Slow Travel Hits Different: This Luxury Train Ride Was Peak Family Magic

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Late Checkout is TQE’s travel vertical. Whether you’re seeking an Eat Pray Love moment of your own, or a wholesome family sojourn, we hope you embark on an adventure requisite of a late checkout below.

Envision a slow-paced luxury ride through the Rockies, sipping on wine crafted from the very vineyards you're gazing at through the train’s nearly all-glass dome roof. Welcome aboard the Rocky Mountaineer—an indulgent escape where the journey itself becomes the destination.

After two full, high-energy days in Denver, my family of four including two kids, ages 7 and 9 — climbed aboard the Rocky Mountaineer at Denver’s historic train station. The Rocky Mountaineer currently has 5 rail routes and we chose the Rockies to the Red Rocks with Moab as our final stop. Over the next two days, we were transported not just across miles of jaw-dropping terrain, but into a slower, more intentional rhythm of travel. What followed was a core memory in the making.

Aboard the Most Luxurious Train in the World—With Kids?

I’ll admit, I was slightly apprehensive. The Rocky Mountaineer has recently been named one of the most luxurious trains in the world, and while my children are enthusiastic adventurers, they’re also prone to asking for screen time at every turn. Would they get antsy? Would we regret limiting the iPads?

The answer? A resounding no.

They were too busy pretending to be National Geographic photographers, giggling over their Camp Snap cameras, and calling out every deer, eagle, coyote, and pronghorn they could spot (yes, the pronghorn, nature’s unlikely cousin to the giraffe). At one point, my son leaned over the outdoor viewing platform and said, “This is way cooler than I thought it would be.” High praise from a fourth grader and all the validation I needed.

My children received their own conductor hats and officially dubbed a Junior Conductor. It was a small gesture that made a huge impression. My kids wore theirs proudly for the rest of the trip, practically sleeping in them. As a keepsake, they were also gifted a real stake from the tracks, heavy, weathered, and now sitting proudly on their bookshelf at home like a tiny piece of railroad history.

Slow Travel, First-Class Service

From the moment we stepped onboard, the hospitality was impeccable. A welcome drink was placed in our hands (champagne for the grownups, sparkling juice for the kids), and within an hour, our first gourmet meal arrived: warm scones, veggie frittatas, layered parfaits, and waffles. Lunch included lemon herb roasted chicken and honey-glazed Colorado trout. We ordered both, naturally, and devoured every bite. Snacks and drinks were offered throughout the day.

There are two tiers on the Rocky Mountaineer: GoldLeaf and SilverLeaf. With kids in tow, we opted for Silver and it exceeded our expectations. Meals were served at our seats, and the panoramic windows left nothing to be desired. GoldLeaf includes a separate dining car and a two-level coach with a larger open-air platform, something we’ll definitely consider for a future adults-only trip.

No Screens, All the Scenery: Immersive Fun for Kids and Grownups

This isn’t a train for toddlers (there’s no onboard childcare and very little space for tantrums), but it’s perfect for ages 7 and up. The guides went out of their way to engage the kids, even inviting them to participate in a staged “train robbery” scene, which had everyone laughing while they ran up the aisle on a pretend horse. There’s freedom to roam between your seat, the bar cart, and the lounge car with plenty of downtime to play games or stretch your legs. 

Heads up: there’s zero Wi-Fi onboard, and since much of the route winds through remote wilderness, cell service is basically nonexistent. It’s a total digital detox and exactly what we needed to unplug from work and fully plug into family time and impeccable views. Honestly, 10/10 would recommend.

A Night in Glenwood Springs

After a full day winding through alpine passes and river canyons, the train pulled into Glenwood Springs. We stayed at the historic Hotel Colorado, right near the famous Glenwood Hot Springs. 

We spent the evening wandering downtown, soaking in the small-town vibes with its quirky shops and cozy cafés. The kids happily devoured locally made ice cream while running around the town square.

For dinner, we picked up some takeout sushi and had a laid-back picnic on the hotel lawn under the stars. It was the perfect easy-going stop to relax and recharge before the next day’s adventure.

Onward Into the Desert

The following morning, we reboarded the train to a ceremonial horn and a warm welcome from the crew with a hot chocolate and coffee bar waiting outside. Breakfast was, once again, restaurant-quality, and the scenery transformed dramatically as we left the Rockies behind and entered the red rock canyons of Utah. Five hours flew by in a blur of beauty.

The journey ended in Moab, where a Rocky Mountaineer crew personally handed us off to our rental car provider. Luggage? Already there. Stress? Completely absent. We hit the road and made our way to Arches National Park, with memories of the train still fresh and a little sparkle in our step.

The Verdict

The Rocky Mountaineer is more than a train ride. It’s a moving luxury lodge on rails, where every detail is handled, every meal curated, and every view worthy of a postcard. For families looking to slow down without sacrificing style, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip that somehow feels entirely repeatable.

It’s the perfect balance of adventure and comfort, offering a rare chance to unplug and reconnect with loved ones while soaking in some of North America’s most breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to train journeys, this experience will leave you with memories (and photos) to cherish for years.