Canyon Spirit, formerly Rocky Mountaineer, is a luxury train that will elevate rail travel in the American Southwest. Rockies to the Red RocksIt is chartering a stunning new course. In 2026, this acclaimed locomotive’s route will be extended to include Salt Lake City. The original two-day trip to Denver will now become a three-day one.
Rocky Mountaineer is the train’s official name, but it’s also known as “The Train” by many. Travel + Leisure The World’s Best Awards, which is held annually, has been voted the best by readers and has even won the accolades of the No. 1 spot in 2025.
In response to the guests who have experienced Rocky Mountaineer’s Canadian journeys But craved more. Tristan Armstrong CEO of Armstrong CollectiveThe parent company of Canyon Spirit and Rocky Mountaineer,, said Travel + Leisure. “So, we went into the rabbit hole looking at different railway journeys that rivaled the scenery and storytelling we have in Canada. [been] We wanted to find a way to connect our guests with these communities. “We looked at North America and identified this route that met all of the markers.”
The new extension weaves through the Great Basin, Utah’s mountains and the landscapes. Armstrong stated, “What I like about the Moab – to Salt Lake City Route is that it ties these two days together.” You get to see the Red Rocks and the lush vegetation. You get such a wide range.”
This updated route makes this remote area of Utah more accessible to travelers. Travelers had to fly into or out from Canyonlands Field Airport, near Moab. This airport has limited flight options. Guests can now start or finish their adventures in Salt Lake City. The airport is a major hub, with over 300 flights per day. Armstrong noted that “accessibility is of course a big part.” “But we wanted to ensure that the scenery matched.”
Beyond the practical appeal, the journey also helps travelers foster a deeper connection to the region’s history, culture, and natural splendor—all from the comfort of a luxury railcar. “Train travel is an excellent way to discover history and experience different cultures. “The rail lines that we operate along really helped to connect the United States,” Armstrong stated. There’s romance, rhythm, and relaxation on the rail. Every corner offers a stunning view and we can see the richness of this journey.
T+L was among the first to preview the journey—here’s what it’s like.
The Journey
Susmita Baral/Travel + Leisure
The experience began with a deep sense of place. Even before the train departed Salt Lake City, an onboard host offered a land acknowledgment—honoring the traditional territories of the Ute (Nuuchu), Arapaho (Nookhose’iinenno), and Cheyenne (Tsis tsis’tas) peoples, along with the 48 contemporary Indigenous nations connected to Colorado. It was an acknowledgement of the route’s culture, similar to what the company does on its Canadian excursions.
We began our journey by passing Utah Lake, the college town of Provo and then climbing up the scenic switchbacks known as the Gilluly Loops before crossing Soldier Summit. Early afternoon saw the train descend into Green River, and continue on to the red-rock wonderland that is Canyonlands. Moab For our first overnight stay, we will be stopping at the hotel.
Traveling with Canyon Spirit is a true luxury. The convenience of having the luggage handled by someone else is hard to overstate. I handed my suitcase to the team before boarding the train—keeping just my carry-on essentials. (For me, books, meds and laptops were essential. I also had a camera, chargers, and a camera. Each night, my bag was in the hotel room. Even better? Hotel key cards were provided to us right on the train.
We began the second day with the view of Book Cliffs, and continued through Thompson Springs and the small desert outpost. We then crossed into Colorado and passed the stunning Ruby Canyon before arriving in the vineyard-lined valleys of Grand Junction. The evening before, we had arrived in Grand Junction. Glenwood SpringsA historic mountain town known for its healing hot springs, and charming downtown.
The final stretch of the journey was spectacular. The Colorado River was traced through the gorges of Glenwood Canyon, Burns Canyon and the alpine forest as the train hugged its twists. We crossed the Continental Divide Arriving at Denver Union Station.
Each destination offered us the opportunity to explore. Moab was one of the destinations where we had to explore. This included walking around the downtown area and taking a tour for four hours through Arches National Park. Glenwood Springs was also visited, with a walk through the charming downtown area and a trip to nearby hot springs.
