Amtrak Denver to Glenwood Springs: Route, Train, and Amenities On-Board

Amtrak provides a direct train from Denver to Glenwood Springs on the California Zephyr train. On average, the journey is about 6 hours long without delays on this route. Passengers can book one-way or round-trip tickets in any of the six available cabins. The prices for a round-trip start from $569, as hotels and activities are included in the itinerary. However, the cost for a one-way ticket ranges between $50 to $600, depending on the cabin booked. 

Route Overview of Denver to Glenwood

The route of Amtrak from Denver to Glenwood Springs uses the California Zephyr train for this journey, which basically runs from Chicago to San Francisco. The train typically departs early in the morning, and passengers can reach their destinations by afternoon.

• Line: Amtrak California Zephyr
• Duration of the journey: 5.5 to 6.5 hours
• Distance: 150 miles (240 km)
• Direction: Westbound through the Rocky Mountains
• Departure Station: Denver Union Station (DEN)
• Arrival Station: Glenwood Springs Station (GSC)

Average Pricing

• Coach: $50 to $120
• Private Cabins: $200 to $600+

NOTE: This train is available every day with the same departure schedule. However, occasionally the timings may change, and passengers must book accordingly.

From Denver to Glenwood Amtrak Train Route

The Amtrak train journey to Glenwood starts from the Denver Station at around 8.45 a.m. and completes somewhere around 2 p.m.

1. Departure: The train departs after passengers complete their check-in and board successfully at the Denver Union Station. The city transitions to urban hills, and the Front Range begins to emerge.

2. Rocky Mountains: The journey starts to move into the Rocky Mountains, passing through the forests, ridges, and small towns. It passes the Big Ten curve, the panoramic railroad curve, and the 6.2-mile tunnel under the Continental Divide (Moffat Tunnel).

3. Fraser and Water Park Area: It stops for some time near the ski country, the winter park that contains open valleys with mountain backdrops. During this time, people can watch the wildlife disembarking the train.

4. Byers and Gore Canyon: The Amtrak train follows the Colorado River through the narrow canyons and cliffs. 

5. Arrival in Glenwood Springs: Post the views, the train arrives in the centre of the town, which is within walking distance to major attractions like the Glenwood Hot Spring Pool and Hanging Lake. Through the train, it appears that the road has limited access.

Glenwood Springs Roundtrip from Denver Package

Amtrak offers a round-trip from Denver to Glenwood Springs and then back to Denver. It is a 4-day itinerary, covering 2 destinations. It includes multiple things in the overall price per person.

• Activities in Glenwood Springs, like bike riding, horseback riding, kayaking, fishing, or rafting, are selected by the passenger.

• 3-night hotel accommodation free of cost with admission to the tram and cave tour.
• Round-trip on Amtark Coach seats from Amtrak Denver to Glenwood Springs by boarding the California Zephyr.
• The cost of this journey starts from $539, and can increase or decrease, depending on travel season and seat availability.

NOTE: Customizations are available to upgrade the ticket class and access other amenities on board for an additional amount.

Amtrak Accommodations and Amenities Onboard

Amtrak California Zephyr is a full-service long-distance train that provides multiple accommodation options and amenities on board compared to other regional trains. 

Amtrak Available Cabins:

Passengers can access six types of cabins on this California-routed train, including regular, private, and accessible ones.

1. Amtrak Coach: The basic regular cabin of 2×2 configured seats with reclining seats, ample legroom,  footrests, fold-down tray tables, individual reading lights, and more.

2. Amtrak Roomette: An affordable option with two convertible seats into lower and upper berths for sleeping, a window, a private restroom, and a shower area.

3. Amtrak Bedroom: This cabin is twice the size of a roomette, featuring a sofa and a chair, convertible to upper and lower berths, containing a big window, bedding, an in-room sink, a washroom, and a shower.

4. Amtrak Bedroom Suite: The ultimate first-class cabin made by joining two bedrooms, having two sofas, and two separate chairs, accommodating four people at once. In addition, it has two big windows, in-room sinks, restrooms, and showers.

5. Amtrak Family Bedrooms: For traveling with family and children, Amtrak offers different compartments in the private cabins. It can have two adults and two children, aged between 2 and 12, and contains four beds, two upper and two lower, and similar facilities to other cabins.

6. Amtrak Accessible Bedroom: The very first cabins on the Amtrak California Zephyr train, with generous space for wheelchairs, two beds (one upper and one lower), an accessible in-room sink, a restroom, and a private shower.

Amenities on the Amtrak Denver to Glenwood Springs Train

Passengers can access multiple amenities after boarding the California Zephyr to travel on Amtrak from Denver to Glenwood Springs. 

1. Amtrak high-speed wifi: As it’s a long-distance train, passengers can have free internet connection, and the speed is also decent for browsing, but it is an unencrypted network. Downloading files and entertainment sources in advance is recommended.

2. Meals and Dining: This train has a dining car available where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served for an additional fee. However, guests in private sleeping rooms can have complimentary meals throughout the journey. It has a seasonal menu, while vegan meals are limited.

3. Charging Outlets: All cabins offer charging outlets on the Amtrak trains with both an adapter and USB ports.

Amtrak Denver to Glenwood Springs Customizations

In the Denver to Glenwood itinerary, Amtrak offers vacation customization for adding to the ticket for an extra fee. It includes:

1. Adding a stop from 500+ Amtrak Stations across 46 states in the United States. 
2. Upgrade to the sleeping class private cabin for a better onboard experience.
3. Add extra nights or a tour in the Glenwood or other destination, extending the itinerary with activities and more.
4. Passengers are allowed to select their accommodations, tours, and dining at popular restaurants. They can even create their own itineraries with Amtrak.

Tips for Traveling on Amtrak from Denver to Glenwood Springs

While taking an Amtrak train from Denver to Glenwood Springs, customers can keep these tips in mind to make their journey comfortable. 

1. Book early: The California Zephyr is a popular train, and window seats in coach can fill up fast, especially on weekends and during summer. 

2. Guest Rewards: Members of Amtrak’s guest rewards can use their points to book tickets and even upgrade their existing reservations.

3. Arrive at Denver Union Station early: The station opens early and has good food options, coffee shops, and a comfortable waiting area. Hence, arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.

4. Bring snacks: The cafe’s food is decent but can be expensive. Packing personal snacks and a reusable water bottle keeps costs down on a six-hour journey.

5. Check for delays: The California Zephyr is a long-distance train that runs across the entire country. Hence, Amtrak delays can happen, but the website and app provide live updates about the timings.

6. Discounts: Passengers can access multiple offers while traveling from Denver to Glenwood Springs, including Amtrak Senior Discounts, group discounts, special offers for military personnel, and more.

Passengers traveling on Amtrak from Denver to Glenwood Springs can book tickets at cheap rates and access several amenities. As it’s a 6-hour day journey, reserving a private cabin is certainly not recommended. Moreover, all basic facilities like wifi, charging ports, reclining seats, overhead space, and more are present in the regular coaches as well.

Frequently Asked Questions