Some trips are about the destination. Others are about the journey itself. Traveling aboard Canyon Spirit is one of those rare experiences where every mile is just as memorable as the places you visit along the way.
Our adventure began in Salt Lake City, where I arrived a day early and checked into the historic Grand America Hotel. Located in the heart of downtown, the hotel blends timeless elegance with exceptional service. I was fortunate to receive an upgrade to one of the premier rooms, complete with a spacious sitting area, French doors separating the bedroom, and an expansive marble bathroom. It was the perfect way to begin the journey, though I wished I had more than one night to enjoy it.
The following morning, our group gathered in the hotel lobby to receive boarding instructions from the Canyon Spirit team. We had already met Canyon Spirit representative Dawn Burtch during our welcome dinner the evening before, where she provided our rail car and seat assignments, making the boarding process seamless.
Premier Room at The Grand America Hotel
Life Onboard Canyon Spirit: The Premier Service Experience
Once we arrived at the station, the Canyon Spirit staff welcomed us aboard with friendly smiles and refreshing welcome drinks. Traveling in Premier Service elevated the experience from the very start.
Each day included freshly prepared breakfast and lunch, delicious snacks, complimentary beverages, and all gratuities. One of the biggest surprises was the quality of the dining. Each train car has its own kitchen and chef, so meals arrived hot, fresh, and full of flavor.
Our comfortable leather seats offered plenty of room to relax, while the glass-domed viewing cars provided panoramic views of the incredible landscapes. Throughout the journey, onboard hosts shared fascinating stories about the regions we traveled through while pointing out wildlife along the way.
The Canyon Spirit Experience
Moab: A National Park Lover’s Dream
Our first overnight stop was Moab, Utah, where we transferred by motorcoach to the modern Element Hotel, part of the Marriott family. The spacious rooms even featured convenient kitchenettes.
For me, Moab was the highlight of the entire itinerary. I had always wanted to experience this part of Utah and its incredible national parks, and finally seeing it in person exceeded every expectation.
I planned two excursions through Moab Adventure Center, whose tour schedules worked well around the train’s arrival and departure times. My first adventure was an open-air Sunset Hummer Tour through Moab’s dramatic red-rock landscape. Early the following morning, I headed out again for a sunrise motorcoach tour of Arches National Park.
Both experiences were spectacular, and I highly recommend making time for them if your itinerary allows. Seeing the landscape at sunset and then watching the morning light transform Arches National Park gave me two completely different perspectives on this remarkable destination.
After our sunrise tour, we returned to the hotel with enough time to gather our belongings before boarding the motorcoach back to the train. From there, Canyon Spirit carried us onward toward our next stop: Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
Adventures in Moab
Relaxing in Historic Glenwood Springs
Our next stop brought us to Glenwood Springs, where we stayed at the quirky and eclectic Maxwell Anderson Hotel, formerly the historic Hotel Denver. Conveniently located across from the rail station, the hotel offered plenty of character and placed us right in the heart of the city.
While onboard the train, several of us decided we couldn’t visit Glenwood Springs without experiencing its famous hot springs. Using the complimentary onboard Wi-Fi, we purchased tickets to Iron Mountain Hot Springs and managed to secure the final 8:00 p.m. time slot.
We shared an Uber from the hotel, and after a day of traveling, soaking in the warm mineral pools while taking in the surrounding mountain views was the perfect way to unwind.
A Night in Glenwood Springs
The Most Spectacular Scenery of the Journey
Back onboard the next morning, we continued toward Denver, and this portion of the journey delivered some of the most spectacular scenery I have ever experienced.
Every turn revealed another postcard-worthy view. Rivers wound through towering mountains, while massive rock formations framed the landscape. We spotted people fly fishing in the streams below, along with an incredible variety of wildlife including deer, prairie dogs, black bears, and even an eagle’s nest perched high in a barren tree.
It was the kind of scenery that made it nearly impossible to look away from the windows. In fact, the views were so good I forgot to take pictures! Sometimes you just have to put the camera down, sit back, and take it all in, and this was definitely one of those moments.
A Convenient Finale in Denver
Our final destination was Denver, where we stayed at Hotel Indigo, conveniently located across from Union Station. The hotel had plenty of personality, comfortable rooms, and a location that made the final portion of our trip especially easy.
Before saying goodbye, our group gathered for one last farewell drink and reflected on everything we had experienced together.
The next morning, travelers departed at various times. We used Denver’s local rail system to reach Denver International Airport, which made for an easy and affordable transfer.
Hotel Indigo
Why I Recommend Canyon Spirit
From comfortable Premier Service and freshly prepared meals onboard to incredible scenery and memorable overnight stops, Canyon Spirit offers a unique way to experience the American West. What I loved most was the balance. We could relax and watch the scenery unfold from the train, then step off and experience destinations like Moab and Glenwood Springs firsthand. The journey itself never felt like simply getting from one place to another; it was an essential part of the vacation.
Whether you’re new to rail travel or already love exploring by train, this itinerary brings together relaxation, adventure, natural beauty, and experiences that would be difficult to replicate on a traditional road trip.
Sometimes the best way to experience a destination isn’t by rushing through it. It’s by slowing down, looking out the window, and letting the journey become part of the adventure.
