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Canyon Spirit · Independent rail vacation package

Rockies to the Red Rocks Denver Return Journey

Eight-day round-trip rail loop from Denver through the Rockies and Utah red rocks.

Illustration of Rockies to the Red Rocks Denver Return Journey

Canyon Spirit's eight-day Rockies to the Red Rocks Denver Return Journey is a round-trip rail package that departs and returns to Denver, traveling through the Colorado Rockies and Utah's red-rock desert on the Canyon Spirit train. You spend four days aboard the train, with overnight stays in Denver, Glenwood Springs, and Moab. On day 2, you depart Denver and cross the Continental Divide, viewing rugged canyons and the Colorado River en route to Glenwood Springs. Day 3 takes you to Moab, where you see red sandstone landscapes and gain access to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. After two unguided days exploring Moab at your own pace, you return to Denver on days 6 and 7, retracing the route by train. A dedicated onboard Host team serves included breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and beverages throughout the rail days. This package suits independent travellers who want scenic rail travel combined with time to explore resort towns and national park country on their own.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is an independent package: while Canyon Spirit provides onboard Hosts and meals during the four rail days, hotel stays in Denver, Glenwood Springs, and Moab are self-directed with no guided tours included unless booked as separate optional add-ons.
  • Days 1, 4, 5, and 8 in the three hotel cities are unguided; the itinerary does not specify which specific hotels or their stars, only the locations.
  • No departure dates or pricing information is published in the available details; confirm specific dates and the current CAD price with Canyon Spirit before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Denver

    Denver

    Arrive in the dynamic city of Denver, Colorado, where the day is yours to uncover the Mile High City’s vibrant charm, from its lively streets to its hidden gems. End your day with an overnight stay in Denver.

  2. Day 2overnight: Glenwood Springs

    Denver to Glenwood Springs

    Depart Denver onboard Canyon Spirit, where you’ll indulge in breakfast and lunch, as well as a selection of included snacks and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Cross the Continental Divide, soaking in breathtaking views of rugged canyons and the winding Colorado River. Arrive in the charming resort town of Glenwood Springs. End your day with an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs.

  3. Day 3overnight: Moab

    Glenwood Springs to Moab

    Depart Glenwood Springs and travel onboard Canyon Spirit, where you'll start your day off with a hearty breakfast followed by a light lunch. You'll cross the Colorado-Utah border with stunning mountain views in the background and see red sandstone landscapes emerge as you approach Moab, the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. End your day with an overnight stay in Moab.

  4. Day 4overnight: Moab

    Moab

    Take the day to explore at your own pace. With endless opportunities for outdoor recreation to suit adventurers of all kinds, Moab’s proximity to National Parks is unmatched. Choose to relax, book activities at your leisure or explore Downtown Moab visiting its unique boutiques and local restaurants. End your day with an overnight stay in Moab.

  5. Day 5overnight: Moab

    Moab

    Spend another day experiencing more of what Moab has to offer. End your day with an overnight stay in Moab.

  6. Day 6overnight: Glenwood Springs

    Moab to Glenwood Springs

    Depart Moab in the early afternoon and travel onboard Canyon Spirit, where you'll dine on a delicious locally inspired light lunch and dinner. You'll cross the Utah-Colorado border with stunning mountain views in the background before arriving in the resort town of Glenwood Springs. End your day with an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs.

  7. Day 7overnight: Denver

    Glenwood Springs to Denver

    Depart Glenwood Springs and travel onboard Canyon Spirit, where you’ll savor breakfast and lunch. Enjoy sweeping views of rugged canyons and the Colorado River as you cross the Continental Divide. Soon, you’ll arrive in the vibrant city of Denver. End your day with an overnight stay in Denver.

  8. Day 8

    Denver

    Spend the day exploring at your leisure in the dynamic city of Denver, Colorado, where you can uncover the Mile High City's vibrant charm, from its lively streets to its hidden gems. Your journey with us ends upon checkout from your Denver hotel.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: Depart Denver onboard Canyon Spirit, cross the Continental Divide, and view rugged canyons and the winding Colorado River as you travel to Glenwood Springs.
  • Day 3Day 3: Travel from Glenwood Springs to Moab aboard Canyon Spirit, crossing the Colorado-Utah border and watching red sandstone landscapes emerge as you approach the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
  • Day 4Days 4-5: Two full days to explore Moab at your own pace, with options for outdoor recreation near the national parks or browsing Downtown Moab's boutiques and restaurants.
  • Day 6Day 6: Return journey aboard Canyon Spirit from Moab to Glenwood Springs, crossing the Utah-Colorado border with mountain views and locally inspired meals onboard.

Included

  • Canyon Spirit Signature onboard experience (4 rail days)
  • Rail station transfers and luggage handling in Denver, Glenwood Springs and Moab
  • 7 nights hotel accommodation: Denver, Glenwood Springs and Moab
  • 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner onboard (return-journey itinerary)
  • All onboard meals, snacks and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
  • Dedicated team of onboard Hosts

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Canyon Spirit operates all four rail days (days 2, 3, 6, and 7). Rail station transfers and luggage handling in Denver, Glenwood Springs, and Moab are included.
What meals are included?
Onboard the Canyon Spirit, you receive three breakfasts, four lunches, and one dinner across the four rail days. All onboard snacks and beverages, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, are included. Hotel meals are not included.
Is this an escorted tour?
It is an independent package with a dedicated team of onboard Hosts during the four rail days. Hotel stays in Denver, Glenwood Springs, and Moab are self-directed; you explore at your own pace.
What is the Premier upgrade?
Canyon Spirit offers a Premier upgrade as an optional extra, which includes lounge car access, expanded dining, an extra Host member, and premium beverages.
How many nights are spent in each location?
You spend one night in Denver (arrival), two nights in Glenwood Springs, three nights in Moab, and one night back in Denver before departure, for a total of seven nights across three hotel locations.
Can I book activities in Moab?
Yes. Days 4 and 5 are free for you to book activities at your leisure. Canyon Spirit offers 'Explore beyond the rails' add-on sightseeing excursions and tours as optional extras.

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