Canyon Spirit: An Unforgettable Journey Through the American West

All Aboard the Canyon Spirit

There are train journeys, and then there are train journeys where the scenery becomes the star of the show!

I travelled aboard the Canyon Spirit from Salt Lake City to Denver, an incredible rail adventure through the dramatic landscapes of the American Southwest and the Rocky Mountains. The journey operates seasonally from mid-March to early November, with spacious rail coaches, glass-dome windows and seat-side service allowing you to take in the ever-changing scenery.

Our adventure began with a morning transfer to the train station, where we boarded our designated carriage and settled in for the journey ahead. From lush green surroundings to towering cliffs, red-rock canyons and rugged mountain landscapes, it was a reminder that sometimes the journey really is just as special as the destination.

Arriving in Moab & Exploring Canyon Country

Our first day on board took us from the greener landscapes around Salt Lake City into the striking, more barren terrain of Utah’s canyon country. Towering rock formations, steep cliff faces and vast open landscapes made for some spectacular viewing along the way.

We departed the train in the afternoon at Thompson Springs, the gateway to Moab, with a transfer of approximately 30 minutes into town. Moab is the perfect base for exploring two of Utah’s most famous national parks: Arches and Canyonlands.

Depending on your itinerary, you can arrange an optional excursion to one of these parks as part of your Canyon Spirit journey, at an additional cost.

Once in Moab, there’s also time to head into town for dinner, browse the local shops or pick up a souvenir before the next stage of the adventure.

Food & Drinks Onboard

One of the highlights of travelling aboard the Canyon Spirit is being able to enjoy the scenery without worrying about where your next meal is coming from! Meals are included throughout the journey, with dishes inspired by the ingredients and flavours of the American Southwest.

Our first day included breakfast and lunch, while the second day included lunch and afternoon tea. The Signature Experience includes meals and a selection of beverages, including wine, beer, spirits and non-alcoholic options. For those wanting something a little more elevated, the Premier Experience offers an upgraded food menu and an enhanced drinks experience, with additional options available in the lounge.

It’s worth noting that the meals differ between the two service levels, so the Premier upgrade offers more than just a different place to sit.

With delicious food, drinks and those incredible views rolling past the window, dining becomes part of the adventure.

Arches National Park

If there’s one place that deserves a spot on your Utah itinerary, it’s Arches National Park. Famous for its naturally formed sandstone arches, the park is filled with incredible rock formations, striking colours and plenty of photo opportunities.

Our guided excursion lasted approximately two and a half hours, giving us time to appreciate the landscape and enjoy some of the shorter walks.

The tour can be booked as an optional extra as part of your Canyon Spirit journey, making it a convenient way to explore this remarkable part of Utah before rejoining the train. The scenery really is something special, and every turn seems to reveal another amazing formation or viewpoint. And as you can see from my photo, we even had a rainbow make an appearance! It’s a wonderful opportunity to stretch your legs, get out amongst the scenery and experience the American West up close.

The Premier Lounge Experience

For travellers looking to make their rail journey extra special, the Premier Experience offers access to an exclusive lounge carriage, providing another space to relax and enjoy the views. While your assigned seating carriage is where you’ll enjoy your meals, the lounge is the perfect place to settle in with a drink, chat with fellow travellers or simply watch the landscape unfold.

There’s a great selection of drinks available, including spirits and cocktails, alongside the elevated food and beverage offerings that come with the Premier upgrade.

Between the lounge and the seating carriage, there’s also an outdoor viewing platform where you can step outside for a closer look at the scenery and capture photos without the reflection of the glass. It’s a fantastic feature for anyone wanting to photograph the landscapes as they change throughout the journey.

The Signature Experience is still a wonderful way to enjoy the train, but if you love a little extra space and a more elevated onboard experience, Premier is certainly worth considering.

A Stop in Glenwood Springs

After another spectacular day travelling through the Colorado River canyons and gradually climbing into the Rockies, we arrived in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. This charming mountain town is a welcome change of pace and a great place to break up the journey before the final leg into Denver.

Depending on your itinerary and accommodation arrangements, you may have the opportunity to explore the town and enjoy some of its local attractions before boarding the train again. Glenwood Springs is known for its natural hot springs and beautiful mountain setting, making it a destination worth spending a little extra time in if your schedule allows. It was also a reminder of just how much the scenery changes on this journey. The red-rock desert landscapes of Utah gradually give way to the dramatic mountains, rivers and greener valleys of Colorado, setting the scene for our final day aboard the Canyon Spirit.

The Final Leg to Denver

The final day aboard the Canyon Spirit was every bit as memorable as the first two. Travelling from Glenwood Springs towards Denver, we continued to follow the Colorado River as the Rocky Mountains rose dramatically around us. This section of the journey is particularly impressive, with towering rock faces, mountain peaks disappearing into the clouds and a series of tunnels carved through the landscape.

We passed through small communities, including the wonderfully named No Name, as well as ranches and farmland tucked into the valleys. One of the most fascinating parts of the journey was learning about the engineering behind the railway. The route includes the historic Tunnel District, with tunnels blasted through solid rock, and the remarkable Moffat Tunnel, which passes beneath the Continental Divide.

As we climbed to elevations of around 9,239 feet above sea level, we could even see snow across the higher mountain peaks. It was an incredible way to finish the journey, watching the landscape transform once again as we made our way towards Denver.

The Journey is the Destination

The Canyon Spirit is so much more than a way to travel between Salt Lake City and Denver. It’s an opportunity to slow down, enjoy the scenery and experience parts of the American West that you might otherwise miss. From the sandstone arches of Utah to the winding Colorado River and the snow-dusted peaks of the Rockies, every day brought something different.

Whether you choose the Signature Experience or treat yourself to the Premier upgrade, I’d recommend considering this journey if you’re looking for a memorable way to explore the region. For me, it was a fantastic combination of spectacular scenery, delicious meals, comfortable rail travel and unforgettable photo opportunities – and a wonderful reminder that sometimes the best part of a holiday is the journey itself!

 

Written by Amanda Graham after her adventure onboard Canyon Spirit.

Amanda Graham