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Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Colorado Rockies to Yosemite National Park

Denver to Yosemite on the California Zephyr with Rocky Mountain Park tour

Illustration of Colorado Rockies to Yosemite National Park

Vacations By Rail's Colorado Rockies to Yosemite National Park is a six-day independent rail vacation that combines Denver's mountain scenery, an overnight journey on Amtrak's California Zephyr, and a full-day tour of Yosemite's signature granite peaks and groves. You arrive in Denver on your own and spend two nights exploring the city, including a guided eight-hour excursion into Rocky Mountain National Park with wildlife viewing and stops at the best viewpoints. On Day 3, you board the California Zephyr at Union Station for a classic overnight rail journey westbound, crossing the Continental Divide through the Moffat Tunnel and traversing the scenic Glenwood Canyon. You wake to the deserts of Reno and watch the train climb Donner Pass along the Truckee River before descending into California. Two nights in San Francisco follow, with Day 5 devoted to a guided tour of Yosemite National Park, featuring a walk among giant sequoias and photo stops at Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. This trip suits independent travelers who want rail-and-nature experiences without a group escort, photographers drawn to western landscapes, and first-time rail travelers seeking a memorable overnight train journey.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights and airport transfers to Denver are not included; the from-price covers only the vacation package starting at Union Station.
  • You make your own way to and from the train stations and hotels; there is no group arrival or departure day.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Denver

    Arrive in Denver

    Vacation begins in Denver; make your own way to a centrally located hotel and check in for the first of two nights. Free time to explore the city, including the Denver Art Museum.

  2. Day 2overnight: Denver

    Into Rocky Mountain National Park

    Make your own way to Union Station for an 8-hour tour into Rocky Mountain National Park via Boulder (passing the Stanley Hotel), with wildlife viewing and walking at the best viewpoints.

  3. Day 3overnight: Train

    Aboard the California Zephyr to the West Coast

    Board Amtrak's California Zephyr at Union Station bound for San Francisco, crossing the Continental Divide through the Moffat Tunnel and traversing Byers and Glenwood Canyons, crossing into Utah in the evening.

  4. Day 4overnight: San Francisco

    Through Nevada and California to San Francisco

    Wake to views of Reno; the California Zephyr climbs Donner Pass past the Truckee River and descends through California to Emeryville station. Transfer to San Francisco and check in to a hotel near Fisherman's Wharf.

  5. Day 5overnight: San Francisco

    Sightseeing in Yosemite National Park

    Full-day guided tour to Yosemite National Park with a scenic walk through giant sequoias and photo stops at Half Dome, El Capitan and Yosemite Falls, plus free time on the trails. Return to San Francisco in the evening.

  6. Day 6

    Tour conclusion

    Journey concludes this morning upon checking out of your hotel; free to make your way home or continue on at leisure.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: An eight-hour coach tour through Boulder and into Rocky Mountain National Park with wildlife viewing and stops at the best viewpoints.
  • Day 3Day 3: Board Amtrak's California Zephyr at Denver's Union Station and cross the Continental Divide through the Moffat Tunnel, then traverse Glenwood Canyon into Utah.
  • Day 4Day 4: Wake to Reno and watch the California Zephyr climb Donner Pass along the Truckee River before descending into California to Emeryville.
  • Day 5Day 5: A full-day guided tour of Yosemite National Park includes a walk among giant sequoias and photo opportunities at Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls.

Included

  • 4 nights' hotel accommodation
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • 1 night aboard Amtrak's California Zephyr
  • All tour excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance (not included but can be arranged)
  • Flights and Airport transfers

Questions travellers ask

Is all the train travel included?
Yes. Vacations By Rail includes all rail and coach travel throughout the tour, including one night aboard Amtrak's California Zephyr in your choice of Coach, Roomette, or Bedroom class.
Is this an escorted tour?
No. This is an independent vacation. You travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary, making your own way to hotels and stations. Day 2 includes a guided coach tour to Rocky Mountain National Park, and Day 5 includes a guided tour to Yosemite; other days are unguided.
Which train does this use?
Amtrak's California Zephyr, which departs Denver's Union Station bound for the San Francisco Bay Area, crossing the Continental Divide and traversing Byers and Glenwood Canyons before climbing Donner Pass in California.
What accommodation is included?
Four nights in hotels: two nights in Denver (centrally located), one night aboard the California Zephyr, and two nights in San Francisco near Fisherman's Wharf. Room upgrades are available as optional extras.
What is not included?
Flights, airport transfers, and travel insurance are not included (though insurance can be arranged). Meals are not mentioned in the package.

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