Amtrak Vacations
Grand Tetons and Yellowstone Express
Independent rail and road trip to the Tetons and Yellowstone
6 daysfrom $2,339
33% rail
Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation
Essential Rocky Mountains to Yosemite
Denver to San Francisco rail trip with Rocky Mountains and Yosemite tours
Amtrak Vacations runs this 6-day independent rail vacation between Denver and San Francisco, with the California Zephyr covering the middle leg overnight. The trip opens with two nights in Denver, including a day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park where travelers watch for elk, deer, moose, black bear and eagles and pass the Continental Divide. From Denver, the California Zephyr climbs through the Colorado Rockies and crosses into Utah overnight, a ride the operator calls one of its most scenic. Travelers wake to desert views through Nevada before arriving in San Francisco for two nights near Fisherman's Wharf. The final full day is an included tour to Yosemite National Park, crossing the Bay Bridge at sunrise and driving through the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Central Valley. This suits travelers who want a short, scenic rail link between two very different landscapes rather than a long multi-stop tour.
What to know before you look closer
- The hotel is chosen from 14 listed options split across Denver and San Francisco and across different quality tiers, from the Hampton Inn & Suites Denver Downtown to the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver and The Crawford Hotel, so the standard of accommodation depends on what's picked at booking.
- The Rocky Mountain National Park tour is seasonal; in the off season it is replaced with a combined city and mountain parks tour, and the evidence does not give exact seasonal dates.
- No meals are listed as included in the package; the only inclusions named are the rail travel and the hotel nights.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Denver
Your Journey Begins in Denver
Welcome to the great city of Denver! This scenic metropolis is located 5,280 feet above sea level and offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and a vibrant downtown. 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: Denver
Denver, CO
Experience the majestic splendor of the Rocky Mountains today on an exhilarating day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park. On the way, you'll pass historic towns and beautiful landscapes so keep your camera at the ready! Once inside the park, come face to face with a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, moose, black bear and eagles. Also, witness Colorado's famous Continental Divide and drive by the Stanley Hotel, an impressive historic building that inspired the book and the movie 'The Shining.'
- Day 3railovernight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
This morning, get ready for the scenic overnight ride on Amtrak's iconic California Zephyr. Take some time to experience Denver's beautifully renovated Union Station before boarding the train. Once onboard, sit back, relax and get ready for some epic mountain and desert views out your window as the train pushes through the Colorado Rockies and into Utah. Many consider this one of Amtrak's most scenic journeys, see if you agree!
- Day 4overnight: San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
Wake up this morning to more beautiful views out your window as you traverse the Nevada desert and finally head into California. Arrive in San Francisco in time to check in at your hotel and have a nice dinner, Fisherman's Wharf is just steps away from your hotel and offers a number of excellent dining, drinking and snacking options!
- Day 5overnight: San Francisco
San Francisco to Yosemite National Park
Spend the day exploring one of America's most iconic landmarks, Yosemite National Park. Your day will start off with breathtaking panoramic views of San Francisco as you cross over the Bay Bridge at sunrise. The rest of your drive to Yosemite will offer stunning scenery as well, including the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains and lush Central Valley. Once you arrive in Yosemite National Park, you'll have 2.5 hours to hike, shop, and sample the local cuisine in Yosemite Village. You will arrive back at your hotel just in time for a spectacular San Francisco sunset.
- Day 6
Your Journey Ends in San Francisco
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 2A day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park brings travelers close to elk, deer, moose, black bear and eagles, and past the Continental Divide.
- Day 3The California Zephyr climbs through the Colorado Rockies and into Utah overnight, on what the operator calls one of Amtrak's most scenic rides.
- Day 5The Yosemite day tour crosses the Bay Bridge at sunrise before reaching the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains and the park itself.
Included
- One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Denver to San Francisco on the California Zephyr®
- 4 nights' hotel accommodations
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes, one-way Amtrak Coach travel from Denver to San Francisco on the California Zephyr is included.
- Is it escorted or independent?
- It is sold as an independent rail vacation. Day tours of Rocky Mountain National Park and Yosemite are included, but city time in Denver and San Francisco is on your own.
- What hotels are included?
- The hotel is chosen from 14 options across Denver and San Francisco, including the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver, The Crawford Hotel, Hampton Inn & Suites Denver Downtown, the WOW InterContinental San Francisco and the Kimpton Alton Hotel.
- When does the Rocky Mountain National Park tour run?
- It is seasonal. In the off season it is replaced by a combined city and mountain parks tour; exact months are not given in the evidence, so confirm current timing with the operator.
- Are meals included?
- No meals are listed as included in this package.
