Amtrak Vacations · Independent vacation

Mountain Peaks and Canyons

Ten-day rail and self-drive trip from Denver to Los Angeles

Mountain Peaks and Canyons, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations runs this 10-day, 9-night independent trip that combines rail and a self-driven rental car between Denver and Los Angeles. The days open with two nights in Denver, including a tour of Rocky Mountain National Park, before the California Zephyr carries the trip into Utah on day 3, where a rental car takes over for a self-guided run through Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Zion National Parks. From Springdale, the route continues by car past Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon Dam to Williams, Arizona, gateway to the Grand Canyon Railway, which climbs to the South Rim for a Freedom Rim tour of its viewpoints. Day 8 ends with an included dinner in Williams and an overnight train ride to Los Angeles, where a hop-on, hop-off tour closes out the trip. This suits independent travelers comfortable mixing rail with a few days of self-driving, and who want national park hiking alongside the train segments.

What to know before you look closer

  • Although marketed as a rail trip, days 3 through 6 rely on a self-driven rental car (a 3-day compact car rental from Grand Junction to Flagstaff) rather than train travel.
  • Only 2 meals are included across the 10 days, 1 breakfast and 1 dinner; the rest are on your own.
  • Final hotel choice depends on the tier and city you pick; Amtrak Vacations lists 20 accommodation options across the route.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Denver

    Your Journey Begins in Denver

    Welcome to the Denver, also known as the "Mile High City." This scenic metropolis is located 5,280 feet above sea level and offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. 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.

  2. Day 2overnight: Denver

    Rocky Mountain National Park

    Experience the majestic splendor of the Rocky Mountains on an exhilarating day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park. Widely celebrated for its abundance of animals and spectacular views, Rocky Mountain National Park will make you feel like you're on top of the world! On the journey back to your hotel, you'll get a chance to enjoy several photo opportunities during a leisurely break for rest and refreshments.

  3. Day 3overnight: Grand Junction

    Denver to Grand Junction

    Board Amtrak's California Zephyr this morning for a scenic journey to Grand Junction. Take in sweeping mountain views as you depart the Rockies and admire the dramatic red rock formations as you enter Utah. Upon arrival in Grand Junction, pick up your rental car and check in at your hotel for an overnight stay.

  4. Day 4overnight: Springdale

    Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon National Parks

    Start your day with a scenic drive from Grand Junction to Moab. On the way, you will self-explore Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Park, probably the least known and least crowded park in Utah, though equally as mesmerizing. This hidden gem features towering cliffs, hidden arches, massive sandstone domes that resemble capitol buildings, and deep canyons. See the park's most famous attraction, the Waterpocket Fold. When you arrive in Bryce Canyon, the highlights will most certainly be the distinctive hoodoos (red rock pillars), bristlecone pine trees (the oldest trees in the world), and views from Sunrise, Sunset, and Inspiration Point.

  5. Day 5overnight: Springdale

    Zion National Park, UT

    Today, spend the day exploring Zion National Park, one of Utah's most breathtaking landscapes. Featuring 200 miles of picturesque trails, stunning vistas, vermillion cliffs, canyons, jagged skyline, and flora and fauna, this national park is a must-visit! Must see highlights of the park are Court of the Patriarchs, Emerald Pools, Weeping Rock, Temple of Sinawava and the Grotto. After touring Zion, head back to Springdale and enjoy a relaxing evening.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Williams

    Williams, AZ

    Depart Springdale this morning and make your way to Flagstaff. Be sure to stop at Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon Dam along the way! Drop off your rental car in Flagstaff and be picked up and brought right to the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in the town of Williams, Arizona, famous for being the "Gateway to the Grand Canyon."

  7. Day 7railovernight: Grand Canyon's South Rim

    Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

    After having breakfast, board the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. During your Grand Canyon Freedom Rim tour, you'll discover why the South Rim has been hosting visitors since the 1850's. With close to two dozen expansive, breath-taking viewpoints, the South Rim will provoke childlike wonder.

  8. Day 8railovernight: onboard Amtrak

    Williams, AZ

    After a good night's sleep, you will board the Grand Canyon Railway from the South Rim back to Williams. This evening, you will celebrate the last night of your Grand Canyon journey with an included dinner at the Grand Depot cafe. After dinner, board your transfer from the hotel to the Amtrak station and hop on the train to Los Angeles.

  9. Day 9overnight: Los Angeles

    Los Angeles, CA

    Today you will get to enjoy the best of what Los Angeles has to offer. Use your hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour to visit such iconic landmarks as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, the Universal Studios, and the Hollywood Sign. Make even more memories as this epic journey comes to an end!

  10. Day 10

    Your Journey Ends in Los Angeles

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park, with a stop for photo opportunities on the way back to the hotel.
  • Day 3The California Zephyr climbs out of the Rockies and crosses into Utah, passing dramatic red rock formations.
  • Day 5A full day in Zion National Park taking in the Court of the Patriarchs, Emerald Pools, Weeping Rock, and the Temple of Sinawava.
  • Day 7The Grand Canyon Railway carries you from Williams to the South Rim for a Grand Canyon Freedom Rim tour with close to two dozen viewpoints.
  • Day 8An included dinner at the Grand Depot cafe in Williams, then an overnight train ride to Los Angeles.

Included

  • One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Denver to Grand Junction on the California Zephyr; and Williams to Los Angeles on the Southwest Chief®
  • Roundtrip service in Coach accommodations on the Grand Canyon Railway
  • 3 day compact car rental from Grand Junction to Flagstaff
  • Transfer from Flagstaff to Williams
  • 9 nights' hotel accommodations
  • 2 meals (1 breakfast, 1 dinner)

Questions travellers ask

Is this trip all by train?
No. It includes 3 train legs, the California Zephyr from Denver to Grand Junction, the Grand Canyon Railway round trip from Williams, and the Southwest Chief from Williams to Los Angeles, plus a self-driven rental car from Grand Junction to Flagstaff for days 3 through 6.
Do I sleep on a train?
Yes, day 8 is an overnight ride onboard Amtrak from Williams to Los Angeles.
How much walking or hiking is involved?
A fair amount. The trip includes self-guided time in Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Zion National Parks (Zion alone has 200 miles of trails), and starts in Denver at 5,280 feet elevation.
Are meals included?
Two meals are included across the trip, 1 breakfast and 1 dinner (the dinner is at the Grand Depot cafe in Williams).
Which hotels does the trip use?
Amtrak Vacations lists 20 accommodation options across the cities on the route, including the Kimpton Hotel Monaco and the Crawford Hotel in Denver; the final choice depends on the tier you pick.
Where does the trip start and end?
It starts in Denver, Colorado and ends in Los Angeles, California.

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