The world of railway travel is always evolving and ever expanding, but in some ways, customers crave an experience that harkens back to the roots of train travel. The visionaries behind Canada's acclaimed Rocky Mountaineer recognized this and, while catering to the modern traveler, have created a brand that captures the spirit of adventure once claimed on the rails. Imagine stepping aboard for a route of exceptional, little-seen views; relish traveling with included meals handcrafted by an onboard chef, complimentary drinks and snacks, and attentive service that ensures your every need is attended.
While this experience was once only available in Canada, Rocky Mountaineer crossed the border in 2021 to explore the Colorado Rockies on a similarly envisioned daylight-only route. Now, for 2026, the wonders continue as America's Rocky Mountaineer has rebranded to become Canyon Spirit, which offers an elevated journey through the Southwest, traveling between Denver and Salt Lake City on a three-day trip.
We previously introduced Canyon Spirit in August in our blog A Redefined Adventure on America's Railways: Canyon Spirit, which delves into the nitty-gritty about route options, onboard experience, overnight stops, etc.; however, there is nothing quite like a personal account to bring a trip to life. One of our Head of Product, David Schofield, had the privilege of stepping aboard for the first-ever departure from Salt Lake City, and here is what he had to say about his journey with Canyon Spirit.
Get Ready for Hands-off Luxury from Beginning to End
Because Canyon Spirit travels exclusively during the day, hotel stays are included as part of the travel package to ensure a stress-free experience for guests. These hotels are selected by Canyon Spirit for their high-end accommodations and exceptional locations - starting right at the point of arrival. In David's case, he stayed amidst the old-world grandeur of the five-star Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City; however, the four-star Asher Adams, housed in what was once the Salt Lake City Union Pacific Railway Station, is also utilized. Later on in the tour, the four-star Hoodoo Moab impressed with its remarkable views and downtown access, David stayed right across the street from the station in Glenwood Springs at the Hotel Maxwell Anderson, and Denver's Hotel Indigo Denver Downtown-Union Station offered a well-appointed conclusion. Hotels vary based on availability and departure, yet the excellent level of service is consistent throughout.
Before you travel, you will receive Canyon Spirit luggage tags, and all you have to do is attach them to your luggage and transfer your bags to the first hotel room. And that's it - that is the last time you touch your luggage until the end of the trip. Truly.
When it is time to join the train, you just leave your tagged luggage in the room. No hauling it to a meeting point or further consideration needed. As you are taken to the railway station with an included transfer, your bags travel ahead of the train to the next hotel and are waiting in your room when you arrive - the definition of hands-off travel.
Step Onboard for a Truly Memorable Adventure
The name Rocky Mountaineer - and now Canyon Spirit - is synonymous with luxury, but did you know that it also goes hand-in-hand with local, curated, and personalized? From the moment you arrive at the station for the first time, you witness a marriage of all these elements, creating a journey unlike any you have experienced before - especially in the United States.
Enjoy a photo opportunity with the train and local flags before being officially welcomed onboard Canyon Spirit. There are two service classes from which to choose, Signature and Premier, and while both are excellent with comfortable seating, panoramic windows up onto the roof and upscale offerings, David says the upgrade to Premier is "100% worth it for the lounge alone."
The lounge is an element that really gives a nod to the golden age of train travel, and while having a separate space to socialize is nice, it is the experiences here that make the journey. Enjoy tastings of locally crafted spirits and wine, cheese and honey from regional producers, and storytelling and expertly crafted drinks at the bar - included in the cost of your journey, of course.
In either case, you take your seat in a single-level train car with ample room to get comfortable and settle in for your journey. "You have so much headspace, and because the roof is glass, it feels wide open."
And with that, Canyon Spirit sets underway.
Expect the Exceptional…
The beauty of traveling with Canyon Spirit is that while the days are highly scenic and full of opportunity to see the changes between Utah and Colorado, the stints on the train are much shorter than those of Rocky Mountaineer in Canada. For the first leg of the trip between Salt Lake City and Moab, the group joined the train at 6:45 a.m. and were off by 3:00 p.m. Between Moab and Glenwood Springs on Day 2, guests were onboard from about 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Day 3 was the longest, with spectacular scenery leading the way between Glenwood Springs and Denver from 10:15 a.m. until about 7:15 p.m.
