A Close Look at the 2025 Rockies to the Red Rocks Train: Moab to Denver in SilverLeaf Plus

A Close Look at the 2025 Rockies to the Red Rocks Train: Moab to Denver in SilverLeaf Plus

A scenic view from the Rockies to the Red Rocks train.

So, you’re thinking about a really different kind of getaway, one that lets the scenery just come to you. Well, the Rockies to the Red Rocks train route, you know, kind of gives you a front-row seat to some of America’s most stunning landscapes. I mean, I recently had the chance to see it all for myself, specifically on the Moab to Denver direction. Frankly, I decided to go for the SilverLeaf Plus service because, well, I wanted to see if it lived up to its name. Honestly, a lot of folks wonder if that extra cost really gets you anything special. So, that’s what I’m here to talk about, basically my honest take on the whole experience from start to finish. Anyway, we will look at everything, you know, from the food to the onboard service, and the kinds of views you actually see out the window, so you can decide if it’s right for you in 2025.

The SilverLeaf Plus Difference: What It’s Really Like

The interior of the SilverLeaf Plus lounge car.

Alright, let’s get into what really separates SilverLeaf Plus from the standard SilverLeaf offering. Well, the main attraction is, of course, that separate lounge car. I mean, this area is just for the ‘Plus’ ticket holders, and frankly, it feels a bit like a private club on wheels. It has its own dedicated bartender who, seriously, makes some pretty delicious signature cocktails and mocktails all day long. Actually, just having that extra space to walk to, to stand and chat with other people, really changes the whole feel of the day. You’re not just confined to your seat, which, by the way, is still a very comfortable and roomy place to be with massive custom-designed glass-dome windows. Obviously, the standard SilverLeaf has those amazing windows too.

In addition, the lounge car just opens up a bit more of a social setting. To be honest, I found myself spending a good amount of time there, looking at the sights from a different angle and swapping stories with fellow passengers. This car also has a small outdoor viewing platform at the back. Now, it’s pretty small, sort of a two-person-at-a-time situation, but it’s an absolutely great spot to snap a few photos without any window glare. Seriously, feeling the wind as the train snakes through a canyon is a feeling you just can’t get from behind the glass. The food situation is also a little different. For instance, the snacks seemed just a little more premium, and the access to unlimited top-shelf spirits and local beers was, of course, a very nice touch.

Day One: From Moab’s Canyons to Glenwood Springs

A train moving through Ruby Canyon alongside the Colorado River.

Okay, so the trip kicks off from the middle of nowhere, pretty much, a station just outside Moab. Honestly, the stark beauty of the red rock desert hits you right away. The first part of the day is a slow roll alongside the Colorado River. I mean, the train moves at a pace that is very leisurely, maybe 30 miles per hour, so you really get to soak everything in. You’re almost immediately plunged into this world of towering red cliffs and surreal rock formations. The onboard hosts, you know, are great; they point out landmarks and tell you stories about the area’s history, like the tales of the Ute people or the old outlaws who used to hide out in these very canyons.

A really big highlight of the first day is, without a doubt, going through Ruby Canyon. Seriously, this stretch of about 25 miles is completely inaccessible by road, so the only way to see it is by train or by rafting down the river. The canyon walls, you know, just glow in these deep shades of red and orange, and you can sometimes spot bald eagles circling overhead. It’s almost hard to do anything else but stare out the window. Lunch is served at your seat, and honestly, the food was much better than I expected for train food. We had a really nice salmon dish, and it was plated beautifully. You know, you’re eating this lovely meal while a scene that looks like a painting just slides by your window. It’s pretty magical, to be honest.

An Evening Respite in Glenwood Springs

An evening view of Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

At the end of the day, you know, the train pulls into the historic town of Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Your ticket basically includes an overnight stay at a local hotel, and your luggage is conveniently waiting for you in your room when you arrive. I mean, the logistics of it are handled so smoothly, you literally just grab your small day bag and walk off the train. There are a few different partner hotels, and I was put up in a very comfortable one right in the center of town. After a full day of sitting and looking, it was actually nice to stretch my legs and explore a bit.

“The stop in Glenwood Springs isn’t just a layover; it’s a really charming part of the whole experience. It’s like you get two trips in one, really.”

Frankly, Glenwood Springs is famous for its massive hot springs pool, and a lot of passengers headed straight there for a soak. On the other hand, I opted for a walk across the pedestrian bridge over the Colorado River to find some dinner. The town has a very friendly, old-west vibe to it, and there are plenty of great restaurants and little shops to check out. I mean, it’s a great way to break up the train time and get a little taste of local Colorado life. Basically, you are free to do whatever you want for the evening before re-boarding the train the next morning.

Day Two: Conquering the Rockies to Denver

A train climbing through the green Rocky Mountains in Colorado.

Alright, so the second day is where things get, arguably, even more dramatic from a scenic point of view. You leave the red rocks behind and start climbing, and I mean really climbing, into the heart of the Rocky Mountains. The train follows the Colorado River again for a while, carving its way through beautiful Glenwood Canyon. But then, it begins the big ascent towards the Continental Divide. Seriously, the engineering of the railway line itself is incredible, with all these twists and tunnels needed to gain elevation. The landscape just totally transforms, you know, from arid canyonlands to lush green valleys and forests of aspen and pine.

Of course, the most talked-about part of this day is the Moffat Tunnel. I mean, it’s this six-mile-long tunnel that burrows right under the continental divide. The train goes into the tunnel on the western side, and when it pops out on the eastern side, it feels like a completely different world. The hosts make a big deal of it, and frankly, it is a pretty cool moment. After the tunnel, you start the long, slow descent down the Front Range towards Denver. This part of the trip offers these huge, sweeping views of the plains stretching out to the east. As a matter of fact, it’s a stunning contrast to everything that came before. You see the skyline of Denver appear in the distance, and then, before you know it, you’re pulling into the city’s Union Station, and the trip is more or less over.

So, Is the SilverLeaf Plus Ticket a Good Value?

A couple enjoying the view from a scenic train window.

Okay, at the end of the day, we have to talk about the price. Honestly, this is not a budget trip by any stretch. The real question is whether the SilverLeaf Plus upgrade gives you good value for the extra money. In my opinion, it really does, but for a specific type of traveler. If you are someone who really values having space to move around, loves a good cocktail, and enjoys chatting with fellow travelers in a comfortable lounge, then the Plus level is absolutely the way to go. That separate lounge car just makes the whole experience feel more spacious and luxurious.

If you’re more of a quiet person who is perfectly happy to just sit in your seat and watch the world go by, then you know, the standard SilverLeaf might be completely fine for you. The views are basically identical, and the food in the standard service is still very good. However, for me, the little things that came with Plus—the premium drinks, the easy access to that small outdoor platform, and most importantly, the social hub of the lounge car—made the whole trip feel like a really special event. It’s almost like flying business class instead of economy; you get to the same place, but the experience itself is just that little bit more comfortable and memorable. So, I would definitely say it’s worth considering if your budget allows for it.

Read our full review: [Rockies to the Red Rocks SilverLeaf Plus Full Review and Details]
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now ([Rockies to the Red Rocks Train])