A Scenic, Accessible Rail Journey from Salt Lake City to Denver with Canyon Spirit

The itinerary

Our Canyon Spirit journey began in Salt Lake City, where we stayed overnight before being transferred by motor coach to this all-inclusive luxury train the following morning.

Canyon Spirit handles seamless transportation to and from the train at each stop. Guests simply leave their luggage in their hotel room, and it will be collected and delivered to the room at the next destination. It made moving between cities incredibly easy and allowed us to focus on the experience.

From Salt Lake City, we experienced attentive service, three-course meals, and stories about the beautiful landscapes we were traveling through. In Moab, we had the opportunity to tour Arches National Park that evening or the following morning. A hummer tour of Canyonlands National Park is another highly regarded excursion! Canyon Spirit took care of all the accommodations, and our hotel was walkable to shops and restaurants in downtown Moab.

Us settling into our seats in Moab!

The next day, we reboarded the train and continued to Glenwood Springs. After starting in the red rock desert, we entered the mountains and canyons of Colorado’s Western Slope, experiencing ever-evolving landscapes throughout the day. We enjoyed live music atop the Glenwood Springs gondola. The classic hot springs this town is known for were nearby as well.

Our third day continued over the Continental Divide through the Moffat Tunnel and into the dramatic canyons and valleys along the Colorado River. We saw wildlife, including pronghorns, bighorn sheep, beavers, and bald eagles. Our journey concluded with the rail trip into Denver’s historic Union Station.

Canyon Spirit newspaper to follow along with the journey.

The train

Canyon Spirit was simply comfortable and enjoyable. The seats were roomy, with plenty of legroom and recline, making it easy to settle in for the day. Meals were a major part of the experience, with multiple three-course meals served throughout each day, along with wine, cocktails, and other libations. The service was excellent, and the staff added so much to the experience by sharing history, stories, and information about the landscapes and communities we passed along the way.

Multiple three-course meals are served daily.

Train car windows allow for ample viewing.

Scenery & camaraderie

The scenery is really what makes this trip stand apart. Much of each railcar is surrounded by large windows, so there are nearly constant views of the changing landscape. In Colorado, portions of the route follow the Colorado River, and at times, you are traveling through areas that feel completely removed from roads and development. These are views you simply cannot experience in the same way on a traditional road trip. There is also an open-air viewing area where guests can step outside, take photographs, and really feel immersed in the scenery around them.

The outdoor viewing car allows for fresh air and full immersion.

We enjoyed the natural camaraderie that develops onboard as we share meals, drinks, and the experience of watching the scenery pass by together. It would be a wonderful option for couples, friends traveling together, multigenerational families with older children or adults, or anyone who enjoys scenic travel but prefers a slower and more comfortable style of sightseeing.

Accessibility

From an accessibility standpoint, I was impressed by the level of assistance available throughout the journey. There were plenty of attentive staff members on the platforms to assist guests with boarding and disembarking the train. For guests who use wheelchairs, Canyon Spirit can provide manual lifts or ramps for boarding and disembarking the train. The train moved at a relatively slow pace and felt quite smooth during our trip. The center aisle is wide, and the washrooms were spacious and included grab bars.

Canyon Spirit is best for travelers who enjoy the journey as much as the destination. The overnight stops in Moab and Glenwood Springs give you a taste of each location rather than an extended stay.

The included transfers and luggage handling make the multi-stop journey especially easy, and I highly recommend spending time in the open-air viewing area for a different perspective on the scenery.

For travelers with mobility or accessibility considerations, communicate specific needs to your advisor when booking. Accessible boarding assistance can be arranged, and accessible washrooms are on board. Your advisor will communicate with Canyon Spirit and its hotel partners to prepare the best opportunity for the individual traveler.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Salt Lake City, Moab, and Denver pages.