Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation

America's National Parks

Denver to Salt Lake City rail and park tour: Rockies, Arches, Yellowstone

America's National Parks, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations packages this 9-day, 8-night independent trip from Denver to Salt Lake City around four national parks: Rocky Mountain, Arches, Canyonlands and Yellowstone. Day 1 begins in Denver with views of the Rockies and time to explore the city's museums and galleries, followed by a full-day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park on day 2. On day 3, the California Zephyr carries travelers from Denver to Grand Junction through the Rockies before a transfer to Moab, where day 4 brings a full-day tour of Arches National Park's sandstone formations and Canyonlands National Park. The Zephyr continues to Salt Lake City on day 5, and an included shuttle then takes travelers to West Yellowstone for a full-day tour of the park's geothermal features, including Old Faithful, before returning to Salt Lake City. The trip suits independent travelers who want a mix of guided national park touring and free time, and who are comfortable switching between train and road transport across the week.

What to know before you look closer

  • Accommodation is chosen from about 23 hotel options across Denver, Moab and Salt Lake City; the final hotel depends on what is selected at booking.
  • No meals are listed as included in the package; the Yellowstone day specifically notes that lunch at Old Faithful Village is on your own.
  • Despite being sold as a rail vacation, only the Denver to Grand Junction to Salt Lake City segment is by train (the California Zephyr); the Salt Lake City to West Yellowstone legs on days 6 and 8 are covered by an included shuttle, not a train.
  • The Yellowstone touring described is the park's lower loop, which the evidence notes is 'open seasonally,' and no current departure dates are listed; confirm timing and availability with Amtrak Vacations before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Denver

    Your Journey Begins in Denver

    Welcome to Denver! Enjoy the views of the fabulous Rocky Mountains as you make your way to your hotel. After you settle in, take some time to explore the downtown area of the Mile-High City, where you'll find lots of museums, art galleries, craft beer bars, and so much more! The Denver Art Museum, located right in downtown Denver, has one of the largest Native American art collections in the world.

  2. Day 2overnight: Denver

    Denver, CO

    Experience the majestic splendor of the Rockies on an exhilarating full-day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park. This gorgeous site, often celebrated for its abundance of animals and spectacular views of the Rockies, is one of the most beautiful national parks in the world, so don't forget your camera! On your return journey, you'll get a chance to enjoy several photo opportunities and a break for refreshments.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Moab

    Denver to Moab

    Travel to the Amtrak station and board the California Zephyr to Grand Junction for one of the most beautiful train trips in all of North America. As you climb through the heart of the Rockies and further west through the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas, you may find it hard to disagree. After your arrival, your transfer will take you to your hotel in Moab.

  4. Day 4overnight: Moab

    Arches and Canyonlands National Parks

    Today you'll have a full-day tour of two spectacular national parks: Arches and Canyonlands. Arches National Park is a geological treasure featuring 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the world famous Delicate Arch. The park's rich colors, textures, and landforms highlight the extraordinary balanced rocks, fins, and pinnacles. Canyonlands National Park offers a stunning landscape filled with countless canyons, mesas, and buttes, carved by the mighty Green and Colorado rivers. Experience the park from the astounding Island in the Sky, a scenic drive that follows the rim of the mesa and offers amazing views.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Salt Lake City

    Moab to Salt Lake City

    Travel to the Amtrak station in Grand Junction and board the train to Salt Lake City. Take in the unparalleled views of Utah's gorgeous Wasatch Mountains as you head west on the California Zephyr.

  6. Day 6overnight: West Yellowstone

    Salt Lake City to West Yellowstone

    Today your included roundtrip shuttle service will to take you to West Yellowstone. Widely held to be the first national park in the world, Yellowstone National Park is home to the most impressive geothermal areas in all of North America.

  7. Day 7overnight: West Yellowstone

    Yellowstone National Park

    Enjoy a full-day tour of the lower loop of West Yellowstone, open seasonally. Highlights of this fascinating tour include Old Faithful Geyser, the Old Faithful Inn, Isa Lake on the Continental Divide, and many more amazing sites. You'll have some leisure time to enjoy lunch on your own at the Old Faithful Village and do some exploring of the area if you desire.

  8. Day 8overnight: Salt Lake City

    West Yellowstone to Salt Lake City

    Today, take a leisurely drive back to Salt Lake City aboard the included shuttle. Spend the evening at your own pace enjoying all that the city has to offer. Venture out to Olympic Park or explore the vibrant and growing restaurant scene downtown.

  9. Day 9

    Your Journey Ends in Salt Lake City

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Denver's Art Museum, visited on arrival day, holds one of the largest Native American art collections in the world.
  • Day 2A full-day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park includes photo opportunities and a refreshment break on the return trip.
  • Day 3The California Zephyr climbs through the Rockies and the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas on the way from Denver to Grand Junction, ahead of a transfer to Moab.
  • Day 4A full-day tour visits Arches National Park's 2,000 sandstone formations, including Delicate Arch, and Canyonlands National Park.
  • Day 7The Yellowstone tour covers the park's lower loop, including Old Faithful Geyser, the Old Faithful Inn, and Isa Lake on the Continental Divide.

Included

  • One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Denver to Grand Junction; Grand Junction to Salt Lake City onboard the California Zephyr®
  • 8 nights' hotel accommodations

Questions travellers ask

Is the whole trip by train?
No. The Denver to Grand Junction to Salt Lake City segment is by rail on the California Zephyr, but the Salt Lake City to West Yellowstone legs on days 6 and 8 are covered by an included shuttle.
Which train is used?
The California Zephyr, in Coach class, for the Denver to Grand Junction and Grand Junction to Salt Lake City legs.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation with full-day guided tours included at each national park (Rocky Mountain, Arches and Canyonlands, and Yellowstone), plus a roundtrip shuttle between Salt Lake City and West Yellowstone.
Are meals included?
No meals are listed as included; the Yellowstone day specifically notes that lunch at Old Faithful Village is on your own.
What hotels are used?
About 23 accommodation options across Denver, Moab and Salt Lake City. Samples include the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver, the Crawford Hotel, and the Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton, among others; the exact hotel depends on what is selected at booking.

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