Canyon Spirit Uncovered: Glass Domes, Red Rocks & the Real Wild West

At Cruise.co.uk, we love nothing more than waking up to a brand-new horizon without the stress of packing and unpacking every single day. But world-class views, regional fine dining, and expert local hosts aren’t just found on the high seas! 

Recently, our Cruise.co.uk rail expert, Rob Carroll, stepped off the cruise deck and onto the platform to test out the Canyon Spirit train, a signature rail journey traversing the magnificent American Southwest. 

From red-rock canyons to surprise Wild West traditions, here is their first-hand account of this epic cruise and rail adventure…

All Aboard: Luxury That Competes with the Seas

Being onboard felt like stepping into a floating luxury hotel. The Canyon Spirit is operated by the very same team behind the world-famous Canadian Rocky Mountaineer. 

I’ll admit I wondered if this American route might feel like a second-best option compared to its iconic Canadian sibling. I couldn’t have been more wrong. From the moment we departed Denver, the service rivalled top-tier cruise lines. 

In the Signature carriage, we were treated to expansive legroom, vast panoramic glass windows, and a warm breakfast served right to our seats. 

For travellers seeking even more indulgence, the premium upgrade offers access to a dedicated lounge car complete with plush armchairs, gourmet meals, and handcrafted signature cocktails.

Changing Seasons in a Single Tunnel

The design of the Canypn Spirit train keeps you connected to nature at every mile. When I wasn’t gazing out from my seat, I was out in the open-air vestibules, literally hanging out to catch the cool mountain breeze and capture video of the raw Rocky Mountain terrain.

We climbed slowly past deep ravines, massive dams, and pine-clad slopes through the "Tunnel District." 

Then came the Moffat Tunnel, a six-mile engineering feat slicing straight through the mountain divide. We entered in bright Colorado sunshine, but as we emerged out the other side a few minutes later, snow was fluttering through the open carriage! 

It was pure magic, watching spring turn into winter in the space of a single tunnel.

Within half an hour, the weather shifted back again as we meandered along the Fraser and Colorado Rivers through Gore Canyon, a steep, roadless gorge largely unreachable by car. By the time we pulled into our overnight stop at Glenwood Springs, the snow had given way to rugged red rocks.

Off the Tracks: Wild West Legends

Just like a great shore excursion, the overnight stops on this route let you dive deep into local history. 

In Glenwood Springs, I took a walk up the Doc Holliday Trail to the Pioneer Cemetery. Local legend has it that Doc Holliday, the famed gunfighter and dentist who fought alongside Wyatt Earp at the O.K. Corral, spent his final days here hoping the local hot springs would cure his tuberculosis.

A short walk further up the hill lies the resting place of Harvey Logan (aka "Kid Curry"), a member of Butch Cassidy’s infamous Wild Bunch. Walking among the red-dust trails where these legendary figures once walked added a fantastic historical backdrop to the journey.

Red Rocks, Ancient Trails, and the Verdict

Day two offered even more dramatic shifts. After another hot breakfast served seat-side, we entered Ruby Canyon, a 15-mile stretch of glowing crimson sandstone cliffs. 

Riding through in the open-air carriage, we were so close to the rock faces you could almost touch them. Beyond the natural beauty, we spotted bald eagle nests and ancient steps carved directly into the red stone by Indigenous ancestors centuries ago.

As we crossed into Utah, the snow-capped La Sal Mountains appeared in the distance, framing sweeping red rock formations that looked like something straight from a Hollywood movie set. 

By the time our coach brought us to the edge of Canyonlands National Park outside Moab, I realised why this journey is so extraordinary.

Standing beneath the red rocks at sunrise the following morning, it hit me: vast stretches of this country, like Ruby Canyon, have no roads. Except for a few river rafters, these untouched landscapes are completely inaccessible unless you arrive by train.

For anyone who loves the comfort, service, and effortless sightseeing of a cruise, the Canyon Spirit proves that the best views don't always require an ocean!

Ready to swap the open sea for the open rails? 

Speak to one of our specialist cruise consultants today to see how you can combine an iconic rail route with your next cruise holiday!