About the Canyon Spirit
The Canyon Spirit is a custom-built train designed specifically for the landscapes it travels through — the American Rockies, red-rock canyons, and sweeping desert vistas of the Southwest. With its single-level dome coaches and open-air viewing platforms, it delivers an immersive, up-close experience of some of America's most dramatic scenery.
Unlike a typical train ride, the Canyon Spirit features regionally inspired cuisine, engaging onboard storytelling from your Hosts, and a deliberate focus on the landscape outside your window. It's a rolling national parks adventure all on its own.
The Canyon Spirit: Choosing Your Train Experience: Signature vs. Premier
Signature Experience
The experience: A thoughtfully designed single-level dome coach with panoramic glass-dome windows and attentive, personalized service from the moment you board.
What's included:
- Pre-assigned reclining seats in a custom single-level dome coach
- Oversized glass-dome windows throughout the coach
- Regionally inspired meals delivered seat-side
- Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Up to three Onboard Hosts per coach for storytelling and service
- Access to a small open-air viewing platform
- Luggage delivery to mid-rail hotels
Best for: Travelers who want a standout scenic rail experience with great food, great views, and warm, attentive service.
Premier Experience
The experience: Everything in Signature, plus exclusive access to a dedicated lounge car — your own private retreat with expanded space, views, premium beverages, and an extra layer of refined comfort.
What's included:
- All Signature Experience features
- Access to an exclusive lounge car with additional seating and panoramic views
- An additional outdoor viewing area for more observation opportunities
- Expertly paired wines served with meals
- Signature cocktails and premium alcoholic beverages
- Gourmet snacks throughout the journey
- An additional dedicated Host in the lounge car
- An additional private restroom for added comfort and convenience
Best for: Travelers who want the ultimate Canyon Spirit experience — more space, more indulgence, and exclusive access to the lounge car and its premium offerings.
Signature vs. Premier — Side-by-Side
| Feature | Signature Experience | Premier Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Coach type | Single-level dome | Single-level dome + lounge car access |
| Seating | Pre-assigned reclining | Pre-assigned reclining |
| Dining | Regionally inspired, seat-side | Same + expertly paired wines |
| Beverages | Alcoholic & non-alcoholic | Same + premium cocktails & gourmet snacks |
| Outdoor viewing area | ✅ Small platform | ✅ Additional viewing area |
| Exclusive lounge car | ❌ | ✅ |
| Additional Host | ❌ | ✅ (in lounge car) |
| Additional restroom | ❌ | ✅ |
| Luggage delivery | ✅ | ✅ |
| Price | Included in tour | Upgrade cost applies |
For more information on this tour, visit the tour page for America’s National Parks by Train.