Canyon Spirit · Independent rail and touring package

Rockies to the Red Rocks Utah Parks Explorer

7-day Utah national parks tour with 3 Canyon Spirit rail days

Rockies to the Red Rocks Utah Parks Explorer, a rail journey with Canyon Spirit

Canyon Spirit's Utah Parks Explorer is a 7-day, 6-night independent rail and touring package connecting Las Vegas and Denver. The first three days use guided sightseeing transfers with a trusted partner, moving from Las Vegas through Valley of Fire State Park and Zion National Park to Springdale, then on to Bryce Canyon National Park and Scenic Byway 12 to Torrey, and finally through Capitol Reef National Park and Goblin Valley State Park to Salt Lake City. From Salt Lake City, three days aboard the Canyon Spirit Signature train carry travelers through the historic Thistle Tunnels and over Soldier Summit to Moab, across the Utah-Colorado border to Glenwood Springs, and over the Continental Divide to Denver. A dedicated team of onboard Hosts travels with guests during the rail days. The final day in Denver is left unstructured. This suits travelers who want a wide sweep of Utah's national and state parks paired with a scenic rail finish, planned as one package.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only 3 of the 7 days (day 4 through day 6) are spent aboard the Canyon Spirit train; days 1 through 3 are guided coach sightseeing transfers with a separate partner operator.
  • The evidence pack does not name the hotels or state a star rating for the six included nights in Springdale, Torrey, Salt Lake City, Moab, Glenwood Springs and Denver.
  • Day 7 in Denver is unguided leisure time; the trip ends at hotel checkout with no organized activity.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Springdale

    Las Vegas to Springdale

    Depart Las Vegas in the morning and enjoy breakfast before traveling on a sightseeing transfer with our trusted partner, beginning your adventure towards Springdale, Utah. Explore the striking red sandstone formations and ancient petroglyphs in Valley of Fire State Park and enjoy lunch before continuing to southwestern Utah. After lunch, you'll arrive in Zion National Park, where you will utilize the park's vast shuttle system to explore one of Utah's most beloved National Parks. Your journey continues to Springdale, known as the gateway to Zion National Park. End your day with an overnight stay in Springdale.

  2. Day 2overnight: Torrey

    Springdale to Torrey

    Depart Springdale in the morning and enjoy breakfast before traveling towards Bryce Canyon National Park, where you'll stop at iconic viewpoints within the park, taking in the vibrant colors and unique hoodoo formations. Enjoy lunch in the park before continuing your adventure along one of America's most spectacular roads, Scenic Byway 12, passing through dramatic canyons and alpine forests. End your day with an overnight stay in Torrey.

  3. Day 3overnight: Salt Lake City

    Torrey to Salt Lake City

    Depart Torrey in the morning and enjoy breakfast before taking in the awe-inspiring beauty of Capitol Reef National Park, known for its rugged cliffs and natural sandstone bridges. Continue your journey north and enjoy exploring the whimsical rock formations of Goblin Valley State Park. You'll stop for lunch in Green River before traveling onward to Salt Lake City. End your day with an overnight stay in Salt Lake City.

  4. Day 4railovernight: 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 the adventurous town of Moab with ample time to enjoy a sunset or have a meal from a local restaurant. End your day with an overnight stay in Moab.

  5. Day 5overnight: 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.

  6. Day 6overnight: 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.

  7. Day 7

    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 transfer from Las Vegas to Springdale that stops at Valley of Fire State Park's red sandstone formations and petroglyphs before entering Zion National Park.
  • Day 2A stop at Bryce Canyon National Park's viewpoints to see its hoodoo formations, followed by a drive along Scenic Byway 12 through dramatic canyons and alpine forests to Torrey.
  • Day 3Capitol Reef National Park's rugged cliffs and natural sandstone bridges, followed by the whimsical rock formations of Goblin Valley State Park.
  • Day 4Boarding the Canyon Spirit train in Salt Lake City and traveling through the historic Thistle Tunnels, over Soldier Summit and down Price River Canyon to Moab.
  • Day 6Crossing 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 sightseeing transfer: Las Vegas to Springdale (via Valley of Fire State Park and Zion National Park)
  • Guided sightseeing transfer: Springdale to Torrey (via Bryce Canyon National Park and Scenic Byway 12)
  • Guided sightseeing transfer: Torrey to Salt Lake City (via Capitol Reef National Park and Goblin Valley State Park)
  • Rail station transfers and luggage handling in Salt Lake City, Moab, Glenwood Springs and Denver
  • 6 nights hotel: Springdale, Torrey, Salt Lake City, Moab, Glenwood Springs and Denver
  • 5 breakfasts, 6 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 seven days, from Salt Lake City to Moab, 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 transfers instead.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is sold as an independent rail and touring package, with guided sightseeing transfers from a trusted partner on the non-rail days and dedicated onboard Hosts during the rail days.
Which national and state parks does the itinerary visit?
Valley of Fire State Park, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park and Goblin Valley State Park.
Can I travel in either direction?
Yes, the package can be booked eastbound or westbound between Denver and Las Vegas.
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.

Similar journeys, different answers