What if your vacation wasn't just about getting to the destination, but about actually enjoying the journey along the way?
That was exactly what drew me to Canyon Spirit Railroad.
Canyon Spirit
This past May, I had the opportunity to experience a unique journey through some of the most beautiful scenery in the American West, traveling by train from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Denver, Colorado. Along the way, we made stops in Moab and Glenwood Springs, stayed in comfortable upscale hotels, enjoyed incredible scenery from the train, and had opportunities to explore each destination either independently or through excursions arranged as part of the trip.
After experiencing it for myself, I can tell you this was much more than simply taking a train from one city to another. Canyon Spirit combines the romance of rail travel with the comfort and convenience of a thoughtfully planned vacation. It is a slower, more relaxed way to experience the American West, and for me, that was part of what made it so special.
The Journey Begins in Salt Lake City
Our adventure began in Salt Lake City, where we stayed at The Grand America. Canyon Spirit takes care of the lodging arrangements throughout the journey, with accommodations generally being comfortable 4- or 5-star hotels in convenient locations. The exact hotels can vary, but our experiences with each of the properties were excellent.
One of the features I appreciated most was the luggage service. Canyon Spirit handles your luggage from the beginning of your journey until you arrive in Denver. Each morning, our luggage was picked up directly from our hotel room and transported ahead to our next destination. When we arrived at our next hotel later that day, our luggage was already waiting for us in our room.
That might sound like a small detail, but it makes a huge difference. There was no dragging suitcases through train stations, loading and unloading luggage every day, or trying to figure out where to store everything while we explored. We simply kept a small day bag with us, and Canyon Spirit took care of the rest.
Our hotels included The Grand America in Salt Lake City, Element by Marriott in Moab, The Maxwell in Glenwood Springs, and Hotel Indigo in Denver. Again, the specific properties may vary, but the overall focus is on comfortable accommodations that are conveniently located for the itinerary.
The Grand American in Salt Lake City
Life Aboard the Canyon Spirit Train
Once we boarded the train, I quickly realized that the train itself was going to be a major part of the experience rather than simply our transportation between destinations.
The seats were wide and comfortable, with plenty of room to settle in and enjoy the ride. Each seat had its own tray table and charging ports, and there was room underneath the seat in front of you for a small personal bag. Because your larger luggage travels ahead to the hotel, you'll want to make sure your day bag contains anything you may need while you're onboard or exploring that afternoon.
But the real star of the train is the view.
The windows are enormous, providing expansive panoramic views of the mountains, canyons, and Colorado River. Instead of concentrating on the road or worrying about navigating unfamiliar territory, we could simply sit back and watch the landscape change outside our windows.
Huge Panoramic Windows
And there was always something to see.
We spotted horses, cows, goats, mule deer, bald eagles, and even bears during our journey. We watched people rafting down the Colorado River and others fishing along the banks. We passed through dramatic mountain scenery and caught views of landmarks such as Mount Garfield. There were constantly changing landscapes and little moments that made you want to keep your eyes on the window because you never knew what you might see next.
And then there were the occasional 'full moons,' if you know what I mean!
Let's just say that not everything we saw from the train was wildlife.
Don't Forget the Outdoor Platforms
One of my favorite features of the train was something that could easily be overlooked: the outdoor viewing platforms.
Outdoor viewing
At various points during the journey, we could step outside onto the platforms between the train cars. These became one of my favorite places to spend some time. They were a wonderful opportunity to stretch your legs, breathe in some fresh mountain air, and experience the scenery without the glass of a train window between you and the landscape.
Standing outside as the train moved through the mountains and along the river gave the journey an entirely different feeling. You could hear the train, feel the movement, smell the fresh air, and take in the scenery from an unobstructed perspective. Of course, you need to follow the onboard safety guidelines when using the platforms, but when conditions allowed, they were a fantastic addition to the experience.
The Premier Package
We chose the Premier Package for our journey, and I think it added some worthwhile extras to the experience.
One of my favorite perks was access to the private Lounge Cars. They provided additional space to relax, visit with fellow passengers, enjoy a cocktail, or simply find a comfortable seat near the windows and watch the scenery roll by. It became a gathering place throughout the trip, and we enjoyed spending time there between meals and excursions.
The bar service was another highlight. The cocktails were well prepared, and the selection included quality, top-shelf spirits such as Woodford Reserve. This wasn't the kind of train experience where you were settling for a basic drink simply because you were traveling. The overall bar service felt thoughtful and elevated, which fit nicely with the Premier experience.
Premier Lounge Access
Our bartender, Sophia, deserves a special mention. She was attentive, friendly, and genuinely enjoyable to spend time with. By the end of the trip, she felt less like our bartender and more like someone we had known for much longer.
The Premier Package also included a whiskey tasting, which was a fun opportunity to try and learn a little more about the spirits being featured. We also enjoyed additional food experiences, including a tasting table featuring local honey and cheeses. Those little extras gave us another reason to spend time in the lounge and made the onboard experience feel more like part of the vacation rather than simply a way to pass the time.
Premiere Package Whiskey Tasting
The Food Was Part of the Experience
I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food onboard. The meals felt thoughtfully prepared, and the dining service was attentive without feeling overly formal. There was a nice variety of options, and the menu incorporated local touches that made the dining experience feel connected to the destinations we were traveling through.
