Recently updated on September 11th, 2025 at 06:01 am
There’s something about seeing the world by rail that just feels… slower in the best way. You’re not rushing between airports or ticking off highway miles – you’re gliding through landscapes that feel like they’ve been painted just for you. That’s exactly what I experienced on the new Canyon Spirit journey: three unforgettable days winding from Denver to Salt Lake City, through canyons, deserts, and red rock arches that left me constantly craning my neck to take it all in.
But before I get to the rail part, let’s start in Denver, because trust me, you’ll want to spend some time here.
Starting in Denver
Denver isn’t just the gateway to the Rockies, it’s a destination in itself. Known as the “Mile High City” (because it sits at exactly one mile above sea level), it’s the perfect place to ease into your trip and acclimatise to the altitude with a chilled-out first day.
Wander through the Museum District, then head to the Capitol Building for sweeping mountain views and a snap at the official mile-high marker. Hop on the free 16th Street Mall shuttle to explore downtown, and don’t miss a photo-op with Denver’s iconic Blue Bear peering into the Convention Center.
For a dose of Americana, catch a ballgame at Coors Field and cheer on the Colorado Rockies. The atmosphere is infectious. From the crack of the bat to the roar of the crowd, and quirky traditions like the seventh-inning stretch that get everyone singing along, it’s impossible not to get caught up in the energy.
If you have at least a full day in Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park is just a short drive away. Its alpine lakes, rugged peaks, and wildflower-strewn meadows are home to elk, moose, bighorn sheep, marmots, and golden eagles – a taste of the epic wilderness that awaits further along your Canyon Spirit journey.
Another must-see nearby is Red Rocks Amphitheatre, an open-air concert venue carved into towering sandstone. Even without a show, it’s worth a visit for its dramatic setting, yoga sessions on the stairs, and surrounding hiking trails like the Trading Post Loop (great for its mix of red rock and prairie views) or the Red Rocks Trail (where the sandstone towers rise dramatically against the sky). But if you are lucky enough to score tickets for a gig here, go – no matter who’s playing. Luckily for me, I caught Mumford & Sons (one of my all-time favourite bands) and it was nothing short of legendary.
On Adventure World’s Authentic Southwest itinerary, you’ll enjoy three nights in Denver – plenty of time to soak up the city’s outdoorsy-meets-laidback vibe before boarding the train.
Denver to Glenwood Springs
Good morning, Denver! To officially begin Day 1 of the Canyon Spirit journey, you’ll be escorted from your hotel down to the train platform at Denver Union Station. Boarding Canyon Spirit feels seamless from the start – you settle into your seat, and next thing you know you’ve got a mimosa in hand toasting to an amazing trip, before suddenly the outside world just starts rolling by.
Since up until this point everything had been handled before me, I had to make my first important decision of the day – what to have for breakfast. I opted for a veggie frittata – delish! Menus change depending on local ingredients, but it’s always freshly prepared and served with flair.
Once full (and caffeinated), I wandered down to the vestibule area, where you can step out for fresh air and grab those perfect photos of the lush green scenery. For the first few hours, it’s all pine forests and valleys before the dramatic Colorado River comes into view. It’s a local tradition for rafters and campers to wave, cheer (and sometimes, cheekily, moon) the train as it passes – you never quite know what’s coming, but of course, that was all part of the fun.
Highlights of this stretch include the eerily dark journey through the historic Moffat Tunnel, and winding past the soaring cliffs of Byers, Gore, and Glenwood Canyons.
By evening, we rolled into Glenwood Springs, a resort town famous for its geothermal pools. In fact, in 2019 it became just the seventh U.S. city to be powered entirely by renewable energy. The hot springs are right across from the train platform – perfect for a post-travel soak – though there are other pools worth venturing out to if you want variety.
There are plenty of great local restaurants and bars to grab dinner at before hitting the hay. In fact, along with Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer, Canyon Spirit is one of the world’s only multi-day leisure rail journeys where you don’t sleep onboard. I love this for two reasons: one, it’s ideal for anyone who loves the romance of rail but prefers a proper bed to a moving bunk; and two, it means you soak up every inch of scenery by day and never miss a moment of the magic while you’re resting at night.
Day 2: Glenwood Springs to Moab
Day two was a standout – not just for the destination, but for the scenery that led us there. After a leisurely breakfast onboard, the train glided through DeBeque Canyon, where sheer sandstone walls rise above the Colorado River, and into Ruby Canyon, a 25-mile stretch of red rock cliffs that glow almost pink in the morning sun.
