Field Notes | Canyon Spirit Preview FAM

If there was ever a rail journey designed to turn heads, it’s the Canyon Spirit. ICYMI, Holly recently had the chance to join the train’s final departure of 2025 this November, an exclusive preview of the new extension to the Rockies to Red Rocks route, opening to the public in 2026.

All images courtesy of Holly Pattison (via Rocket Travel Marketing)

For the first time, the Canyon Spirit set off from Salt Lake, adding an exciting new starting point that set the tone for an elevated experience in every sense. The Beehive State is brimming with opportunities for exploration, from desert skies that stretch for miles to snowy peaks that shape one of the more enviable ski seasons in the United States. Pair this with the forested cliffs and dramatic canyons of Colorado and you have a route that effortlessly blends contrast with continuity.

So, this begs the question: why add Salt Lake to the existing Rockies to Red Rocks journey? Not only an ideal hub for international travellers in or out of the United States and the perfect base for wider exploration, Salt Lake also offered an opportunity to branch even further into the diverse landscapes and pioneering history that runs so deep throughout the state of Utah, bridging the journey into an even more jaw-dropping light. Read on to explore more of what we got up to on this unforgettable week on the rails.

Day 1: Crossroads of The West

Touching down late on Monday at Salt Lake City International Airport, Holly didn’t have long to wait before diving into the heart of the Beehive State. By Tuesday morning she was joining Brendan and fellow international reps from Visit Salt Lake for a line-up of eye-opening site visits, offering a real sense of why the city is fast becoming one of the West’s most exciting gateway destinations.

From the vaulted ceilings of the Grand America and Little America hotels to the thrill-seeker’s paradise of the Evo Hotel, as well as perfectly preserved luxury of the Kimpton Monaco and the local charm of the Crystal Inn, the morning offered an insightful glimpse into just a handful of the key properties worth considering on any Salt Lake agenda.

Lunch followed at Squatters, a lively downtown brewpub where the group sampled local IPAs and classic American dishes. Afterwards, Holly and Brendan had just enough time to explore Temple Square. Although the Temple remains under renovation until 2026, they stepped inside the Tabernacle to see the 360-strong choir’s seating and the 2,000-pipe organ rising dramatically towards the ceiling.

With the Canyon Spirit soon calling, Holly returned to The Grand America via UTA TRAX, where guests gathered in the Grand Parlour on the 23rd floor for champagne, light bites and the first buzz of anticipation.

Day 2: Salt Lake City - Moab

Early on Wednesday morning, the group met in The Grand America lobby for final check-in before boarding a motorcoach to Salt Lake Central. With seamless support from the local ground team, everyone was quickly welcomed aboard for what would be the final Canyon Spirit departure of 2025.

The eastbound journey began by tracing the foothills of the Wasatch Range and waving goodbye to Salt Lake City. Passing through Provo and the wide waters of Utah Lake, the group settled into the rhythm of the Canyon Spirit experience, helped along by exceptional onboard service, regional storytelling and a steady flow of food and refreshments.

Much of the narration focused on Brigham Young, an early pioneer of the region and key figure in the establishment of Salt Lake City. After Provo, the route continued towards Soldier Summit, named after soldiers who lost their lives in a storm in the 1860s. For those who are more familiar with our destination clients, it was also interesting to learn that the Dominguez-Escalante Expedition passed through the area during their search for a route from Santa Fe, New Mexico, to Monterey in the late 18th century. Cool, right?

The terrain soon shifted from forested peaks to desert plains as the train passed Helper and Wellington and rejoined the start of the Book Cliffs, a striking ridgeline that would accompany the journey into the next day. Small herds of grazing pronghorn appeared along the way before the train reached Thompson Springs, the final stop of the day.

After disembarking, the group boarded a motorcoach to Moab where, in true UK-to-USA fashion, a sudden downpour accompanied the drive. Still, it offered time to take in the surrounding landscape and learn about the area’s radioactive mining history and its proximity to Utah's world famous Mighty 5 National Parks.

Checking into the Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton, the group settled comfortably for the night. A wander along Main Street before dinner at Thai Bella rounded off a warm and welcoming first evening in red rock country.

Day 3: Moab - Glenwood Springs

Kicking the jetlag aside for some bucket-list experiences early on Day 3, the group met in the lobby before boarding a Moab Express tour to Arches National Park, where the combination of insightful guides and towering hoodoos and arches made for an experience that is sure to stay front of mind for many.

Returning directly to the Canyon Spirit, the eastbound journey continued towards Glenwood Springs. The route rejoined Highway 191 and the Book Cliffs before crossing the Colorado Plateau, a region covering parts of Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico, known for being the largest area of continuous land with the same geological makeup in the United States.

The train rolled past Cisco, a certified Utah ghost town, and soon met the Colorado River which would accompany the journey through dramatic terrain. Once across the state line into Colorado, the landscape shifted into deep canyons and rising cliffs. Ruby Canyon was a standout moment, offering some of the closest rock faces of the entire route.

Passing through Grand Junction, Mac and hints of wine country near Palisade, the group enjoyed local wine tastings on board before arriving in Glenwood Springs for the night. At the Hotel Maxwell Anderson (formally the Hotel Denver), some gathered at the onsite brewpub while others explored the hillside town.

Day 4: Glenwood Springs - Denver

Departing from Glenwood Springs Station for our final day onboard the Canyon Spirit, some of the journey’s most jaw-dropping rocky vistas lay ahead. It was here the group learned that the region’s towering rock faces inspired the Canyon Spirit’s signature dome-view windows, designed to maximise every angle.

Wildlife spotting took centre stage, with the group tallying an impressive twenty-three American bald eagles along the route, including local favourites Eddie and Edith, along with sightings of mule deer and even lively river otters.

The journey climbed through the steep cliffs of Gore Canyon and continued towards Byers Canyon before pausing for a hosted whiskey tasting in the lounge car near the Tunnel District, a stretch featuring thirty tunnels over seventeen miles. Guests sampled both alcoholic and non-alcoholic local spirits paired with crackers and snow-draped scenery.

Emerging from the longest tunnel of the route, the Moffat Tunnel, the sun began to set on the final stretch towards Denver, illuminating aspens and rugged bluffs in soft evening light.

Arriving into Denver’s Union Station and checking into the Hotel Indigo, the group said warm yet bittersweet farewells to the Canyon Spirit team on what was the final journey of 2025. It set a strong tone for what will undoubtedly become a flagship experience for many travellers in 2026 and beyond.

Beginning the route from Salt Lake Central created a smooth transition into higher altitudes and introduced a side of Utah not previously experienced on the Rockies to Red Rocks trip. With well-chosen properties throughout the itinerary and thoughtful hosting both on and off the train, the group remained comfortable and well supported at every stage.

For clients considering the new three-day rail route, we highly recommend encouraging them to book ahead of 2026 launch. The experience is as enviable as it is unforgettable. A special thank you goes to both the onboard and destination teams whose dedication made this preview journey possible.