America's National Parks

Arrive into Denver, nicknamed the ‘mile-high city’ due to its 1,610m (exactly one mile) elevation. With plenty of stylish restaurants, cosy pubs and leafy parks plus one heck of a mountain backdrop, Denver’s a vibrant place with plenty to do. Within the city limits, browse the Denver Art Museum for one of the largest collections of Native American art in the world, or venture into the Rocky Mountains for a wide selection of hiking and cycling trails just a stone’s throw from the city. In winter, have a go at skiing in Vail, the most visited ski resort in the USA and just 80 miles away.

Hop on board the California Zephyr for a wonderfully scenic train ride through the Rocky and Sierra Nevada mountains, arriving into Grand Junction late afternoon. Situated at the confluence of the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers (hence the name), Grand Junction is surrounded by elevated red rock formations with flat tops and steep sides, otherwise known as tablelands. While you’re in here, you’ll hop over the border into Utah to explore the arches and Canyonlands national parks, including a drive along the gorgeous Island In the Sky, a plateau with a view.

Back onboard the California Zephyr, you’ll pass through the snow-capped Wasatch Range on your way to Salt Lake City. In the heart of this lively city you’ll find Temple Square, home to the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and dotted with numerous museums, gardens and restaurants. Be sure to visit the fantastic Natural History Museum, found on the campus of the University of Utah, and check out the extravagance of the million dollar mirror in the Grand America Hotel.

Transfer to Yellowstone National Park, designated in 1872 and thought to be the first national park in the world. Here you’ll take a full day tour of the region including the Old Faithful Geyser, which erupts every 35-120 minutes, blasting up to 32,000 litres of boiling water around 50 metres into the air. And don’t forget to look out for wildlife too – Yellowstone’s forests are home to wolves and grizzly bears as well as bison and elk.

Return to Salt Lake City for your final night. If you haven’t already, pay a visit to the stunning façade of the Cathedral of the Madeleine, or venture inside for even more impressive artwork. Perhaps take a look around the Olympic Park, where the world’s eyes were focused during the 2002 Winter Olympics. Alternatively try the This Is The Place Heritage Park at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains, which contains a handful of historical buildings as well as a monument to Utah’s Mormon settlers.