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Is the Canyon Spirit Train Worth It? My Honest Journey Through the Rockies, Red Rocks, and Moab
- Michelle Morrison
- 4 days ago
- 21 min read
There are trips you take because they look interesting on paper.
And then there are trips that quietly sneak up on you, loosen your shoulders, slow your breathing, and remind you that travel is not always about rushing from one “must-see” place to the next.
That was the Canyon Spirit train for me.
I recently returned from a Canyon Spirit journey that traveled from Denver to Glenwood Springs, Moab, and Salt Lake City. Before boarding the train, we spent two nights in Denver, explored Morrison...which, yes, felt extra special because of our name...visited Red Rocks, stood inside the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheater, toured the Phoenix Gold Mine, and did some general Colorado wandering.
After the train journey, we spent two nights in Salt Lake City, visited Antelope Island, saw thousands of bison, and then randomly drove to Wyoming because… why not? We had never been to Wyoming before, and sometimes travel decisions are best made with a map, a rental car, and absolutely no overthinking.
But the heart of this trip was the Canyon Spirit train.
What started in my mind as “a scenic train ride” became something much deeper.
Somewhere between the Rockies and the red rocks, I could feel myself relaxing hour by hour, mile by mile. By the end, I honestly did not want to get off.
I kept thinking, “Can’t we just stay onboard and keep going? There is still so much to see.”
So, is the Canyon Spirit train worth it?
For the right traveler, absolutely. But not just because of the scenery. The scenery is spectacular, of course. But the real magic is in the way this journey makes you feel.
What Is the Canyon Spirit Train Experience Really Like?
The Canyon Spirit train is not just transportation. That is the first thing travelers need to understand.
Yes, it takes you from one place to another. Yes, you sit by large windows and watch landscapes roll past. Yes, there are meals, drinks, friendly staff, and beautiful scenery.
But the experience is slower, quieter, and more intentional than most modern travel.
And that is the point!
We are so used to travel being a checklist. Get to the airport. Find the gate. Board the plane. Wait for bags. Rent the car. Check into the hotel. Figure out dinner. Repeat.
The Canyon Spirit train felt like the opposite of that.
Once I was onboard, I could feel the pace of the trip change. There was no need to drive. No need to navigate. No need to worry about what exit to take or whether we missed a scenic overlook.
The scenery came to us.
Mountains, canyons, rivers, desert landscapes, red cliffs, and wide-open spaces appeared outside the windows like scenes from a movie I did not want to end.
There is something incredibly peaceful about train travel. You are moving, but you are not in charge of the moving. That matters. It lets your brain rest in a way that flying or driving rarely does.
By the end of the journey, I realized the Canyon Spirit had done something I did not expect.
It had made me slow down.
And that may have been the greatest luxury of all.
And I need to mention this, because it surprised me in the best way as it always does.
You will have truly meaningful conversations with people you have never met before.
That is one of the quiet gifts of travel, isn’t it?
Somewhere between the mountains, the canyons, the shared meals, and the slow rhythm of the train, strangers become part of your story. You talk about where you are from, where you have been, what brought you here, and what you still hope to see. Sometimes it is light and funny. Sometimes it is unexpectedly thoughtful. And sometimes, before you even realize it, you are having the kind of conversation you rarely make time for in everyday life.
Travel does that.
It opens people up.
And on the Canyon Spirit train, where no one is rushing and the scenery gives everyone something to marvel at together, those conversations felt like part of the journey.
The Staff Made It More Than “Just a Train Ride”
Beautiful scenery can get your attention.
People make you remember the trip.
That was one of my biggest takeaways from the Canyon Spirit train. The staff was exceptional. Truly exceptional.
We did not want for anything. They were friendly, attentive, warm, and clearly wanted every guest to have the best experience possible.
And isn’t that what makes the difference?
Otherwise, this really would just be a train ride.
Chelle and August were our caretakers, our storytellers, our guides, and honestly, our people for the journey. They took care of us, kept us informed, kept us safe, and helped bring the places we were passing through to life.