Stepping aboard for the day, your drink order is taken, and you are given a menu for the meals to come. Every day features a new range of options, with each inspired by the ingredients from the region through which you are traveling. In David's case, Day 1 began with breakfast with options like Utah scones and wild mountain berry baked French toast. Later on, lunch ranged from beef tenderloin with Utah celebration potatoes to prawn cobb salad with fresh local greens. Day 2 featured ingredients like Beehive Cheese and ham from Utah, as well as local honey, whereas Day 3 looked to Colorado for inspiration, with local bison, common chokecherries and cinnamon rolls from the famous Gateaux Bakery in Denver finding their places on the menu.
…And the Unexpected
But it is not just the snacks, meals and drinks that are local - it is the Hosts, too. And for David, this was an absolute highlight of the journey. "Everyone onboard is local, so you're hearing stories about them growing up along these train tracks."
His favorite example of this came on Day 3 when Canyon Spirit was venturing through the wilderness on the approach into Denver, and truly, what a surprise it was. "A Host was telling us that his family lives just here, and we are out in the middle of nowhere - half an hour from civilization in either direction - when we come across this house. It is his family home, and his family members were standing out there in front of the house waving to the train. Then we see the sheriff with the lights flashing, and we are wondering what's going on. It was our Host's dad; he is the sheriff." Now, obviously, the family won't make an appearance for every departure, but this anecdote illustrates just how locally sourced Canyon Spirit is and how its connections can capture your heart.
Each train car has its own Host who offers a unique perspective on the journey, and during his time on the train, David especially enjoyed his time with Mike, whose stories, top-notch service and attention to detail really made the trip. Whether providing a historical tidbit while weaving through the mountains or making sure drinks were always in hand, Mike's commitment to the onboard experience is reflected in all of Canyon Spirit's Hosts, who ensure each moment is exceptional.
Enjoy Remarkable Views in Utah
When traveling with Canyon Spirit, each leg offers a new perspective on the Southwest. You have some time to settle in in Salt Lake City, surrounded by the peaks of the Wasatch Mountains, and then arrive in Moab in mid-afternoon with time to explore Utah's "adventure capital" at your own pace. There are a wide-range of eateries here, with options ranging from burgers and beer to Mexican and Thai food, and a cute downtown filled with shops. Since you do not board the train until closer to lunch time on Day 2, the morning brings a chance to visit the nearby Arches National Park - another highlight for David.
For our customers who join our escorted tour From Deserts to Peaks: A Canyon Spirit Adventure, headed by a knowledgeable Tour Manager, an excursion to this sandstone wonderland is included. "They take you around on a coach, and you're just driving around these amazing formations. Stopping off, the arches we see are very accessible; you don't need to trek or be a hiker to experience them. And the scenery - it is absolutely unreal."
Savor the Scenery of Colorado
Back on the train, see the vistas change from desert to lush Rocky Mountains as you approach the charming town of Glenwood Springs. With a free evening and a leisurely morning before reboarding the train, you might like to see the hot springs that put this destination on the map, or utilize the local transit system to explore the historic buildings lining downtown Glenwood Springs.
And finally, the most scenic stretch comes as Canyon Spirit departs Glenwood Springs, weaving through the stunning wilderness of the Rockies toward Colorado's capital city, Denver. Glenwood Springs sits at an elevation of 6,000 feet, and Canyon Spirit keeps climbing from here, eventually reaching an elevation of 9,200 feet at Winter Park. Don't worry - oxygen is kept on board and the Hosts are mindful about encouraging safe practices.
Winding back down the Rockies with spectacular vistas at every angle, the train eventually descends to Denver, the "Mile High City" at 5,280 feet. Here, gleaming modern skyscrapers compete with smaller historic buildings, and the streets weave a tale combining the amenities of today with the city's Western heritage. It is an incredible culinary destination and a fitting place to end a truly memorable journey.
Feeling Inspired?
Be among the first to join Canyon Spirit on its new and extended route between Denver and Salt Lake City, traveling westbound or following David's footsteps on an eastbound journey. Choose between an expertly curated escorted tour or join one of our seamless independent vacations that provide the freedom to sightsee your way in the destinations, with or without nights in the bookend cities. In the wise words of David, "This is an incredible journey and an unmatched way to experience America's Southwest."
Don't miss your chance to relive the glories of old-world rail travel with Canyon Spirit - contact us to book today.
