocky mountaineer fam trip open call.

Join Rocky Mountaineer on a journey through the majestic Canadian Rockies 

To kick off its 25th anniversary season,  Rocky Mountaineer , world renowned provider of luxurious train travel, is welcoming established travel journalists and bloggers (both staff and freelance) to apply for a familiarization trip through the Canadian Rockies. 

During your train journey on the Rocky Mountaineer, you will travel through some of the greatest landscapes in the world, ranging from semi-arid deserts to old growth forests, turquoise rivers and snowcapped mountains. All of this from the comfort of your bi-level domed coach while enjoying culinary experience prepared by Michelin Star Chefs, local wines and commentary from your onboard hosts. 

At key stops along the way you'll be treated to activities such as: canoeing around the turquoise Lake Louise, city exploration and even perhaps mountain climbing - all to make for the ultimate Canadian adventure. 

It's no wonder that Rocky Mountaineer has been recognized by National Geographic as one of the "World's Greatest Trips" and Conde Nast Traveler named it as one of the "Top 5 Trains in the World." 

Possible Routes:  

• First Passage to the West:  Our most popular route and the only passenger rail service on this historic track. Vancouver to Banff 
• Journey through the Clouds:  See the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Mt. Robson and breathtaking Pyramid Falls on this route from Vancouver to Jasper 
• Rainforest to Gold Rush:  Travel on our newest route north into pristine and rarely seen wilderness from Whistler to Jasper 
• Coastal Passage:  A three-day journey between Seattle and the Canadian Rockies 
• Circle Journeys:  Experience two or three of our routes in one unforgettable vacation 

Note:  Trips can be both individual or groups and typically follow a six-day itinerary (two days for travel; two days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train; two days for city exploration) but this can be compressed or expanded depending on the journalist's focus and scope. Preference will be given to those who already have an assignment secured. 

To be considered, please fill out an application form through this  link . More information about Rocky Mountaineer:  rockymountaineer.com  

Media Contact:

Crystal Kwon (Canada)  Citizen Relations  [email protected]  

Jina Michael (US)  Citizen Relations  [email protected]  

• Tour Operators
• Destinations
• Hotels & Resorts
• Agent Feedback
• Deals & Incentives
• On Location
• Industry Experts
• Sphere – HomeBased
• Digital Editions
• Subscribe today!

• Hotels and Resorts
• Types of Travel
• Subscribe Now

Earn a spot on a Utah fam that includes Air Canada flights and Rocky Mountaineer journey

Post date: Aug 3 2022

Date: Aug 3 2022

By: Travelweek Group

TORONTO — Air Canada, Utah Office of Tourism and Rocky Mountaineer are teaming up to offer Canadian travel agents the chance to ‘Sell Your Way to Utah!’

The promotional campaign, which kicked off Aug. 1, 2022, will allow four lucky agents to qualify to join a fam trip to Utah from Oct. 22-29, 2022. The trip includes six nights’ accommodation, Rocky Mountaineer’s ‘Rockies to the Red Rocks’ rail journey, activities, some meals and Air Canada airfare to and from Canada.

To sell their way to a spot on the fam, travel agents earn one point for every Rocky Mountaineer guest booked on the ‘Rockies to the Red Rocks’ rail journey for travel during the 2022 season; one point for every Air Canada return or open jaw ticket booked to either Denver, Las Vegas or Salt Lake City; and one additional point for any Utah land arrangements.

The selling period runs from Aug. 1 to September 30, 2022.

Agents must register to participate by Aug. 25, 2022 by emailing Lara Kamionka at [email protected] with their details. Full incentive details will be provided by return email.

For more information click here .

Tags: Air Canada, Lead Story, Rocky Mountaineer, Utah

A top-notch train ride: How to choose between Rocky Mountaineer’s most popular routes

For many travelers, no first-class airline suite or classic road trip can compete with the leisurely, decadent experience of crossing some of the world's most scenic landscapes on a luxury train.

And when it comes to the varied, dramatic scenery of western North America (the towering, snowcapped peaks of the Rocky Mountains, the Martian-like red rocks of the American West), only one brand dominates the space.

And no, it's not Amtrak.

Rocky Mountaineer, a Canadian company that's been taking travelers on high-end rail tours of western Canada for more than 30 years, launched its first U.S. route in 2021. Called Rockies to the Red Rocks , this itinerary connects Moab, Utah, with Denver, Colorado, and offers travelers a new way to experience the iconic train, which has historically remained in Canada.