They were not just delivering food and drinks. They were helping shape the experience.
I barely needed to get out of my seat except to use the bathroom. That is not an exaggeration. Everything felt easy, calm, and cared for.
There is a special kind of travel magic that happens when the logistics fade into the background. You stop thinking about what comes next and start paying attention to what is right in front of you.
A curve in the river.
A wall of red rock glowing in the sun.
A story about the land you are passing through.
A shared laugh with the people around you.
That is when travel becomes more than an itinerary.
Before the Train: Denver, Morrison, Red Rocks, and the Phoenix Gold Mine
Before boarding the Canyon Spirit train, we spent two nights in Denver, and I am so glad we did.
Denver gave us time to ease into the trip instead of arriving rushed and jumping straight onto the train. This is something I often recommend to travelers: when possible, build in a pre-night or two before a major travel experience.
It gives you breathing room.
It also gives you a chance to enjoy the starting point instead of treating it like a place you simply pass through.
Our Denver stay was amazing. We visited Morrison, which felt personally fun because of our last name. Sometimes travel gives you those little “well, of course we had to stop here” moments.
We also visited Red Rocks and the Red Rocks Amphitheater.
And let me tell you, Red Rocks is one of those places that makes you understand immediately why people talk about it. The color. The scale. The way the rock formations rise around the amphitheater like nature built the venue first and humans just added seats. It is POWERFUL.
We also toured the Phoenix Gold Mine, which gave the trip a deeper connection to the history of the American West. Standing there, listening to stories of mining, risk, grit, and survival, I started thinking about the people who came west generations before us.
Then later, as the train carried us through rugged landscapes, that thought stayed with me. How did people do this?
How did they cross this terrain with wagons, animals, limited supplies, no air conditioning, no GPS, no hotel reservation waiting at the end of the day?
They had to be strong physically, yes. But emotionally, too.
They were moving toward the unknown because they were looking for something better.
That thought followed me throughout the journey.
What We Saw from the Canyon Spirit Train: Tunnels, Towns, Canyons, and the Story of the West
One of the most powerful parts of the Canyon Spirit train journey was realizing that the view outside the window was not just scenery.
It was history.
As we traveled from Denver toward Glenwood Springs and then onward toward Moab and Salt Lake City, the landscape kept changing. Mountains gave way to canyons. Canyons opened into desert. Rivers curved beside the tracks. Red rock walls rose up like something carved by time, wind, water, and pure drama.
And then there were the tunnels.
So many tunnels.
Depending on the exact route segment and how they are counted, the Canyon Spirit route is often described as passing through dozens of tunnels, with nearly 50 tunnels referenced along the broader Rockies to Red Rocks journey. On the Denver-to-Glenwood Springs portion alone, travelers commonly hear about close to 30 tunnels through the Rockies.
One of the most impressive is the Moffat Tunnel.
The Moffat Tunnel cuts beneath the Continental Divide and is one of those engineering achievements you appreciate even more when you are actually traveling through the mountains. Before this tunnel opened, trains had to take a longer and more difficult route over Rollins Pass. That older route was higher, harsher, more exposed to weather, and far less efficient.
The Moffat Tunnel changed that.
So when you are sitting comfortably onboard the Canyon Spirit, sipping a drink, looking out the window, and feeling very civilized, it is worth remembering what it took to make that possible.
People blasted through mountains.
Surveyors mapped difficult terrain.
Railroad workers built through places that still look intimidating today.
And in some areas, older rail routes, tunnels, and sections of track are no longer used the way they once were because newer engineering made the journey safer, faster, and more practical. That is part of what makes this route fascinating. You are not just seeing the West. You are seeing how people tried to cross it, tame it, improve it, and survive it.
The train also passes through or near places with names that feel like they belong in an old Western novel: Winter Park, Fraser, Granby, Bond, Dotsero, Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction, and beyond.
The route also brings you through dramatic natural landmarks like Byers Canyon, Glenwood Canyon, Mount Garfield, and Ruby Canyon. These are not just pretty backdrops. They are part of the story.
