Find yourself swept away by scenes of the Southwest while
following Canyon Spirit's new route from Salt Lake City to Denver
and exploring national parklands
From mountains to sandstone arches and all the varied terrain
between, this week-long journey is a showcase of nature. Admire the
craggy peaks of the Wasatch Mountains surrounding Salt Lake City
before boarding Canyon Spirit, a train that combines luxury and
adventure.
Following its brand-new route, travel from Salt Lake City into
the terracotta-hued deserts of Moab. After visiting Arches National
Park, continue by rail across the Colorado border to Glenwood
Springs and Denver, where Rocky Mountain National Park beckons. A
First Class journey with unforgettable scenes at every turn.
Unforgettable Experiences
Cross canyons and mountains on Canyon Spirit
Spend three days traversing the mountains, canyons and rugged passes of Utah and Colorado in domed-glass carriages as the luxurious Canyon Spirit follows a scenic, daylight-only route from Salt Lake City and Denver.
Climb to the summit of Hidden Peak by tram
Marvel at incredible views of Salt Lake Valley, Twin Peaks and more while climbing 2,900 feet to the summit of Hidden Peak in Park City on the Snowbird aerial tram.
Admire the otherworldly landscapes of Arches National Park
Set your sights on arches of varying sizes, hues and shapes on a guided tour of Arches National Park, home to more than 2,100 unique rock formations.
Experience Rocky Mountain National Park with a naturalist
With a naturalist leading the way, set out into Rocky Mountain National Park in search of some of its most picturesque locations and the wild inhabitants that call this park home.
Stay in two capital cities
Spend two nights in Salt Lake City, Utah, using the city as a base to explore the mountain resort of Park City, and two nights in beautiful Denver, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.
What’s included on the tour?
Tour Manager
Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
Accommodation
6 nights’ hotel accommodation
Transportation
All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
Signature Class rail travel
Food & Drink
5 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
Excursions & Entertainment
All guided tours and excursions
Not Included
Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
Flights and Airport transfers not included
Itinerary
Arriving in Utah’s mountainous capital, Salt Lake City
With a First Class adventure filled with natural beauty and
some of Utah and Colorado's most impressive destinations ahead,
your vacation begins today in Salt Lake City. As you arrive, make
your own way to the Grand America Hotel, which is easily accessible
from the airport via Salt Lake City's TRAX line.
Check in for the first of two nights at this five-star,
Venetian-style hotel, and then, if time allows, get to know Salt
Lake City at your own pace. The Victorian-era City and County
Building is just a block from the hotel and features a 256-foot
clock tower. Also nearby is The Leonardo, a unique museum that
combines art, science and technology.
Returning to the hotel early this evening, meet the Tour Manager
and your group of fellow travelers, and together, sit down to
dinner at the hotel. Overnight Salt Lake City.
Includes
Dinner
Into the mountains of Park City
Setting out by coach after breakfast, we head to Park City,
Utah's premier skiing destination. While this city is known for its
winter sports, it retains plenty of charm during the warmer months,
which you can discover at your own pace.
Park City was originally a silver-mining town founded in the
1800s, and its main street is lined with historic buildings - all
surrounded by stunning mountain views. You might like to find lunch
in one of the cozy restaurants or uncover the city's mining and
railroading past at the Park City Museum.
This afternoon, we get a different vantage point from which to
admire the region as we board the Summer Scenic Tram at Snowbird
and climb 2,900 feet to the summit of Hidden Peak. The 13-minute
ride reveals spectacular vistas and takes us to a viewing platform
overlooking numerous peaks and the Salt Lake Valley.
Upon descending the mountain, we return to our hotel, where the
remainder of the day and evening is at your leisure. Later this
evening, there is an optional visit to Temple Square to listen to
the renowned Tabernacle Choir rehearsal. Overnight Salt Lake
City.
Includes
Breakfast
To Moab on Canyon Spirit
With an early start this morning, we are transferred to the
railway station to board Canyon Spirit on its brand-new route for
2026 from Salt Lake City to Denver, Colorado. This is a journey
filled with quintessential scenes of the Southwest, from the
mountains of the Salt Lake City region to the colorful deserts of
Moab and beyond, to the stunning Colorado Rockies.
Take your seat in a domed, window-lined coach, and settle in for
an elegant journey filled with attentive service, delicious cuisine
and once-in-a-lifetime views. Breakfast is served at your seat as
the expedition commences, and you can look out over the changing
scenery while enjoying included alcoholic and non-alcoholic
beverages.
The route unfolds with highlights like the Thistle Tunnels,
Soldier Summit, Price River Canyon and the Book Cliffs. The scenery
becomes increasingly arid as lunch is served onboard, and then
later in the afternoon, Canyon Spirit pulls into Moab.
Make your way from the station to your downtown hotel, and then
you are free to get to know this adventurous town for the remainder
of the evening. Overnight Moab.
Includes
Breakfast, Lunch
Exploring Arches National Park and onward to Glenwood Springs
Waking with adventure on the itinerary, we set out for a guided
tour of Arches National Park. Located just outside Moab, this park
is renowned for its sandstone formations, carved by nature over
millennia. A guide steps aboard our coach for the excursion and
recounts the history and geology of the park as we see some of its
most famous arches and fins, including Delicate Arch, a symbol of
Utah, and Landscape Arch, the world's longest natural arch.
