Rockies to the Red Rocks: Experiencing the Canyon Spirit Journey Through the American Southwest

There are trips that are fun, trips that are interesting, and then there are trips that stick with you. The kind you keep thinking about once you’re home. My experience on Canyon Spirit’s Rockies to the Red Rocks journey through the American Southwest was absolutely one of those.

Photo: Canyon Spirit, Rockies to the Red Rocks

I travelled this route with a group of fellow travel advisors, invited to experience it as it currently operates and to preview what’s coming next. Right now, the journey runs between Moab and Denver (in both directions), but starting in 2026, Canyon Spirit will introduce a new three-day route beginning in Salt Lake City. That motorcoach portion will be replaced with train travel, which is very exciting. Getting a sneak peek at what’s ahead felt special, and I loved seeing how this journey is evolving.

This is luxury travel done in a way I really appreciate. Nothing flashy or over-the-top, and definitely not rushed. Just thoughtful details layered together. Incredible landscapes, gourmet meals served right at your seat, massive windows, and genuinely comfortable seats. Everything works together to create an experience that feels easy and intentional.

One important note: Canyon Spirit is the US division of the award-winning Rocky Mountaineer in Canada (both under the Armstrong Collective brand) and is now officially rebranded as Canyon Spirit 2026.

A Grand Beginning in Salt Lake City

I flew into Salt Lake City to meet the rest of the group and stayed my first night at the Grand America Hotel. From the moment I arrived, I felt myself slow down. The rooms are spacious, the public spaces are beautiful, and the service is warm and gracious without being stuffy.

I love when a trip starts somewhere that encourages you to ease into it, and this hotel did exactly that. It was also a great opportunity to meet everyone, settle in, and get to know my fellow travel advisors before the adventure really began.

The next morning, we boarded a motorcoach for the drive south to Moab. While this portion will be by train starting in 2026, it was still a comfortable and scenic ride. Watching the landscape shift from mountains to desert was a great lead-in to what was coming next. As we travelled, I saw a moose, yes, I did. It happened so fast that I didn’t have time to get my camera.

Moab: Red Rocks, Adventure, and Great Food

Moab honestly feels like stepping onto a movie set… towering red rock formations, endless blue sky, and that unmistakable feeling that adventure is everywhere. Before boarding the train, we had time to explore, and Moab did not disappoint.

One of the highlights I booked as an extra was a Sunset Hummer Tour on the Hell’s Revenge trail, and I recommend this to everyone I talk to. It’s safe, fun, and such a great way to experience the landscape. Riding in an open-air Hummer over rugged terrain was thrilling, and our guide brought the area to life with stories about its geology and history. We even saw dinosaur tracks, which were pretty amazing. As the sun set, we stopped at a scenic overlook and just took it all in.

All of the excursions can be booked when you book your rail journey through Canyon Spirit’s vetted partners, which makes it really easy.

We also joined guided tours of Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, and I’m so glad we did. Canyonlands felt vast and dramatic, with sweeping mesas and deep canyons that seem to go on forever. Arches was completely different, all about those iconic sandstone formations that somehow look even more impressive in person. These tours added so much depth to the overall experience and really showed how easy it is to personalize this journey.

Evenings in Moab were just as enjoyable. The town has a relaxed, welcoming vibe, with locally owned shops, galleries, and a surprisingly great food scene. After a day of exploring, sitting down to a good meal felt especially satisfying.

By the time we headed to bed, there was a shared sense of excitement. Tomorrow, we’d finally board Canyon Spirit.

All Aboard Canyon Spirit

From the moment you step onto the train, it’s clear this isn’t your average rail journey. The glass-dome coaches immediately draw your eyes upward, and the views feel almost cinematic. There’s no scrambling with luggage or figuring out where things go. Everything is taken care of.

I’ll admit, it felt a little strange leaving my luggage behind when we checked out of the hotel, but not having to drag it anywhere was a treat. It magically reappeared in my room in the next city, Glenwood Springs, when we arrived later that night.

The onboard hosts were wonderful. Warm, professional, genuinely enthusiastic, and excellent storytellers. I honestly don’t know how they do it, keeping everyone fed, hydrated, entertained, and informed all at once.

And then there’s the food, which truly deserves its own moment.

Meals are served right at your seat and are far beyond what most people expect from train dining. Everything felt indulgent but never heavy, and the menus were inspired by the regions we were travelling through. Courses were timed perfectly, although there were a few moments of “Wait… we’re eating again already?”

Coffee, tea, and something sparkling or spirited were always available. You could order specialty drinks from your seat or visit the lounge car bar. There’s something so satisfying about enjoying a multi-course meal while canyon walls and rivers drift past your window. I found it hard to pull myself away from the views to explore the lounge car, but it was worth doing both.