Glenwood Canyon, with its steep walls and the Colorado River running below, feels rugged and powerful. Ruby Canyon brings those rich red colors that make you understand why this journey is called Rockies to the Red Rocks. Mount Garfield rises near Grand Junction like a natural monument, standing guard over the valley.
And as the landscape changed, I kept thinking about the people who came before us.
Miners. Railroad workers. Indigenous peoples who knew these lands long before rail lines and hotels. Explorers. Settlers. Dreamers.
People heading west because they hoped life might be better on the other side of the mountains.
Looking at that terrain from the comfort of the train, I kept thinking, “How did they do this?”
Not in a casual way.
In a truly humbled way.
Because the land is beautiful, yes. But it is also demanding. It is rocky, remote, steep, dry, exposed, and enormous. Traveling through it by train made me appreciate not only the scenery, but the strength of the people who moved through this region before us.
That is what surprised me most about the Canyon Spirit.
It did not just show me pretty views.
It made me feel connected to the movement of people, the building of railroads, the search for opportunity, and the incredible physical and emotional strength it must have taken to keep going west.
Glenwood Springs: Hot Springs, Hotel Colorado, BBQ, and Ghost Stories
Our first overnight stop on the Canyon Spirit train adventure was Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and this stop ended up having far more personality than I expected.
We stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott, which made for an easy and comfortable overnight stay, but the real surprise was how much history was tucked into this mountain town.
Glenwood Springs is one of those places where the scenery gets your attention first, but the stories are what make you lean in.
We toured the historic Hotel Colorado, and I loved this part of the trip because it added a whole new layer to the journey. This grand hotel opened in 1893, during an era when the American West was booming and wealthy travelers were seeking mountain air, mineral springs, and a little bit of elegance in the wild.
And Hotel Colorado has seen some things.
Presidents, celebrities, dignitaries, travelers, soldiers, and, according to local lore, maybe even a ghost or two. Yeah, its Haunted!! If you don't stay here on your journey, make sure you stop in for a tour. It is worth your time!
President Theodore Roosevelt is one of the hotel’s most famous guests. During his time in Glenwood Springs, Hotel Colorado became known by some as a kind of “Little White House of the West.” Roosevelt came to the area for hunting trips, but his connection to the hotel became even more famous because of the teddy bear legend.
As the story goes, hotel maids created a small stuffed bear for Roosevelt after a hunting outing, and the bear became tied to the nickname “Teddy.” Is the story fully confirmed? Not exactly. Even Hotel Colorado treats it as a beloved legend rather than absolute fact. But honestly, that makes it even more charming. Travel is full of these little stories that live somewhere between history and folklore, and I am here for it.
We also learned about the hotel’s ghostly side. Hotel Colorado has long been associated with ghost stories, strange sounds, mysterious cigar smoke, and spirits said to wander the halls. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, walking through a historic hotel like that definitely makes you aware of how many lives have passed through those rooms.
There is something about old hotels that gets me every time. The creaking floors. The heavy doors. The grand staircases. The sense that every hallway has heard a secret or two.
And then there were the hot springs.
Glenwood Springs is famous for its mineral hot springs and seeing them helped me understand why this town became such a destination in the first place. Long before modern spa resorts and wellness retreats, people came here for the waters. The hot springs were believed to have healing qualities, and travelers came for rest, recovery, and renewal.
That connection makes the town feel even more layered.
You have the railroad.
The hot springs.
The historic hotel.
The presidential visits.
The ghost stories.
The mountains.
It is not just an overnight stop. It is a destination with a past.
That fit perfectly with how I was starting to feel on this trip.
The train was already slowing me down. Glenwood Springs seemed to reinforce the message: relax, breathe, soak it in, literally and emotionally.
That evening, we had dinner at Smoke Modern Barbeque in downtown Glenwood Springs, and it was exactly the kind of meal you want after a day of scenic train travel and historic exploring.
