From the revolutionary brand that brought Canada's Rocky Mountaineer comes Canyon Spirit, an American luxury train. Rocky Mountaineer has been a mainstay in Western Canada for more than 35 years, with picturesque routes throughout British Columbia and into Alberta that highlight the Canadian Rockies. These routes are wrapped in beautiful scenery and complemented by world-class onboard service, storytelling by an onboard host, and chef-prepared cuisine to ensure each journey is one to treasure.
To extend its luxurious reach across the border, Rocky Mountaineer expanded its offerings to the Colorado Rockies in 2021, creating Rocky Mountaineer's Rockies to the Red Rocks. This route traveled from Denver, Colorado, to Moab, Utah, offering American travelers the same taste of luxury available to Canadian riders with a slightly different flavor. Now, beginning in the 2026 season, Canyon Spirit takes the place of America's Rocky Mountaineer, continuing the Armstrong brand's mission of creating stunning experiences by rail while opening the door to the colorful landscapes of Colorado and Utah.
Canyon Spirit Route
Building off the Rockies to the Red Rocks route, Canyon Spirit follows a breathtaking course between Denver, Colorado, and Salt Lake City, Utah. Travelers can join the train in either direction and choose from two- or three-day trips through the Southwest.
Two-Day Option
Stepping aboard Canyon Spirit for its two-day expedition, you follow the classic Rockies to the Red Rocks route, venturing from Denver to Moab. Beginning in Colorado's lively capital, enjoy the contrasts of urban views with the surrounding mountains. The train follows the Colorado River and overlooks the Gross Reservoir dam while you have breakfast and a drink. Continuing west, the train crosses the Continental Divide at the Moffat Tunnel and weaves through Byers and Gore Canyons during lunch. The wilds of western Colorado are filled with wildlife-spotting opportunities, and beauty is revealed at every angle from the domed-glass coaches. The day ends in Glenwood Springs.
Starting the second day back on the train, settle in with breakfast as the arid scenery continues to unfold. Look upon cliffs and sandstone mountains and relish scenes of Parachute Creek and Mount Logan. Canyon Spirit also squeezes through a 15-mile-long narrow canyon, De Beque, before passing Mount Garfield, the iconic Book Cliffs and Ruby Canyon. All the while, the Colorado River guides the way. Mount Peale, the highest point in the La Sal Mountains, welcomes you to Utah, and then a world of terracotta cliffs, arches, and sandstone formations comes into view. Relish your first views of Arches National Park before the train pulls into the station in its final destination, Moab.
Three-Day Option
Savor all the views of the two-day journey - and more - by extending your time on Canyon Spirit with an additional day of travel. New for 2026, this extension to the Rockies to the Red Rocks route takes you through Utah's interior to its capital, Salt Lake City. The changes in the terrain are dramatic and showcase the range of scenery found in this beautiful state.
Rejoining the train in Moab for the three-day route, enjoy lunch with a view as the train sets out from Utah's adventure capital. Marvel at the contrast of bright blue skies against the red-orange landscapes, and watch as the last of the Book Cliffs pass by the windows. The train passes through Castle Gate and then ascends through Price Canyon, revealing striated rocks and rugged scenery. The Gilluly Loops guide Canyon Spirit to Soldier Summit, and the views continue to change on the approach to Red Canyon. Coming out on the other side, views of the snowy Wasatch Mountains become the main attraction. With the arid terrain of southern Utah well in the distance, the train descends into the valley where Salt Lake City sits, marking the end of the Canyon Spirit route.
Overnight Stops En Route
The beauty of Canyon Spirit (and Rocky Mountaineer) is that the trains travel only by daylight. Have a seat in window-lined coaches and soak up the luxurious surroundings while looking upon the wonders of the Southwest. With daytime-only travel comes the need for overnight accommodations, and when you book a Canyon Spirit vacation, all of your hotel stays are included.
The full three-day journey includes two overnight stops - one in Glenwood Springs and another in Moab. Stopping in Glenwood Springs, you can enjoy all the charms of the historic downtown. Glenwood Springs is famous for its hot springs and has plenty of shops and restaurants within walking distance of your accommodations. The same can be said for Moab - a town where adventure, art, and Southwest culture go hand in hand. This charming desert retreat has a compact and easily walkable downtown with Arches National Park just minutes away. The two-day journey only overnights in Glenwood Springs.
The Onboard Experience
While Canyon Spirit is a symbol of adventure and captures the essence of this part of the country, it is perhaps best known for its onboard amenities - luxuries unavailable on other passenger trains in the United States.
Your journey begins by handing over your luggage. Keep any carry-on essentials you might need with you, and then let Canyon Spirit's attendants worry about the rest until you reunite with your bags at your hotel room door that evening. Each journey includes meals inspired by the regions through which you are traveling, and the menus change with the seasons, meaning there is always something fresh and delicious in store. Snacks are provided throughout the journey, as is a curated selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. With all the logistics taken care of, all you have to do is settle into your comfortable, reclining seat and watch the scenery unfold from your window-lined coach or the open windows of the vestibule.
Each train car on Canyon Spirit has a dedicated Host who tells stories and offers insight about the geology and history of the train's surroundings. This is a fantastic chance for you to further connect with your route, ask questions and immerse yourself in the wonders of each leg of the journey. While all these fantastic offerings come standard in Canyon Spirit Signature, you can upgrade your journey by selecting Canyon Spirit Premier.
Canyon Spirit Premier is a step up in luxury, providing additional perks as you travel. Premier coaches include a spacious lounge area - also lined in windows - where you can socialize or enjoy a complimentary signature cocktail. Additional gourmet snacks are provided during your time onboard, and there is a second Host in the lounge car to ensure your every need is attended to while on Canyon Spirit. With an additional restroom, as well as an exclusive outdoor viewing area, there is more than enough space to spread out and move around during the journey.
How You Can Join Canyon Spirit
Our 2026 Canyon Spirit tours are booking now! You could book an escorted vacation, From Deserts to Peaks: A Canyon Spirit Adventure, to spend a week exploring Utah and Colorado, including a three-night journey on Canyon Spirit, or choose from one of our independent itineraries. Our independent tours include our two- and three-day rail-only options; however, we also offer the ability to extend your vacation by choosing a package that features overnights in the bookend cities, as well.
The Rockies to the Red Rocks Two-day Rail Classic includes two days on Canyon Spirit, with an overnight in Moab ahead of the journey and a night in Denver to enjoy the "Mile High City" before returning home. Alternatively, the Rockies to the Red Rocks Three-day Classic includes an overnight in Salt Lake City, framed by views of the Wasatch Mountains, before a three-day journey on Canyon Spirit, concluding in Denver with a final hotel stay and time to enjoy the city at your leisure.
This is your chance to be among the first travelers to experience the luxury of Canyon Spirit, formerly Rocky Mountaineer, in 2026. Contact us today to book your adventure.
