Canyon Spirit · Independent rail vacation package

Rockies to the Red Rocks Three-day Rail Classic with National Parks

5-day Canyon Spirit rail package plus Arches and Canyonlands tours

Rockies to the Red Rocks Three-day Rail Classic with National Parks, a rail journey with Canyon Spirit

Canyon Spirit's Three-day Rail Classic with National Parks is a 5-day, 4-night independent rail vacation package from Salt Lake City to Denver. It follows the same Classic structure as the standard package, with hotels arranged at the start and end of the trip and three days aboard the Canyon Spirit Signature train through the middle, but adds guided scenic tours of Canyonlands National Park's Island in the Sky District and Arches National Park on the Moab morning before the train departs for Glenwood Springs. The rail route also passes the historic Thistle Tunnels, Soldier Summit and Price River Canyon between Salt Lake City and Moab, then crosses the Continental Divide with Colorado River views between Glenwood Springs and Denver. A dedicated team of onboard Hosts travels with guests during the rail days. The first and last days, in Salt Lake City and Denver, are left free. This suits travelers who want the Classic rail package plus guided time in two of Utah's national parks, without adding extra travel days.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence pack does not name the hotels or state a star rating for the four included nights in Salt Lake City, Moab, Glenwood Springs and Denver.
  • Day 1 in Salt Lake City and day 5 in Denver are unguided; the trip includes no organized activity on either end beyond the hotel stay.
  • The itinerary text describes the Arches National Park tour on day 3 by name but does not spell out the schedule for the separately listed Canyonlands National Park tour; both appear to run the same Moab morning before the early-afternoon train departure.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Salt Lake City

    Salt Lake City

    Arrive in Salt Lake City, a city steeped in history and alive with energy, where every corner tells a story. End your day with an overnight stay in Salt Lake City.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Moab

    Salt Lake City to Moab

    Depart Salt Lake City in the morning onboard Canyon Spirit, where you’ll indulge in breakfast and a light lunch, as well as a selection of included snacks and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. You'll travel past Provo, through the historic Thistle Tunnels, cross Soldier Summit and descend the steep and scenic Price River Canyon. You will take in sweeping views of majestic rock formations of the Book Cliffs as you make your way into Thompson Springs where you’ll be whisked away from the train to embark on a scenic tour of Canyonlands National Park to discover the stunning vistas of the Island in the Sky District. Afterwards, enjoy a sunset or have a meal from a local restaurant before ending your day with an overnight stay in Moab.

  3. Day 3overnight: Glenwood Springs

    Moab to Glenwood Springs

    Spend your morning with a scenic tour of Arches National Park, known for its stunning red rock arches, towering fins, and balanced rocks. 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.

  4. Day 4overnight: 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.

  5. Day 5

    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 2Traveling through the historic Thistle Tunnels, crossing Soldier Summit, and descending Price River Canyon aboard the Canyon Spirit train from Salt Lake City to Moab.
  • Day 3Guided scenic tours of Canyonlands National Park's Island in the Sky District and Arches National Park's red rock arches, fins and balanced rocks, before the Canyon Spirit train departs Moab in the early afternoon.
  • Day 4Crossing 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 (3 rail days)
  • Guided scenic tour of Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky District)
  • Guided scenic tour of Arches National Park
  • Rail station transfers and luggage handling in Salt Lake City, Moab, Glenwood Springs and Denver
  • 4 nights hotel: Salt Lake City, Moab, Glenwood Springs and Denver
  • 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner (eastbound itinerary)
  • All onboard meals, snacks and beverages
  • Dedicated team of onboard Hosts

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in this trip?
Yes. Three of the five days, from Salt Lake City to Moab, Moab to Glenwood Springs, and Glenwood Springs to Denver, are spent aboard the Canyon Spirit Signature train.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is sold as an independent rail vacation package, called the Classic package, with guided scenic tours of Canyonlands and Arches National Parks added and a dedicated team of onboard Hosts during rail travel.
Which national parks are toured on this trip?
Canyonlands National Park's Island in the Sky District and Arches National Park, both visited from Moab.
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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