Smoke Modern BBQ has that comfortable-but-updated feel, rooted in traditional barbecue, but not stuck in the past. Think low-and-slow smoked meats, hickory and fruitwood flavors, and a modern mountain-town atmosphere.
It was hearty, relaxed, and satisfying in that “yes, this is exactly what I needed tonight” kind of way.
Glenwood Springs gave us history, hot springs, ghost stories, presidential lore, mountain-town charm, and BBQ.
Not bad for an overnight stop.
Moab Was the Moment the Trip Turned into an Adventure
Moab is one of those places that does not whisper.
It announces itself.
The landscape changes. The colors deepen. The rocks become more dramatic. Everything feels ancient, wild, and slightly unreal.
We stayed at the Holiday Inn in Moab, and while the train experience was peaceful and scenic, Moab brought the adrenaline.
We did the Sunset Hummer Tour on Hell’s Revenge with Moab Adventure Center.
And oh my goodness.
This was one of those “but did you die?” moments.
The tour was about three hours, and it was both thrilling and beautiful at the same time. That is not an easy combination to pull off, but Moab does it effortlessly.
One minute you are laughing nervously because the Hummer is climbing what appears to be an absolutely unreasonable piece of slickrock.
The next minute you are staring out at a glowing desert landscape wondering how a place can look so harsh and so breathtaking at once.
Our guide, Mike, was the perfect accompaniment. He kept us laughing when we probably should have been crying. That is a gift. A good guide can turn fear into fun, and Mike did exactly that.
The Hell’s Revenge Sunset Hummer Tour was not just an excursion. It was a highlight.
It gave the trip contrast.
The train gave us calm. Moab gave us thrill.
And together, they made the journey feel complete.
The Emotional Shift: From the Rockies to the Red Rocks
This is the part of the trip that surprised me most.
I expected pretty views. I expected good service. I expected to enjoy the train.
I did not expect to feel emotional.
But somewhere along the way, I did.
The journey from the Rockies to the red rocks is not just visually beautiful. It feels like traveling through layers of American history, geology, resilience, and imagination.
You see the terrain and cannot help but think about the people who crossed it before roads, trains, comfortable hotels, and guided excursions.
The westward movement is often talked about in broad historical terms, but when you are physically looking at the land, it becomes something else.
It becomes personal.
The cliffs, canyons, rivers, and wide-open spaces are magnificent, but they are also intimidating. I found myself thinking about the families, miners, settlers, railroad workers, and explorers who moved through these landscapes looking for opportunity, survival, and a better life.
They had to be determined.
They had to be brave.
They had to keep going even when the land itself looked like it was saying, “Are you sure about this?”
And there I was, sitting comfortably on a train, with wonderful staff taking care of everything, feeling grateful for the chance to witness even a small piece of that journey.
That is what good travel does.
It connects you to something bigger than yourself.
Is the Canyon Spirit Train Worth It for Cruise Travelers?
If you love cruising, there is a very good chance you may love the Canyon Spirit train.
I say that because the two experiences have some important things in common.
You unpack your brain a little. You let someone else handle the details. You enjoy the scenery without having to do all the work. You meet crew and staff who become part of your travel memory. You move from place to place in a way that feels relaxing instead of exhausting.
But the Canyon Spirit train is not a cruise on land.
It has its own personality.
Cruising often gives you ocean views, ports, entertainment, and a floating resort feeling. The Canyon Spirit is more intimate, more scenic, and more reflective. The train itself becomes a viewing lounge, dining room, storytelling space, and moving front-row seat to the American West.
For travelers who love Alaska CruiseTours, river cruises, luxury rail, or scenic journeys where the destination is not just one place but the entire route, Canyon Spirit makes a lot of sense.
It is especially ideal for travelers who appreciate:
Comfortable, scenic travel
Slower-paced luxury
Beautiful landscapes
Good service
Storytelling
Unique U.S. travel experiences
Pre- and post-trip exploration
A journey that feels different from a typical vacation
It may not be the best fit for travelers who need constant nightlife, casino-style entertainment, or a packed schedule every hour of the day.
