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Canyon Spirit: Rockies to the Red Rocks

13-day rail journey from Denver through the Rockies to San Francisco

Illustration of Canyon Spirit: Rockies to the Red Rocks

Tailor Made Rail's Canyon Spirit journey is a 13-day rail holiday spanning the American Rockies and desert southwest, departing from London and returning the same route. The trip begins with two nights in Denver, Colorado's capital, then boards the Canyon Spirit for three days of scenic rail travel through the Rocky Mountains to Glenwood Springs, Moab, and Salt Lake City. After two days exploring Salt Lake City and its Mormon heritage sites, travellers board Amtrak's California Zephyr for an overnight sleeper to San Francisco, where three nights allow time to ride cable cars, visit museums, and explore Fisherman's Wharf. The package suits repeat rail travellers seeking variety between two named trains and couples preferring a relaxed pace with longer stays in key cities. Much of the sightseeing in Moab and San Francisco is unguided, giving independence within a structured itinerary. The Canyon Spirit and California Zephyr provide contrasting rail experiences, and the route passes through mountain ranges, canyons, and high desert landscapes.

What to know before you look closer

  • Several hotels are listed as 'or similar', meaning the final choice depends on availability and tier selected
  • The Glenwood Springs hotel is confirmed closer to departure, not pre-named
  • The price excludes optional extensions such as the Coast Starlight service to Los Angeles or Seattle, Monument Valley tours, or Alcatraz tickets
  • SilverLeaf Plus upgrade (£775 per person) adds lounge access and elevated dining; GoldLeaf is not available on this itinerary

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Denver

    Denver

    Fly from London (other UK airports also available) to Denver, arriving the same day local time, and check in for a 2-night stay at The Rally Hotel (or similar). The 'Mile High City' is Colorado's capital, with museums including the Museum of Contemporary Art and the US Mint, and the historic LoDo district.

  2. Day 2overnight: Denver

    Denver

    The 'Mile High City' is Colorado's capital, located in a river valley with the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, with museums including the Museum of Contemporary Art, the US Mint and the former home of the 'Unsinkable Molly Brown', plus the historic LoDo district.

  3. Day 3overnight: Glenwood Springs

    Denver to Glenwood Springs

    Rejoin the Canyon Spirit for the onward journey through Colorado, passing Moffatt Tunnel, Big Ten Curve, Gross Reservoir Dam, and Byers, Gore and Glenwood Canyons. Breakfast and lunch served onboard. Cross the Continental Divide before arriving at the resort town of Glenwood Springs; hotel confirmed closer to departure.

  4. Day 4overnight: Moab

    Glenwood Springs to Moab

    Rejoin the Canyon Spirit for breakfast and the onward journey towards the red rocks of Utah, crossing the Colorado-Utah border, passing Parachute Creek, Mount Logan, Ruby Canyon and Book Cliffs. On arrival in Moab, transfer by motorcoach to the Hyatt Place Moab Hotel (or similar) for a 2-night stay.

  5. Day 5overnight: Moab

    Moab

    A day exploring Moab, the Adventure Capital of Utah and gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, at leisure - on foot, by 4x4, or whitewater rafting on the Colorado River. Monument Valley can also be visited with a Navajo guide.

  6. Day 6overnight: Salt Lake City

    Salt Lake City

    A scenic 4-5 hour onward journey from Moab through Utah to Salt Lake City, checking in for a 2-night stay at the Little America Hotel (or similar). Founded in 1847 by Mormon pioneers, highlights include This is the Place Heritage Park and Temple Square, the symbolic heart of the Mormon Church.

  7. Day 7overnight: Salt Lake City

    Salt Lake City

    Founded in 1847 by Mormon pioneers, Salt Lake City is a fascinating city to explore, from This is the Place Heritage Park's restored historical buildings to Temple Square, where the Mormon Tabernacle Choir give regular free concerts.

