Salt Lake City, Utah – A new rail route connecting Salt Lake City, Utah, and Denver, Colorado, is set to launch in 2026, offering a scenic alternative to air travel through the American Southwest. The journey, rebranded as Canyon Spirit after formerly being known as the Rocky Mountaineer, will traverse dramatic landscapes and include overnight stays in Moab, Utah, and Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
The three-day train journey, described by Rocky Mountain Holidays as “The Rockies to the Red Rocks,” focuses on daytime travel, allowing passengers to fully appreciate the views through oversized windows. The route winds through canyons, along rivers, and across rugged mountain passes, transitioning from the alpine foothills near Salt Lake City to the high desert and canyon country surrounding Moab. The final leg to Glenwood Springs showcases a blend of desert cliffs, ancient rock formations, and sweeping mountain vistas.
The Canyon Spirit route aims to capitalize on the growing demand for experiential travel, offering access to popular national parks such as Arches and Canyonlands near Moab, and the hot springs of Glenwood Springs. The “rail only” package represents the minimum booking option, allowing travelers to build broader itineraries around the train journey.
The launch of this route comes as Utah and Colorado continue to attract tourists seeking outdoor adventures. However, recent sporting events have highlighted contrasting fortunes for the two states. On , the University of Utah’s football team decisively defeated the University of Colorado, winning 53-7 in Salt Lake City. The game, played before an audience of 51,949 at Rice-Eccles Stadium, saw a standout performance from Utah’s freshman quarterback, Byrd Ficklin, who passed for two touchdowns and ran for another.
Ficklin’s debut was a significant factor in Utah achieving bowl eligibility, a milestone the team had struggled to reach in recent years. The Utes’ dominant performance, fueled by a season-high 422 rushing yards, contrasted sharply with Colorado’s struggles. Colorado’s quarterback, Kaidon Salter, faced relentless pressure and the team finished with only 140 total yards.
“I told (the offensive line) before the game, ‘We go out here and have fun, and play our game, we’re gonna do something great,’” Ficklin said, according to reports. Colorado’s coach, Deion Sanders, described the defeat as “probably the worst beating I’ve ever had except when my momma whooped me as a kid.”
The football game underscores the regional rivalry between Utah and Colorado, but also highlights the economic importance of tourism to both states. While the game itself drew a large crowd to Salt Lake City, the new train route is intended to distribute tourism revenue more broadly, connecting the two states through a unique travel experience.
Travel between Colorado Springs and Salt Lake City is currently available via air, with Expedia offering flights starting at $139 one-way and $259 round trip. However, the Canyon Spirit train offers a different proposition – a slower, more immersive journey focused on the scenery and experience rather than speed and convenience.
The re-branding of the route from Rocky Mountaineer to Canyon Spirit does not affect existing discounts for returning guests who book through Rocky Mountain Holidays. This suggests an effort to maintain continuity and loyalty while refreshing the brand identity.
The launch of the Canyon Spirit route represents a strategic move to tap into the growing market for domestic rail travel in the United States. By focusing on scenic routes and immersive experiences, the train aims to attract travelers seeking an alternative to traditional modes of transportation and a deeper connection with the landscapes of the American Southwest. The success of the route will likely depend on its ability to deliver on this promise and provide a memorable travel experience for passengers.
The contrast between the sporting outcome and the launch of the new rail route illustrates the diverse facets of the relationship between Utah and Colorado – a mix of competition, connection, and economic interdependence. While the football field saw a clear victor, the Canyon Spirit train offers a collaborative opportunity to showcase the natural beauty and tourism potential of both states.
