America’s southwest has long beckoned travelers with its harsh, blood orange landscapes and dramatic mountain vistas. Now, a significant expansion of one of the region’s most historic rail journeys promises to unveil even more of this spectacular terrain with unmatched comfort.
The luxury train service currently operating as Rocky Mountaineer will rebrand as Canyon Spirit in 2026, while simultaneously extending its popular Rockies to the Red Rocks route to include Salt Lake City. The extension transforms the current two-day experience into a three-day immersive journey through some of America’s most breathtaking wilderness.
Notably, Rocky Mountaineer will remain in use on its more famous Canadian Rockies route, but the switch-up for its US route now presents parent company Armstrong Collective with two brands.
For those who’ve experienced luxury rail travel, the excitement lies in the details: traversing mountain passes that are inaccessible by car, witnessing the changing landscape through panoramic windows while sipping locally sourced wines, and disembarking in charming communities that maintain their small-town character despite growing popularity.
The expanded route will maintain overnight stops in Glenwood Springs, Colorado—known for its healing hot springs nestled in the heart of the Rockies—and Moab, Utah, the gateway to red rock adventures like Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. The addition of a third day allows passengers to experience the mountain passages of eastern Utah and the expansive vistas of the Great Basin before arriving in the vibrant urban center of Salt Lake City.
Onboard, the hallmarks of luxury rail travel remain intact: attentive hosts who double as storytellers, sharing the rich history and geology of passing landscapes; dining that showcases regional flavors and local ingredients; and the incomparable sensation of gliding through remote wilderness while enjoying every comfort.
The culinary program shines as a window into the region, featuring dishes inspired by southwestern traditions paired with local craft beers, wines from Colorado and Utah vineyards, and artisanal spirits that tell the story of America’s craft distilling renaissance.
The new three-day journey begins operating on April 21, 2026, with weekly departures in both directions. With prices starting at $2,123 USD per person (exclusive of tax) including overnight hotel accommodations in Glenwood Springs and Moab, it represents a significant investment in slow travel—the kind that gives you better, richer and more rewarding travel memories.
