Amtrak Vacations
America Coast to Coast - LA to Boston
Independent coast-to-coast US rail trip on four Amtrak trains, LA to Boston
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Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation
Arches and Canyonlands to Yellowstone with Canyon Spirit
Independent rail trip from Denver to Yellowstone via Canyon Spirit
Amtrak Vacations runs this 10-day independent rail vacation from Denver to Salt Lake City, with a side trip to Yellowstone National Park. The Signature-class Canyon Spirit carries travelers from Denver through the snowcapped Rocky Mountains to Glenwood Springs, then on through Ruby Canyon's red rock formations to Moab, where a full day is set aside for Arches and Canyonlands National Parks and a free day to explore on your own. From Moab the route continues by transfer and by the California Zephyr to Salt Lake City, then by included transfer to West Yellowstone for a guided day among Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, Hayden Valley, and Yellowstone Lake before returning to Salt Lake City. The trip mixes scenic train days, a guided national park tour, and unstructured time in Denver and Moab, suiting travelers who want to combine rail scenery with time in Yellowstone, Arches, and Canyonlands National Parks.
What to know before you look closer
- The package includes a choice of 28 accommodation options across different tiers and cities, so the exact hotel in Denver and Glenwood Springs depends on which option you select when booking.
- No current departure dates are listed in this package's details; confirm exact travel dates with Amtrak Vacations.
- Only 3 meals are included across the 9 nights (2 breakfasts, 1 lunch); other meals are on your own.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Denver
Your Journey Begins in Denver
Welcome to 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: 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 3overnight: 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 begin exploring this quaint downtown nestled between Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
- 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.
- Day 5overnight: 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 6railovernight: 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 7overnight: West Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park
Today, your included transfer service 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 8overnight: 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 9overnight: 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 10
Your Journey Ends in Salt Lake City
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 2Board the Canyon Spirit at Denver Union Station for a ride through the snowcapped Rocky Mountains to Glenwood Springs.
- Day 3The Canyon Spirit passes through Ruby Canyon, taking in red rock formations along the cliffs on the way to Moab.
- Day 4A full-day tour of Arches National Park's roughly 2,000 sandstone arches, including Delicate Arch, and the landscapes of Canyonlands National Park.
- Day 8A guided tour of Yellowstone National Park visits Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, Hayden Valley, and Yellowstone Lake.
Included
- Canyon Spirit from Denver to Moab in Signature class
- One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Green River to Salt Lake City on California Zephyr®
- One-way transfer from Moab to Green River
- Roundtrip transfers from Salt Lake City to West Yellowstone
- 9 nights' hotel accommodations
- 3 meals (2 breakfasts, 1 lunch)
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes. The package includes the Canyon Spirit from Denver to Moab in Signature class, plus one-way Amtrak Coach travel from Green River to Salt Lake City on the California Zephyr.
- Is this trip guided or independent?
- It is an independent rail vacation, with a full-day tour of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks on Day 4 and a guided tour of Yellowstone National Park on Day 8.
- Which trains are used?
- The Canyon Spirit from Denver to Glenwood Springs to Moab in Signature class, and the California Zephyr from Green River to Salt Lake City in Coach class.
- What hotels are used?
- A choice of 28 accommodation options across tiers and cities, including Denver properties such as the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver, The Crawford Hotel, and Warwick Denver Hotel.
- What is included besides the trains and hotels?
- 9 nights of hotel accommodations, 3 meals (2 breakfasts, 1 lunch), a one-way transfer from Moab to Green River, roundtrip transfers between Salt Lake City and West Yellowstone, and sightseeing tours of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks and Yellowstone National Park.
- How much walking or hiking is involved?
- Day 5 in Moab is a free day where you can choose a hike through the red rocks or a gentler stroll through downtown; the Yellowstone touring on Day 8 is guided.
