Train Rides Worth Taking the Long Way

Sometimes slower is better.

Canyon Spirit: Colorado to Utah 

For travelers in Colorado like me, one of the country's most spectacular rail experiences begins at our doorstep. Canyon Spirit’s Rockies to Red Rocks journey travels from Denver to Salt Lake City, winding through some of the Southwest’s most dramatic landscapes in between.

Departing from Denver, the journey carries you through the heart of the Colorado Rockies and across the Continental Divide, with a stop in Glenwood Springs along the way. This is a chance to stretch your legs and, if you have time, soak in the town’s famous hot springs (Iron Mountain is my personal favorite), before continuing west into Utah’s dramatic red-rock country. Along the way, the scenery does much of the entertaining, with rugged mountain peaks, deep canyons, and the striking formations of the Book Cliffs unfolding before your eyes.

The trip also includes a stop near Arches National Park, making it easy to step off the train and take in Utah’s iconic red-rock landscape. But this is far more than a beautiful way to get from Denver to Salt Lake City. Unlike Amtrak, Canyon Spirit offers attentive onboard service, luxury seating, elevated dining, and knowledgeable guides who bring the landscape to life, making the train itself a highlight. And because the route connects Colorado and Utah, it makes for a compelling trip in any season, whether you’re chasing snowy mountain scenery, planning a sunny getaway, or simply looking for a scenic way west without the long drive on I-70.

Advisor Tip: Consider arriving a night early for a little staycation. The 5* Crawford Hotel puts you right inside Denver’s historic Union Station, where you’ll find plenty of spots to grab a bite or a drink before your trip begins. Be sure to treat yourself to Milkbox Ice Creamery. Their boozy Thin Mints shake gives you your Girl Scout cookie fix year-round. It’s a small indulgence, but one that makes the experience even sweeter.

Coast Starlight: California to the Pacific Northwest

Few train journeys capture the West's changing scenery quite like Amtrak's Coast Starlight. The route links Los Angeles and Seattle, passing through a remarkable mix of California coastline, forests, valleys, mountains, and Pacific Northwest scenery.

The route passes through destinations worth a trip in their own right, including Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle, making it easy to build a longer vacation around several stops. The real appeal here is the variety. One stretch might have you watching the Pacific roll past your window; hours later, the landscape has transformed into forests and mountain country, making the ride feel like part of the destination. 

Advisor Tip: Add a few extra days with a glamping experience at Under Canvas in the Columbia River Gorge. Just an hour from Portland, this 120-acre property sits in Washington’s scenic White Salmon River Valley, surrounded by forested hillsides and the Columbia River's natural beauty. Upscale outdoor accommodations, café-style dining, and an inviting outdoor lounge take glamping to the next level, making it an elevated way to experience one of the Pacific Northwest’s most beautiful landscapes.

Adirondack: New York to Montreal

The Adirondack offers a completely different perspective on train travel, connecting New York City with Montreal and trading Western mountain scenery for the Northeast's famous foliage. The journey starts in Manhattan, follows the Hudson River toward Albany, then continues through Saratoga Springs and north along Lake Champlain, with views of forests, small towns, and the Adirondack Mountains. In autumn, the route becomes especially scenic as the landscape fills with vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, making the 10-hour ride feel like an experience in itself.

Once you arrive in Montreal, the atmosphere shifts again. With its European-inspired architecture, historic neighborhoods, café culture, and French influence, Montreal can feel surprisingly like a trip to Europe, without the transatlantic flight.

Advisor Tip: Make the hotel part of the experience with a stay at the 5-star Le Mount Stephen Hotel. Set inside the former residence of Sir George Stephen, a Canadian businessman who served as president of the Canadian Pacific Railway, the 1880 mansion offers a charming connection to Montreal’s railway history. After a day of exploring, unwind at Bar George, the property’s historic cocktail bar, and toast the man who helped make it all possible!