By: Jaclyn Vercillo, a Marvelous Mouse Travels agent
All aboard the Canyon Spirit! I was lucky to travel by train from the Rockies to the Red Rocks on the luxurious Canyon Spirit train. My journey was 5 days total and I was booked in premier class. I arrived in Denver and my hotel was located steps from where I would board my train the next morning. A very nice perk for booking premier! The canyon spirit team was in the lobby ready to check everyone in and give us our luggage tags and boarding passes. After I checked in, I had free time to explore Denver and even catch a Rockies vs. Mets game before my journey. I would highly recommend grabbing dinner or drinks at Denver’s Union Station. It’s absolutely charming and steps from your premier class hotel.
I woke up the next morning ready to ride the rails. With Canyon Spirit you will leave your luggage in your room and the Canyon Spirit team will pick up your luggage and have it in your room at your next destination before you even arrive. How’s that for service?! With Canyon spirit all of your hotel stops are included with your package. You ride during the day and have a nice hotel to rest your head at night. Today I boarded at Denver Union Station and I was heading to Glenwood Springs Colorado. This would be my longest day on the train and I lucked out with incredible weather. It was raining so that meant I had snow as we were climbing up the rockies. Just picture snow covered trees as you enjoy your morning breakfast. It was majestic and being.a premier passenger my lounge car had amazing 360 views to enjoy the wonderful views. The staff and engineers joined us throughout the journey telling us the history of the railroad and stories about the towns we were entering. We even got to pass through the famous Moffat tunnel. While we were on our journey we enjoyed a delicious breakfast and lunch prepared by our chef. We also enjoyed drinks made by our fabulous bartender and we even began our ride with a champagne toast. In between meals we had snacks in our lounge car and today there was a local whisky tasting offered for the premier guests.
I arrived in Glenwood Springs after about 8 hours on my train. The premier hotel for the night was located about 20 steps from the platform. How convenient! My luggage was already in my room and I ran to get changed because I just had to experience the famous hot springs in the area. Adding this on to your trip is a must do! There are several local hot springs but I would highly recommend Iron Mountain Hot Springs.
The next morning I walked across the street to the train station where I were served coffee, tea, and hot chocolate while I waited to board my train to head to Moab. The service for this trip was absolutely incredible. Everyone boarded and headed to Moab. Today the weather was sunny and the sights were beautiful. What an amazing way to head to a National Park! The premier passengers were treated to a cheese and honey tasting today. The Canyon Spirit also works with local eateries and bakeries so we also enjoyed some amazing free muffins from a local vendor to start the day. When we arrived in Moab buses were ready to take us to Arches National Park which was included with our journey. We also had time to explore downtown Moab at night.
The next day we were off again heading to Salt Lake City. I was so sad our journey was coming to an end. When we arrived the premier passengers stayed at the Grand America Hotel which was the most beautiful hotel on this journey. I was able to explore downtown Salt Lake City for the night and the next morning before I needed to head back to California. Canyon Spirit does offer extended options if you want a longer trip.
I have to say the experience was amazing. The service was impeccable, the views were stunning, and the hotel accommodations were impressive. I would highly recommend this trip. It really is a unique way to travel and see things you can’t access by car or plane. I look forward to my next adventure with Canyon Spirit and Rocky Mountaineer!
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