The Ultimate Girls’ Weekend: Ride the Train from Provo to Glenwood Springs

Sometimes the best getaways are the simplest ones.

No long road trip. No airport security. No worrying about who’s driving home after a full day of adventures.

Just hop on the train in Provo, Utah, sit back with your girlfriends, watch the mountains roll by, and arrive in one of Colorado’s most charming mountain towns.

If you’re looking for an easy weekend escape that’s packed with adventure, great food, shopping, and beautiful scenery, this one-night Glenwood Springs itinerary is one we’ve already decided we’ll be doing again.

Why We Loved Taking the Train

One of our favorite parts of this trip was honestly getting there.

The Amtrak California Zephyr winds through some of the most beautiful scenery in Utah and Colorado. Instead of staring at traffic, you’re watching rivers, red rock canyons, mountain passes, and tiny towns pass by from your window.

Train Schedule (From Provo)

Departure: 4:18 AM

Arrival in Glenwood Springs: 11:36 AM

Yes…it’s an early morning. But once you’re on the train, you can nap, relax, and enjoy the ride.

Bring:

• A blanket
• Snacks – grab our fun SNACKLEBOX here
• A good book
• Cards or games – grab our game COVER YOUR ASSETS here
• Your favorite drink
• Headphones for a movie

The internet is not strong so make sure to bring fun things to do while you enjoy the senic car!

Getting Around

You truly don’t need a car.

Download the RideRF app and use the local shuttle system.

It was only about $1 per person, making it one of the easiest and cheapest ways to get around town.

Where We Stayed

Maxwell Anderson Hotel

If you’re looking for the perfect location, we absolutely loved staying at the Hotel Maxwell Anderson.

Everything we wanted to do was within walking distance.

The rooms were modern, comfortable, and beautifully designed, making it the perfect home base for a girls’ getaway.

Since our train arrived before check-in, we simply dropped our luggage at the front desk and headed out to explore.

Day One Itinerary

11:36 AM — Arrive in Glenwood Springs

Drop your luggage off at the hotel and immediately start exploring. If your hotel can not take the luggage, the Amtrak station will store for you for a $20 fee.

Lunch at Slope & Hatch

This colorful little taco shop is such a fun place to kick off the weekend.

Known for creative tacos, yummy hotdogs, and laid-back mountain vibes, it’s an easy favorite.

Our recommendation:

• Street tacos
• Chips and queso
• Fresh guacamole

The atmosphere is casual and perfect after a morning on the train.

Bike Ride to Hanging Lake

This ended up being one of our favorite parts of the trip.

Instead of hiking the entire route, we rented e-bikes through Hanging Lake Adventure Co.

Cost: Around $60 per person

The ride follows the beautiful Glenwood Canyon Recreation Trail alongside the Colorado River. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking.

Even if you aren’t an experienced cyclist, the e-bikes make the ride incredibly enjoyable.

Tip: Reserve bikes ahead of time during the summer.

Dinner at Ming’s

After a full afternoon outside, Ming’s was exactly what we wanted.

Fresh Asian cuisine, generous portions, and a cozy atmosphere made it the perfect place to unwind and catch up after the day’s adventures.

Evening Shopping & Ice Cream

One thing we loved about Glenwood Springs is how walkable downtown is.

Spend the evening wandering through local boutiques, gift shops, and bookstores before finishing the night with ice cream from Sundae.

It’s the perfect way to slow down and enjoy the mountain town atmosphere.

Day Two

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

If you’ve never visited, this place is unlike any amusement park we’ve been to.

Instead of sitting in a valley, the park sits on top of a mountain overlooking Glenwood Springs.

You’ll ride the gondola to the top before spending the morning exploring.

Admission: Approximately $50

Some favorite attractions include:

• Alpine Coaster
• Giant Canyon Swing
• Mountain roller coaster
• Cave tours
• Incredible panoramic views

Even if you’re not a thrill-seeker, the scenery alone is worth the trip.

Optional: Doc Holliday Trail

If you’d rather spend some time outdoors before heading home, the Doc Holliday Trail is a short hike with beautiful views overlooking town.

It’s easy enough to fit into your schedule without feeling rushed.

Lunch at Annie’s Bakery

Before heading back to the train station, stop at Annie’s Bakery for sandwiches.

Everything is fresh, homemade, and easy to take with you for the train ride home if you’re short on time.

Don’t leave without grabbing one of their pastries. Trust us.

Catch the Train Home

Plan to arrive at the station by 2:00 PM.

Once again, sit back, relax, and enjoy one last scenic ride through the Rockies before arriving home.

Activity	Approximate Cost
Train Ticket	Varies
Maxwell Anderson Hotel	Varies
RideRF Transportation	$1
Lunch	$15–20
Hanging Lake Adventure Bike Rental	$60
Dinner	$20–30
Ice Cream	$5–8
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park	$50
Annie’s Bakery Lunch	$10–15

Tips Before You Go

• Book your train tickets early, especially during summer.
• Reserve your bike rental in advance.
• Pack comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a light jacket—even in the summer, mountain evenings can cool down quickly.
• Download the RideRF app before arriving.
• Pack a portable charger for a full day of photos and videos.

Is This Weekend Worth It?

Absolutely.

This trip had everything we love in a girls’ getaway:

?? No driving required

?? Incredible scenery

?? Amazing food

?? Outdoor adventure

?? Shopping

?? Lots of laughter

Sometimes you don’t need an elaborate vacation to make unforgettable memories. A scenic train ride, a charming mountain town, and your favorite girlfriends are more than enough.

If you’re looking for an easy weekend escape from Utah, we’d put this Glenwood Springs itinerary at the top of the list.

Happy travels! ??