Experience one of the most celebrated rail routes in America. Departing from Emeryville on the shores of San Francisco Bay, this private railcar Expedition climbs through the dramatic Sierra Nevada, passing over Donner Pass where Gold Rush pioneers once sought riches, before descending into the high desert of Nevada. Overnight travel in spacious bedrooms carries you across the salt flats of Utah and into Colorado, where the train winds along the Colorado River through the breathtaking Glenwood Canyon. The final stretch rises through the Rockies, crossing the Continental Divide at the Moffat Tunnel before gliding down into Denver. With two days of ever-changing scenery, a completely custom dining experience, and plush sleeping accommodations, this journey is as memorable as any destination.
Sea to Summit
A two-day journey through the Sierra Nevada, Great Basin, and Rocky Mountains from the San Francisco Bay Area to the Mile High City.
Discover the journey
Sea to Summit
Departs from Emeryville, CA (EMY) and arrives in Denver, CO (DEN)
Enjoy approximately 36 hours onboard
Itinerary
- Emeryville, CADay 1 | Board in Emeryville
Your journey begins at Emeryville station, just across the Bay from San Francisco. Board the train, settle into your private railcar, and watch the East Bay shoreline give way to the Central Valley as the train heads northeast.
- Sacramento, CADay 1 | The California Capital
The train pauses in California's capital city before turning northeast toward the Sierra Nevada foothills. Take in views of the Sacramento River delta and enjoy a leisurely lunch in the dining car as the landscape begins its climb toward the mountains.
Lunch
- Donner PassDay 1 | Sierra Nevada Summit
The train crests the Sierra Nevada near Donner Pass, threading through snow sheds and tunnels that pierce the granite ridgeline at over 7,000 feet. Catch sweeping views of Lake Tahoe's crystalline blue water visible to the south and pine-blanketed slopes plunging into the Truckee River canyon below.
- Reno, NVDay 1 | The Biggest Little City
Descending the eastern slope of the Sierra, the train arrives in Reno, Nevada. The Truckee River runs through the heart of the city, and the surrounding basin opens onto the vast high-desert expanse of the Great Basin—one of the most remote and visually striking stretches of the entire route.
- Elko, NVDay 1 | Nevada High Desert
As the sun dips behind the Ruby Mountains to the south, the train rolls into Elko—a genuine ranching and mining town in the heart of the Great Basin. Dinner is served in the dining car while the vast Nevada sky turns shades of crimson and violet outside your window. After dinner, settle into your sleeper as you press east into the night.
Dinner
- Salt Lake City, UTDay 1 | Gateway to the Wasatch
Late in the evening, the train skirts the southern edge of the Great Salt Lake—its shimmering white salt flats visible even under moonlight—before pulling into Salt Lake City. Most guests are already settled into their sleeping accommodations as the train continues east into the Wasatch Range overnight.
Sleep Onboard
- Green RiverDay 2 | Canyon Country at Dawn
The train crosses into the canyon country of eastern Utah in the early morning hours, threading along the Green River as the first pale light touches the sandstone mesas. Wake to vast red-rock scenery as you enter the Colorado Plateau—a landscape unlike anything on the western leg of the journey.
- Grand Junction, CODay 2 | Colorado River Country
Good morning, Colorado. Grand Junction sits at the confluence of the Colorado and Gunnison rivers, flanked by the Book Cliffs to the north and the Colorado National Monument's red-rock towers to the south. Breakfast is served as you follow the Colorado River east into an increasingly dramatic canyon landscape.
Breakfast
- Glenwood Canyon, CODay 2 | The Colorado River Gorge
Widely considered the most spectacular segments, Glenwood Canyon is a 12-mile slot carved by the Colorado River through 1,800-foot Precambrian granite walls. The train hugs the canyon floor, crossing the river multiple times on tight curves. Enjoy view of waterfalls, kayakers, and towering cliffs from your private oasis.
- Granby, CODay 2 | Rocky Mountain High Country
The train climbs into the broad valley at the headwaters of the Colorado River, surrounded by the peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park to the east and the Arapaho National Forest to the west. Lunch is served as you wind through mountain meadows at nearly 8,000 feet, the alpine scenery at its most vivid in summer wildflower season.
Lunch
- Moffat TunnelDay 2 | Crossing the Continental Divide
The train plunges into the 6.2-mile Moffat Tunnel beneath James Peak, crossing the Continental Divide at 9,239 feet—the highest point on route. Waters east of here flow to the Gulf of Mexico; waters west flow to the Pacific. When you emerge from the tunnel, you are on the eastern slope of the Rockies, with Denver less than two hours away.
- Denver, CODay 2 | The Mile High City
Descend the Front Range foothills as the Denver skyline comes into view against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Enjoy a final dinner onboard before pulling into Denver Union Station—a beautifully restored Beaux-Arts landmark in the heart of the city. Two days, two mountain ranges, and a continent of scenery: this route delivers one of the great train journeys on Earth.
Dinner
Inclusions
- Executive Chef
- Steward
- All meals made to order
- Premium beverage service
- In-Station Porter Service
- Hotel and station transfers
Departures
2026 Departures
| Date | Price (USD) | Cars Included | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| $37,375 | Evelyn Henry | Book Now |
2027 Departures
| Date | Price (USD) | Cars Included | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| There are no scheduled trips yet, but you can still book a custom departure date. Expeditions start at $30,000 and increase based on staffing needs and your choice of private railcar. | Inquire | ||
Frequently asked questions
What are Halloway Expeditions?
Halloway Expeditions are overnight luxury train journeys that travel through incredible scenery throughout North America in plush accommodations and excellent onboard service.
Will other travelers be on the railcars?
When you book an Expedition, you and your party get exclusive use of the private railcars listed. No other travelers will be onboard.
Is gratuity included?
Gratuity for your onboard service staff is optional but always appreciated. It is not included in the price shown.
Can I book just a bedroom for an Expedition?
At this time, Expeditions can only be booked by one group for each departure date. We encourage you to include your closest family and friends in your booking.