As part of your Rockies to the Red Rocks rail journey, you’ll have the opportunity to experience one-of-a-kind sights, activities, tours, and more throughout the iconic American Southwest. Whether you’re seeking thrilling outdoor adventures in canyon country or more leisurely excursions, there are plenty of unique and memorable activities to suit every traveler.
From the expansive deserts and canyons of Moab, Utah to the bustling urban hub of Denver, Colorado, these are our top recommendations and must-visits to explore in each of our American destinations.
Looking out over the La Sal Mountains viewpoint at Arches National Park.
Moab, Utah
Tour the famous Arches National Park
One of Utah’s most famous National Parks is located just a ten-minute drive outside of town, making it a must-visit stop for visitors to the region. Take in over 2,000 natural stone archways – including the famous Delicate Arch – towering hoodoos, giant balanced rocks, breathtaking canyon views, and otherworldly desert landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see.
To see and learn about the highlights of the park, we recommend taking our exclusive Arches National Park Scenic Drive tour with our trusted partners at the Moab Adventure Center.
Follow the Park Avenue trail, a one-mile path down into the canyon and one of the first major attractions in Arches National Park.
Hike and bike the sandstone surrounds
When it comes to hiking and mountain biking in Moab, the options are nearly endless. Surrounded by a state park, two national parks – Arches and Canyonlands – and public trails, you can take a short stroll through the sagebrush or a more epic trek to the famous Delicate Arch.
Widely considered a mountain biking mecca, Moab boasts a network of trails including the popular Slickrock Loop at the Sand Flats Recreation Area, about a 10-minute drive outside of town. Take a stroll around Moab’s main streets to find plenty of outdoor stores offering gear, as well as rental shops offering mountain bikes, dirt bikes, ATVs, and more.
If you are hiking in Arches National Park or Canyonlands National Park, be sure to visit their respective visitors centers for more information.
Take on three hours of fun and excitement on one of Moab's most iconic and technical trails.
Climb sandstone hills on a Hummer® Sunset Safari
For a thrilling off-road adventure, we recommend taking on the Hummer® Safari tour. Scale Moab’s famous red rock fins on your way to an area known as “Hell’s Revenge”. Not for the faint of heart, this three-hour tour weaves in and out of rock canyons and up steep sandstone hills, all while learning about the geology and history of the region.
Fly high above the drastic landscapes of Canyonlands National Park and take in the scenery from an all-new angle.
See the Southwest from above on a flightseeing tour
Get a whole new perspective of the American Southwest by air and capture an unforgettable perspective of sights that define the region.
Our partners at Redtail Air offer several opportunities to visit famous National Parks – including Canyonlands, Arches, and Arizona’s nearby Monument Valley. Look down on famous cliffs, geological marvels, or even take it in from a sunset tour, when the sights below will be bathed in a beautiful golden glow.
Sit under the lights of Larimer Square by dusk.
Denver, Colorado
Explore the Lower Downtown Historic District
Known by locals as LoDo, this downtown district is where gold-rush history and modern urban appeal collide. Vibrant nightlife, trendy restaurants, art galleries, and craft breweries occupy beautifully maintained heritage buildings that date back to the late 19th and 20th centuries.
Visit the beloved Union Station in the heart of LoDo for a trip down memory lane – sip a drink at one of the upscale restaurants or bars located inside the station or stay the night at the Crawford Hotel.
Photo by Alex Mertz on Unsplash
Catch a show at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Just a half-hour drive west from downtown Denver, at the base of the Rocky Mountains, lies this iconic and historical landmark – an open-air amphitheater hosting some of the most famous musicians in the world. Flanked by two rust-colored sandstone monoliths that stretch hundreds of feet up into the sky on either side of the stage, this unique venue truly makes it feel as though you have stepped onto another planet.
Since opening to the public in 1941, the Red Rocks Amphitheater has hosted everyone from John Denver to U2. Keep an eye on their website to see what concerts and shows are coming up.
Take on the desert in your own way with the ultimate combination of overlanding and camping.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Experience off-road vehicle camping from Las Vegas to Moab
Enhance your journey through the Southwest with a trip to Sin City – via an overland camping expedition! Discover the ultimate fusion of overlanding (off-road vehicle exploration) and camping as you journey from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, and finally to Moab.
This trip is completely customizable to your preferences and budget, and you’ll have the freedom to traverse stunning trail networks, discover natural marvels, and find breathtaking spots to unwind under the stars as you make your way to Moab. Once in Moab, you can embark on your Rockies to the Red Rocks rail journey towards Denver for the ultimate experience.
Looking for more things to do in the American Southwest?
With our curated recommendations, you can look forward to a Rockies to the Red Rocks rail journey that is not only memorable, but tailored to the activities you love to do. Explore more of our carefully-curated add-on activities and customize your journey to create the ultimate experience in the American Southwest.
