Sun, Oct 11: Fly to Denver to begin your adventure! Take a short drive west to Golden to see Colorado’s rich railroad history come to life at the Colorado Railroad Museum, featuring a railyard with over 100 locomotives, cars, and cabooses. Depart for downtown Denver and check into your conveniently located hotel before enjoying an included welcome dinner with fellow travelers. (Meals: Dinner)

Mon, Oct 12: Breakfast is included at the hotel this morning before transferring to nearby Colorado Springs for an exciting day of exploration! Visit the Garden of the Gods, a natural landmark featuring awe-inspiring sandstone rock formations. Explore the state-of-the-art exhibits at the visitor center before joining a local guide for a tour of the park by motorcoach. Head to downtown Colorado Springs for free time to have lunch on your own and browse the eclectic shops and galleries. Afterwards visit another one-of-a-kind attraction dedicated to Team USA and its athletes from past to present—the United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum. Return to the hotel with the remainder of the day to do as you please in the “Mile High City”! (B)

Tue, Oct 13: This morning board Canyon Spirit and start your journey westward along the rails. Indulge in breakfast and lunch, as well as a selection of included snacks and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Travel the Moffat Tunnel and cut through the Continental Divide, soaking in breathtaking views of rugged canyons and the winding Colorado River as you travel. Onboard hosts will enrich your journey with storytelling that connects you to the passing scenery. Experience the Big Ten Curve, an impressive engineering of the rail line, as the train navigates a dramatic bend with sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains. See the towering cliffs and lush greenery of Glenwood Canyon, carved out by the Colorado River, widely considered some of the most beautiful natural features in the United States. Arrive in charming Glenwood Springs and settle into a coxy hotel for the evening. Set amidst sandstone cliffs and alluring ghost towns, the elevated mountain pass is tucked into the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. (B,L)

Wed, Oct 14: Continue west during your second day aboard the Canyon Spirit crossing the Colorado-Utah border in Ruby Canyon. Rugged terrain winds through the 15-mile De Beque Canyon, showcasing its narrow passage and distinctive stair-step cliffs. Named after President James Garfield, pass Mount Garfield, the highest point of the Book Cliffs with impressive sandstone formation. Also keep your eyes peeled for passing wildlife, such as Rocky Mountain elk. As bold red rock formations begin to appear this signals the arrival in Moab, Utah, the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, this afternoon. Best known as a favorite destination for outdoor recreation, Moab is a charming desert town whose downtown also features unique boutiques and a diverse dining scene. Disembark the train and enjoy an afternoon sightseeing tour in Canyonlands National Park. Discover the Island in the Sky district and other highlights such as the Shafer Canyon Overlook and Grand River Viewpoint. Transfer to your hotel with the remainder of the evening at your leisure. (B,L)

Thu, Oct 15: Wake up today in beautiful Moab, surrounded by a colorful landscape of canyons, mesas, and buttes. Have some time to explore the town before transferring by motorcoach to Thompson Springs, where you will reboard for the final stretch to Salt Lake City. Enjoy a late lunch and dinner on the train while soaking in the dramatic scenery between Moab and Salt Lake City. Travel through the Price River Canyon ascending the historic Soldier Summit and through the historic Thistle Tunnels. See the craggy peaks of the Wasatch Mountains and pass Provo before arriving in Utah’s capital and largest city in the evening. Check into your elegant downtown hotel. (B,L,D)

Fri, Oct 16: Have a leisurely morning to take in the sights and sounds of Salt Lake City. Transfer to the airport in the afternoon and return to Indianapolis. (B)