About the Train

2026 will be the first season under the Canyon Spirit name for the US trains. SilverLeaf and SilverLeaf Plus have also been rebranded as Signature Service and Premier Upgrade. Unlike Canada, there are no bi-level GoldLeaf coaches on the US routes due to tunnel and bridge height restrictions. Instead, Premier Upgrade guests enjoy access to a dedicated lounge car.

Photo by Canyon Spirits

All Canyon Spirit journeys include assigned seating with panoramic windows in single-level cars, breakfast and lunch served at your seat (depending on departure time), non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, and access to a small outdoor viewing platform.

The Premier Upgrade includes everything in Signature Service, plus exclusive lounge car access, premium alcoholic beverages, enhanced dining experiences or additional courses, and a more spacious, elevated onboard experience. If you want help deciding which option suits your travel style, I’m always happy to chat it through.

Watching the Landscape Unfold

This journey really encourages you to slow down and look. The train travels along routes you simply can’t access by car, tracing the Colorado River, slipping between canyon walls, and revealing landscapes that feel almost untouched.

I noticed guests truly watching the scenery, not just snapping photos and moving on. Conversations softened. Phones were mostly tucked away, except for photos and videos. There was a collective sense of appreciation, and even moments of excitement when people along the route stopped to wave at the train.

As we crossed from Utah into Colorado, the scenery shifted gradually. Desert tones softened into greener valleys, rivers widened, and eventually the Rockies appeared in the distance. We even passed the Continental Divide marker, which was fascinating to see. It felt like watching a story unfold rather than rushing through it.

A Short but Sweet Overnight in Glenwood Springs

Our overnight stop in Glenwood Springs was brief but surprisingly full. This charming mountain town is perfectly placed along the route, and even with limited time, we were able to enjoy a bit of everything.

A visit to the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool can be a highlight, but it’s important to reserve your time early in the journey. Arrival times aren’t exact, so I recommend booking as late as possible and allowing time to walk or arrange transportation.

We also explored the walkable downtown, browsing shops and boutiques before deciding where to eat. Glenwood Springs has an impressive range of dining options for its size, and even one evening was enough to get a feel for it.

The overnight never felt rushed. It was just enough time to relax, explore, and reset before reboarding the train the next morning. I wouldn’t have minded tracking down Doc Holliday’s grave, though. That’s on my list for a future visit if I arrive earlier in the day!

Wonderful welcome as we rolled into Glenwood Springs

Into the Rockies and Onward to Denver

Day two brought another shift in scenery as the train carried us deeper into the Rockies. Forested slopes, rushing rivers, and dramatic mountain views replaced the desert landscapes of the day before. The glass-dome coaches made everything feel immersive, and the outdoor viewing platform added that “wind in my hair” feeling I loved.

Arrival in Denver was smooth and well organized. There was a quiet sense of having completed something meaningful. I wasn’t ready for the train ride to end and honestly wished it would continue for the rest of the week.

A Free Day in Denver and a Fascinating Story

One thing I really appreciated was having a free day in Denver. After a well-structured journey, it was nice to follow my curiosity. On a previous visit, I’d been to the Selfie Museum for something light and fun, but this time I wanted a little history.

That curiosity led me to the Molly Brown House Museum. Margaret “Molly” Brown has always fascinated me, especially her survival of the Titanic and the life she led afterward. Touring her restored home added depth to a story I already knew and made it feel very real.

Denver itself was easy and enjoyable to explore, with walkable neighbourhoods, great dining, and a relaxed energy.

A Stylish Stay to Wrap It All Up

I stayed at The Rally Hotel in Denver, and it was the perfect way to end the journey. Modern, vibrant, and ideally located for sports fans beside Coors Field, it was a great contrast to the classic luxury of the train experience. After days of scenery and storytelling, finishing in a fresh, contemporary space felt just right.

Final Thoughts

The Rockies to the Red Rocks journey is so much more than a train trip. It’s an invitation to slow down, be present, and experience some of the most striking landscapes in North America in a way that feels effortless and comfortable.

The food alone is reason to consider it, but when you add in the service, the scenery, the pacing, and the upcoming 2026 Salt Lake City rail expansion, it becomes something really special.

As a travel advisor, I’m always paying attention to how an experience makes me feel. This one left me feeling grounded, inspired, and quietly in awe. It reminded me that luxury isn’t about excess. It’s about thoughtfulness, comfort, and creating space for moments that matter.

This is one of those journeys that truly needs to be experienced to be appreciated. If you’re curious about whether this trip might be right for you, I’d love to help you explore the options and make it effortless from start to finish.

Please reach out to me to begin planning your luxury rail experience.