The luxury rail experience that has been drawing visitors to Western Colorado since 2021 is getting a new name and an expanded route. Rocky Mountaineer, which has operated its popular Rockies to the Red Rocks route connecting Denver to Moab, Utah, will rebrand as Canyon Spirit beginning in 2026, while adding a third day to the journey that will extend all the way to Salt Lake City.

“For the past 34 years, our luxury rail journeys in Canada and the United States have lived within our Rocky Mountaineer brand,” explains Nicole Ford, vice president of communications, sustainability and stakeholder relations at Armstrong Collective. “By rebranding our southwest rail journeys as Canyon Spirit, guests and partners will have greater clarity about which region of the world they will travel through, and their experience will be even more closely connected to the rugged, charming landscapes and culture of the southwest.”

For Western Colorado communities like Glenwood Springs that have benefited from overnight stays by rail passengers, the news signals continued tourism interest in the region.

“In 2026, we will continue to offer our two-day Rockies to the Red Rocks route which travels between Denver and Moab with an overnight stop in Glenwood Springs,” Ford notes. “This will operate in addition to our new three-day Rockies to the Red Rocks route which will extend to Salt Lake City. Guests on both the two-day and three-day journeys will experience the natural beauty and hospitality of Western Colorado with time to spend in Glenwood Springs and Denver.”

The expanded three-day trip launches April 21, 2026, with weekly westbound departures from Denver and eastbound from Salt Lake City. Prices start at $2,123 per person plus tax, with overnight accommodation in Glenwood Springs and Moab.

One hallmark of the luxury train experience has been its emphasis on regional cuisine and storytelling, something the company plans to continue developing under the Canyon Spirit brand.

“Our Rockies to the Red Rocks route features rich storytelling from our onboard hosts that speaks to the history and landscapes of the areas the train travels through,” says Ford. “This storytelling will continue to expand under the Canyon Spirit brand as our team looks for new stories and interesting facts about the region.”

Passengers can expect menus featuring locally-sourced ingredients such as honey glazed Colorado trout, plus baked goods from Gateaux Bakery in Denver and Afternoon Delight Bakery in Glenwood Springs. The dining experience is complemented by Colorado wines, beers, ciders, spirits, tea and coffee served onboard.

“Our guests will continue to have overnight hotel stays in both Glenwood Springs and Moab as part of our two- and three-day routes,” Ford says. “While in these communities, guests dine and shop in local restaurants and stores, visit local attractions and enjoy local tours. We work with local businesses and tourism organizations in each of the destinations to enhance our guest experience and provide value to the communities where we operate.”

As a preview of what’s to come, Canyon Spirit is rolling out a summer getaway package that highlights the charm of Glenwood Springs. Guests depart from Denver and enjoy two nights in the scenic mountain town, with access to Glenwood Hot Springs and the newly reopened Yampah mineral baths, plus complimentary breakfast. The round-trip rail journey runs on select dates in June, July and August. Colorado residents booking 2025 or 2026 trips can also save $100 per person (or $200 per couple) when reserving by November 20, 2026.

According to Ford, the train experience offers “unparalleled journeys in our spacious glass-dome trains thanks to the incredible natural scenery, delicious cuisine, attentive service and friendly, social atmosphere.”

Western Colorado communities have more than a year to prepare for this next chapter in luxury rail tourism, ensuring that local businesses can continue to benefit from the visitors who come to experience the breathtaking landscapes of the region from the comfort of a glass-domed train car.

For more information or to book a journey, visit thecanyonspirit.com, or call their sales center for Colorado resident specials.

Originally published in the summer 2025 issue of Spoke+Blossom.

Introducing Canyon Spirit: A New Chapter In Western Luxury Train Travel Begins