Amtrak Vacations

Grand National Parks of the Southwest

8-day round-trip rail journey from Chicago to Utah's Mighty 5 parks

Grand National Parks of the Southwest, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations operates this 8-day, 7-night rail vacation that begins and ends in Chicago, Illinois, using the California Zephyr for an overnight journey each way to and from Grand Junction, Colorado. From Grand Junction, the trip covers Utah's 'Mighty 5' national parks: a guided tour of Arches and Canyonlands on day 3, a drive through Monument Valley to Springdale, then Zion National Park on day 4, and Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef on day 5 before returning to Grand Junction. A 5-day rental car covers the self-drive stretch, and two free days in Grand Junction, on days 2 and 6, leave time to stroll the Riverfront Trail or browse downtown. This suits travelers who want an overnight train experience bookending a short, mostly self-drive national park trip, without committing to a long multi-week itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • Grand Junction accommodation is chosen from 5 listed hotel options across different brands rather than one fixed property.
  • Zion National Park (day 4) and Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef (day 5) are free, self-drive days without a guide; only Arches and Canyonlands (day 3) has a guided tour.
  • Day 3 covers Arches, Canyonlands and a drive through Monument Valley to Springdale in a single day, a long day of touring and driving.
  • The itinerary does not list specific current departure dates, so confirm the trip is running before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Onboard Amtrak

    Your Journey Begins in Chicago

    Board Amtrak's famous California Zephyr train at Chicago's Union Station for the overnight journey to Grand Junction, Colorado.

  2. Day 2overnight: Grand Junction

    Grand Junction, CO

    Arrive in Grand Junction and check into your hotel; stroll along the Riverfront Trail or browse boutiques, bookstores, and galleries of downtown.

  3. Day 3overnight: Springdale

    Arches and Canyonlands National Parks

    Picked up in Grand Junction to begin your tour, starting with Arches & Canyonlands National Parks and Island in the Sky, then through Monument Valley to Springdale for a two-night stay.

  4. Day 4overnight: Springdale

    Zion National Park, UT

    Incredible journey through Zion National Park, featuring picturesque trails, stunning vistas, vermillion cliffs, canyons, and popular sights.

  5. Day 5overnight: Grand Junction

    Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks

    Visit Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks, including Fairyland Point, Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, and the Waterpocket Fold. Return to Grand Junction for an additional overnight stay.

  6. Day 6overnight: Grand Junction

    Grand Junction, CO

    Spend the day exploring Grand Junction, strolling the Riverfront Trail or browsing downtown boutiques, bookstores, and galleries.

  7. Day 7overnight: Onboard Amtrak

    Overnight Onboard Amtrak

    Depart from Grand Junction for your overnight journey back to Chicago onboard the California Zephyr.

  8. Day 8

    Your Journey Ends in Chicago

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The trip begins by boarding the California Zephyr at Chicago's Union Station for the overnight journey to Grand Junction, Colorado.
  • Day 3A guided tour covers Arches and Canyonlands National Parks and Island in the Sky, then drives through Monument Valley to Springdale.
  • Day 4Zion National Park is explored on foot, with picturesque trails, vermillion cliffs and canyons.
  • Day 5Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks are visited, including Fairyland Point, Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point and the Waterpocket Fold.
  • Day 7The trip returns overnight to Chicago onboard the California Zephyr.

Included

  • Roundtrip Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Chicago to Grand Junction on the California Zephyr®
  • 5 nights' hotel accommodations; 2 nights' onboard Amtrak
  • 5 day compact car rental

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in this trip?
Yes. Roundtrip Amtrak Coach travel from Chicago to Grand Junction is included on the California Zephyr, with one overnight journey each way, on days 1 and 7.
Is this trip guided or independent?
Mostly independent. A guided tour covers Arches and Canyonlands National Parks on day 3; Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef and Zion are free, self-drive days using the included rental car.
Which train does the trip use?
The California Zephyr, in Coach class, between Chicago and Grand Junction.
What hotels are included?
5 nights of hotel accommodations in Grand Junction and Springdale are included, plus 2 nights onboard Amtrak; the Grand Junction stay is chosen from 5 listed hotel options, including DoubleTree by Hilton, Grand Vista Hotel, Hampton Inn, Home2 Suites by Hilton, and Tru by Hilton.
Is a rental car included?
Yes, a 5-day compact car rental is included for the self-drive portions of the trip.
How much walking is involved?
The itinerary mentions picturesque trails at Zion National Park on day 4 and strolls along Grand Junction's Riverfront Trail on days 2 and 6, but no strenuous hiking is described.

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