Train Trip from Denver to Grand Junction
 

I have a business trip to Colorado Springs (staying at the Broadmoor) in late July. This is a convention, so we will stay there, but any tips and tricks about getting best rooms or restaurant opinions either at the hotel or nearby are appreciated.

I am interested in tagging on a train trip across the Rockies for 2-3 days either before or after. I used to live in Denver, so have seen much of the state; but my husband has only been to Denver and has never been in the Rockies. I'd love to hear from anyone who has taken this trip. We don't necessarily have to go as far as Grand Junction if there's really not much there; but we would like to go out with a stop or two, spend one or two nights somewhere and return to Denver. Suggestions? Thanks.

I'd take the train to Glenwood Springs, spend a day or two there, then take the train back to Denver. You'll see a spectacular part of the Rockies and Glenwood is a great little town to visit in its own right. If it were me, I'd rent a car in Glenwood and see some of the surrounding area also but you could easily enjoy just Glenwood on foot.

I took the California Zephyr from Chicago to San Francisco a few years back, and the ride from Denver to Glenwood Springs was undoubtedly one of the highlights of that journey; simply gorgeous. Get a seat early in the lounge car, so you can listen to the Parks Services volunteers tell about the geology and history of the land you're passing through, which can be quite fascinating.

Be sure to check out Amtrak's website to learn if the train is delayed coming into Denver to keep your waiting to a minimum.

I would also suggest you go to Glenwood Springs for a few nights, and back. You can take a shuttle, I think, to Aspen from Glenwood Springs, also. There would be plenty to do in that area for three days/nights. No need to go all the way to Grand Junction, IMHO.

Go to Glenwood and rent a couple of bikes and ride the Canyon. Except for the very west end of Canyon the bike trail along the river is flat with a couple areas -- Hanging Lake is one -- when you can divert and do a little hiking. Seeing the canyon from edge of the Colorado river is a terrific experience.

I'm going to agree with everyone suggesting Glenwood Springs. Grand Junction will be HOT at that time of year with little to see & do (mountain-wise) in the area unless you have a car.

Although Glenwood Springs will have its own share of warm temperatures in July, it can be mitigated by lounging at the hot springs pools in the evenings and activities in the canyon during the day. There should still be kayaking and rafting of the Colorado River available.

Not sure of "shuttles" to Aspen, but the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority" has buses that run the entire valley from Aspen to Glenwood and beyond (http://www.rfta.com/valley.html). You & your husband could use it to get up to Aspen AND BACK for a grand total of $24.

Many thanks to all, this is why I love this forum. Such good objective info, and the tips are so helpful. We have booked the train to Glenwood Springs. Questions to you experts..suggestions for hotels or restaurants in Glenwood Springs? Thanks a lot!

I'm glad you took our advice. I don't think you'll regret it. Unfortunately, it's been years since I've been there so I'll leave suggestions for food and lodging to people with more current knowledge.

I'd rent a car so I could stop and enjoy some views, have a picnic, be able to sightsee around Glenwood Springs and Aspen. It's only a 3 hour drive at most.

There are two old, stately hotels and a little worn on the edges. Right across from the station is The Denver. On the other side of the river is The Colorado. Those are conveniently located hotels which would permit walking to most things. Now, it has been five year since we last used The Denver so I assume both are still there and functioning. There are dozens of other hotels and motels strung out along the frontage road. With no transportation those hotels/motels would be inconvenient.

Taxicabs are not ubiquitous in Glenwood Springs, so arriving there with any more than two small rolling pieces of luggage per person will put you at a disadvantage. The Hotel Denver (http://www.thehoteldenver.com/) is right across 7th St. from the train station and is the most accessible from the station. I’ve never stayed there…. But heard it’s nice.

North…. on the other side of the train tracks and the Colorado River are two other lodging facilities within walking distance (~ 4 blocks) of the station for someone dragging luggage behind them:

The Hotel Colorado (http://hotelcolorado.com/) is about as historic a place to stay as any you will find in Colorado. President Teddy Roosevelt stayed there several times. I have stayed there once. The lobby is elegant; the staff friendly and helpful; and the standard room we stayed in was smallish, yet quaint.

The Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge (http://www.hotspringspool.com/x.php?p=Accommodations) is right next to the Hotel Colorado. The Hot Springs Lodge is much more standard accommodation than the Hotel Colorado. Access to the hot springs is included with any stay at the Lodge.

Both the Hotel Colorado and the Hot Springs Lodge are located right across the street from the Glenwood Hot Springs (http://www.hotspringspool.com/).

To get from the train station to either of these establishments on foot, exit the train station’s main entrance and turn right. You’ll now be walking west down 7th Street. The elevated roadway about a block and a half in front of you is Grand Avenue (Colorado Hwy 82), and 7th Street will pass under it. Don’t go that far though. Just before reaching that underpass there is a pedestrian footbridge on the right. Get on that footbridge and take it over the train tracks, the Colorado River, and I-70. Getting off the footbridge on the other side, the Hotel Colorado will be about a half block ahead, right in front of you across 6th Street, and the Hot Springs Lodge will be next to it down 6th Street to the right. All in all, about 4 blocks from the train station.

Say again. Why not drive?

Because they want to take a train. And it is a beautiful ride.