Amtrak Vacations · Independent Rail Vacation

National Parks of the West with Canyon Spirit

Independent 13-day rail journey through five national parks of the American West

National Parks of the West with Canyon Spirit, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations runs this 13-day, 12-night independent rail vacation across the American West, starting in Denver and ending in San Francisco after a day trip to Yosemite National Park. The trip opens with two days in Denver, including a full-day guided tour of Rocky Mountain National Park, before the Canyon Spirit carries travellers through the snowcapped Rockies to Glenwood Springs and on to Moab, passing Ruby Canyon's red rock cliffs along the way. Three nights in Moab include a full-day tour of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. From there, the California Zephyr runs on to Salt Lake City, and road transfers reach Yellowstone National Park for two nights with a guided tour of Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Yellowstone Lake. A final overnight train ride west brings travellers to San Francisco. This trip suits independent travellers who want guided access to major national parks along with free time built in between stops.

What to know before you look closer

  • The hotel list is 36 accommodation OPTIONS across tiers and cities, so the specific hotel you get depends on the tier and city combination chosen at booking.
  • Only 3 meals are listed as included across 12 nights (2 breakfasts and 1 lunch); confirm what other meals, if any, are covered.
  • Part of the route is covered by road transfer rather than rail: the Moab to Green River connection and the round-trip from Salt Lake City to West Yellowstone are both transfers, not train segments.
  • The evidence does not list current departure dates or seasonality; confirm timing directly with Amtrak Vacations.

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

    Denver, CO

    Experience the majestic splendor of the Rockies on an exhilarating full-day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park. This gorgeous site, often celebrated for its abundance of animals and spectacular views of the Rockies, is one of the most beautiful national parks in the world, so don't forget your camera! On your return journey, you'll get a chance to enjoy several photo opportunities and a break for refreshments.

  3. Day 3overnight: Glenwood Springs

    Canyon Spirit from Denver to Glenwood Springs

    Today, travel to Denver Union Station and board the famous Canyon Spirit itself. Settle into the luxurious accommodations and relax onboard, soaking in the spectacular scenery as you travel through the snowcapped Rocky Mountains, making your way to Glenwood Springs.

    Meals: B, L

  4. Day 4overnight: Moab

    Canyon Spirit from Glenwood Springs to Moab

    Depart Glenwood Springs this morning and enjoy the passing mountain scenery as you enjoy breakfast onboard. Pass through Ruby Canyon and take in the stunning red rock formations along the cliffs. Arrive in Moab around noon with an afternoon to being exploring this quaint downtown nestled between Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

    Meals: B

  5. Day 5overnight: Moab

    Arches National Park, UT

    Today you'll have a full-day tour of two spectacular national parks: Arches and Canyonlands. 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.

  6. Day 6overnight: Moab

    Moab, UT

    Enjoy a free day exploring Moab! Take a stroll through downtown or if you feel adventurous enjoy a hike through the red rocks or explore a local park.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Salt Lake City

    Salt Lake City, UT

    Your transfer will take you from your hotel to the Amtrak station where you will board your train to Salt Lake City. When you arrive, check into your hotel and settle in for the night.

  8. Day 8overnight: West Yellowstone

    Yellowstone National Park

    Today, your included transfer service that will take you to West Yellowstone. Yellowstone is widely held to be the first national park in the world and is home to the most impressive geothermal features in North America. The sights here are simply stunning and will not disappoint. After you arrive in the early evening, you can settle into your hotel for a good night's sleep. You have a full day of sightseeing ahead of you tomorrow!

  9. Day 9overnight: West Yellowstone

    Yellowstone National Park

    America's first national park is yours to explore today! Your tour picks you up for a journey through Yellowstone. Along the way, your guide will provide some amazing insights into the park, its history, and of course, its abundant wildlife. Famous spots such as Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, Hayden Valley, and Yellowstone Lake are all part of the experience. There is no place on earth like Yellowstone National Park.

  10. Day 10overnight: Amtrak (onboard)

    Salt Lake City, UT

    Today, you'll take your included transfer from West Yellowstone back to Salt Lake City. Enjoy some free time to explore the city before boarding the California Zephyr heading west.

  11. Day 11overnight: San Francisco

    San Francisco, CA

    Upon your arrival in the laid back "City by the Bay," start exploring the area and immersing yourself in its unique ambience. The famous Fisherman's Wharf, which offers entertainment, shopping, and tasty local cuisine, is a great place to start.

  12. Day 12overnight: San Francisco

    Yosemite National Park, CA

    Today you'll spend the day taking in the beauty of one of America's most iconic national landmarks, Yosemite National Park. But, first enjoy the panoramic views of the gorgeous San Francisco sunrise while crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. The rest of your drive to Yosemite will offer stunning scenery as well, including the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains. Once you reach this serene destination, you'll be taken to the best overlooks and spots including tunnel view, Yosemite Falls and more. You'll have hours of free time to hike, have a picnic, and explore the park. Later this afternoon, your tour will take you back to San Francisco.

  13. Day 13

    Your Journey Ends in San Francisco

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Boarding the Canyon Spirit at Denver Union Station and settling into its accommodations while the train crosses the snowcapped Rocky Mountains toward Glenwood Springs.
  • Day 4The Canyon Spirit passes through Ruby Canyon, with red rock formations along the cliffs, on the way to Moab.
  • Day 5A full-day tour of Arches National Park's 2,000 sandstone arches, including Delicate Arch, followed by Canyonlands National Park.
  • Day 9A guided tour of Yellowstone National Park taking in Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, Hayden Valley, and Yellowstone Lake.
  • Day 12Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge at sunrise on the way to Yosemite National Park and its snow-capped Sierra Nevada backdrop.

Included

  • Canyon Spirit from Denver to Moab in Signature class
  • One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Green River to Salt Lake City on California Zephyr®
  • One-way transfer from Moab to Green River
  • Roundtrip transfers from Salt Lake City to West Yellowstone
  • 11 nights' hotel accommodations; 1 night onboard Amtrak
  • 3 meals (2 breakfasts, 1 lunch)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. It includes Signature class travel aboard the Canyon Spirit from Denver to Moab (via Glenwood Springs) and one-way Coach class travel on Amtrak's California Zephyr from Green River to Salt Lake City, with the Zephyr continuing west from Salt Lake City later in the trip.
Are there overnight trains?
Yes, one night is spent onboard Amtrak as the California Zephyr runs west from Salt Lake City toward San Francisco.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation with included guided sightseeing tours of Rocky Mountain, Arches and Canyonlands, Yellowstone, and Yosemite National Parks, and free time built in between.
Which national parks does the trip visit?
Rocky Mountain National Park (from Denver), Arches and Canyonlands National Parks (from Moab), Yellowstone National Park, and Yosemite National Park (from San Francisco).
What is not included?
The included list covers the rail and transfer segments named, 11 hotel nights and 1 night onboard Amtrak, and 3 meals (2 breakfasts, 1 lunch); other meals are not listed as included.

Similar journeys, different answers