Utah is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks in the United States. The state is a haven for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers, from red rock canyons to towering sandstone formations. And what better way to experience these stunning landscapes than onboard the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer?
Rocky Mountaineer is known for offering some of North America’s most scenic train routes. Their signature glass-domed coaches provide unobstructed views of the passing landscapes, making it the perfect way to explore the beauty of Utah’s national parks. And with impeccable onboard service and amenities, you’ll feel like royalty as you travel through this stunning state.
On their Rockies to the Red Rocks route between Denver and Las Vegas, Utah, you’ll behold canyons, deserts, and hoodoos (rock spires) while enjoying unparalleled comfort and service. We’ve put together a guide to ‘The Mighty 5’ so you can easily explore these stunning national parks before or after your journey onboard the Rocky Mountaineer.
The Mighty 5
Utah has five incredible national parks – Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands. Each park has its unique landscape and attractions, making it a must-visit destination for any traveller. And with Rocky Mountaineer’s carefully curated route, you’ll have the opportunity to visit all five parks in one unforgettable journey.
Zion National Park
Located in southern Utah, Zion National Park is a 5-hour drive from Moab and is known for its towering sandstone cliffs and picturesque canyons. As you enter the park, you’ll be greeted by the iconic Zion Canyon Scenic Drive that winds through the heart of the park and offers stunning views of its natural wonders. You can also hike on one of the many trails, including the famous Angels Landing trail, which offers panoramic views of the park.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is a 4.5-hour drive from Moab and is famous for its otherworldly landscape of hoodoos – tall, thin spires of rock that have been carved by erosion. Here lives the largest concentration of these irregular rock columns on the globe. The best way to see the park is by taking a scenic drive along Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive, which offers breathtaking views of the hoodoos and other geological formations. You can also enjoy a day hike to marvel at the red rocks, pink cliffs and endless vistas, and will find a variety of trailheads from the Bryce Canyon Amphitheater area.
Capitol Reef National Park
A 2.5-hour drive from Moab is Capitol Reef National Park – a dream come true for outdoor enthusiasts or anyone who enjoys scenic drives. One of the main draws of Capitol Reef is its unique geological features. The park boasts gorgeous red rock formations, towering cliffs.
The park’s iconic sandstone domes, reminiscent of the United States Capitol building, are just one of the many awe-inspiring natural formations waiting to be discovered as you venture through this breathtaking destination.
The park’s iconic sandstone domes, reminiscent of the United States Capitol building, are just one of the many awe-inspiring natural formations waiting to be discovered as you venture through this breathtaking destination.
For those who prefer a more leisurely way to take in the sights, the Capitol Reef National Park Scenic Drive offers a picturesque route that winds through the valley and passes by the charming Gifford Homestead in Fruita before unveiling a vast expanse of red rock desert.
Arches National Park
Only a 10-minute drive from Moab, Arches National Park has over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, making it a photographer’s dream destination. You can take a guided hike to see some of the most iconic arches, including the famous Delicate Arch, or admire the stunning views from the comfort of your train car. Grab a close-up view without a strenuous hike by stopping at Balanced Rock Viewpoint off the scenic drive, for stunning views of The Windows and the La Sal Mountains in the distance.
If you’re an early bird, start hiking as the sun rises to feast your eyes on the red glow illuminating the surrounding rocks. The park is also considered an International Dark Sky Park, so it’s an ideal spot to go stargazing without obstruction after watching a fiery sunset.
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park, located just a one-hour drive from Moab, is renowned for its vast canyons, carved buttes and majestic mesas. A magical place to explore, the park features unique district areas with names like The Maze and Island in the Sky, the most accessible section. Nestled between the Green and Colorado rivers, this district offers many vistas along the scenic drive and multiple hikes. One of the easier hikes leads to Mesa Arch, an iconic and well-photographed formation over a cliff edge which is an amazing spot to catch the sunrise.
Ready to roll on through Utah?
Book an appointment online with a CAA Travel Consultant to start planning your epic railway journey. CAA Members save $100 per couple on this U.S. route with Rocky Mountaineer, among others. You can also explore Canada’s scenic British Columbia by train, journeying through the towering Rockies. Save $150 per couple on select Canadian itineraries.