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Vacations By Rail · Independent

Rockies to the Red Rocks Three-day Classic

Salt Lake City to Denver by Canyon Spirit through Utah deserts and Rocky Mountains

Illustration of Rockies to the Red Rocks Three-day Classic

Vacations By Rail operates this five-day independent rail journey from Salt Lake City to Denver, the only trip that showcases Canyon Spirit, America's luxury observation train. Travelers board the train on Day 2 in Salt Lake City and ride its domed-glass carriage through Utah's red-rock deserts, passing Thistle Tunnels and Price River Canyon before arriving in Moab. After a day of free exploration around Moab, you rejoin the train for the climb into Colorado's Rockies and Glenwood Springs. Day 4 crosses the Continental Divide with narration from an onboard host, culminating at Denver's historic Union Station. The itinerary is self-guided, meaning you navigate the arrival cities on your own schedule and timeline, though meals aboard the train and hotel stays are arranged and included. The journey suits independent travelers and photography enthusiasts drawn to dramatic canyon and mountain views, as well as first-time rail travelers seeking comfort without a fully escorted structure.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price does not include flights or ground transfers from Denver airport to your Salt Lake City hotel; Day 1 requires you to arrange TRAX transit or ground transport yourself.
  • Cancellation and travel insurance are not included and must be arranged separately.
  • Only two nights occur in hotel towns with free time (Moab and Denver); two nights are primarily rail-based overnight stops.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Salt Lake City

    Arriving in Utah's capital, Salt Lake City

    Make your own way to your downtown hotel via TRAX line from the airport. Explore downtown Salt Lake City at leisure, with dinner at a restaurant of your choice.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Moab

    Into Utah's deserts aboard Canyon Spirit

    Board Canyon Spirit in a domed-glass carriage with an open-air viewing platform. Breakfast served at your seat as the train passes Provo, the Thistle Tunnels, Soldier Summit and the Price River Canyon before arriving in Moab.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  3. Day 3railovernight: Glenwood Springs

    The beauty of mountain country

    Free time in Moab (downtown, Arches National Park trails) before rejoining Canyon Spirit, dinner served at your seat as the train crosses into Colorado and the Rockies toward Glenwood Springs.

    Meals: Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Denver

    Crossing the Continental Divide to Denver

    Rejoin Canyon Spirit for views of canyons and the Colorado River, with an onboard host narrating the journey. Cross the Continental Divide and arrive at Denver's historic Union Station.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  5. Day 5

    Tour conclusion

    Check out of your hotel and continue exploring Denver at your own pace before onward travel home independently.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Board Canyon Spirit in its domed-glass carriage with an open-air viewing platform as breakfast is served at your seat while the train passes Thistle Tunnels, Soldier Summit, and Price River Canyon en route to Moab.
  • Day 3Spend free time in Moab exploring downtown or hiking in Arches National Park, then rejoin Canyon Spirit for dinner served at your seat as the train crosses into Colorado and the Rockies toward Glenwood Springs.
  • Day 4An onboard host narrates as Canyon Spirit crosses the Continental Divide with views of canyons and the Colorado River before arriving at Denver's historic Union Station.

Included

  • 4 nights' hotel accommodation
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Signature Class rail travel
  • 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
  • Luggage transfers throughout

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included in the price?
Yes. Vacations By Rail includes all rail and coach travel, Signature Class passage aboard Canyon Spirit, and luggage transfers throughout the tour. Flights to Salt Lake City and airport transfers are not included.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
It is independent; you travel on your own following Vacations By Rail's itinerary. An onboard host narrates the journey aboard Canyon Spirit, and select meals are provided.
Which train am I traveling on?
Canyon Spirit, a luxury train with domed-glass observation cars and an open-air viewing platform. The route runs Salt Lake City to Denver via Moab and Glenwood Springs.
What meals are included?
Two breakfasts, two lunches, and two dinners. Day 1 dinner and many meals not listed are at your own choice and expense. Day 2 includes breakfast and lunch; Day 3, dinner; Day 4, breakfast and lunch.
What are the hotel accommodations?
Four nights in Salt Lake City, Moab, Glenwood Springs, and Denver. The pack does not specify hotel names or star ratings beyond describing them as included accommodation.
How much walking is involved?
Most travel is by train and coach. Day 1 and Day 5 are at your own pace in the cities. Day 3 offers free time in Moab with optional Arches National Park trails; hiking there is your choice.

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