I got to experience that journey with my colleague, Summer Hull, last fall. And six months later, I was invited to reunite with Rocky Mountaineer on its classic First Passage to the West route. Tracing a line between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Banff, Alberta, this legendary tour includes a stop in Kamloops, British Columbia, crosses the Continental Divide and corkscrews through the Spiral Tunnels before concluding at Lake Louise and Banff National Park.

But it's not just the destinations that are different. If you're contemplating your first-ever trip with Rocky Mountaineer, here are some other differences to consider.

Related: 11 of the most scenic train rides on Earth

At your service

During my trip with Rocky Mountaineer in the U.S., I got to experience SilverLeaf Plus, the highest level of service offered on this route. For about $500 more than the entry-level fares, travelers in SilverLeaf Plus get access to more local wines and spirits and can spread out beyond the standard observation car and into the lounge cars — perfect for whiling away the hours while admiring the scenery, elbowing up to a bar (on a train!) to order cocktails, playing classic board games and exchanging stories with other travelers.

On the other hand, travelers who opt for one of the classic Canadian journeys can experience the operator's iconic GoldLeaf service. Guests in this class get to spend the journey in a double-decker car: Breakfast and lunch services are organized on the lower level, just like a fine dining restaurant (albeit a bit more turbulent), complete with white tablecloths, while the upstairs is reserved for admiring the scenery in a stunning bi-level glass-domed observation car. These cars can't fit through the lower tunnels in the U.S., so Rocky Mountaineer hasn't been able to replicate this service on its Rockies to the Red Rocks route. At least, not yet.

It's hard to underscore what a difference it makes to not have to take your meals at the same seat you're sitting in, napping in and chatting in for two days or more. Migrating downstairs for meal services harks back to the golden age of travel when flight attendants carved chateaubriands for flyers and entire dessert buffets were presented to guests on the Orient Express.

The GoldLeaf train cars are also much more modern, with wider, heated leather seats that swivel to create more intimate sitting areas for groups, and advanced controls to adjust everything from pitch to lumbar support.

But for travelers looking to save money, the SilverLeaf service — nearly identical to the entry-level SilverLeaf service offered on the American route — is still a far more upscale way to journey along the rails than standard passenger trains.

And even though SilverLeaf Plus is undoubtedly Rocky Mountaineer's version of premium economy, and GoldLeaf is a clear cut above (think: business class on your favorite international airline), I'll admit I missed the lounge cars while ambling along the tracks in western Canada. The lounge cars, with their player pianos and full bar service, snacks and convivial atmosphere, felt far more consistent with the romantic Agatha Christie-esque visions of rail travel I'd daydreamed about (minus the murder, of course).

Related: How to plan your 1st luxury train trip

Fine dining (and drinking)

One of the highlights of traveling with Rocky Mountaineer is the excellent food and beverage program featuring multi-course lunch and breakfast services and unlimited beverages.

During the Rockies to the Red Rocks trip, which offered three breakfast choices and two lunch options, I tucked into a breakfast frittata with roasted yams, peppers and onions, plus a side of veggie sausage (available upon request) and flavorful vegetarian flautas for an afternoon snack. Meals are served at your seat, on tray tables (airplane style, I like to call it) but are dressed up with white linens and elegant flatware.

The highlight, though, was probably sipping a fresh-made bloody mary while munching on bar snacks in the lounge car, plus the assortment of pastries and desserts sourced from local bakeries along the route.

While traveling from Vancouver to Lake Louise, the dining experience was of an entirely different caliber. In addition to the luxury of not eating at your seat, each meal offered more dishes to choose from, and the food was, overall, more elaborate (Rocky Mountaineer chefs must contend with smaller galleys on the U.S. route). Throughout the two-day trip, I enjoyed plates of Lois Lake steelhead with handmade gnocchi, Moroccan-spiced cauliflower and chickpeas, and avocado toast topped with smoked salmon and a soft-boiled egg.

Though there were no lounge cars with bars, you could order endless beverages, including Canada's answer to the bloody mary: a caesar.

One gripe is that espresso beverages aren't served on board the Rocky Mountaineer. I know space is at a premium, but there is a galley where chefs turn out almost everything (except, specifically, birthday cakes), and I would have loved to sip a foamy cappuccino while watching the Rocky Mountains as we zipped by.

