Amtrak Vacations · Independent Rail Vacation

National Parks Discovery on the California Zephyr

Eight-day Rockies to San Francisco national parks trip by California Zephyr

National Parks Discovery on the California Zephyr, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations runs this eight-day, seven-night Independent Rail Vacation from Denver, Colorado to San Francisco, California, aboard the California Zephyr. The trip opens with two nights in Denver, including a full-day sightseeing tour of Rocky Mountain National Park where the operator recommends having a camera ready. From there, the Zephyr carries travellers to Grand Junction, passing dramatic red rock formations and snow-capped Sierra Nevada views along the way, before a shuttle transfer to Moab for two nights and a full-day tour of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Day 5 is an overnight ride aboard the train itself, arriving in San Francisco for two nights that include a long day trip to Yosemite National Park. With guided park tours, an overnight train segment, and free evenings to explore San Francisco on your own, this trip suits travellers who want a mix of guided sightseeing and independent time among several well-known Western landscapes.

What to know before you look closer

  • Amtrak Vacations offers 18 accommodation options across Denver and Moab; which hotel you get depends on the tier and city chosen, not a single fixed hotel.
  • No meals are included in this package; the included list covers only rail travel, hotel nights, and transfers.
  • The Yosemite visit on day 7 is a long day trip from San Francisco rather than an overnight stay in the park, including a drive across the Bay Bridge at sunrise.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Denver

    Your Journey Begins in Denver

    Welcome to Denver! Located 5,280 feet above sea level, Denver, or the "Mile-High City" offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and is the perfect place to start your discovery of some of America's best national parks! Enjoy the scenery and breathtaking Rocky Mountain views as you head to your hotel to settle in for the night.

  2. Day 2overnight: Denver

    Rocky Mountain National Park

    Today you will experience the majestic splendor of the Rocky Mountains on an exhilarating full-day sightseeing tour of Rocky Mountain National Park. 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! You'll definitely want your camera on hand for this tour as well as the drive back to your hotel, as you'll be able to enjoy several photo opportunities along the way!

  3. Day 3railovernight: Moab

    Moab, UT

    Board the train this morning for your scenic and comfortable journey with breathtaking views of the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas and the dramatic red rock formations. Upon arrival, in Grand Junction, you will take a shuttle transfer to Moab where you will check in to your hotel for a two-night stay and then begin exploring the shops, restaurants and galleries of the charming downtown area.

  4. Day 4overnight: Moab

    Arches and Canyonlands National Parks

    Today you'll have a full-day tour of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Arches National Park is a geological treasure featuring 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the world famous Delicate Arch. The park's rich colors, textures, and landforms highlight the extraordinary balanced rocks, fins, and pinnacles. Canyonlands National Park offers a stunning landscape filled with countless canyons, mesas, and buttes, carved by the mighty Green and Colorado rivers. Experience the park from the astounding Island in the Sky, a scenic drive that follows the rim of the mesa and offers amazing views.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Amtrak (onboard)

    Overnight Onboard Amtrak

    Today, take a shuttle transfer back to Grand Junction, where you'll board Amtrak for your train journey to San Francisco. Spend some time relaxing and enjoying the scenery as you settle in for an overnight ride aboard the California Zephyr.

  6. Day 6railovernight: San Francisco

    San Francisco, CA

    Wake up on the train this morning to incredible desert views out your window as the train continues West toward San Francisco. After your train pulls into Emeryville Station, you will hop onto Amtrak's Thruway Bus and head straight to San Francisco's lively Fisherman's Wharf. After you check into your hotel, the evening is yours to start exploring the "City by the Bay." Take a stroll along Fisherman's Wharf, breathe in the fresh ocean air, and sample the delicious local cuisine, like Pacific Ocean seafood, San Francisco sourdough bread and clam chowder.

  7. Day 7overnight: San Francisco

    San Francisco, CA

    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.

  8. Day 8

    Your Journey Ends in San Francisco

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A full-day sightseeing tour of Rocky Mountain National Park, where the operator recommends having your camera on hand.
  • Day 3The California Zephyr passes snow-capped Sierra Nevada views and dramatic red rock formations on the way to Grand Junction.
  • Day 4A full-day tour visits Arches National Park's sandstone arches, including the Delicate Arch, and the canyons and mesas of Canyonlands National Park.
  • Day 5Travellers board the California Zephyr for an overnight ride from Grand Junction toward San Francisco.
  • Day 7A day trip crosses the Bay Bridge at sunrise and continues through the Sierra Nevada Mountains to spend time in Yosemite National Park.

Included

  • One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Denver to Grand Junction; Grand Junction to San Francisco on California Zephyr®
  • 6 nights' hotel accommodations
  • Roundtrip transfers between Grand Junction and Moab

Questions travellers ask

Is the whole trip by train?
No. The California Zephyr covers Denver to Grand Junction and Grand Junction to San Francisco, but the Rocky Mountain National Park tour, the Moab stop, and the Yosemite day trip use coach and shuttle transport, not the train.
Do I sleep on the train?
Yes. On day 5 you board an overnight California Zephyr service from Grand Junction to San Francisco, in Coach class.
What is included?
Amtrak Vacations includes one-way Coach class rail from Denver to Grand Junction and Grand Junction to San Francisco, 6 nights of hotel accommodation, and roundtrip transfers between Grand Junction and Moab. No meals are included.
What hotels are used?
The package offers 18 accommodation options in Denver and Moab, including the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver, The Crawford Hotel, and the Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton; the specific hotel depends on the tier and city chosen.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $2,919 per person for the 8-day trip, about $365 per day.

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