Canyon Spirit · Independent rail and touring package

Rockies to the Red Rocks Mighty 5 Explorer

6-day Utah parks tour with 2 Canyon Spirit rail days

Rockies to the Red Rocks Mighty 5 Explorer, a rail journey with Canyon Spirit

Canyon Spirit's Mighty 5 Explorer is a 6-day, 5-night independent rail and touring package between Las Vegas and Denver. The first three days use guided coach sightseeing with a trusted partner operator: a drive from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon National Park through Zion National Park, taking in the Virgin River and the Mount Carmel Tunnel, then a continuation along Scenic Highway 12 to Capitol Reef National Park, and a full day touring Arches and Canyonlands National Parks from Moab. From Moab, the trip shifts to two days aboard the Canyon Spirit Signature train, crossing the Utah-Colorado border and the Continental Divide on the way to Glenwood Springs and Denver. The final day in Denver is left unstructured, ending at hotel checkout. This suits travelers who want Utah's Mighty 5 national parks paired with a scenic rail finish, planned as one package rather than pieced together on their own, and who are comfortable switching between coach touring and rail travel within the same trip.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only 2 of the 6 days (day 4 and day 5) are spent aboard the Canyon Spirit train; days 1 through 3 are guided coach sightseeing with a separate partner operator.
  • The evidence pack does not name the hotels or state a star rating for the five included nights in Bryce Canyon National Park, Moab, Glenwood Springs and Denver.
  • Day 6 in Denver is unguided leisure time; the trip ends at hotel checkout with no organized activity.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Bryce Canyon

    Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon National Park

    Depart from Las Vegas and enjoy a scenic guided sightseeing tour with our trusted partner to Bryce Canyon via Zion National Park. Experience jaw-dropping scenery as you see the Virgin River, Zion Canyon, and Mount Carmel Tunnel. This tour includes lunch and dinner. End your day with an overnight stay in Bryce Canyon.

  2. Day 2overnight: Moab

    Bryce Canyon National Park to Moab

    Explore Bryce Canyon National Park on a guided sightseeing tour before continuing east along one of America's most spectacular roads, Scenic Highway 12. Travel through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and enjoy a guided tour of Capitol Reef National Park on your way to Moab. This tour includes breakfast and lunch. End your day with an overnight stay in Moab.

  3. Day 3overnight: Moab

    Moab

    Depart in the morning and travel from Moab on a guided sightseeing tour with our trusted partner, beginning your adventure through the Mighty 5 National Parks. You will see both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Enjoy lunch at unique location and take in the views at Grand Viewpoint and Green River Overlook before returning to Moab in the evening. End your day with an overnight stay in Moab.

  4. Day 4overnight: Glenwood Springs

    Moab to Glenwood Springs

    Depart Moab in the early afternoon and travel onboard Canyon Spirit, where you'll enjoy 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.

  5. Day 5overnight: 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.

  6. Day 6

    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 1A guided sightseeing tour from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon National Park that passes through Zion National Park, taking in the Virgin River, Zion Canyon and the Mount Carmel Tunnel.
  • Day 2A guided tour of Capitol Reef National Park along Scenic Highway 12, traveling through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
  • Day 3A guided sightseeing tour through Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, with stops at the Grand Viewpoint and Green River Overlook.
  • Day 4Boarding the Canyon Spirit train in Moab and crossing the Utah-Colorado border with mountain views on the way to Glenwood Springs.
  • Day 5Crossing the Continental Divide aboard the Canyon Spirit train, with views of rugged canyons and the Colorado River, before arriving in Denver.

Included

  • Canyon Spirit Signature onboard experience (2 rail days)
  • Guided sightseeing tour: Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon National Park (via Zion National Park)
  • Guided sightseeing tour: Bryce Canyon National Park to Moab (via Capitol Reef National Park)
  • Guided sightseeing tour of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks from Moab
  • Rail station transfers and luggage handling in Moab, Glenwood Springs and Denver
  • 5 nights hotel: Bryce Canyon National Park, Moab, Glenwood Springs and Denver
  • 2 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners (eastbound itinerary)
  • All onboard meals, snacks and beverages
  • Dedicated team of onboard Hosts

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in this trip?
Yes. Two of the six days, from Moab to Glenwood Springs and Glenwood Springs to Denver, are spent aboard the Canyon Spirit Signature train. The first three days use guided coach sightseeing instead.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is sold as an independent rail and touring package, with guided sightseeing tours from a trusted partner on the non-rail days and dedicated onboard Hosts during the rail days.
Which national parks does the itinerary visit?
Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
Can I travel in either direction?
Yes, the package can be booked eastbound or westbound.
What is not included in the base package?
The Premier upgrade (lounge car, expanded dining, extra Host, premium beverages) and additional sightseeing excursions are optional extras.

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