Related: 4 great scenic train rides across the US

Diverse — but equally dramatic — landscapes

There's no comparing the American Southwest and its vermillion-hued rock formations to the snowcapped spires of the Canadian Rockies.

And though both trains cross the Continental Divide and traverse the Rocky Mountains during the journey, no itinerary is better or more scenic than the next. Travelers should decide if they want to bookend a journey on board the Rocky Mountaineer with mountain biking, rock climbing and stark desert hikes in the surreal landscapes of Canyonlands and Arches National Park or if they prefer the cooler mountain temperatures of Canada's western national parks, where similar diversions might include hiking and canoeing or, in the winter, skiing and snowshoeing.

During our journey from Colorado to Utah, we passed through aspens tipped with late autumn gold, mountains covered in evergreens and the blushing sandstone cliffs of Ruby Canyon.

The train hugged the Colorado River as we continued west, steam fog rising from the water in the early morning, and we saw everything from eagles and elk to chipmunks and even bare-bottomed paddlers partaking in the time-honored tradition of mooning the passing train. Our journey concluded at the junction of some of the most iconic parklands in the U.S., including Dead Horse Point State Park, Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park , all marked by impossibly vibrant rock formations and scenic vistas, including gravity-defying hoodoos and natural bridges.

While traveling east from Vancouver to Lake Louise, the scenery was marked by the frothy whitewater rapids of Kicking Horse River, dramatic mountain passes and, perhaps most notably, the astonishing engineering feat of the Spiral Tunnels, which made the spires of the Rockies accessible with trains and provided some of the most stunning views from the entire trip.

As with the U.S. journey, the wildlife we saw in Canada was surprisingly abundant, including bald eagles, elk and osprey.

It's a good thing these trains aren't equipped with Wi-Fi, because it encourages you to put down your devices and keep your eyes glued to the oversized windows.

Whistle-stops

Since Rocky Mountaineer trains aren't equipped with sleeper cars, travelers must disembark in the evening and spend the night in a hotel (these overnights are included in the cost of your stay).

I found Glenwood Springs, Colorado — the scheduled whistle-stop for the Rockies to the Red Rocks route — to be a much more appealing place to visit, in part because you can simply walk off the train and into town. During the stop, travelers can dip in the town's namesake hot springs (which claim to be the largest mineral hot springs pool on earth) and explore the walkable, distinctly Western town center.

The First Passage to the West itinerary includes a stop in Kamloops — a city (population: approximately 100,000) known for hosting sporting events that didn't feel as approachable for a quick overnight. After disembarking, travelers must board a bus to the town center. Admittedly, we arrived later in the evening on this trip and only had time for a quick bite at The Noble Pig, a microbrewery specializing in hand-crafted beers and fried pickles.

But Kamloops does have a distinct edge with its accommodations, which feel appropriate for the Rocky Mountaineer experience. We spent the night at the Delta Hotel Kamloops, a rebranded and renovated property that welcomed guests in 2019. The contemporary downtown hotel is hardly a Fairmont (the iconic grande dame hotels that bookended our stay in Vancouver and Lake Louise ). Still, it felt fresh and featured thoughtful amenities like argan oil Soapbox toiletries and a heated rooftop pool.

Unfortunately, the hotel I stayed at in Glenwood Springs did not meet the high standard set on board the train. Rocky Mountaineer partners with three hotels in Glenwood Springs: Hotel Colorado, The Hotel Denver and Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge. We stayed at the lodge, which was dark and dated.

Regardless of where you stay during an overnight with Rocky Mountaineer, one knockout service remains the same: Your luggage, aside from any hand baggage you keep with you on the train, is driven ahead and placed in your hotel room before your arrival. You'll even be checked in and given keys to your room before leaving the train.

Related: 9 mistakes travelers make on their 1st train trips

Of course, sometimes choosing one trip or another comes down to cold hard cash. Rocky Mountaineer's shortest First Passage to the West journeys, like the one I experienced last month, start around $1,500 per person this year, based on double occupancy. Upgrading to GoldLeaf service would mean starting rates closer to $2,100 per person. Entry-level two-day journeys on the Rockies to the Red Rocks route are similarly priced at $1,400 per person — or closer to $1,980 for SilverLeaf Plus.

In both instances, you can expect to spend about $500 more per person for Rocky Mountaineer's most premium services. With that in mind, the GoldLeaf service feels like a far better use of that extra cash compared to the SilverLeaf Plus product. But entry-level fares on both routes are comparable, meaning travelers should think closely about the scenery and the destinations along the route, including your departure city, arrival city and the whistle-stop.

