Canyon Spirit: A Journey Through the Heart of the American West
Rockies to the Red Rocks
Some journeys feel like more than travel — they’re an unfolding story, one that immerses you in breathtaking landscapes, fascinating cultures, and moments of calm between adventure. My recent trip through Utah and Colorado, courtesy of Armstrong Collective and Rocky Mountaineer, was exactly that. A journey of contrasts, from serene city streets to wild desert trails and luxurious rail journeys through the mountains.
Discovering Salt Lake City
Our adventure began in Salt Lake City, a destination that often surprises travellers with its blend of modern energy and mountain serenity. Surrounded by the snow-dusted Wasatch Range, the city feels fresh and open, its wide streets filled with history and hospitality in equal measure.
We spent a relaxed afternoon exploring the heart of the city, wandering around Temple Square, which is both beautiful and peaceful. The gardens were immaculate, the fountains gleaming in the sunshine, and the iconic Salt Lake Temple stood tall, framed by trees and mountains. There’s a sense of calm and care here — locals pause to chat, visitors linger on benches, and time seems to move just a little slower.
Beyond Temple Square, Salt Lake City has a thriving food and coffee scene, boutique shops, and mountain views that seem to follow you wherever you go. It’s one of those cities that perfectly balances cosmopolitan charm with access to nature, making it an ideal starting point for an adventure through the American West.
The Road to Moab
After a night in the city, we boarded our coach south towards Moab, where the landscape began to shift dramatically. Mile by mile, the mountains softened into mesas, and the colour palette changed from green and grey to deep reds, oranges, and golds. It felt like driving into another world.
Moab is an adventurer’s paradise — a friendly town surrounded by two of the most iconic national parks in America. Over the next two days, we explored Canyonlands and Arches, both utterly different yet equally spellbinding.
Canyonlands National Park is vast, rugged, and humbling in scale. Standing at the overlooks, you gaze out across a sea of canyons carved by the Colorado River, stretching as far as the eye can see. It’s raw, quiet, and almost otherworldly.
Then there’s Arches National Park, where over 2,000 natural sandstone arches rise against the desert sky. Every turn reveals another masterpiece — delicate curves, dramatic formations, and the rich glow of red rock against blue sky.
The standout experience here was our Hummer Sunset Tour of Hell’s Revenge. The thrill of riding across slickrock trails in open-air vehicles, surrounded by fiery cliffs as the sun set over the desert, was unforgettable. It was wild, dramatic, and pure fun — a true taste of Utah’s adventurous spirit.Luxury on the Rails: The Canyon Spirit
From Moab, we boarded Rocky Mountaineer’s Canyon Spirit, the epitome of luxury rail travel. The moment you step onboard, the pace changes — the world slows down, and the journey becomes part of the destination.
Panoramic glass-dome windows offered sweeping views of the desert and mountains, while the onboard hosts shared fascinating insights and served beautifully prepared regional dishes. Between sips of wine and stories of local history, I found myself constantly gazing out the window, mesmerised by the colours of the landscape shifting with the light.
We travelled first to Glenwood Springs, a charming Colorado mountain town known for its famous hot springs and relaxed atmosphere. After a day of scenic travel, sinking into the warm mineral pools surrounded by forested hills felt blissfully restorative.
From the Canyons to the Rockies
The following morning, we reboarded the train for another day of spectacular scenery. The route from Glenwood Springs to Denver follows the Colorado River, winding through narrow canyons, across bridges, and past tiny mountain towns where locals waved as we passed.
As the landscape rose into the Rockies, snow began to appear on the peaks, and the air felt crisp and clean. It was the kind of journey that invites you to pause, breathe, and simply take it all in.
Denver: The Perfect Finale
We arrived in Denver, a vibrant and creative city that felt like the perfect ending to our journey. With two days to explore, we discovered its lively neighbourhoods, stylish restaurants, and a thriving arts scene. The city has a youthful energy yet retains that easy Colorado charm — a balance of sophistication and adventure.
A Journey Worth Taking
Reflecting on the trip, what stood out most wasn’t just the landscapes — though they were unforgettable — but the rhythm of the journey itself. From the serenity of Temple Square to the roar of off-road adventures in Moab, and finally the indulgent calm of Rocky Mountaineer, each day offered something new.
It was the perfect reminder that luxury travel isn’t just about comfort, it’s about connection — to the places you visit, the people you meet, and the moments that stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing the American West in style, combining the thrill of exploration with the comfort of luxury rail, the Canyon Spirit route with Rocky Mountaineer is an unforgettable way to do it.