Experience the Beauty of the Southwest by Rail

If you’re looking for a vacation that provides a front-row seat to some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery — where every detail of your itinerary is handled for you — rail travel might be your next great adventure.

See the grandeur of America’s Southwest on full display aboard Canyon Spirit’s Rockies to the Red Rocks Three-Day Rail Classic.

From the comfort of luxury rail cars, take in canyons, mountains, deserts and ever-changing landscapes as you travel from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Denver, Colorado. Along the way, you’ll encounter unforgettable views, from the geological wonders and star-filled night skies of Moab to the dramatic beauty of Glenwood Canyon.

Hotels are booked before you board, so you have nothing to do but relax, enjoy gourmet meals, make plans for your city visits and take in some of the most stunning views on Earth. Save time to mingle with your fellow passengers in the Lounge Car.

Rail travel is more than just a way to get from point A to point B — it’s a journey designed to be savored, one spectacular mile at a time. Here’s a closer look at what you can experience on Canyon Spirit’s four-night Rockies to the Red Rocks, Three-Day Rail Classic itinerary.

Rockies to the Red Rocks by Rail

Enjoy three days of extraordinary landscapes between Salt Lake City and Denver on a Canyon Spirit train.

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First, Salt Lake City

Your trip starts in Salt Lake City, a modern metropolis nestled in the mountains. Highlight include the state capital building, modeled after the U.S. capitol, and the fragrance-filled Red Butte Gardens, with more than five miles of hiking trails and 21 acres of botanical gardens, which burst into life with more than 500,000 blooms in the spring.

Explore Moab’s Geological Wonders

The next stop is Moab, home to Arches National Park, featuring more than 2,000 stone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch. Then head to Canyonlands National Park, filled with red rock canyons, mesas and buttes. Hikes for all ability levels are available throughout the park as are canoeing and whitewater rafting. In the afternoon and evening stroll through downtown and experience unique shops and cozy restaurants.

To Glenwood Springs for Hot Springs

From Moab it’s on to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, steeped in natural beauty and known for its hot springs and Glenwood Canyon. View all varieties of rock formations during a tour of the town’s caverns. Hiking, whitewater rafting and in the winter, skiing are all popular attractions. For local flavor visit the Frontier Historical Museum to learn about Glenwood Springs’ ranching and mining history and the native Ute tribe. Leave time to browse the shops and eateries downtown.

Experience Denver’s Highlights

Finish your trip in Denver, the Mile-High City, which began life as a mining outpost and grew to be one of the nation’s most dynamic cities, with natural wonders all around. If you like beer, this is the place to be; the city is home to more than 150 pubs and breweries. Pair your pint with food from all over the world from one of Denver’s restaurants. In warm weather, take a boat trip on the Colorado River or root for the Rockies at Coors Field baseball park. In the fall or winter, take in a Denver Nuggets’ basketball game. Set off on one of Denver’s scenic walking, hiking and biking trails to experience the natural beauty firsthand and later enjoy Denver’s city sophistication at one of the myriad of clubs and restaurants downtown.

Ready to hit the rails? Let AAA’s experienced travel advisors help you plan and book the perfect trip.

You’ve Read About It — Now Experience It

AAA travel advisors will turn your inspiration into a memorable vacation, providing trusted guidance and exclusive member benefits. Connect with us to learn more.

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Featured image: Courtesy of Canyon Spirit

Ellen R. Delisio

Ellen is a content producer for AAA Northeast, covering automotive, finance, public affairs and electric vehicle news. She is a former newspaper reporter with experience writing for print and online publications about everything from higher education to sustainability. She recently returned to her native Long Island after living in Connecticut for 20-plus years, and has never met a beach she didn’t like.