Making tracks from the Rockies to the Red Rocks
Steve Sammut, president & CEO of Rocky Mountaineer, shares details about the newly announced Southwest US route between Denver, Colorado and Moab, Utah.
Tell us a little bit about what we can expect from your first train route exclusively in the US?
We are incredibly excited about our plans to bring the Rocky Mountaineer experience to the Southwest US in 2021. The Rockies to the Red Rocks journey will take guests through some of the most scenic US landscapes between Denver, Colorado and Moab, Utah – making Rocky Mountaineer the first passenger train to take guests to Moab.
Like our three Canadian rail routes, our two-day Rockies to the Red Rocks route is steeped in history and full of opportunities to explore the magnificent scenery and iconic destinations of the region. Vast canyons, chromatic deserts, natural archways, and enchanting hoodoos are just the beginning. The train winds alongside rivers, through the US Rockies, and past ancient rock canyons as it travels between the mile-high city of Denver to the red rock formations of Moab. This is an exciting opportunity for us, and one we had been working towards for many years, and we cannot wait to welcome guests onboard in 2021.
The work to find a new route has been underway for several years as we searched to find a special location with many of the same features we have in Western Canada – incredible scenery, iconic destinations, and the option for an all daytime, multi-day journey that is best experienced by train.
Steve Sammut
What should travel advisors know about the new journey?
We have been welcoming guests to explore Western Canada with us for 30 years and this new route will offer everything a Rocky Mountaineer train journey is renowned for. On this route, our train will feature our custom-designed, single-level, glass-dome coaches with oversized windows and plenty of personal space. Our team of onboard hosts provide seat-side food and beverage service while sharing rich, historic stories of the rail line, geology, communities, and peoples along the route. Guests will enjoy onboard cuisine that features regionally inspired dishes to showcase ingredients and flavours of the Southwest US. The only thing we ask our guests to do is sit back and enjoy the passing views, storytelling, friendly service, and onboard cuisine.
When off the train, guests will have plenty to explore and do. We are working with local hotels and tour operators to curate custom vacation packages that feature tours, activities, and stays in Denver and Moab, so guests can experience even more of the region, including transfers to Las Vegas and Salt Lake City by motorcoach or private SUV.
How did this route come about?
The work to find a new route has been underway for several years as we searched to find a special location with many of the same features we have in Western Canada – incredible scenery, iconic destinations, and the option for an all daytime, multi-day journey that is best experienced by train. Rockies to the Red Rocks will have all of this and more, and is an opportunity to bring our award-winning Rocky Mountaineer experience to showcase the epic scenery of the Southwest US. The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on our business and so many others in the travel industry, and there is continued uncertainty of when tourism will recover. However, we believe American travellers, and those from around the world, will be eager to explore this region by rail with us and we look forward to welcoming them in 2021 and beyond.
What are some of the draws that you think will make this itinerary appealing to travellers?
Rockies to the Red Rocks is filled with highlights best seen by train, including Ruby Canyon, Mount Logan, and the Continental Divide. The stunning red rock formations lining the cliffs in Ruby Canyon are only accessible by train or from the river and, like many of the scenic vistas along our routes, is best viewed from the comfort of our glass-dome coaches. The Rockies to the Red Rocks route will allow guests to experience the beauty of the American Southwest like never before, and we’re excited to launch this journey.
Why do you think this product will do well?
Onboard Rocky Mountaineer, everything is choreographed to make your journey feel special, effortless, and unforgettable. From the expansive glass-dome coaches that put you right in the heart of the stunning Southwest, to the impeccable service and storytelling from engaging onboard hosts, to the regionally-inspired cuisine, this will no doubt be a journey of a lifetime. Taking into consideration evolving travel restrictions, we are also making it easier and more flexible than ever to book the new route, with a refundable deposit of only $25 USD.
Do you have anything to add?
We know there is uncertainty around travel at the moment. We want guests to know that the health and safety of our guests and team members is our top priority. We have extensive health screening and disinfecting protocols in place, so guests can be confident and comfortable during their journey. This includes health screening prior to boarding each day, use of electrostatic disinfecting of the train, and high-end air filtration systems that ensure a steady intake and circulation of fresh air and capture of 99.9% of airborne particles. Across our operations, we will follow the guidelines provided by the World Health Organization, and the government and health authorities where we operate. While guidelines may change before our 2021 season begins, we have policies and procedures in place, so our guests and team members can travel in comfort and with confidence.