Crossing the Colorado–Utah border, the scenery shifted dramatically: looming mountains gave way to sweeping desert, and those first glimpses of iconic red rock formations signalled the adventure ahead.
By early afternoon we rolled into Moab, the adventure capital of Utah and gateway to both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. That afternoon, we ventured into the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands, a high mesa with overlooks that make you feel like you’re standing on the edge of the world. Stops included Shafer Canyon Overlook, Grand View Point, and Green River Overlook, where the canyons stretch endlessly into the horizon. Fun fact: parts of Thelma & Louise and Indiana Jones were filmed here!
This landscape also holds deep significance for the Indigenous peoples of the region, including the ancestral Pueblo, Ute, and Navajo/Diné communities, whose stories and connections are etched into the canyons and rock art sites across Utah.
After an afternoon of exploring, Moab is your overnight base – a lively desert town where rugged landscapes meet a surprisingly vibrant food and craft beer scene. As the sun sets, the skies come alive with stars so bright they rival the national parks themselves.
With Adventure World, you can build on this 2-day stretch of the Canyon Spirit journey. Both our Authentic Southwest and Rockies to Mighty Five Explorer itineraries build on this leg of the journey with scenic drives along Highway 12, stargazing under some of the clearest skies in the U.S., and unforgettable hikes through Bryce and Zion.
Day 3: Moab to Salt Lake City
Making the most of Moab, this morning we were up and at ‘em early to venture out to Arches National Park, where I joined a guided group tour to tick off Balanced Rock, Double Arch, the Windows, and of course the iconic Delicate Arch (made famous by the Utah number plate).
By early afternoon it was back on board for the final stretch to Salt Lake City. This is Canyon Spirit’s newest addition for 2026, and it ties the whole journey together beautifully.
Along the way, the route showcases the dramatic Castle Gate, the rugged beauty of Price Canyon, the historic Thistle Tunnel, and the Wasatch Mountains as you approach Provo.
This leg is made for window gazing – and Canyon Spirit’s carriages are designed for it. Enormous glass panels rise up the sides and curve into the ceiling, turning each carriage into a moving observatory. There really are no bad seats.
Afternoon tea was served (scones + tea + sweeping desert vistas = heaven). If (like me) you’ve been glued to the window on days one and two simply soaking up the view for every single second, this afternoon is the perfect chance to stretch out in the Premier Experience lounge car if you’ve chosen the upgrade. I highly recommend it – extra space, comfy lounge seating, and bartenders who mix a mean margarita.
By evening we rolled into Salt Lake City, a vibrant, historic hub that makes for the perfect finale. And with Adventure World’s brand-new Rail Across the Rockies itinerary, you can experience the full three-day Canyon Spirit combined with hand-picked experiences that are sure to thrill rail enthusiasts.
Life Onboard: What to Expect
What stood out most wasn’t just the views (though they’re spectacular), but the stories. The onboard hosts were full of history, fun facts, and those “you’d never know unless you were local” tidbits that gave the journey so much more meaning.
The dining was another highlight. Think locally inspired menus served at your seat, paired with wines and cocktails that made the journey feel indulgent without being over the top.
The best part? I didn’t have to worry about my luggage once. You leave it in your room at the hotel, and it magically reappears in your next hotel room. Zero effort, maximum ease.
A quick word on classes:
- The Signature experience gets you everything you need for a comfortable, scenic ride.
- Add the Premier upgrade to access an exclusive lounge car – perfect if you want extra space, panoramic windows, and a slightly more social vibe.
And a tip: You’ll need to keep a day bag with you. Essentials like a camera, sunscreen, a jumper (aircon can be chilly, but they do have blankets on board if you need), and anything you’d want during the day should stay with you, since you won’t access your checked luggage until the hotel each night.
Final Thoughts
The Canyon Spirit isn’t just a train ride; it’s a front-row seat to some of North America’s most iconic landscapes. Whether you join as part of a bigger adventure like Authentic Southwest or Rockies to Mighty Five Explorer, or go all-in on the new Rail Across the Rockies itinerary, it’s an unforgettable way to experience this part of the world.
I came away from the journey feeling like I’d not only seen these landscapes, but experienced them – in comfort, with stories that will stick with me long after the last stop.