What Is Canyon Spirit? A Guide to the New U.S. Rail Brand

This spring, luxury rail brand Canyon Spirit will debut in the American Southwest, offering travelers a new way to explore the rugged landscapes along the Colorado River.

Canyon Spirit takes American rail travel to new heights, blending comfort with an intrepid sense of adventure. Formerly operated by Rocky Mountaineer, the newly extended Rockies to the Red Rocks three-day route is an unforgettable locomotive journey through some of the most awe-inspiring natural splendor the U.S. has to offer.

By day, guests are immersed in the region’s stunning landscapes, soaking in the otherworldly crimson cliffs and idyllic river scenes, all led by an expert guide. By night, guests step off the train to experience the charming towns of Moab and Glenwood Springs, then retire to boutique accommodations for the evening.

Travel Market Report interviewed Jonathan Hope, Canyon Spirit’s managing director, sales, to learn more about the product and what travel advisors need to know to best position and sell the brand.

What Is Canyon Spirit?

Canyon Spirit is owned by Armstrong Collective, a newly formed parent company that operates the iconic Rocky Mountaineer rail company. Rocky Mountaineer announced Canyon Spirit, the rebrand of its U.S. product, last year, along with a new Salt Lake City extension.

Offering an elevated rail experience, Canyon Spirit currently operates between Salt Lake City and Denver, offering two- and three-day trips in both directions which can be booked as rail only, with accommodations, and as part of a land package.

How Canyon Spirit Differs from Rocky Mountaineer

Canyon Spirit is a distinct brand from Rocky Mountaineer, and there are some key differences between the products. Obviously, the brand operates in a different geographic location, so the scenery differs; additionally, Canyon Spirit has a slightly longer operating season that runs from April until November (Rocky Mountaineer’s is April to October).

Canyon Spirit’s trains are different as well. Because the Rockies to the Red Rocks route passes through tunnels, Canyon Spirit’s trains can’t use the bi-level cars found on Rocky Mountaineer, which means there are no dining cars or glass dome observation cars. Also, the exterior livery matches the brand’s logo and color scheme.

The tiers differ between the brands as well. On Rocky Mountaineer, guests choose between SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf service, and on Canyon Spirit, it’s called Signature and Premier.

What to Expect from the Canyon Spirit Experience?

Guests can expect a relaxed, premium daytime rail journey on Canyon Spirit, with travel time ranging from five to eight hours a day. The spacious glass-domed coaches provide unobstructed views of the region’s red rock canyons, rivers, and desert landscapes, while hosts and expert guides entertain with stories and regional insights throughout the trip. Service is polished and personal, and guests are served locally inspired meals and beverages at their seats. (For more detail, see TMR’s in-depth review of the Canyon Spirit experience.)

The Canyon Spirit railcars hold a maximum of 56 guests. Railcars can be added or removed as needed, and it is possible to buyout a railcar for group bookings.

Those who book Premier tickets will have access to a lounge car (pictured above). There are two lounge cars available on Canon Spirit; however, guests won’t know which one they are assigned to ahead of departure. Regardless, both offer the same level of service and differ only in terms of interior design.

Who Is the Ideal Canyon Spirit Traveler?

Canyon Spirit delivers upscale adventure from the comfort of a railcar. The extraordinary service and unparalleled access to remote, scenic regions within the American Southwest make the Rockies to the Red Rocks route an appealing journey for clients who are drawn to nature and the sense of rugged exploration, but want to be pampered along the way.

The Canyon Spirit journey is low-impact and leisurely. The hosts entertain guests with a mix of storytelling and education, delighting guests with detailed information about the areas the train travels through, including geological facts. Five hours may seem like a long time, but it goes by fast.

Like Rocky Mountaineer, Canyon Spirit is marketed to an upper-premium to luxury client, and that is reflected in the per diem. The Premier upgrade is well worth the additional fees for the lounge car access alone.

Another factor to consider is the duration. The journey is relatively short (three days of rail travel), which makes this a great option for clients who have limited vacation time and are looking for quick, domestic getaways. Travel advisors can also pair a Canyon Spirit experience with longer stays on either end (Denver and Salt Lake City).

Canyon Spirit is not, however, a particularly active experience. Travelers spend a lot of time sitting, with limited opportunities to get up and exercise. While this makes the product ideal for guests with limited mobility, clients should be aware of how much time they may spend in their seats each day.

Wi-Fi is not available on the train, and the route passes through regions without cell service. In some ways, this makes the rail journey the perfect “unplugged” vacation; however, for clients who are especially tethered to their devices, this could be an issue.

Key Booking Tips

All Canyon Spirit packages (including rail only) are commissionable, excluding national park passes, resort fees, and onboard host gratuities. Armstrong Collective has commercial partnerships with all the major consortia and host agencies in North America that determine commission rates. Armstrong Collective also has a dedicated Agent Portal for support and resources, including its Canyon Spirit TRACKS training program.

The Rockies to the Red Rocks itineraries include free time for exploring Moab and Glenwood Springs. Canyon Spirit offers a number of add-on tours and excursions that can be booked alongside a rail journey, which is the best way for guests to experience the breathtaking scenery upclose. These are operated by trusted tour partners and include sightseeing transfers, national park tours, off-roading experiences, and more.