Launching in April 2026 and operating through November, the brand-new Canyon Spirit route promises to redefine rail travel in the American Southwest. After experiencing it for myself, I can confidently say: it absolutely will. This is a journey that stays with you long after the last mile.

Salt Lake City – A Grand Beginning

Flying from Sydney to Los Angeles on Qantas QF11, my entry into the United States was surprisingly swift and seamless for any Australian traveller. I chose to spend a few days in LA first. exploring iconic landmarks, and adjusting gently to the time difference being a first time traveller to the United States. It was the perfect pre-tour warm-up.

From Los Angeles, I boarded Delta flight DL1647 to Salt Lake City, touching down at 4 pm the afternoon before departure. A quick 10-minute Uber ride delivered me to the Grand America Hotel, one of Canyon Spirit’s premier partner properties.

Stepping into the lobby felt like entering another world – English wool carpets, sparkling Venetian chandeliers, and a refined European charm that blended harmoniously with the modern luxury of a world-class hotel.

To my delight, check-in for the train also took place at the hotel. The Canyon Spirit ground crew welcomed me warmly, presenting my travel documents and setting the tone for the impeccable service that would follow.

My premier room on the top floor of the 24-storey hotel was indulgence personified: a plush king bed, a spacious living area, a marble-clad bathroom, and panoramic views of both the city and the snow-capped mountains. A twilight stroll through the manicured gardens, fountains humming softly, was the ideal prologue to the adventure ahead.

DAY 1: Salt Lake City – Moab

A Window to the American West

The morning began with excitement and hesitation as I left my suitcase in my room for Canyon Spirit’s luggage crew to pick it up, who promised it would reappear in my Moab hotel room. One of the many features of Canyon Spirit.

Boarding began promptly at 8:00 am. The moment I stepped into coach CB01, I was greeted by warm smiles and a carriage bathed in natural light from the sweeping glass windows that make every seat feel like the best in the house.

Our hosts for the next three days, Mike, Jill, Leigh, and Chef Crystal, introduced themselves before offering a thoughtful cultural acknowledgement to the Indigenous communities of Utah and Colorado. Moments later, mimosas were raised in a toast as Salt Lake City faded behind us.

The scenery unfolded like an illustrated storybook: the dramatic Book Cliffs, the looping curves of the Gilluly Loops, the legendary Castle Gate, and vast canyonlands shaped by time and storytelling. The hosts’ commentary, part history, part geology, part humour, was exceptional.

Dining Onboard

Meals were presented with crisp linens and genuine hospitality. Breakfast and lunch read like menus from a boutique restaurant rather than a moving train. A snapshot:

Breakfast

– Utah Scone with whipped honey butter

Choice of Main:

– Front Range Plate

– Wild Mountain Berry French Toast

– Strawberry Lavender Parfait

Lunch

– Prosciutto & Melon

Choice of Main:

– Seared Beef Tenderloin

– Poached Baja Prawn Cobb

Dessert:

– Blood Orange Chocolate Pecan Tart

– Pistachio Cream Cake

As we approached Moab, its mesas and buttes hinted at the breathtaking national parks nearby. Since Moab has no station, we disembarked at Thompson Springs, met with cool desert air and flawless organisation before being transferred by luxury motor coach.

At The Hoodoo Hotel, my suitcase was already waiting in my room as promised. After settling in, I enjoyed a relaxed wander along Moab’s charming main street cafés, galleries, and that unmistakable desert-town warmth.

DAY 2: Moab –  Glenwood Springs

Arches, Canyons & Pure Magic

The day began with an excursion to Arches National Park. No photo prepares you for its scale, towering stone windows, the improbably balanced rocks, and far-off glimpses of the iconic Delicate Arch. Travelling in the cooler season made the morning golden and comfortable.

Returning to our new boarding station, 10 minutes just outside of Moab, our hosts greeted us like old friends. Lunch onboard celebrated fresh flavours of the Southwest as we glided past ghost town Cisco and into the remote splendour of Ruby Canyon, a 25-mile masterpiece accessible only by rail or raft.

Crossing into Colorado, orchards and vineyards of the Grand Valley framed the horizon. By late afternoon, we rolled into Glenwood Springs, welcomed once again by the Canyon Spirit ground team.

A short stroll brought me to the charming Maxwell Anderson Hotel, modern comfort blended with century-old character. There, my luggage was yet again waiting for me in my room. Across the road, Glenwood Hot Springs offered naturally heated mineral pools once treasured by the Ute people. The perfect end to a magical day.

DAY 3: Glenwood Springs – Denver

A Grand Finale Through the Rockies

After a leisurely morning, we re-boarded for the most dramatic leg of the journey. This final day covers eight unforgettable hours, passing through 45 tunnels and 50 across the entire three-day route.

Within minutes, we entered the magnificent Glenwood Canyon, its towering rocky walls hugging the Colorado River.

The scent of warm cinnamon brioche rolls filled the carriage as breakfast was served, followed by another beautifully curated lunch menu featuring dishes like Bison & Wild Mushroom Lasagna and Roasted Garlic & Pesto Chicken.

Outside the windows, the landscapes shifted continuously, ruby cliffs, snowy peaks, deep gorges, and finally the engineering marvels of the Moffat Tunnel and Big 10 Curve.

Arriving at Denver Union Station was a cinematic finale. Stepping onto the platform, I felt that familiar bittersweet tug; this journey had been extraordinary in every sense.

My stay at Hotel Indigo offered modern comfort just steps from restaurants, bars, and Denver’s vibrant downtown. The next morning, a short walk back to Union Station connected me effortlessly with the A Line train to the airport, only a 40-minute ride and a US$10 fare direct to the airport. If only every city made departures this simple.

I then flew from Denver to  Los Angeles on Delta DL2828, connecting with Qantas QF12 back to Sydney later that evening.

Before & After – Enhancing Your Canyon Spirit Experience

For Australian travellers, flying into the United States is surprisingly easy. Immigration was swift, connections seamless, and domestic flights well-timed.

I highly recommend spending a few days pre, whether it be in Los Angeles before flying into Salt Lake City – you explore Santa Monica, Hollywood, or simply unwind, it’s an ideal pre-tour city break.

Likewise, Denver is the perfect finale. Its food scene, breweries, architecture, and effortless airport connection make it a destination worth lingering in before your long flight home.

This trip isn’t just a train journey, it’s a beautifully curated travel experience from start to finish.

Why Canyon Spirit Stands Out

• Flawless luggage handling
• Your bag simply appears in your hotel room. Magic
•  Room keys delivered onboard
• Walk straight to your room – no front desk required
• Crew E\excellence
• Warm, engaging, insightful, and passionate. They make the journey
• Restaurant-quality dining
• Fresh, thoughtful menus beautifully presented at 60mph.
• Unbelievable scenery
• Deserts, canyons, vineyards, rivers, mountains – every mile is different
• A rare opportunity to slow down
• In a fast world, Canyon Spirit invites you to savour the journey
• The Canyon Spirit Milepost Guide
• An incredible companion filled with stories, geology, history, and landmarks.