However, travelers may also gravitate toward the more social, old-timey atmosphere in the SilverLeaf Plus lounge cars.

Traveling with Rocky Mountaineer isn't cheap, particularly when you consider you're on your own for dinner during the whistle-stop. Travelers might liken a journey with Rocky Mountaineer to an all-inclusive stay at a luxury hotel, or even a safari experience. But typically, three daily meals will be included, and the level of luxury will be consistent. The hotels you'll find in Kamloops and Glenwood Springs are far from the luxury you might expect from a $1,500-per-night resort. Many of our favorite all-inclusive resorts on the planet , in fact, are more affordable, and those prices are based on double occupancy.

Since Rocky Mountaineer's prices are per person, a couple can expect to spend upward of $3,000 per person for the two-day journey.

Rocky Mountaineer's pricing becomes much more palatable if you take advantage of the numerous discounts and promotions offered throughout the year. With one of its current promotions (available through June), you can save $780 per couple on Canadian routes and $1,000 per couple on the Rockies to the Red Rocks itinerary.

If these prices are still too eye-watering, travelers can experience the romance of the rails on board a more affordable, no-frills passenger train like Amtrak in the U.S. (the California Zephyr route will trace the same line from Denver to Glenwood Springs, though it concludes in San Francisco instead of the red-rock country of Utah). You'll be on your own for food, of course.

In Canada, Via Rail offers a 20-hour trip between Vancouver and Jasper, Alberta (where onward connections to Banff are available by bus). Travelers can choose from a standard economy fare, an individual sleeping berth or splurge on a private sleeper cabin with three square meals included — the latter of which can easily cost more than a journey with Rocky Mountaineer. Another consideration is that you'll miss an entire day's scenery since Via Rail travels overnight. It's a more expeditious trip, and for travelers in economy, it can certainly be a more affordable option.

Unlike Via Rail and Amtrak, Rocky Mountaineer journeys are far more focused on maximizing the scenery. Since the train only operates during the day, you won't miss a moment. And with its skilled, amiable onboard hosts to provide context and anecdotes, and the train cars designed for enjoying sweeping vistas, it's more like a tour than a mode of transportation.

Bottom line

Though we've only highlighted two of Rocky Mountaineer's routes here, travelers could also book itineraries that originate in, or depart from, Jasper, or extend their trips with packages that include bus transport to nearby destinations and attractions.

Whatever you do, remember to put down your phone – or even your book — and take a look outside the window, whether you're in a glass-domed GoldLeaf car, lounging around with other travelers or standing outside on a viewing platform. After all, taking time to slow down and enjoy the scenery is what rail travel is all about.

Related reading:

• Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a beginner or expert traveler
• The best travel credit cards
• The 18 best places to travel in 2023
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Bus and Train Travel

I Took the Rocky Mountaineer's Newest Train Route From Colorado to Utah — Here's What It Was Like

The Rocky Mountaineer launched the Rockies to Red Rocks route in August.

Jessica Poitevien is an international storyteller and regular contributor to Travel + Leisure.

As the morning sun peaked behind the Rocky Mountaineer train, I could tell that my fellow passengers and I were in for a treat. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, so views from the train, with its dome-like sightseeing cars, were bound to be impressive. After all, the jaw-dropping vistas are the main highlight of the Rocky Mountaineer's newest route between Denver, Colorado, and Moab, Utah.

Aptly named Rockies to the Red Rocks , this route is the first U.S. itinerary for the Canadian rail company. It also marks the first time a passenger train has made its way to Moab. These major milestones, along with the grandeur of the route's ever-changing landscapes, drew train buffs from near and far clamoring for a chance to be among the first passengers to ride these rails.

I met folks who had ridden the Rocky Mountaineer several times in Canada, another who explored Japan's high-speed rail system, and even a passenger who spent two weeks on the Trans-Siberian Railway, the longest railway line in the world. Despite our varying levels of train travel experience and expertise, however, we still came to the same conclusion: the Rockies to the Red Rocks experience is not one to miss.

As the train pulled out of Denver for the beginning of our two-day adventure, I settled into my assigned seat. Knowing that I would be on the train for eight hours on day one and five hours on day two, I was happy to find that I had plenty of legroom. My seat could also slide forward to create the effect of reclining without bothering the person behind me — the first of many thoughtful touches I'd experience during my journey on the Rocky Mountaineer.

