Canyon Spirit Learning Journey – Rockies to the Red Rocks
A Journey Through Colorado & Utah with Jenny
There’s something special about travelling through the American Southwest by rail. Towering mountains, dramatic red rock landscapes, quirky towns and fascinating history all come together in one unforgettable journey. Jenny recently experienced the Canyon Spirit “Rockies to the Red Rocks” Learning Journey, and here’s a look at her adventure from Denver to Salt Lake City.
Day 1 – Pikes Peak & Manitou Springs
Jenny’s adventure began in Colorado Springs with a visit to the famous Pikes Peak. The weather certainly kept things interesting, with moody skies and icy conditions meaning the road to the summit was closed for safety reasons. While we couldn’t go all the way to the top, the scenery was still absolutely breathtaking.
Legend has it Bigfoot lives somewhere up there too… although unfortunately there were no sightings this time!
Nearby, the charming town of Manitou Springs offered a completely different vibe. Known for its quirky personality, sparkling mineral spring water bubbles out from artistic sculptures scattered along the streets. In true Manitou fashion, Jenny even spotted a local out walking their pet emu named Dennis. Definitely not something you see every day!
Day 2 – Garden of the Gods
The next stop was the spectacular Garden of the Gods. With towering red sandstone rock formations set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, it’s easy to see why this is one of Colorado’s most famous natural attractions.
Jenny said she could easily have spent an entire day hiking and exploring the park’s trails, taking in the incredible scenery from every angle.
Day 3 – Exploring Downtown Denver
Before boarding Canyon Spirit, Jenny spent time exploring downtown Denver. The city had an unexpectedly relaxed atmosphere, with wide streets and surprisingly few people out and about.
Among the more unusual discoveries were a giant horse perched on an oversized chair, a building resembling the White House, and a fascinating museum dedicated to Colorado women’s history. Even the local supermarket was memorable thanks to the discovery of a large quantity of Sumo citrus fruit!
That evening, guests gathered for the official Canyon Spirit Welcome Reception, meeting fellow travellers and preparing for the rail journey ahead.
Days 4–6 – Canyon Spirit: Rockies to the Red Rocks
Day 4 – Denver to Glenwood Springs
The rail journey officially began aboard Canyon Spirit’s Signature Experience service, travelling west from Denver to Glenwood Springs.
This spectacular route crosses the Continental Divide through the historic Moffat Tunnel before winding through stunning canyons including Byers, Gore and Glenwood Canyons. Massive cliffs, rushing rivers and snow-dusted mountain scenery made the journey just as memorable as the destinations themselves.
Onboard, guests enjoyed premium cuisine, storytelling and panoramic views before arriving in the charming mountain town of Glenwood Springs for the evening.
Day 5 – Glenwood Springs to Moab
The journey continued west into Utah, travelling through dramatic desert landscapes toward the iconic town of Moab.
Highlights along the route included Debeque Canyon, Ruby Canyon and crossing the Utah-Colorado border. The scenery gradually transformed from alpine mountains to towering red rock formations and desert vistas, showcasing just how diverse the American Southwest really is.
Moab provided the perfect overnight stop before exploring one of Utah’s most famous national parks.
Day 6 – Arches National Park & Salt Lake City
One of the highlights of the entire journey was the morning sightseeing tour through Arches National Park.
With more than 2,000 natural stone arches, giant balanced rocks and dramatic red rock landscapes, the park truly feels otherworldly. Stops included famous sights such as Balanced Rock, Delicate Arch Viewpoint, Fiery Furnace, Sand Dune Arch and the Windows Section.
Following the tour, guests boarded Canyon Spirit once again for the final rail leg to Salt Lake City. The route passed through Castle Gate, Price Canyon and the historic Thistle Tunnel before the Wasatch Mountains appeared in the distance approaching Salt Lake City.
Day 7 – Salt Lake City
To finish the journey, Jenny stayed at the Little America Hotel in Salt Lake City. Despite the name, the rooms were anything but little, offering a very comfortable final night after days of sightseeing and rail travel.
Exploring downtown Salt Lake City revealed more fascinating history, including the impressive Capitol building and the city’s many beehive symbols. The beehive is Utah’s state emblem, representing industry and hard work.
Jenny also visited the famous “This Is the Place” monument, commemorating the arrival of Mormon pioneers to the Salt Lake Valley. According to history, this was the phrase spoken when they first saw the basin that would become Salt Lake City.
To wrap up the adventure, Jenny enjoyed aerial views of the Great Salt Lake from the plane and experienced the modern, beautifully designed Salt Lake City Airport before heading home.
Why This Journey Stands Out:
The Canyon Spirit Rockies to the Red Rocks journey combines luxury rail travel with some of the most dramatic scenery in the United States. From snow-capped mountain passes and deep canyons to Utah’s red rock deserts and historic cities, every day offers something completely different.
Add in quirky small towns, fascinating history, premium onboard service and unforgettable landscapes, and it’s easy to see why this journey leaves such a lasting impression.