Returning to downtown Moab by mid-day, you can find lunch
locally before we board Canyon Spirit for another route of
jaw-dropping views. A host is assigned to each train car, and they
narrate the journey, telling historical stories and pointing out
scenic highlights as we travel. Watch as the towering rock
formations and deserts of Moab fade into the backdrop, perhaps
taking the opportunity to watch the scenery from the Dutch door at
the back of the train.
A regionally inspired dinner is served before we arrive in the
resort town of Glenwood Springs. We check in at our hotel for the
night with a free evening to admire the mountains. Overnight
Glenwood Springs.
Includes
Dinner
Crossing the Rocky Mountains on Canyon Spirit
Another day of remarkable scenery awaits as we make our way to
the station this morning to join the final leg of Canyon Spirit's
route. We weave into the Colorado Rockies, overlooking beautiful
canyons and the mighty Colorado River. Look up through the
domed-glass roof to see towering mountain peaks, or try to spot
wildlife as we trundle through remote stretches.
Our journey crosses the Continental Divide and, again, includes
the most detailed and luxurious service available on America's
railways. Both breakfast and lunch are served at our seats,
ensuring we never miss a moment of natural grandeur before pulling
into Denver's historic Union Station this afternoon.
An included transfer takes us to our four-star hotel, The
Oxford, a Denver institution that has been welcoming guests since
1891. With its privileged downtown location, the hotel puts the
best of Denver at your fingertips during a free evening. Denver is
known for its culinary scene, and with no planned dinner, you could
try some local specialties, including game dishes, or visit a local
brewery. Overnight Denver.
Includes
Breakfast, Lunch
A day in Boulder and Rocky Mountain National Park
Following a relaxed morning at our hotel, a coach transfer takes
us to Boulder, a unique college town just as beloved for its urban
offerings as it is for the nature surrounding it. Look upon the
Flatiron Mountains as we make our way into town, and then enjoy
some free time to find lunch in a trendy restaurant or stroll along
Pearl Street at the heart of the historic downtown.
The day continues as our coach takes us into Rocky Mountain
National Park, where we pause at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center
and a naturalist joins us for a half-day tour. Our excursion takes
us to some of the park's most iconic destinations, including Sheep
Lake, Horseshoe Park and Many Parks Curve, all while keeping an eye
out for the wildlife that call this mountainous parkland home.
Returning to Denver this evening, we gather for our final dinner
together. Overnight Denver.
Includes
Breakfast, Dinner
Tour conclusion
The majesty of nature has set at the forefront of this
adventure. We began amidst the mountains surrounding Salt Lake City
and Park City and witnessed how quickly Utah's landscapes changed
while traveling through its vast, arid interior to the deserts and
sandstone formations of Moab. Crossing the border into Colorado,
our elevation increased once more, with the beautiful mountain
peaks of the Rocky Mountains framing every view. Witnessing these
sights from our domed glass carriages on Canyon Spirit made the
experience even more incredible.
After breakfast in the iconic Oxford Hotel, our journey comes to
a close. You are free to make your way to Denver Union Station or
Denver's airport for your onward travel home.
Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This
information will be provided in your final documents. For more
information please speak with your rail specialist.
Mobility information
Due to the nature of our tours, they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. Please reference our Mobility Ratings Information, and if you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-877-929-7245.
Formerly known as Rocky Mountaineer, Canyon Spirit is America's
answer to a modern luxury train. Canyon Spirit follows epic routes
through Colorado and Utah, presenting wild expanses of mountains,
canyons and deserts. As the first of its kind in the lower 48, this
route treats travelers to all the luxury that has become synonymous
with Rocky Mountaineer during a three-day, daylight-only route.
Enjoy onboard storytelling and dedicated care from onboard hosts
and incredible cuisine inspired by the regions through which the
train travels. Domed-glass windows, open-air viewing pavilions and
reclining seats mean you never miss a moment of jaw-dropping
scenery in the Southwest.
Many of our guests choose to spend additional nights
before or after their trip. Great Rail Journeys
would be happy to make hotel arrangements for you.
Reviews
4.6 / 5 · 89 reviews
5 stars
(31)
4 stars
(8)
3 stars
(0)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(2)
BETTY PAUL
Submitted 04 Oct 2023
Beautiful scenery and great service!
Collected by Trustpilot
Mark Harp
Submitted 04 Oct 2023
Great train rides. Great tour guide.Beautiful weather!
Great trip, saw all the railroads I have been wanting to see and ride.
Tour director was the best.
Collected by Trustpilot
SHARON H JIMENEZ
Submitted 05 Jul 2023
The First Class Colorado Rail Adventure featuring Rocky Mountaineer was an amazing trip! Everything was extremely well planned. Our tour guide was terrific and able to inform us about the history and points of interest during our trip. The Rocky Mountaineer was exceptional. The seats were very comfortable and the service and food was wonderful. This was an A+ trip!! My husband and I loved it!