Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation

Canyonlands to California with Canyon Spirit

Two-train rail vacation from Denver to San Francisco via Moab

Canyonlands to California with Canyon Spirit, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations runs this 9-day, 8-night independent rail vacation from Denver to San Francisco, built around a two-day journey on the Canyon Spirit train. After two days in Denver, including a full-day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park, the Canyon Spirit carries the trip from Denver to Glenwood Springs and on to Moab, passing through Ruby Canyon's red rock formations, with breakfast and lunch included onboard in Signature class. Two nights in Moab are built around a full-day tour of Arches National Park, home to about 2,000 sandstone arches including Delicate Arch, and Canyonlands National Park. From Moab, a transfer to Grand Junction connects to an overnight ride on Amtrak's California Zephyr to San Francisco, where the trip closes with sightseeing at Fisherman's Wharf and a day trip to Yosemite National Park across the Golden Gate Bridge and through the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This suits travelers who want a rail-and-national-parks route connecting the Rocky Mountains to the California coast, with two named train journeys as the centerpiece.

What to know before you look closer

  • The 18 accommodation options span several tiers and cities, from the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver to the Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton; your actual hotel depends on the tier and city you choose.
  • The evidence's route summary lists Yosemite National Park as the trip's endpoint, but the day-by-day itinerary has the trip ending in San Francisco on day 9, with Yosemite as a day trip from there; confirm the exact endpoint with Amtrak Vacations.
  • Breakfast and lunch are included on day 3 of the Canyon Spirit journey and breakfast on day 4; no other meals are mentioned in the evidence, so other meals across the 9 days are on your own.

Day by day

  1. 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, the Denver Zoo, and more.

  2. Day 2overnight: Denver

    Rocky Mountain National Park

    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 3overnight: Glenwood Springs

    Canyon Spirit from Denver to Glenwood Springs

    Today, you will travel to Denver Union Station and board the famous Canyon Spirit. 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.

    Meals: B, L

  4. 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 begin exploring this quaint downtown nestled between Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

    Meals: B

  5. 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.

  6. Day 6overnight: Onboard Amtrak (California Zephyr)

    Overnight Onboard Amtrak

    Today, enjoy a leisurely morning before you will take your included transfer from Moab to Grand Junction Amtrak Station where you will board the California Zephyr heading to the west coast, San Francisco.

  7. Day 7overnight: San Francisco

    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.

  8. Day 8overnight: San Francisco

    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. But first, enjoy the panoramic views of the gorgeous San Francisco sunrise while crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. The rest of your drive to Yosemite will offer stunning scenery as well, including the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains. Once you reach this serene destination, you'll be taken to the best overlooks and spots, including Tunnel View, Yosemite Falls, and more. You'll have hours of free time to hike, have a picnic, and explore the park. Later this afternoon, your tour will take you back to San Francisco.

  9. Day 9rail

    Your Journey Ends in San Francisco

    Check out of your hotel today and begin your way home, or speak to any of our Rail Experts if you'd like to continue your travels elsewhere.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Boarding the Canyon Spirit at Denver Union Station for the ride to Glenwood Springs through the snowcapped Rocky Mountains, with breakfast and lunch included.
  • Day 4The Canyon Spirit's second day, from Glenwood Springs to Moab, passing through Ruby Canyon's red rock formations.
  • Day 5A full-day tour of Arches National Park, with about 2,000 sandstone arches including Delicate Arch, and Canyonlands National Park.
  • Day 6An overnight ride on Amtrak's California Zephyr from Grand Junction to San Francisco.
  • Day 8A day trip to Yosemite National Park, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge at sunrise and passing through the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Included

  • Canyon Spirit from Denver to Moab in Signature class
  • One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Grand Junction to San Francisco on California Zephyr®
  • One-way transfer from Moab to Grand Junction
  • 8 nights' hotel accommodations; 1-night onboard Amtrak

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, two segments: the Canyon Spirit from Denver to Moab via Glenwood Springs in Signature class over two days, and a one-way California Zephyr ride in Coach from Grand Junction to San Francisco.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is sold as an independent rail vacation; day 1 in Denver is free time, and day 9 ends with travelers making their own way home or continuing their travels.
Which trains are used?
The Canyon Spirit, in Signature class, from Denver to Moab via Glenwood Springs, and Amtrak's California Zephyr, in Coach, from Grand Junction to San Francisco.
Are meals included?
Breakfast and lunch are included on day 3 of the Canyon Spirit journey, and breakfast on day 4; no other meals are mentioned in the evidence.
What hotels are used?
18 accommodation options across tiers and cities, including the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver and the Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton.
Where does the trip end?
The day-by-day itinerary ends in San Francisco on day 9, with a day trip to Yosemite National Park included beforehand; the evidence's route summary separately lists Yosemite as the destination, so confirm the exact endpoint with Amtrak Vacations.

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