If you’re a fan of Champagne Living and the travels that I share, you already know that I’m a HUGE fan of Rocky Mountaineer. I was so honored to have been an ambassador for the brand, and while I’ve traveled along their Canadian routes, it just wasn’t in the cards for me to join them either in the past OR on an upcoming trip that they’ve shared with me on their US-based press trip. But, even though I haven’t been YET (It will happen in 2026 – I assure you), I had to share this magical train journey as soon as I heard.
It’s called the Canyon Spirit, and it’s the newly rebranded luxury train formerly known as Rocky Mountaineer’s “Rockies to the Red Rocks.” And instead of going from Denver to Moab (which was a little bit of the reason I wasn’t able to go last time, as it was difficult for me to get transportation back from Moab), Canyon Spirit is now expanding its route to include Salt Lake City, Utah, by hook or by crook, next year I. Am. Going!
This isn’t your average train ride. It’s a three-day scenic adventure that rolls through some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes in the American Southwest: think dramatic canyons, red rock cliffs, river gorges, wide-open desert basins, all while you sit back in luxury, sip wine, and enjoy gourmet meals. Yes, seriously.
The Route: Denver → Glenwood Springs → Moab → Salt Lake City
The journey starts (or ends!) in either Denver or Salt Lake City, and includes overnight stays in Glenwood Springs (hello, hot springs!) and Moab, which is basically the doorstep to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. I’ve been dreaming of visiting Moab forever, and the fact that I can roll in on a luxury train? Sign me up.
This new leg of the journey travels through eastern Utah’s mountain passes and the wide-open stretches of the Great Basin. And ending in Salt Lake City means you can cap off the whole experience with a bit of urban adventure exploring one of my favorite places, Salt Lake City, and hiking the foothills, or visiting the Red Butte Garden. It’s the best of all worlds.
The Onboard Vibes
From what I’ve read (and obsessed over), the Canyon Spirit isn’t just about the views, though those are reason enough. Just like Rocky Mountaineer, it’s about:
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Locally inspired meals with ingredients from the Southwest
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Beverage service right at your seat (wine, beer, cocktails — yes please!!!!)
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Cozy, reclining seats with panoramic dome windows
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Live storytelling and commentary from onboard hosts who know the land and its history
Basically, it’s like being on a journey that just happens to be passing through landscapes that look like they’re straight out of a movie.
Ready to Ride?
Here’s the deal:
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It launches April 21, 2026
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It runs once a week, in each direction
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It includes hotel stays in Glenwood Springs and Moab (you do not sleep on the train)
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And it starts at $2,123 USD per person (plus tax)
You can book it now (see below) and honestly, I’d recommend jumping on it sooner rather than later. Once people catch wind of this new Salt Lake City leg, it’s going to sell fast. I’m already eyeing my dates for spring 2026 —and I’d love to know if you end up going too!
This is going to be one of those trips. The kind that lingers in your mind for years after red rocks glowing at sunset, wine glass in hand, and the rhythm of the rails carrying you into the next breathtaking view.
Hope to see you on board.
- For more information visit: Canyon Spirit
