In 2026, Armstrong Collective, known for the world-renowned Rocky Mountaineer, will launch a three-day train tour of the American Southwest. Along with their existing two-day tour, the United States portion of the railway is now known as the Canyon Spirit.
There’s something magical about train travel, especially when it’s wrapped in luxury. For more than 30 years, the Rocky Mountaineer has whisked travelers through the breathtaking Canadian Rockies. Now, that signature experience comes stateside aboard the Canyon Spirit, rolling through the dramatic landscapes of America’s Southwest.
What is the Canyon Spirit?
In 2021, a two-day Rocky Mountaineer route named Rockies to the Red Rocks was introduced in the Southwestern U.S., showcasing the unique scenery between Denver, Colorado and Moab, Utah. Building on this success, a new three-day Rockies to the Red Rocks itinerary is being offered in 2026, connecting Salt Lake City, Utah, to Denver.
Along with this new route, and to better reflect the American experience, the train also gets a rebranding in 2026 as the Canyon Spirit. The Rocky Mountaineer name will continue to identify the Canadian journeys.
Defining luxury US train travel
A recent preview of this extended three-day Rockies to the Red Rocks itinerary reveals the best takeaways from this trip. Rail travel takes place only during the day, so no scenery is ever missed. The standard fare includes overnight accommodation on train travel days in high-quality partner hotels.
Massive glass panoramic windows make guests feel like they are part of the landscape, not just passing through it. Reclining leather seats are comfortable and can be rotated so that travelers always face the front of the train, a benefit for those who are prone to motion sickness.
When passing through particularly scenic sections, the train slows down, which makes it easy to take in the views. Each railcar also provides an open-air vestibule to allow for photography without a glass barrier.
Personable hosts offer attentive service, providing meals, drinks and snacks throughout the three-day journey. They are also talented storytellers who share information on the geology, history and folklore of each area we pass through.
The Canyon Spirit staff on and off the train are extremely conscientious, making the journey hassle free. Transfers between the train and the hotels are also included, as is luggage handling. Suitcases are left in the hotel room in the morning and delivered to the next hotel room at night.
The Rockies to the Red Rocks 3-day itinerary
The trip begins in Salt Lake and ends in Denver. The opposite direction is also available.
On the first day, the train leaves the urban Salt Lake City and Provo metro area, passes through diverse desert landscapes and arrives five hours later at the red cliffs around Moab, Utah. The rest of the afternoon and evening, guests are free to explore the two national parks nearby or the quaint town. There are plenty of delicious restaurant choices within an easy walk of the partner hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton or the Hoodoo Moab Curio Collection by Hilton.
The second day begins with a guided morning bus tour of the highlights in nearby Arches National Park. A knowledgeable guide brings the history and scenery to life, and an air-conditioned coach makes the experience comfortable despite the rising heat outside.
In the afternoon, another five-hour train ride takes guests through the colorful desert scenery from Moab to Glenwood Springs, Colo. A major highlight is the aptly named Ruby Canyon, which is only accessible by train or on a multi-day rafting trip down the Colorado River.
In Glenwood Springs, a global menu of restaurants is within easy walking distance of the two historic partner hotels: the Hotel Maxwell Anderson and the Hotel Colorado. Also within easy reach is the equally historic Glenwood Hot Springs Pool. With more than seven pools at varying temperatures, it’s a good spot to spend the evening soothing both the muscles and the soul.
The final day offers a stunning visual climax as guests are treated to a real “Rocky Mountain High.” The eight-hour trip from Glenwood Springs to Denver passes quickly as the train follows the Colorado River through deeply carved canyons and past secluded ranches. Tunnels through the Continental Divide and the Rockies’ Front Range conquer the imposing massifs before ending the journey in Denver’s Union Station.
Train travel that delights foodies
Adding to the scenery outside the window is the culinary experience served at each seat. All meals and drinks on the train are included in the cost of the fare, so there are no worries about extra charges. The Canyon Spirit proudly offers a menu that is regionally inspired and crafted with fresh local ingredients.
The boneless pork rib served with tequila BBQ sauce, charred corn and caramelized yams, cilantro crackling and a cornbread muffin is a real standout. As is the equally delicious dark chocolate torte with black cocoa genoise, velvet dark chocolate mouse and dark chocolate ganache.
The drinks on board are equally inspiring. Each meal is accompanied by an impressive selection of wines, many of which are also locally sourced. The crisp Plum Creek Riesling from Colorado’s Grand Junction wine region pairs particularly well with the smoked Colorado salmon salad.
In the lounge cars, another talented host whips up cocktails with intriguing names like Gore Canyon Bloody Mary, Big 10 Squeeze or Colorado Sunrise Spritz. Plenty of nonalcoholic options are also available.
A luxury US train journey like no other
Europe is known for its train travel, especially luxury train experiences, like the Orient Express and the British Pullman. With the Canyon Spirit, the U.S. can now also boast of a luxurious multi-day rail journey. This type of train travel isn’t for everyone. The scenery and the accompanying stories are the entertainment, while the food and drink target an adult audience.
A Canyon Spirit trip isn’t just about getting from point A to point B. It’s about slowing down, focusing on the views outside the window, and marveling at the distinctive scenery that defines the American Southwest. Rose Palmer is a retired Ph.D. chemist and a multiple award-winning travel writer, photographer and podcaster who has been recognised with two Lowell Thomas journalism awards. She has traveled to more than 60 countries and shares her personal travel stories at Quiltripping because she believes that “life is a patchwork of experiences.” Her content is regularly featured in numerous U.S. outlets, including the Miami Herald, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Sacramento Bee, MSN and others.
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