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Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation
Essential Grand Canyon to Yosemite
Rail journey linking the Grand Canyon, San Francisco and Yosemite
Amtrak Vacations operates this 6-day independent rail vacation linking the Grand Canyon with San Francisco and Yosemite National Park. The trip begins in Williams, Arizona, a historic Route 66 town, before the Grand Canyon Railway makes its two-hour run to the South Rim, where around 50 viewpoints line the canyon edge. From the Grand Canyon area, the Southwest Chief runs overnight toward California, followed by the Coast Starlight up the coast from Los Angeles into San Francisco. The trip closes with an included day tour from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park, taking in lakes, mountain peaks, waterfalls and granite cliffs. Most stops last a single night, with San Francisco the only two-night stay. This trip suits travelers who want to pair a short heritage railway into the Grand Canyon with a longer overnight Amtrak journey and a national park day trip, rather than extended time in any one city.
What to know before you look closer
- The pack lists 10 accommodation options across Williams, Grand Canyon Village and San Francisco hotels in different tiers; the specific hotel depends on the tier and city option you choose.
- Only 2 meals, 1 breakfast and 1 dinner, are included across the 6-day trip.
- Most stops are single-night, in Williams, Grand Canyon Village and onboard the train, with San Francisco the only two-night stay.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Williams
Your Journey Begins in Williams
Welcome to the Gateway to the Grand Canyon! When you arrive, check into your hotel for an overnight stay and start exploring. Located on the famous Route 66, the quaint mountain town of Williams, Arizona, serves as the perfect jumping off point for your journey to the South Rim. It is also just steps away from the beauty of the outdoors: hiking, fishing, and camping. Visit the Williams Visitor Center and Museum to learn about this town's past and present, stop at Pete's Route 66 Gas Station Museum (a time capsule full of gift shop treasures), or take a horse and buggy ride on your own through the city.
- Day 2railovernight: Grand Canyon Village
Williams to The Grand Canyon
Enjoy breakfast at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and then board the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams for your two-hour ride straight to the national park's South Rim. Seeing the Grand Canyon on a postcard or during a travel documentary will never compare to seeing it in person. This special place is truly a sight to behold. Along the South Rim, there are around 50 incredible viewpoints each with something magical to offer and 20 of which are easily accessible by vehicle. Some of the greatest viewpoints include Mather Point, Yavapai Point, Desert View, Grandview Point, and Hermit's Rest. Enjoy your included Freedom Rim tour narrated by a knowledgeable guide and see all the picturesque landscapes you wouldn't have time to walk to.
- Day 3railovernight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Tonight, have dinner at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. Then, board the Southwest Chief and make your way to California.
- Day 4overnight: San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
This morning, you will arrive in Los Angeles and board the Coast Starlight to make your way to San Francisco. Upon arrival into San Francisco, make your way to your hotel and ease into this beautiful, pacific coastal city.
- Day 5overnight: San Francisco
San Francisco to Yosemite
Prepare to experience the grandeur of Yosemite National Park with your included day tour from San Francisco. You'll certainly fall in love with the park's unforgettable scenery lakes, mountain peaks, waterfalls, granite faces, an array of wildlife, and lush wilderness. The entire park features dramatically breathtaking vistas and landscapes.
- Day 6
Your Journey Ends in San Francisco
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 2The Grand Canyon Railway makes the two-hour trip from Williams to the South Rim, where the itinerary counts around 50 viewpoints along the edge.
- Day 3After dinner at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, the Southwest Chief departs for an overnight journey toward California.
- Day 4The Coast Starlight carries travelers from Los Angeles up the coast to San Francisco.
- Day 5An included day tour from San Francisco reaches Yosemite National Park, with lakes, mountain peaks, waterfalls and granite cliffs.
Included
- One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Williams to San Francisco on the Southwest Chief® and Coast Starlight®
- 4 nights' hotel accommodations; 1 night onboard Amtrak
- 2 meals included (1 breakfast, 1 dinner)
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes. One-way Amtrak Coach travel from Williams to San Francisco via the Southwest Chief and Coast Starlight is included, plus a roundtrip Coach ride on the Grand Canyon Railway.
- What hotels are included?
- The pack lists 10 accommodation options across Williams, Grand Canyon Village and San Francisco, in a choice of tiers.
- Are meals included?
- 2 meals, 1 breakfast and 1 dinner, across the trip.
- What does the Yosemite day tour cover?
- Lakes, mountain peaks, waterfalls, granite faces and wildlife, on an included day tour from San Francisco.
- Is there an overnight train leg?
- Yes. The Southwest Chief runs overnight from the Grand Canyon area toward California on day 3.
