Amtrak Vacations
Essential Grand Canyon Discovery
Rail journey from Chicago to the Grand Canyon and Sedona
7 daysfrom $1,339
43% rail
Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation
Great Southwest Featuring the Grand Canyon
Chicago to Los Angeles rail trip via the Grand Canyon
Amtrak Vacations packages this 7-day, 6-night independent rail vacation from Chicago to Los Angeles, built around the Southwest Chief and the Grand Canyon Railway. The Southwest Chief runs overnight from Chicago through canyon passages only a few feet wider than the train itself, arriving in Flagstaff before a Sedona day that includes an Ultimate Jeep Tour of the Soldiers Pass Trail and Bear Wallow Canyon. From Williams, the Grand Canyon Railway carries you into the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park for a motorcoach tour of its viewpoints, with a free morning the next day to explore further before an included dinner at the historic Fred Harvey Restaurant and an overnight train to Los Angeles, where a hop-on, hop-off tour closes the trip. Every stop along the way is a single night, so this suits travelers who want to move quickly between a classic Amtrak route, a national park, and two very different American cities in one week.
What to know before you look closer
- Amtrak Vacations lists 20 hotel options across the cities on this route; the specific hotel you get depends on the tier and city you choose.
- The Sedona portion of day 3 is reached and toured by road transfer and Jeep, not by train.
- Only 2 meals are included across the 7-day trip, a breakfast and a dinner; other meals are on your own.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Onboard Amtrak
Your Journey Begins in Chicago
Welcome to Chicago! Breeze into the Windy City and travel on your own to the Amtrak® station to board the Southwest Chief® headed west to Flagstaff. This majestic train ride takes you through curving canyon passages only a few feet wider than the train itself.
- Day 2overnight: Flagstaff
Flagstaff, AZ
You'll arrive in Flagstaff this evening. This gorgeous city is filled with astounding natural wonders, invigorating outdoor recreation and fascinating cultural attractions. Check into your hotel and relax for the night.
- Day 3railovernight: Williams
Flagstaff to Williams
Your day begins in Sedona with an included Ultimate Jeep Tour, where you'll explore the rugged Soldiers Pass Trail and enjoy scenic views from Bear Wallow Canyon overlooking Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon. After the tour, you'll travel to Flagstaff, where you'll have free time to explore the city at your own pace. In the evening, you will make your own way to the Amtrak station to board a train to Williams. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel.
- Day 4railovernight: Grand Canyon
Williams to Grand Canyon
This morning you will enjoy a hearty breakfast at the Fred Harvey Restaurant, the perfect starting place for your Grand Canyon adventure! Then, you will hop aboard the Grand Canyon Railway, which will take you right into the heart of Grand Canyon National Park. Enjoy a motorcoach tour of the Canyon's majestic South Rim.
- Day 5railovernight: Onboard Amtrak
Grand Canyon to Williams to Los Angeles
This morning, spend some time enjoying the fresh canyon air while you leisurely explore all the Grand Canyon's astounding sights. This afternoon, board the Grand Canyon Railway for your return trip back to Williams. Then, this evening, you will be treated to an included dinner at the Fred Harvey Restaurant. After dinner, head to the Amtrak station and board the train to Los Angeles.
- Day 6overnight: Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
You will arrive in Los Angeles this morning, a city renowned for its diverse culture and free spirit. On your hop-on, hop-off tour today, you will get to see iconic landmarks like the Hollywood sign, Rodeo Drive, the Walk of Fame, Paramount Studios and many great LA hot spots.
- Day 7
Your Journey Ends in Los Angeles
View The Full Map
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1The Southwest Chief heads west from Chicago through curving canyon passages only a few feet wider than the train itself.
- Day 3An Ultimate Jeep Tour explores Sedona's Soldiers Pass Trail and Bear Wallow Canyon, overlooking Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon.
- Day 4After a Fred Harvey Restaurant breakfast, the Grand Canyon Railway carries you from Williams into the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.
- Day 5An included dinner at the Fred Harvey Restaurant in Williams precedes the overnight train to Los Angeles.
Included
- One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Chicago to Flagstaff; Flagstaff to Williams, Williams to Los Angeles on the Southwest Chief®
- Roundtrip transfers from Flagstaff to Sedona
- 4 nights' hotel accommodations; 2 nights' onboard Amtrak
- 2 meals (1 breakfast, 1 dinner)
Also sold by
The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.
- Railbookersfrom $1,949
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes. One-way Amtrak in Coach class from Chicago to Flagstaff, Flagstaff to Williams, and Williams to Los Angeles on the Southwest Chief, plus a roundtrip on the Grand Canyon Railway between Williams and Grand Canyon, are included.
- Is this trip guided or independent?
- It is an independent rail vacation with included guided elements: a Sedona Ultimate Jeep Tour, a Grand Canyon Freedom Rim tour, and a hop-on, hop-off tour of Los Angeles.
- Which trains are used?
- The Southwest Chief from Chicago to Flagstaff, Williams, and on to Los Angeles, and the Grand Canyon Railway roundtrip between Williams and Grand Canyon, both in Coach class.
- What hotels are included?
- Amtrak Vacations offers a choice of 20 hotel options across the route's cities; sample properties include the Palmer House Hilton and WOW InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile in Chicago, and the DoubleTree by Hilton Flagstaff.
- How many meals are included?
- 2 meals: a breakfast and a dinner, both at the Fred Harvey Restaurant in Williams.
- What is not included?
- Only 2 meals are included across the 7-day trip; other meals are on your own.
