Experience the majesty of America’s spectacular Western parks, carved over the eons into masterpieces of nature, from the soaring stone bridges of Arches to the mesmerizing spires of Canyonlands and from Monument Valley’s iconic vistas to the timeless grandeur of the Grand Canyon. Aboard the legendary Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad, take in an extraordinary landscape of towering mountains, deep canyons, the Continental Divide and along the Colorado River, the same route once showcased by the original California Zephyr. 

As a special treat, marvel at the beauty of Dead Horse State Park, a rarely visited beauty just as stunning as the National Parks, and in the Grand Canyon, relish a panoramic ride aboard the historic Grand Canyon Railway. Along the journey, magical touches abound, including an expert Navajo guide in Monument Valley, two nights in entrancing Moab, a farewell dinner at Lawry’s the Prime Rib in Las Vegas and, of course, all hotels, transportation and sightseeing included along with your dedicated Uncommon Journeys professional tour manager.

Our new Glories of the West holiday offers up great vistas of some of the most extraordinary scenery in North America, on a leisurely paced and well-designed Western holiday. Begin in Denver with two nights in the ‘Mile High City’ which allows not only time to see the historic downtown center but a beautiful full day excursion that takes the storied Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the top of Pikes Peak, a short but fun ride aboard the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad and last but not least a driving trip with an expert narrator through the epic Garden of the Gods.

Next we board the California Zephyr for a spellbinding day trip through the Rockies over the former Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad, the ”Main Line through the Rockies” to Utah, a visual feast of the highest order. Then we move on to two nights at lovely Colter Bay in Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park and then for a long time favorite of ours, the gorgeous Gates of the Mountain cruise on the Missouri River near Helena, made famous by Lewis & Clark on their great expedition west. After two nights in Helena, a scenic drive west to Coeur d’Alene Idaho and historic Spokane. Better still, as an early booking bonus, guests may continue to the grand spectacle of Alaska including Glacier Bay aboard Holland America Line for as little more as $199pp.

Our ‘Springtime in Yellowstone & Grand Teton’ is the first of our new Uncommon Journeys Select departures featuring deluxe small-group touring with never more than 14 guests on a luxury Mercedes Sprinter with personalized attention, roomy 2-1 seating, upgraded complimentary snacks (including See’s candy) and best of all, the ability to see places and things not possible with a big bus.

We begin with a stay in one of America’s grandest hotels in Spokane and then enjoy Yellowstone and Grand Teton at the perfect time of the year, before crowds and hot weather. With comprehensive sightseeing included everywhere, well-chosen hotels, most meals and a professional travel manager, this is a supremely comfortable way to travel. We look forward to welcoming you aboard.

This is a showcase trip that is literally and metaphorically a peak experience, combining in one holiday great train travel with extraordinary sights including Pikes Peak, the Royal Gorge, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railway and three nights in glorious Santa Fe. Limited to 24 guests, we begin with vintage train from Chicago to Denver with classic Pullman sleeping cars, fine dining in a swank diner-lounge car and attentive service. Naturally all meals, wines & spirits aboard are included.

We then enjoy fine hotels along with rides on the famed Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the top of Pikes Peak, the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad, and plenty of free time to enjoy lovely Colorado Springs. Heading south we travel on the storied Royal Gorge Railroad through the Royal Gorge before the high point of the trip, a steam train trip over the extraordinary Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, the longest, highest and most authentic steam railroad in the country. We traverse the entire line on this full day magical excursion. Saving the best for last, we then have three nights in glorious Santa Fe with great dining and sightseeing.  You may want to book now as this trip will sell out quickly.