My favorite feature, however, was the design of the windows, which extended toward the top of the car, allowing for nearly unobstructed views. For the moments that I wanted to feel the crisp autumn air, I went to the vestibule between train cars, where an open window allowed me to poke my head out — safely, of course — and fully immerse myself in the passing scenery. Though the Coloradans on board claimed we were past peak fall foliage, traveling at the end of October (the route typically runs April through November) meant finding trees still colored with bright yellow and deep red leaves, while snow-capped mountains loomed in the background.

We spent two days on the train, with an overnight stay at a hotel in Glenwood Springs, Colorado — home to the world's largest mineral hot spring pool. The hotel stay is part of the Rockies to Red Rocks package, and guests can choose the property that best fits their budget. Since the Rocky Mountaineer is all about top-notch service, we all received our hotel room keys before disembarking and found our luggage waiting for us inside our accommodations. In Glenwood Springs, I took a dip in the hot springs pool, enjoyed dinner at Riviera Supper Club and turned in well before my usual midnight bedtime, knowing we had an early morning wake-up call.

Day two started with watching the sunrise over the mountains and Colorado River. Traveling on the Rocky Mountaineer only during daylight hours meant we always had stunning views to enjoy. Throughout most of the journey, we snaked alongside the Colorado River, watching steam rise when the water was warmer than the temperature outside. My eyes remained glued to the windows, admiring the constant changes in geology and natural color palettes as we passed from dense, green forests to the more bare Rocky Mountains, and eventually the red and brown hues of the buttes and mesas. I also kept my eyes peeled for wildlife like elk, moose, black bears, bald eagles, and ospreys.

Though the scenery was awe-inspiring on its own, what really made it come to life was the colorful storytelling of the staff on board the train. A team of four crew members took care of our train car. Beyond providing us with snacks, coffee breaks, alcoholic beverages, and delectable meals like the coriander-crusted salmon I had for lunch on day one, the crew also entertained us with stories. Along the way, we heard about the history, both past and present, of the communities we passed through, along with some personal anecdotes from the mostly Coloradan crew. Ask me about the endearing tale of where our main storyteller, Mike, had his first kiss, and I could still recite it by memory.

Both the storytelling and service were superb, and since I was seated in the SilverLeaf Plus class, I also had access to a separate lounge car, where even more drinks and snacks were served alongside cozy seating for enjoying the views.

The trip ended in Moab, surrounded by the red rocks that helped named this route. Though the train portion of the trip was over, the adventures were not. Guests have the option of organizing post-trip (or pre-trip if they start in Moab) tours to explore the many offerings in the area. That includes Utah's Mighty Five national parks: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. Moab also offers thrilling off-road jeep experiences with companies like Outlaw Adventure Tours and mesmerizing stargazing with Moab Astronomy Tours .

Whether you're a seasoned train traveler or new to the experience, an adventurer or someone who likes to admire Mother Nature from afar, the Rocky Mountaineer really offers it all. With the success of this first route, I wouldn't be surprised if the Rocky Mountaineer expands its U.S. footprint, and I, for one, will be among the first to try any itinerary this company creates.

Rocky Mountaineer

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Rocky Mountaineer - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Site Content

Rail ~ travel agent rates and fams.

Supplier Listing  ~ You book directly with the Suppliers. Read all TERMS,CONDITIONS, and CREDENTIALS NEEDED prior to making reservations. Suppliers have the right to revoke discounts at anytime if protocol is not met and failure to present proper identification! 

Info listed is alway BASED on AVAILABILITY and  Subject to Change

**You must be a FAMTRAVELFORME.COM Subscriber to access this WEBSITE! 

ALASKA RAILROAD -  Travel Agent Discount TRAVEL AGENT RATES OFFERED!  Sign up with them! 

AMTRAK -   Amtrak Agent Discounts For the AD75  discounts click on INSIDE AMTRAK then  TRAVEL AGENT RESOURCE and then FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS. for the reduced rate info.  800-525-2550 

BRITRAIL -   Britrail Agent Info For AD75 need to email ACP Marketing for request form and fax to 877-625-4100 Valid IATAN card required. or call 866-732-7386

GRAND CANYON RAILWAY - Travel Agent Info 50% discount off train travel and accommodations at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. property tours are available for agents making fam visits. to book call 800-843-8724 and ask for the TAFAM rate RAILEUROPE -      Rail Europe Agent Discount For AD75 , promotions, rewards and web specials You will need to register  and Login to see all TRAVEL AGENT RATE INFO and  TERMS and CONDITIONS! 

