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Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation
Grand Tetons and Yellowstone Express
Independent rail and road trip to the Tetons and Yellowstone
Amtrak Vacations runs this independent, 6-day trip from Chicago to two of the country's best-known national parks. The only rail leg is an overnight ride on the California Zephyr, departing Chicago's Union Station in the afternoon and arriving in Salt Lake City the next day past mountain landscapes seen from your seat. From there, an included road transfer covers the rest of the journey to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the base for three nights of park touring. On day 4, a guided sunset tour and river float down the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park brings sightings of moose, elk, river otter and beaver. On day 5, a guided Yellowstone tour points out craggy peaks, sprawling meadows and geothermal features including Old Faithful. Evenings in Jackson Hole and Salt Lake City are left free to explore on your own. It suits independent travellers who want one long-distance rail leg paired with guided time in the national parks, rather than a multi-city rail circuit.
What to know before you look closer
- Only one leg of this trip is by rail (Chicago to Salt Lake City on the California Zephyr); the rest, including the Jackson Hole transfers and park touring, is by road.
- The Yellowstone Lower Loop Tour is seasonal, with the Old Faithful Explorer Tour substituted during winter months, per the operator's own highlights.
- The evidence lists 22 accommodation options across the cities and tiers on this trip, so the exact hotel depends on what is booked.
- No meals are included on this itinerary; the included list covers only the hotel nights, the one rail leg, and the Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole transfers.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Onboard Amtrak
Depart Chicago
Depart from Chicago's Union Station this afternoon for the overnight journey west to the national parks.
- Day 2railovernight: Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City
Wake up on the rails and enjoy an amazing array of mountain landscapes as the train makes its way up to Salt Lake City. Relax and soak in the experience from the comfort of your seat. Arrive in Salt Lake City and check in at your hotel for an overnight stay.
- Day 3overnight: Jackson Hole
Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole
Today you will take the scenic transfer from Salt Lake City to Jackson, Wyoming, your base for discovering Grand Teton National Park. Upon arrival, check into your hotel in Jackson Hole and have the evening free to relax and explore this charming town.
- Day 4overnight: Jackson Hole
Grand Teton National Park
Experience a memorable day in Grand Teton National Park today! Enjoy the park's stunning scenery on a sunset tour and river float that will take you down the legendary Snake River to some of the best spots for viewing the area's abundant wildlife. Large game such as Moose and elk are quite common sights, and you may also spot river otter, beaver, and many fantastic bird species. After the tour, return to Jackson Hole for the night.
- Day 5overnight: Jackson Hole
Yellowstone National Park
Today you will be whisked away on a journey through the vast beauty of Yellowstone National Park. Your experienced guide will point out craggy peaks, sprawling meadows, and abundant geothermal features such as the famous Old Faithful geyser. After the tour, return to Jackson Hole for another relaxing evening.
- Day 6overnight: Salt Lake City
Jackson Hole to Salt Lake City
Check out of your hotel this morning and head back to Salt Lake City via the included transfer. Once you arrive back, check in to your hotel and take the night to relax and enjoy the city on your own.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 2Wake aboard the California Zephyr to mountain landscapes on the way into Salt Lake City.
- Day 3A scenic transfer connects Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole, the base for exploring Grand Teton National Park.
- Day 4A sunset tour and river float down the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park brings sightings of moose, elk, river otter and beaver.
- Day 5A guided Yellowstone tour points out craggy peaks, sprawling meadows and geothermal features including Old Faithful.
Included
- 5 nights' hotel accommodations, 1 night onboard Amtrak®
- One-way Amtrak in Coach accommodations from Chicago to Salt Lake City onboard the California Zephyr®
- Roundtrip transfer from Salt Lake City to Jackson, WY
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes, for one leg: Amtrak's California Zephyr from Chicago to Salt Lake City in Coach class. The rest of the trip, between Salt Lake City and Jackson Hole, is by included road transfer, not rail.
- Is this trip escorted or independent?
- It's an independent rail vacation overall, though the Grand Teton and Yellowstone park visits are guided tours.
- Which train is used?
- The California Zephyr, from Chicago to Salt Lake City, in Coach class.
- What hotels are used?
- 22 accommodation options across the cities and tiers; the exact hotel depends on what is booked.
- When does the Yellowstone tour run?
- The Lower Loop Tour is seasonal; the Old Faithful Explorer Tour is substituted during winter months.
- What is included besides rail and hotels?
- A Grand Teton National Park sightseeing tour with a Snake River float, a Yellowstone National Park sightseeing tour, and roundtrip transfers between Salt Lake City and Jackson, Wyoming.