Amazing Dining Service
Rather than feeling like typical 'train food,' the meals were something I genuinely looked forward to. I enjoyed everything from breakfast tacos and a Prawn Cobb Salad to chicken and rice, along with some delicious pastries and desserts along the way. We were also offered snacks throughout the day in the lounge, ranging from nuts and crackers to charcuterie, cheeses, and local honey.
The combination of good food, attentive service, cocktails from the bar, and those little tasting experiences made dining onboard feel like another part of the vacation. It was easy to settle into the rhythm of the journey: enjoy the scenery, have something good to eat or drink, relax for a while, and watch the world go by.
Prawn Cobb Salad
Moab: Red Rocks, Arches and Adventure
Our first major stop was Moab, and this is where you really get to choose your own adventure. Canyon Spirit offers excursions that can be arranged as part of the journey, but you can also explore independently if you prefer.
For our time in Moab, I chose the Arches National Park Tour with Moab Adventure Center, and I was so glad I did. One of the things that made the excursion particularly convenient was the seamless transition from the train to the tour. When we arrived in Moab, the Moab Adventure Center was waiting for us right at the train.
There was no need to arrange transportation or figure out how to get from the train station to the tour. We simply stepped off the train and started our adventure.
Our guide took us to several beautiful areas of Arches National Park, with opportunities to stop for photographs, take in the scenery, and do some light hiking with the group. Our tour guide was fantastic and added so much to the experience. Having someone who knew the area, understood the history, and knew where to stop allowed us to see much more than we probably would have on our own.
And the scenery was incredible.
The massive red rock formations, natural arches, blue skies, and rugged desert landscape make Moab one of those destinations that photographs simply don't do justice. It was a completely different landscape from what we experienced from the train, which is one of the things I enjoyed most about this itinerary. Every stop felt different.
Moab Arches National Park
Glenwood Springs: Hot Springs, Art and Small-Town Charm
From Moab, our journey continued to Glenwood Springs, which offered yet another completely different experience.
Glenwood Springs has a charming, artsy personality, and during our visit, an Arts Festival was taking place in town. We found local artists and vendors selling unique artwork, handmade items, and plenty of interesting goodies. It was a fun way to experience the local community and gave us a chance to wander around and enjoy the town at our own pace.
Of course, one of the biggest attractions in Glenwood Springs is the natural hot springs.
Visitors have a couple of great options for spending the day soaking in the mineral-rich waters. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is the classic choice, while Iron Mountain Hot Springs offers a more intimate experience with multiple soaking pools. Iron Mountain also has an adults-only section, which is a nice option for couples or anyone looking for a quieter experience.
After spending time traveling and exploring, relaxing in the hot springs was a wonderful way to slow down and enjoy our time in Glenwood Springs.
The Journey Is the Destination
One of the things I enjoyed most about this trip was that I never felt like I was constantly rushing to the next destination.
When you take a traditional road trip, you spend a lot of time thinking about the logistics. Who is driving? Where do we park? How long until the next stop? Where are we going to eat? Where are we going to stay? What do we do with our luggage?
Canyon Spirit takes many of those details off your plate.
The hotels are arranged for you. Your luggage is transported ahead. Excursions can be arranged in advance. Meals and snacks are available onboard. And instead of watching the road, you're watching the scenery.
That leaves you with something we don't always get enough of when we travel: time to simply enjoy where you are.
Arriving in Denver
Eventually, our journey brought us to Denver, where the train portion of our adventure came to an end.
Our hotel, Hotel Indigo, was located directly across from the train station, which was incredibly convenient. After several days of traveling through some spectacular scenery, it was wonderful to step off the train and have our hotel just across the street.
Denver also makes an excellent place to extend your vacation. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, whether you choose to arrange them through Canyon Spirit or explore the city independently.
For us, arriving in Denver felt a little bittersweet. We had spent several days getting to know the train, the crew, our fellow travelers, and the rhythm of this very different way of traveling. Suddenly, the train journey was over.
Is a Canyon Spirit Journey Worth It?
After experiencing Canyon Spirit for myself, I think this is one of those vacations that is absolutely worth considering if you're looking for something different.
You're not simply paying for transportation from Salt Lake City to Denver. You're paying for an experience that combines scenic rail travel, comfortable accommodations, luggage service, onboard dining, quality bar service, excursions, and the opportunity to experience several destinations without the hassle of driving between them.
But I think the biggest value is something that is harder to put a price on: the ability to slow down and enjoy the journey.
From the red rocks of Moab to the hot springs of Glenwood Springs, from the Colorado River and towering mountains to Mount Garfield, from bald eagles and mule deer to the unexpected sight of a bear, there was always something to look at.
We stepped outside onto the viewing platforms for fresh air and unobstructed scenery. We relaxed in the lounge with cocktails and new friends. We enjoyed good food and whiskey tastings. We listened to stories about the communities and people along the route. And sometimes, we simply sat by the window and watched the landscape roll past.
It was comfortable. It was relaxing. It was scenic. It was fun.
And most importantly, it was different.
We often spend so much time trying to get to our destination that we forget the journey can be part of the vacation, too. Canyon Spirit reminded me that sometimes, getting there can be just as memorable as being there.
If you're looking for a unique way to explore the American West—and want a vacation where someone else handles the driving, the luggage, and many of the logistics—I think a Canyon Spirit journey is one worth putting on your travel list.
And if you're wondering whether this type of trip would be a good fit for you, I'd be happy to help you explore the possibilities and put together an itinerary that fits the way you like to travel.