But for travelers who want beauty, ease, connection, and a little soul-stirring scenery?
Yes. The Canyon Spirit train is absolutely worth considering.
What Should You Add Before or After the Canyon Spirit Train?
One of the best decisions we made was turning the Canyon Spirit train journey into a fuller vacation.
The train was the centerpiece, but the pre- and post-trip experiences added so much richness.
Before the Train: Spend Time in Denver
I highly recommend arriving early if your schedule allows.
Denver gave us time to explore Morrison, Red Rocks, Red Rocks Amphitheater, the Phoenix Gold Mine, and the surrounding area. It also gave us a buffer before the train journey began, which is always a smart travel decision.
No one wants to start a meaningful trip stressed, delayed, or tired from a same-day arrival.
During the Journey: Enjoy the Overnight Stops
Glenwood Springs and Moab each added something different.
Glenwood Springs felt historic, relaxed, and full of character. Hotel Colorado, the hot springs, the Roosevelt stories, the ghostly legends, and dinner at Smoke Modern Barbeque gave that overnight stop much more depth than I expected.
Moab felt bold and adventurous. The red rocks, the desert light, and the Hell’s Revenge Sunset Hummer Tour brought energy and excitement to the trip.
Together, they helped create a journey with rhythm.
After the Train: Stay in Salt Lake City
After the train, we spent two nights in Salt Lake City, and I am so glad we did.
We visited Antelope Island and saw thousands of bison. It was spectacular. Truly one of those “I cannot believe we are seeing this” moments.
And then we drove to Wyoming because we had never been before.
Was it planned as some major bucket-list moment? Not exactly.
But sometimes the best travel memories are the ones you add simply because you can.
We crossed the state line, found a cute little roadside BBQ joint just over the border, and had a delicious, unexpected lunch.
That is the kind of travel moment I love. It is not fancy. It is not overly curated. It is just real.
And sometimes real is what you remember most.
What Surprised Me Most About the Canyon Spirit Train?
The biggest surprise was how relaxed I became.
I know that sounds simple, but it was significant.
As a travel advisor, I spend a lot of time thinking about logistics. Flights, hotels, transfers, timing, tours, dining, weather, packing, documents, expectations, all of it.
So, when I travel, I notice when an experience lets me fully exhale.
The Canyon Spirit train did that.
Each hour, I felt myself settling in more. Each day, I felt less rushed. By the end, I did not want to leave.
That surprised me.
The other surprise was how strongly the trip made me think about traveling within the United States.
We often dream about faraway places, Europe, Alaska, river cruises, Caribbean islands, bucket-list international journeys, and I love all of those.
But this trip made me ask: why are we not spending more time exploring the interior of the United States by train?
There is so much beauty here.
So much history.
So much open space.
So many landscapes that make you sit quietly for a minute because words do not quite do them justice.
Train travel gives you permission to see it differently.
Insider Tip: Do Not Sleep on the History Along the Route
One thing I would do differently next time is study the route even more before boarding.
The Canyon Spirit staff did a beautiful job with storytelling, but this is one of those trips where the more you know, the more meaningful it becomes.
Before traveling, I recommend reading a little about:
The Moffat Tunnel
The Continental Divide
Glenwood Springs and Hotel Colorado
The Glenwood Hot Springs
The Colorado River
Dotsero and the railroad junction
Glenwood Canyon
Grand Junction and Mount Garfield
Ruby Canyon
Moab and the red rock desert
You do not need to become a historian before you board the train. This is vacation, not a final exam.
But having even a little background turns the views into stories.
A tunnel becomes an engineering achievement.
A small town becomes a railroad chapter.
A canyon becomes a reminder of time and erosion.
A historic hotel becomes more than a pretty building.
And a scenic rail journey becomes something much deeper than transportation.
That is where the Canyon Spirit really shines.
Canyon Spirit Packing Suggestions
Packing for the Canyon Spirit train and the surrounding destinations is all about comfort, layers, and versatility.
