Amtrak Vacations
Americas National Parks Roundtrip from Chicago
Chicago roundtrip rail trip to Rocky Mountain, Arches, Canyonlands and Yellowstone parks
11 daysfrom $4,289
36% rail
Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation
America's National Parks with Canyon Spirit
Denver to Salt Lake City parks trip on the Canyon Spirit train
Amtrak Vacations packages this 11-day, 10-night independent trip from Denver to Salt Lake City around three national parks: Rocky Mountain, Arches and Canyonlands, and Yellowstone. Day 1 settles travelers in Denver, described in the itinerary as 5,280 feet above sea level, with free time before a full-day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park on day 2. Day 3 boards the Canyon Spirit in Signature class from Denver Union Station, described as offering luxurious onboard accommodations through the snowcapped Rockies to Glenwood Springs, and day 4 continues the same train through Ruby Canyon's red rock formations to Moab, with breakfast served onboard. After a full-day tour of Arches and Canyonlands on day 5 and a free day in Moab on day 6, including an optional hike through the red rocks, the California Zephyr carries travelers on to Salt Lake City, from where an included transfer reaches West Yellowstone for a guided full-day tour of the park. The trip suits independent travelers who want a higher tier of onboard comfort alongside guided park touring.
What to know before you look closer
- Accommodation is chosen from about 28 hotel options across Denver, Glenwood Springs, Moab and Salt Lake City, spanning the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver and the historic Hotel Colorado to the Best Western Antlers, so the actual comfort level depends on what is selected at booking.
- Only 3 meals are included across the 11 days (2 breakfasts, 1 lunch); other meals are on your own.
- The Moab to Grand Junction leg is a road transfer, not a train, before the California Zephyr departs for Salt Lake City, and the Salt Lake City to West Yellowstone legs on days 8 and 10 are covered by included transfers, not trains.
- The evidence does not list current departure dates for this trip; confirm the schedule and availability with Amtrak Vacations before booking.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Denver
Your Journey Begins in Denver
Welcome to the Denver, also known as the "Mile High City." This scenic metropolis is located 5,280 feet above sea level and offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. After you check into your hotel, you'll have lots of free time to start exploring all Denver has to offer. There is much to see and do, like Red Rocks Park, the Denver Art Museum, Denver Zoo and more.
- 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.
- Day 3overnight: Glenwood Springs
Canyon Spirit from Denver to Glenwood Springs
Today, travel to Denver Union Station and board the famous Canyon Spirit itself. Settle into the luxurious accommodations and relax onboard, soaking in the spectacular scenery as you travel through the snowcapped Rocky Mountains, making your way to Glenwood Springs.
- Day 4overnight: Moab
Canyon Spirit from Glenwood Springs to Moab
Depart Glenwood Springs this morning and enjoy the passing mountain scenery as you enjoy breakfast onboard. Pass through Ruby Canyon and take in the stunning red rock formations along the cliffs. Arrive in Moab around noon with an afternoon to being exploring this quaint downtown nestled between Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
- Day 5overnight: 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.
- Day 6overnight: Moab
Moab, UT
Enjoy a free day exploring Moab! Take a stroll through downtown or if you feel adventurous enjoy a hike through the red rocks or explore a local park.
- Day 7railovernight: Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City, UT
Your transfer will take you from your hotel to the Amtrak station where you will board your train to Salt Lake City. When you arrive, check into your hotel and settle in for the night.
- Day 8overnight: West Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park
Today, your included transfer service that will take you to West Yellowstone. Yellowstone is widely held to be the first national park in the world and is home to the most impressive geothermal features in North America. The sights here are simply stunning and will not disappoint. After you arrive in the early evening, you can settle into your hotel for a good night's sleep. You have a full day of sightseeing ahead of you tomorrow!
- Day 9overnight: West Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park
America's first national park is yours to explore today! Your tour picks you up for a journey through Yellowstone. Along the way, your guide will provide some amazing insights into the park, its history, and of course, its abundant wildlife. Famous spots such as Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, Hayden Valley, and Yellowstone Lake are all part of the experience. There is no place on earth like Yellowstone National Park.
- Day 10overnight: Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City, UT
Today, you'll take your included transfer from West Yellowstone back to Salt Lake City. Spend the evening exploring the city and enjoying your final night of journey!
- Day 11
Your Journey Ends in Salt Lake City
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 2A full-day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park includes photo opportunities and a refreshment break on the return trip.
- Day 3The Canyon Spirit departs Denver Union Station in Signature class, described as luxurious onboard accommodations, traveling through the snowcapped Rocky Mountains to Glenwood Springs.
- Day 4The Canyon Spirit continues through Ruby Canyon, taking in red rock formations along the cliffs, with breakfast served onboard before arriving in Moab around noon.
- Day 5A full-day tour visits Arches National Park's 2,000 sandstone formations, including Delicate Arch, and Canyonlands National Park.
- Day 9A guided tour of Yellowstone visits Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, Hayden Valley and Yellowstone Lake, with the guide sharing the park's history and wildlife.
Included
- Canyon Spirit from Denver to Moab in Signature class
- One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Grand Junction to Salt Lake City on California Zephyr®
- One-way transfer from Moab to Grand Junction
- Roundtrip transfers from Salt Lake City to West Yellowstone
- 10 nights' hotel accommodations
- 3 meals (2 breakfasts, 1 lunch)
Questions travellers ask
- What is the Canyon Spirit?
- It is the named train used for the Denver to Glenwood Springs and Glenwood Springs to Moab legs, booked in Signature class and described as offering luxurious onboard accommodations with breakfast served en route.
- Is the whole trip by train?
- No. After the Canyon Spirit reaches Moab, the Moab to Grand Junction leg is a road transfer, then the California Zephyr in Coach class covers Grand Junction to Salt Lake City. The Salt Lake City to West Yellowstone legs are covered by included transfers, not trains.
- Is this trip escorted or independent?
- It is an independent rail vacation with guided touring included, such as the full-day Yellowstone tour on day 9, described as led by a guide who shares the park's history and wildlife.
- Are meals included?
- Three meals are included overall, two breakfasts and one lunch. Other meals across the 11 days are on your own.
- What hotels are used?
- About 28 accommodation options across Denver, Glenwood Springs, Moab and Salt Lake City, including the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver, the historic Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs, and the Best Western Antlers; the exact hotel depends on what is selected at booking.