  8. Day 8overnight: Aboard the California Zephyr (Superliner Roomette)

    Salt Lake City to overnight aboard the California Zephyr

    A leisurely start before boarding Amtrak's California Zephyr for the last leg of the journey across America, crossing Utah and, early the next morning, into Nevada via Elko and Reno to California.

  9. Day 9overnight: San Francisco

    Arrival in San Francisco

    Pass through Sacramento in the early afternoon and arrive mid-afternoon into Emeryville; a Thruway bus takes you into downtown San Francisco, checking in at the Handlery Union Square (or similar) for a 3-night stay.

  10. Day 10overnight: San Francisco

    San Francisco

    Discover the City by the Bay, riding the cable cars over its hilly terrain, visiting museums like the Palace of Fine Arts and the M.H. de Young Memorial Museum, clam chowder at Fisherman's Wharf, a harbour cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge, or a tour of Alcatraz.

  11. Day 11overnight: San Francisco

    San Francisco

    Discover the City by the Bay, riding the cable cars over its hilly terrain, visiting museums like the Palace of Fine Arts and the M.H. de Young Memorial Museum, clam chowder at Fisherman's Wharf, a harbour cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge, or a tour of Alcatraz.

  12. Day 12

    San Francisco to London

    Leave San Francisco for the return flight to the UK. The Coast Starlight Amtrak service can also be added, travelling north to Seattle or south to Los Angeles and San Diego.

  13. Day 13

    Arrival in London

    Arrive back in London on the return flight from San Francisco.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Canyon Spirit departs Denver for the Rocky Mountains, crossing the Continental Divide and passing through Glenwood Canyon
  • Day 4The Canyon Spirit descends into Utah's red rocks, crossing the Colorado-Utah border and passing Ruby Canyon and Book Cliffs before arriving in Moab
  • Day 5Full day in Moab to explore Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, or visit Monument Valley with a Navajo guide
  • Day 8Overnight aboard Amtrak's California Zephyr in a Superliner Roomette, departing Salt Lake City and crossing into Nevada and California
  • Day 10San Francisco: cable cars, Golden Gate Bridge harbour cruise, and museums including the Palace of Fine Arts

Included

  • Flights from London to Denver and San Francisco to London in Economy Class
  • Three days Canyon Spirit Signature Service
  • Breakfast onboard and lunch on the journey between Denver and Salt Lake City
  • Overnight Amtrak journey from Salt Lake City to Emeryville (San Francisco) in a Superliner Roomette
  • 10 nights' hotel accommodation
  • Easy-to-follow travel documentation
  • Despatch of tickets by email

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?
Three days aboard the Canyon Spirit from Denver to Salt Lake City (Signature Service class) and one night aboard Amtrak's California Zephyr from Salt Lake City to Emeryville (Superliner Roomette). Flights from London to Denver and San Francisco to London are in Economy Class.
Is the trip escorted or independent?
It is tailor-made with pre-arranged hotels, transfers, and travel documentation. Sightseeing in Denver, Moab, and San Francisco is at leisure; no guide is included for city exploration.
What meals are included?
Breakfast and lunch are served onboard the Canyon Spirit between Denver and Salt Lake City. Other meals are not included.
How many hotels and what standard?
Ten nights in four cities: The Rally Hotel in Denver (2 nights, or similar), a hotel in Glenwood Springs (1 night, confirmed closer to departure), Hyatt Place Moab (2 nights, or similar), Little America Hotel in Salt Lake City (2 nights, or similar), and Handlery Union Square in San Francisco (3 nights, or similar).
When does it depart?
Tailor Made Rail lists 13 departures in July, August, October, and November 2026, all priced from £4,599 per person (base Signature Service).
Can I extend the trip?
Yes. Optional extensions include the Coast Starlight Amtrak service north to Seattle or south to Los Angeles and San Diego, plus activities such as Monument Valley tours, whitewater rafting on the Colorado River, and Alcatraz tickets.

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