You are moving through different elevations, climates, and activity levels, so think practical but polished.
Here are a few things I would recommend:
Comfortable layers for changing temperatures
A light jacket or fleece
Comfortable shoes for walking and touring
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
A refillable water bottle
A small day bag
Camera or phone with plenty of storage
Casual dinner outfits
Motion comfort items if you are sensitive to movement
A sense of humor for Moab adventure tours
For the Hell’s Revenge Hummer Tour, wear clothes you do not mind getting a little dusty. This is not the time for your delicate travel outfit that requires emotional support.
Moab is beautiful, but Moab is also red dirt, rock, wind, sun, and adventure.
Plan accordingly.
Common Mistakes Travelers Make with Scenic Rail Trips
A Canyon Spirit journey is not difficult, but there are a few things travelers should know before booking.
Mistake 1: Treating It Like Just a Train Ride
This is not simply transportation. The train is the experience. Choose this trip because you want the journey, not just the arrival.
Mistake 2: Not Adding Pre- or Post-Nights
Denver and Salt Lake City added so much to our trip. If you only do the train portion, you may miss the chance to turn a great journey into a fuller vacation.
Mistake 3: Overpacking the Schedule
Leave room to breathe. This kind of trip is best when you are not rushing every moment.
Mistake 4: Skipping the History
The route is full of fascinating places, tunnels, railroad history, towns, hot springs, and stories of the American West. The more you understand what you are passing, the more meaningful the journey becomes.
Mistake 5: Skipping Moab Adventures
Moab is extraordinary. If you are physically comfortable doing so, consider adding an excursion like the Hell’s Revenge Sunset Hummer Tour. It was one of the most unforgettable parts of our trip.
Mistake 6: Not Working with Someone Who Understands the Flow
Rail journeys can involve hotels, transfers, timing, excursions, pre-nights, post-nights, and route direction decisions. A travel advisor can help make the pieces fit together smoothly. Let me plan this for you!!
FAQ: Is the Canyon Spirit Train Worth It?
Is the Canyon Spirit train worth the money?
For travelers who value scenery, comfort, service, and unique experiences, the Canyon Spirit train can absolutely be worth it. This is not just transportation from one city to another. It is a scenic rail journey designed around the landscapes of the American West.
Who is the Canyon Spirit train best for?
The Canyon Spirit train is a great fit for travelers who enjoy scenic travel, slower-paced luxury, storytelling, beautiful landscapes, and immersive experiences. It is also a wonderful option for cruise travelers, river cruise travelers, Alaska CruiseTour fans, and anyone who wants a relaxing but memorable U.S. journey.
Is the Canyon Spirit train good for cruise travelers?
Yes. Cruise travelers may especially appreciate the attentive service, scenic views, relaxed pace, and the feeling of being cared for throughout the journey. It has some of the ease of cruising, but with a completely different landscape and style.
What route did I take on the Canyon Spirit train?
I traveled from Denver to Glenwood Springs to Moab to Salt Lake City. We also added two nights in Denver before the train and two nights in Salt Lake City after the train.
What can you see from the Canyon Spirit train?
Depending on your direction and itinerary, you may see mountain towns, the Continental Divide, the Moffat Tunnel, the Colorado River, Glenwood Canyon, Byers Canyon, Ruby Canyon, Mount Garfield, desert landscapes, and dramatic red rock scenery.
How many tunnels are on the Canyon Spirit train route?
The route includes dozens of tunnels. Travelers commonly hear about close to 30 tunnels on the Denver-to-Glenwood Springs portion, with nearly 50 tunnels referenced along the broader Rockies to Red Rocks journey depending on the route segment and how the tunnels are counted.
What should I do before the Canyon Spirit train?
If starting in Denver, consider arriving early to explore places like Red Rocks, Morrison, Red Rocks Amphitheater, and the Phoenix Gold Mine. Adding pre-nights also gives you a buffer in case of travel delays.
Is Glenwood Springs worth exploring?
