Epicurean excellence, friendly, attentive staff and spectacular views, served with elegant ambiance — the perfect recipe  for a memorable train trip!

by Leslie Doran and Kathryn Retzler
Photos © Kathryn Retzler

Copyright San Juan Publishing, Inc.

Cañon City, Colorado

THIS IS RAIL TRAVEL as it used to be, reminiscent of the railroad industry’s glory days when first class dining and superb service ruled. In the elegantly appointed dining cars of yesteryear, travelers expected fine wines and gourmet dishes served on white linens topped with silver, crystal and china. It’s a style of service that has almost disappeared.

Almost. But, not quite. One bastion of elegance remains — the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, where the level of dining service rivals that of a bygone era. The fully-equipped on-board kitchen facilities and full bar service are manned by epicurean professionals. Dining ambiance and personal service are unparalleled.

Three dining cars, the General Palmer, the Roosevelt and the Zebulon Pike, are finished with warm oak wood paneling, stamped brass ceilings, red velvet valances and crisp white linens. Brass and crystal sconces give a soft glow, accentuated by candlelight and glass-shaded lamps at each table. Ceiling fans of brass metal tile whirr silently, moving the air with ease. Fresh flowers (furnished daily from the nearby prison greenhouse) adorn every setting making each diner feel like a special guest and adding romantic ambiance. Friendly and attentive guest service staff are attired in black trousers, white shirts, black bow ties and long black aprons.

To experience the height of luxury, “do lunch” in a dome car. These historic dome-topped, glass-walled observation cars were built in the early 1950s and allow guests an in-your-face view of the spectacular scenery while enjoying a leisurely, gourmet lunch. There are three dome and three dining (refurbished  parlor) cars in service. The scenic lunch trip takes two hours and the leisurely dinner trip takes three. Both trains stop at the Hanging Bridge. (Related story.)

Your epicurean adventure begins at the historic brick Santa Fe Depot in Cañon City. Depending on the season, trains depart three times daily: 
   9:30 a.m. (breakfast served for First Class and Vista Dome Service); 
    12:30 p.m. (lunch served in the dome and dining Cars); 
    6 p.m. or 7 p.m. depending on the season (fine dining service, dome and dining cars).

Concession and Cash Bar service are also available for those not wishing to purchase lunch or dinner tickets. Days of operation vary according to the season, so check the schedule.

After being shown to your seat, prepare to be pampered with delicious food and beverages. Full bar service,  including fine wines from the Holy Cross Abbey Winery, is also available. Executive Chef Jeff McGlothin is responsible for the delightful meals served on this incomparable rolling restaurant. Lunch offers a three-course meal, with a variety of menu choices available. Casual dress is appropriate during the day. The gourmet dinner consists of four delicious courses including appetizer, salad, choice of salmon, vegetarian or prime rib entrée and dessert. (Special requests are honored if you call ahead.) More formal attire is suggested for dinner. The spectacular ride through the Royal Gorge alongside the Arkansas River makes each meal even more memorable. Evening rides are romanticized with the train’s  lights sparkling on the river.

Another treat is the Murder Mystery Train which runs on select evenings. Entertainment provided by Red Herring Productions of Colorado Springs entices  participants to help find out “who dunnit.” 

Maximum passenger capacity is 730 for a full train, so reserve early. Be sure to leave room for dessert!

Info., reservations: 888-724-5748
www.canoncitycolorado.com
 

Royal Gorge Route Gourmet Lunch & Dinner Trains depart from the Santa Fe Depot, 401 Water St., Cañon City. 888-RAILS4U. www.royalgorgereservations.com. Gourmet dining aboard the train as it travels through the spectacular Royal Gorge. Reservations required.