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Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. The same itinerary is still sold by another operator, listed under Also sold by below.

Vacations By Rail · Independent

Rockies to the Red Rocks Three-day Rail Only

Three-day luxury train from Salt Lake City to Denver via Moab

Illustration of Rockies to the Red Rocks Three-day Rail Only

Vacations By Rail's Rockies to the Red Rocks is a three-day independent rail journey aboard Canyon Spirit, the United States' premier luxury train. Departing Salt Lake City, the trip travels through desert canyons and the Colorado Rockies, arriving in Denver. The itinerary balances train time with free exploration: Day 1 brings you from Salt Lake City through the Thistle Tunnels and Price River Canyon to Moab, with breakfast and lunch served at your seat in domed-glass carriages. Day 2 offers free time in Moab before an evening train ride to Glenwood Springs. Day 3 returns you to Canyon Spirit to cross the Continental Divide and view the Colorado River en route to Denver's historic Union Station. An onboard host provides narration, and five meals are included. The trip suits repeat rail travellers and independent explorers seeking luxury comfort, scenic viewpoints through large windows, and the freedom to pursue their own activities during layovers.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights and airport transfers are not included; you must arrange your own transportation to and from Salt Lake City.
  • The itinerary spreads three days of rail travel across two nights, with Day 2 spent largely off the train in Moab.
  • Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the price and must be purchased separately.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Moab

    Departing Salt Lake City on Canyon Spirit

    Board Canyon Spirit at Salt Lake City's railway station 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

  2. Day 2railovernight: Glenwood Springs

    Into the Colorado Rockies

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

    Meals: Dinner

  3. Day 3

    Through the mountains to Denver

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

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board Canyon Spirit in Salt Lake City's domed-glass carriage with open-air viewing platform; breakfast served at your seat as the train passes Provo, Thistle Tunnels, Soldier Summit, and Price River Canyon.
  • Day 2Free time in Moab to explore downtown or Arches National Park trails before rejoining the train toward Glenwood Springs.
  • Day 3An onboard host narrates as Canyon Spirit crosses the Continental Divide and views the Colorado River before arriving at Denver's historic Union Station.

Included

  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Signature Class rail travel
  • 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
  • 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

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is all the train travel included in the price?
Yes, Vacations By Rail includes all rail and coach travel throughout the tour, plus Signature Class seating aboard Canyon Spirit.
What meals are provided?
The package includes 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner, served at your seat or at dining facilities on the train.
Do I need a guide, or is this independent travel?
This is an independent tour where you travel on your own following a planned itinerary. An onboard host narrates aboard Canyon Spirit, but there is no escorted sightseeing.
What hotels are included?
Two nights' hotel accommodation in Moab and Glenwood Springs are included, plus luggage transfers throughout.
Can I explore Moab on my own?
Yes, Day 2 provides free time in Moab to visit downtown or hike in Arches National Park before rejoining the train.
Are flights included?
No, flights and airport transfers are not included; you arrange your own travel to Salt Lake City.

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