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
National Parks of the Southwest - Grand Canyon and Beyond
Seven-day Los Angeles loop on four trains to the Grand Canyon
Amtrak Vacations runs this seven-day, six-night Independent Rail Vacation as a loop from Los Angeles, riding four named trains along the way. Day 1 boards the Southwest Chief overnight to Williams, Arizona, gateway to the Grand Canyon, where day 2 continues aboard the Grand Canyon Railway to the South Rim and its near two dozen viewpoints. A rental car then carries travellers through Zion National Park, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef National Park over the following two days, with one night each in Springdale and Moab. Day 5 is an overnight ride on the California Zephyr to San Francisco, past the Great Salt Lake, before a final day riding the Coast Starlight back to Los Angeles along the Pacific coast. With four different trains, a rental car segment through the parks, and only one night in each stop, this trip suits repeat rail travellers who want to cover a lot of ground and see several Southwest parks in a single week.
What to know before you look closer
- Amtrak Vacations offers 13 accommodation options across Los Angeles, Grand Canyon South Rim, and San Francisco; which hotel you get depends on the tier and city chosen.
- Days 3 and 4, covering Zion, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef, are covered by a self-driven rental car, not train, breaking up the rail journey in the middle of the week.
- Only two meals are included across the six nights, one breakfast and one dinner; other meals are on your own.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Amtrak (onboard)
Your Journey Begins in Los Angeles
Welcome to Los Angeles! Travel on your own to Union Station, one of the city's most iconic gems, and board Amtrak's Southwest Chief to Williams, Arizona. Onboard, you'll catch glimpses of the fabled American West from the Observation Car the kind you can only experience from the comfort of a train.
- Day 2railovernight: Grand Canyon South Rim
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
Today, the train arrives in Williams, Arizona, famous for being the "Gateway to the Grand Canyon." Enjoy an included breakfast at the Fred Harvey Restaurant and browse the gift shop before boarding the Grand Canyon Railway to the awe-inspiring South Rim. With close to two dozen expansive, breathtaking viewpoints at the South Rim, you're guaranteed to make some lasting memories while on your sightseeing tour of this great natural abyss. Can't-miss panorama views include Mather Point, Yavapai Point, Desert View, and Hermit's Rest.
Meals: B
- Day 3overnight: Springdale
Zion National Park and Lake Powell
Today, transfer to Flagstaff in the morning and pick up your included car rental. Then begin your travels through the National Parks of the Southwest! Travel close to the picturesque shores of Lake Powell and over the Glen Canyon Dam. In Zion, you will experience 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!
- Day 4overnight: Moab
Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks
Continue from Springdale to Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks en route to Moab. En route to Bryce Canyon, 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 Points. In Capitol Reef (the least known and least crowded park in Utah), explore the mesmerizing cliffs, hidden arches, massive sandstone domes that resemble capitol buildings, and deep canyons. The scenery speaks for itself with plenty of opportunities to stop and take photos or simply admire the views. See the park's most famous attraction, the Waterpocket Fold.
- Day 5overnight: Amtrak (onboard)
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Drop off your rental car in Grand Junction and board Amtrak's California Zephyr to San Francisco. Pass by the Great Salt Lake, traverse Nevada and two National Forests, catch a glimpse of California's capital from outside your window, and enjoy your onboard experience before arriving in the City by the Bay.
- Day 6overnight: San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
Welcome to San Francisco! After traveling on your own to your hotel and checking in, the rest of the night is yours to explore the city at your leisure. Visit iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge or Coit Tower. Tonight, head to Fisherman's Wharf and enjoy your included dinner at popular, local restaurant.
Meals: D
- Day 7rail
Your Journey Ends in Los Angeles
Travel to the Amtrak station on your own and board the Coast Starlight back to Los Angeles. Known as one of America's most beautiful train rides, this route features stunning landscapes: lush forests, the Pacific Ocean, the Santa Ynez Mountains, and rolling hillsides. Relax onboard and take in the views from the Observation Car or Lounge Car as you reflect upon your rail journey.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1The Southwest Chief carries travellers overnight from Los Angeles toward Williams, Arizona, with views of the American West from the Observation Car.
- Day 2The Grand Canyon Railway reaches the South Rim, with close to two dozen viewpoints to take in.
- Day 5Travellers board the California Zephyr for an overnight ride from Grand Junction to San Francisco, passing the Great Salt Lake and two national forests.
- Day 7The Coast Starlight returns to Los Angeles past lush forests, the Pacific Ocean, the Santa Ynez Mountains, and rolling hillsides.
Included
- Roundtrip Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Los Angeles to Williams, Arizona on the Southwest Chief®; Grand Junction to San Francisco on the California Zephyr®; San Francisco to Los Angeles on the Coast Starlight®
- Transfer from Grand Canyon to Flagstaff
- 3 day compact car rental from Flagstaff to Grand Junction
- 4 nights' hotel accommodations; 2 nights' onboard Amtrak
- 2 meals included (1 breakfast, 1 dinner)
Questions travellers ask
- Is the whole trip by train?
- Most of it. The Southwest Chief, Grand Canyon Railway, California Zephyr, and Coast Starlight cover the Los Angeles to Williams, Williams to Grand Canyon, Grand Junction to San Francisco, and San Francisco to Los Angeles legs, but days 3 and 4 through Zion, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef use a rental car.
- Do I sleep on the train?
- Yes. The day 1 Southwest Chief ride from Los Angeles and the day 5 California Zephyr ride to San Francisco are both overnight.
- Is this trip escorted or independent?
- It is listed as an Independent Rail Vacation, with free time built in, including the evening in San Francisco on day 6 to explore on your own.
- What is included?
- Amtrak Vacations includes roundtrip Coach rail across four named trains, a transfer from Grand Canyon to Flagstaff, a 3-day compact car rental from Flagstaff to Grand Junction, 4 nights of hotel plus 2 nights onboard Amtrak, and 2 meals, one breakfast and one dinner.
- How much does it cost?
- Prices start from $1,079 per person for the 7-day trip, about $154 per day.