Yes. Glenwood Springs was one of the most interesting stops on our journey. Hotel Colorado, the hot springs, the Roosevelt stories, the ghostly legends, and dinner at Smoke Modern Barbeque all made the overnight stop feel much more memorable.
What is special about Hotel Colorado?
Hotel Colorado opened in 1893 and has hosted famous guests including President Theodore Roosevelt. It is also known for its historic architecture, Roosevelt stories, the teddy bear legend, and ghostly experiences.
What should I do after the Canyon Spirit train?
If ending in Salt Lake City, consider staying a couple of nights. Antelope Island was a highlight for us, especially seeing thousands of bison. You can also explore nearby scenic drives or even cross into another state if you are feeling spontaneous.
Is Moab worth adding to the trip?
Absolutely. Moab was a major highlight. The red rock scenery is incredible, and the Hell’s Revenge Sunset Hummer Tour with Moab Adventure Center was thrilling, beautiful, and unforgettable.
Is the Hell’s Revenge Hummer Tour scary?
It can definitely be thrilling. For us, it had some “but did you die?” moments, but in the best possible way. Our guide, Mike, kept us laughing and made the experience feel fun, safe, and memorable.
Do you need to be active to enjoy the Canyon Spirit train?
The train itself is very comfortable and low-effort. Excursions like the Hummer tour may require more comfort with adventure, but the overall trip can be customized based on your travel style.
Would I do the Canyon Spirit train again?
Yes. By the end of the journey, I honestly did not want to get off. It made me want to explore more of the interior United States by train. I would 100% do this again!!
Conclusion
So, is the Canyon Spirit train worth it?
For me, yes.
Not just because of the views, although they were stunning.
Not just because of the service, although the staff was exceptional.
Not just because of Moab, Red Rocks, Hotel Colorado, Glenwood Springs, Antelope Island, the bison, the BBQ, the tunnels, the laughter, or the “why not?” drive to Wyoming.
It was worth it because of how the journey made me feel.
It reminded me that travel does not always have to be fast to be meaningful. Sometimes the best trips are the ones that slow you down enough to notice the shape of the land, the kindness of people, the history beneath your feet, and the quiet little voice inside you saying,
“This is why we travel.”
The Canyon Spirit train started as a train ride.
It ended as a reminder.
There is so much to see.
And sometimes, the best way to see it is to sit back, look out the window, and let the journey carry you.
If the Canyon Spirit train is on your radar, or if this is the first time you are thinking, “Wait, maybe I need to do this”, I would love to help you plan it.
At My Traveling Owl, LLC, I help travelers create meaningful journeys, not just vacations. Whether you are dreaming about a scenic rail adventure, an Alaska CruiseTour, a river cruise, an ocean cruise, or a once-in-a-lifetime immersive travel experience, I can help you think through the details, timing, hotels, excursions, and little extras that turn a good trip into a deeply memorable one.
The Canyon Spirit reminded me that the interior of the United States deserves more of our attention, and train travel may just be one of the most beautiful ways to experience it.
Reach out when you are ready to start planning your own journey through the Rockies, red rocks, and wide-open spaces of the American West.
About the Author
Michelle Morrison, CTA, ECC
Founder & Travel Advisor — My Traveling Owl, LLC
Certified Travel Associate with the Travel Institute (CTA)
CLIA Elite Cruise Counsellor with CLIA (Cruise Line International Association) (ECC)
Alaska Cruise & Cruisetour Specialist
My Traveling Owl is a travel agency based in Florida who creates travel experiences for couples, solos, family and groups. We specialize in Alaska Cruise and Alaska Cruise Tours, Ocean Cruise, River Cruise, Escorted Land Tours and Solo Travel. I am a Gluten Free traveler with over 13 years of Gluten Free Travel Experience. We are here to guide you through a world of vacation options! Stay connected with us by joining our online travel community, exploring our blog, or following us online. Be sure to visit us on YouTube!
📧 Email me: Michelle@MyTravelingOwl.com
🌐 Visit my website: MyTravelingOwl.com
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