Guests could choose their own adventure at each stop. I chose to walk through Moab’s charming downtown, and then take a tour of Arches National Park. Glenwood Springs was explored by strolling through its historic downtown area and relaxing in the hot springs nearby.
Armstrong said that there will be more improvements to the trip in the future. He noted that new travel packages, preplanned experiences and other enhancements would be revealed before its debut next year.Salt Lake City is such a vibrant communityIt is a city with a unique and rich past. He said that the city is stunning, but the surrounding areas like Park City are equally beautiful.
The Onboard Experience
Although the train moves at an average of 30 miles per hours, it slows down in certain scenic areas to allow for better viewing. It can reach 60 mph in some sections but not at the cost of the scenery. Each railcar has an open-air vestibule, allowing guests to take photos and breathe fresh air without any obstructions or glare.
Passengers are immersed in an environment of comfort and luxury. Glass-domed coaches provide a panoramic view, while hosts offer regional cuisine, craft drinks, and stories to bring the landscapes alive. The lounge car, which is exclusive to guests on the signature package() offers passengers an additional space where they can enjoy the views and order drinks.
A dedicated lift is available to transport guests with mobility issues from the platform into the railcar. There is also a specially-designed wheelchair that fits in the narrow aisles.
The team is committed to sustainability and minimizes waste by composting, sourcing ingredients locally and using data.
Onboard, my hosts gave me insights into each area I passed through, including the geology, culture, and history. You might hear personal stories woven into the narrative if you’re fortunate, like I was. As I traveled, the landscape around me became more and more beautiful.
Canyon Spirit offers a curated experience that includes everything from sipping local wines to learning about the history of the area.
Food & Drink
The meals on board are a guided taste of the area, reflecting the landscape that is visible through the windows. Kaelhub cudmore, director of culinary strategy at T+L, said: “We bring our outdoor environments in to enhance the guest’s experience. That is the cornerstone of the culinary vision on board.” We want to make the communities, cultures, and scenery we see from the window visible on the plates that guests are served. They don’t only get to see local areas. They can experience it—they can taste the flavors of the local areas.”
The philosophy was evident from the very first bite. My first meal started with a mimosa and a Utah scone served with a side of whipped honey butter—a nod to the Beehive State, which produced over 1.2 million pounds of honey in 2022, according to the USDA.
The morning menus are a balance of comfort and indulgence. You can choose from dishes such as Wild Mountain Berry French toast (topped with cactus), huevos rancheros (topped with peppers and onions), avocado toast with cactus and the Free Range Plate inspired by cowboy food.
Lunch was a culinary adventure with dishes like Baja Prawn Cobb, smoked salmon, boneless ribs, cornbread with charred kernels, and mushroom and bison lasagna. One standout: the seared beef tenderloin served with butter carrot puree, balsamic-glazed beets, and “celebration potatoes”—a Utah classic found at funerals, potlucks, and family gatherings alike. Sweets like pistachio cream cakes, apple tarts, dark chocolate mice tortes, cheesecakes, and strawberry champagne sponge cakes are served to complement each meal.
Between courses, guests are treated to small nibbles—think popcorn, flavored nuts, or the occasional passed hors d’oeuvre. Before arriving in Glenwood Springs, for instance, pulled pork tacos were offered as a farewell bite, complete with pickled cactus—one of the few things growing along the stark, desert stretch we’d just crossed.
Denver’s sourcing local is deeply rooted DazBog Coffee The city’s favorite bakery makes the pastries, and the brew is made on board. Gateau Bakery. Cudmore claims that the trout for the lunch meal is also “nurtured, and spawned”, in the Colorado River.
Menus are designed according to the season and dietary needs of each guest are considered in advance.
Book Now
Starting April 21, 2026, the new Rockies to Red Rocks Extension will run weekly with a westbound departure out of Denver and an eastbound departure out of Salt Lake City. Prices start at $2,132, including hotel accommodations in Moab or Glenwood Springs. Reservations are available at thecanyonspirit.com.