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER - Travel Agent Info 20 % off vacation packages brochure rates - excluding cruises 20% off brochure rates - 2 & 3 day rail Silver Leaf and Gold Leaf Service  - 45 days + prior to departure. 50% off brochure rates - 2 & 3 day rail Silver Leaf and Gold Leaf Service - booked less than 45 days prior to departure. Info on link above Register with them and take the TRACK online Training program for Travel Agents.

VIA RAIL CANADA - VIA Rail Agent Rates AD75 / AD 50 rates   Agency needs to be registered 

Copyright © 2023 Famtravelforme.com  - All Rights Reserved.

Powered by GoDaddy

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

Free-flowing drinks and majestic views of the American Rockies: Is this the most spectacular train ride in the world?

• Tom Chesshyre experiences Rocky Mountaineer's first US train route - a 370-mile trip through the Rockies
• It takes passengers from Denver, Colorado, to the town of Moab in Utah - 'with bald eagles soaring above'
• READ MORE:  You've been using a restaurant napkin all wrong! Here's why...

It isn't the most conventional of hellos.

Out on a boat on the  Colorado  River, a fisherman waves at us, then turns away, and proceeds to pull down his trousers to expose his (rather large) bottom.

‘We call this Moon River,’ laughs our train guard, explaining that this unusual act is considered a good-natured prank. We have received what the train staff call the ‘Colorado salute’.

Welcome to a journey from Denver, Colorado’s capital, to the town of Moab in Utah , aboard one of America’s most spectacular train rides: the Rocky Mountaineer.

The 370-mile trip takes you though the Rocky Mountains, with bald eagles soaring above and deer darting by the tracks. Rising from desert prairies, you’re soon winding between jagged, snow-dusted peaks and negotiating vast, red-hued canyons.

Rocky Mountaineer trains began in Canada in 1990, rolling between Vancouver, Jasper, Banff and Calgary – and the sumptuous trains, with gourmet meals and smartly dressed staff, proved such a hit that the rail operator branched out two years ago with a US route.

The American journeys operate between mid-April and October, including an overnight stay in the intriguing little town of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, where the Wild West gunfighting legend Doc Holliday died in 1887.

It makes for one of the greatest train rides anywhere on the planet (let alone just the US). And it isn’t just the scenery that’s appealing.

There’s a lively camaraderie on board, which might have something to do with the free-flowing drinks in the SilverLeaf Plus lounge, where Fats Waller and George Gershwin tunes play on the automatic piano.

‘Ain’t this just wonderful?’ says Sam from Vancouver, who brings me a martini and tells me about the novel he’s writing about the old Wild West.

Debbie, who joins us – also with a martini in hand – is in a dreamy mood as we enter yet another canyon: ‘I just love this ride.’

Staff provide commentary from time to time as the train clatters along. The line we are on, we learn, was laid in the 1880s to connect Denver and Salt Lake City.

At one point, we are crossing the Continental Divide, where water either runs off eastwards into Florida’s Gulf or westwards to the Pacific Ocean.

The tracks are operated by Union Pacific, which decides when trains get priority on the sometimes single-line railway.

On occasion, we move into sidings to allow Amtrak’s California Zephyr service to pass.

The top speed is 60mph, though the average is 35mph. After our night out in Glenwood Springs – with modern-day cowboys in old-style taverns and steaming hot springs (hence its name) – we putter on the next morning through more marvellous ravines.

Little settlements with names like Silt, Rifle and No Name come and go. It really does feel like the back of beyond.

Past old uranium mines being decommissioned, we slowly pull up to the edge of Moab, where the joys of the Arches and Canyonlands national parks await: fantastic red rock scenery with mesas, ravines and spire-shaped formations as far as the eye can see.

The Rocky Mountaineer has lived up to its name – quite gloriously – from beginning to end.

TRAVEL FACTS 

Thirteen-night trips cost from £2,599pp, including a two-day Rocky Mountaineer ride in SilverLeaf class (including meals and some drinks), overnight stay in Glenwood Springs, flights, seven nights’ motorhome hire and five nights in other hotels ( trailfinders.com ); SilverLeaf Plus price (with all drinks) from £3,149pp. For more information visit  colorado.com .

Tom Chesshyre is the author of  Ticket To Ride: Around The World On 49 Unusual Train Journeys (Summersdale).