Amtrak Vacations
America's National Parks
Denver to Salt Lake City rail and park tour: Rockies, Arches, Yellowstone
9 daysfrom $3,469
22% rail
Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation
California to Canyonlands with Canyon Spirit
Nine-day rail trip from San Francisco to Denver via Moab's canyon country
Amtrak Vacations runs this nine-day, eight-night rail trip from San Francisco to Denver, built around two named trains: the California Zephyr, which carries the trip overnight from San Francisco toward Moab, and the Canyon Spirit, a Signature-class train that covers Moab to Glenwood Springs and on to Denver. The days on either end of the rail travel are built around national park touring: a Yosemite National Park day trip from San Francisco with stops at Tunnel View and Yosemite Falls, a small-group tour of the sandstone arches at Arches National Park and the canyons of Canyonlands near Moab, and a full-day Rocky Mountain National Park tour from Denver with photo stops along the way. Getting from the Zephyr's stop in Grand Junction into Moab itself is a road transfer rather than a continuous rail journey. This trip suits travelers drawn to the canyon country of Utah and Colorado who want a mix of overnight rail travel, a scenic Signature-class train, and guided national park touring.
What to know before you look closer
- The San Francisco to Grand Junction leg on day 3 is followed by a road transfer to Moab, not a continuous train ride, so one segment of this rail trip is by road, not rail.
- The day 2 Yosemite description is cut off in the evidence after the morning overlooks ('Later this afternoon, your tour will take you...'); the full afternoon itinerary for that day is not available to us.
- The 18 accommodation options span a range of tiers and cities, from the Fairmont San Francisco to the Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton; your actual hotel depends on the tier you choose.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: San Francisco, CA
Your Journey Begins in San Francisco
Upon your arrival in the laid-back "City by the Bay," start exploring the area and immersing yourself in its unique ambience. The famous Fisherman's Wharf, which offers entertainment, shopping, and tasty local cuisine, is a great place to start.
- Day 2overnight: San Francisco, CA
Yosemite National Park
Today you'll spend the day taking in the beauty of one of America's most iconic national landmarks, Yosemite National Park. First, enjoy the panoramic views of the gorgeous San Francisco sunrise while crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. Once you reach this serene destination, you'll be taken to the best overlooks and spots, including Tunnel View, Yosemite Falls, and more. Later this afternoon, your tour will take you back to San Francisco.
- Day 3overnight: Onboard Amtrak (California Zephyr®)
Overnight Onboard Amtrak®
Depart San Francisco this morning on Amtrak and enjoy a scenic journey to Moab. Travel on the California Zephyr through the snowcapped Sierra Nevada and through desert landscapes.
- Day 4overnight: Moab, UT
Moab
Arrive in Grand Junction this morning and then be transferred to your hotel in Moab. Then begin exploring the town, which is nestled in the stunning red rock landscapes between Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
- Day 5overnight: Moab, UT
Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
Today, you will experience Arches and Canyonlands National Parks on a small group tour. Arches National Park is a geological treasure featuring 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the world-famous Delicate Arch. Canyonlands National Park offers a stunning landscape filled with countless canyons, mesas, and buttes, carved by the mighty Green and Colorado rivers.
- Day 6overnight: Glenwood Springs, CO
Canyon Spirit from Moab to Glenwood Springs
This afternoon, board the famous Canyon Spirit, sit back and relax with a beverage as you take in red sandstone landscapes and canyon vistas as you make your way from Utah to Colorado.
- Day 7overnight: Denver, CO
Canyon Spirit from Glenwood Springs to Denver
Depart Glenwood Springs this morning and enjoy the passing scenery as you travel along the Colorado River. Cross the Continental Divide, travel through the Moffat tunnel, and wind along the Rocky Mountains as you travel to Denver.
- Day 8overnight: Denver, CO
Rocky Mountain National Park
Experience the majestic splendor of the Rockies on an exhilarating full-day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park. On your return journey, you'll get a chance to enjoy several photo opportunities and a break for refreshments.
- Day 9rail
Your Journey Ends in Denver
Check out of your hotel, and begin your journey home, or do speak to any of our Rail Experts about extending your travels elsewhere.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 2A Yosemite National Park day trip with a sunrise crossing of the Golden Gate Bridge and stops at overlooks including Tunnel View and Yosemite Falls.
- Day 3An overnight aboard the California Zephyr from San Francisco toward Moab, through the snowcapped Sierra Nevada and desert landscapes.
- Day 5A small-group tour of Arches National Park, home to 2,000 sandstone arches including Delicate Arch, and Canyonlands National Park.
- Day 6Boarding the Canyon Spirit from Moab to Glenwood Springs, traveling through red sandstone landscapes and canyon vistas.
- Day 7The Canyon Spirit continues from Glenwood Springs to Denver, following the Colorado River, crossing the Continental Divide through the Moffat Tunnel, and winding through the Rocky Mountains.
Included
- Canyon Spirit from Moab to Denver in Signature class
- One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from San Francisco to Grand Junction on the California Zephyr®
- One-way transfer from Grand Junction to Moab
- 8 nights' hotel accommodations; 1-night onboard Amtrak
Questions travellers ask
- Is train travel included?
- Yes: the California Zephyr in coach class from San Francisco to Grand Junction (day 3, with an overnight onboard), a road transfer to Moab, and the Canyon Spirit in Signature class from Moab to Denver via Glenwood Springs (days 6-7).
- Is it escorted or independent?
- A mix. The Yosemite day trip, the Arches and Canyonlands small-group tour, and the Rocky Mountain National Park tour are guided; time in San Francisco (day 1) and Moab (day 4) is left for you to explore on your own.
- Which trains are used?
- The California Zephyr in coach class, and the Canyon Spirit in Signature class.
- Is there an overnight on the train?
- Yes, one night onboard the California Zephyr on day 3, traveling from San Francisco toward Moab (the final leg into Moab is a road transfer from Grand Junction).
- What hotels are used?
- 18 accommodation options across San Francisco, Moab, Glenwood Springs, and Denver, including the Fairmont San Francisco and the Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton.
- What will I see along the way?
- Yosemite overlooks, the sandstone arches of Arches National Park and the canyons of Canyonlands, red sandstone landscapes aboard the Canyon Spirit, and Rocky Mountain National Park.
