In a significant development for luxury train travel enthusiasts, Rocky Mountaineer is set to extend its popular "Rockies to the Red Rocks" route, adding a new dimension to its celebrated journeys by incorporating Salt Lake City as a terminus. Starting April 2026, this itinerary embellishment aims to offer a more enriched travel experience, cementing the route's allure with the newly branded “Canyon Spirit” train.

The "Canyon Spirit" is designed as a three-day, two-night extravaganza, initiating from the vibrant city of Denver and weaving through some of the most picturesque landscapes America has to offer. The enchanting journey features delightful overnight indulgences in Glenwood Springs—famous for its therapeutic hot springs—and the red rock marvel of Moab, before culminating in the bustling capital of Utah, Salt Lake City. These strategic stops are not merely layovers but destinations offering distinct experiences and rejuvenating retreats during the journey.

Priced at $2,123 per guest one-way, the train promises an encompassing experience. For those seeking more opulence, the $2,727 “Signature” package further elevates the journey with premium perks. This includes exclusive lounge car access designed for relaxation and social interaction, elevated dining options that cater to gastronomic desires with sophisticated menus, and a suite of additional amenities committed to enhancing passenger comfort and delight.

The route follows existing Union Pacific Railroad tracks, a historic line offering unparalleled views of the Rocky Mountain region. Passengers will be treated to awe-inspiring vistas as the train meanders through Colorado's dramatic canyons and mountain passes, and into the vast and rugged beauty of eastern Utah's desert landscape. Nature lovers and photography enthusiasts will find this scenic voyage an irresistible opportunity—as each twist and turn unveils the diversely breathtaking terrain that defines the American West.

For Denver residents, the Canyon Spirit train presents a unique and luxurious travel option to explore the splendor of Utah, sidestepping the inconveniences often associated with road trips or flights. Moreover, the service running in both directions on a weekly schedule not only broadens travel opportunities but also enhances connectivity, welcoming visitors from Salt Lake City to discover the myriad attractions of Denver.

This expanding itinerary is perhaps emblematic of the increasing interest in train travel that offers both environmental benefits and a leisurely pace. With a focus on sustainable travel, railway journeys like these reduce individual carbon footprints compared to air travel or car trips.

As train travel experiences a renaissance, this extended route is poised to attract a segment of the travel market that values experiential, eco-friendly, and leisurely modes of transportation. This journey serves as both a comfortable and fascinating alternative for those seeking to explore the heart of the American West, replete with its natural and cultural treasures.

With these developments, Rocky Mountaineer continues to carve a niche in the luxury travel segment, offering freshly minted adventures through some of the most impressive landscapes in the United States.