Canyon Spirit · Independent rail and touring package

Rockies to the Red Rocks Yellowstone & Grand Teton Explorer

8-day Yellowstone and Grand Teton tour with 3 rail days

Rockies to the Red Rocks Yellowstone & Grand Teton Explorer, a rail journey with Canyon Spirit

Canyon Spirit's Yellowstone & Grand Teton Explorer is an 8-day, 7-night independent rail and touring package connecting Bozeman and Denver. After a day to explore Bozeman, Montana, three days of guided sightseeing transfers with a trusted partner cover Yellowstone National Park's geothermal sites, including Norris Geyser Basin, Old Faithful Geyser and Grand Prismatic Spring, followed by Grand Teton National Park's peaks and lakes, a stop at Kahuna Overlook for views of the Teton Range and Snake River, and a lunch stop at Bear Lake before reaching Salt Lake City. From there, 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 Yellowstone and Grand Teton paired with a scenic rail finish, planned as one package.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only 3 of the 8 days (day 5 through day 7) are spent aboard the Canyon Spirit train; days 2 through 4 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 seven included nights in Bozeman, West Yellowstone, Jackson Hole, Salt Lake City, Moab, Glenwood Springs and Denver.
  • Day 8 in Denver is unguided leisure time; the trip ends at hotel checkout with no organized activity.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Bozeman

    Bozeman

    Arrive in Bozeman, Montana, known as the "Queen City of the Rockies", where the day is yours to explore historic districts, savor the thriving culinary scene, or learn about the city's rich past. End your day with an overnight stay in Bozeman.

  2. Day 2overnight: West Yellowstone, Montana

    Bozeman to West Yellowstone

    Depart Bozeman in the morning and enjoy breakfast before traveling on a sightseeing transfer with our trusted partner, beginning your adventure exploring Yellowstone National Park's geothermal wonders and untamed terrain. You'll visit the iconic sites of Norris Geyser Basin, Tower Falls, and Mammoth Hot Springs. End your day with an overnight stay in West Yellowstone, Montana.

  3. Day 3overnight: Jackson Hole, Wyoming

    West Yellowstone to Jackson Hole

    Depart West Yellowstone in the morning and enjoy breakfast before another day of exploration through Yellowstone National Park, stopping at iconic sites including West Thumb, Old Faithful Geyser, and the vibrant Grand Prismatic Spring. You'll enjoy lunch before continuing to Grand Teton National Park, where dramatic peaks and pristine lakes offer a picture-perfect backdrop. End your day with an overnight stay in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

  4. Day 4overnight: Salt Lake City

    Jackson Hole to Salt Lake City

    Depart Jackson Hole in the morning and enjoy breakfast before continuing your journey to Salt Lake City. Stop at Kahuna Overlook for sweeping views of the Teton Range and the winding Snake River below, before traveling through scenic mountain landscapes. Stop at the turquoise waters of Bear Lake, where you'll enjoy a relaxing lunch before arriving in Salt Lake City in the afternoon. End your day with an overnight stay in Salt Lake City.

  5. Day 5railovernight: 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.

  6. Day 6overnight: 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.

  7. Day 7overnight: 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.

  8. Day 8

    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 2A guided sightseeing transfer through Yellowstone National Park's geothermal sites, including Norris Geyser Basin, Tower Falls and Mammoth Hot Springs.
  • Day 3A second day in Yellowstone National Park stopping at West Thumb, Old Faithful Geyser and Grand Prismatic Spring, followed by Grand Teton National Park's peaks and lakes.
  • Day 4A stop at Kahuna Overlook for views of the Teton Range and the Snake River, followed by a lunch stop at the turquoise waters of Bear Lake.
  • Day 5Boarding 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 7Crossing 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: Bozeman to West Yellowstone (via Yellowstone National Park geothermal sites)
  • Guided sightseeing transfer: West Yellowstone to Jackson Hole (via Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring and Grand Teton National Park)
  • Guided sightseeing transfer: Jackson Hole to Salt Lake City (via Bear Lake)
  • Rail station transfers and luggage handling in Salt Lake City, Moab, Glenwood Springs and Denver
  • 7 nights hotel: Bozeman, West Yellowstone, Jackson Hole, Salt Lake City, Moab, Glenwood Springs and Denver
  • 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 dinner (eastbound itinerary)
  • All onboard meals, snacks and beverages
  • Dedicated team of onboard Hosts

Also sold by

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Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in this trip?
Yes. Three of the eight days, from Salt Lake City to Moab, Moab to Glenwood Springs, and Glenwood Springs to Denver, are spent aboard the Canyon Spirit Signature train. Days 2 through 4 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 parks does the itinerary visit?
Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park.
Can I travel in either direction?
Yes, the package can be booked eastbound or westbound between Denver and Bozeman.
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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