One of my favorite ways to travel is by train, especially if it’s a unique, luxury train experience. For over 30 years, the Rocky Mountaineer (owned by the Armstrong Collective) has been known for its luxury train itineraries around the scenic Canadian Rockies. Now that same train experience is available on the Canyon Spirit as it transports guests through the diverse geography in America’s Southwest.
This type of mindful, relaxed travel is ideal for those who want to focus on a slow journey, taking in beautiful scenery while being treated to exceptional personal service along with fine food and drink.
The author was hosted by the Armstrong Collective.
The New Canyon Spirit Experience
In 2021, the Armstrong Collective introduced its first American train experience, a 2-day Rockies to the Red Rocks itinerary that connected Moab and Denver. Expanding on this successful route, a 3-day itinerary from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Denver, Colorado, will begin in 2026. At the same time, the American train will be rebranded Canyon Spirit,
The Canyon Spirit offers two levels of service.
The basic all-inclusive Signature experience comes with all the following:
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- Assigned reclining leather seats that are comfortable and roomy.
- All the meals on the train offer a menu inspired by Southwest flavors using locally sourced products.
- All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including regionally produced beers and wines.
- Dedicated on-board hosts who provide engaging and informative commentary.
- Overnight accommodation between train days with transfers to and from the hotels, including luggage transfers.
- Gratuities for the onboard staff, though additional tips are always welcome.
The upgraded Premier experience includes everything in the Signature level and:
- Access to dedicated lounge cars with signature cocktails, premium alcoholic beverages, and additional gourmet snacks.
- An elevated menu featuring locally sourced products.
- Exclusive access to an additional viewing platform for more open-air viewing opportunities.
Are you ready to explore off the beaten path? Let us inspire you!
My Favorite Canyon Spirit Features
I recently had the opportunity to preview the new three-day itinerary and here are my favorite features from this luxury train trip.
- Huge panoramic windows make it easy to take in all the scenery.
- Large, reclining leather seats can be rotated so that I am always facing forward.
- Viewing platforms with unobstructed views are ideal for photography.
- Dedicated hosts take care of all my needs while providing entertaining information along the way.
- The Canyon Spirit Milepost newspaper provides a wealth of information about our route.
- Hotel transfers to and from the train make it a worry-free journey.
- Leave-it-and-forget-it luggage transfer from my hotel room in the morning to my hotel room at the end of the day.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Take only a small bag on board the train that can fit at your feet. Pack any daily essentials like medications, a camera and spare batteries, phone, and any other personal items you will need during the day. Your suitcase will not be accessible while on the train.
Accommodations Along the Way
Train travel on the Canyon Spirit is only during daylight hours, so I don’t miss any scenery along the way. The company has partnered with quality hotels in each destination for overnight stays, and accommodations on train travel days are included in the Standard fare. The company can also arrange hotel stays in Salt Lake City and Denver before and after the train journey.
- The Grand American Hotel, Salt Lake City, Utah, is a 10-minute Uber ride from the airport to this centrally located hotel with plenty of restaurant options nearby.
- Homewood Suites by
Hilton , Moab, Utah, is also centrally located in this small town, which is the gateway to Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park. - Hoodo Moab Curio Collection by
Hilton is another option in Moab, Utah. - The Maxwell Anderson hotel in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, is across the street from the train station and near many downtown restaurants.
- The Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs, a historic hotel with a storied past, is a short 5-minute walk from the train station. Luminaries like Teddy Roosevelt and the “Unsinkable” Molly brown have stayed here.
- Hotel Indigo in Denver, Colorado, is across the street from the Denver Union Station.
The 3-day Rockies to the Red Rocks Itinerary
My journey begins in Salt Lake City, Utah, and ends in Denver, Colorado, but the opposite itinerary is also available. Both cities have major airports, which makes this itinerary easily accessible from anywhere in the US.
- Day 1 is a 6-hour train journey that starts early, traveling through the urban centers around Salt Lake and passing through varying desert scenery before concluding with the red rocks of Moab, Utah. The afternoon and evening are free to explore the nearby national parks or the cute town of Moab. There are plenty of dining options within easy walking distance of the hotel.
- Day 2 starts with a morning tour of Arches National Park, followed by a 5-hour train ride ending in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. This day’s highlight is the colorful Ruby Canyon, only accessible by train or by a multi-day raft trip on the Colorado River. Glenwood Springs’ downtown is easy to explore, but the best experience is a long soak in the nearby historic Glenwood Hot Springs pools.
- Day 3 finishes with an 8-hour train ride that flies by surprisingly quickly. The spectacular scenery never ends as the Canyon Spirit makes its way up and through the Rocky Mountains, arriving in Denver just in time for dinner.
Dining Onboard the Canyon Spirit
During these three days, breakfast, lunch and snacks are served on board. Meals are at my seat, so I never miss a single view, but this is nothing like an airplane experience! The menus proudly offer regionally inspired flavors using locally sourced ingredients that give each meal a high-end restaurant style panache.
My most memorable dishes include the Huevos Rancheros breakfast, the Spinach, Brie and Pear Salad starter, the Bison and Wild Mushroom Lasagna at lunch and the amazing Blood Orange Chocolate Pecan Tart dessert.
All sorts of drinks are always available throughout the train ride. Coffee, tea, sodas, juices, and a variety of wines, beer and craft cocktails are offered anytime for the asking. The Colorado-sourced Plum Creek Riesling and a local Denver microbrew pale ale pair well with my entrees.
After travelling on many luxury trains around the world, I’m happy to finally see a luxury train experience in the US, and the Canyon Spirit does it right! From the all-encompassing views to the attentive service and the flavorful meals, this trip was a first-class holiday for all my senses. I wish I could do it again!
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