Amtrak Vacations
Grand Canyon to Yosemite Roundtrip from Chicago
Roundtrip rail trip from Chicago to the Grand Canyon and Yosemite
11 daysfrom $1,939
45% rail
Amtrak Vacations · Rail vacation
Northern Rail Experience with Rocky Mountain National Park
Independent Chicago to Denver rail trip via Rocky Mountain National Park
Amtrak Vacations runs this independent, 11-day rail vacation from Chicago to Denver, taking in Seattle, San Francisco and Rocky Mountain National Park along the way, on the Empire Builder, Coast Starlight and California Zephyr. The Empire Builder crosses the North Dakota plains and passes Glacier National Park before a one-night stop in Seattle, where the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass are included. The Coast Starlight then carries travelers south to San Francisco for two nights, including a Golden Gate Bridge crossing to the redwoods of Muir Woods and a bay cruise from Sausalito. The California Zephyr climbs the Rocky Mountains through Glenwood Canyon and the Moffat Tunnel to Denver, where two nights include a day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park with its wildlife and views. Half the nights on this trip are spent onboard Amtrak in Coach class. This suits travelers who want a national park stop combined with city sightseeing across a long cross-country rail route.
What to know before you look closer
- The itinerary's day 1 overnight field lists "Chicago" while the day's own description states boarding Amtrak that same afternoon, and the trip-level summary states 5 nights onboard Amtrak and 5 hotel nights, which only reconciles if day 1 is an onboard night; confirm the exact first-night arrangement with Amtrak Vacations.
- The hotel is chosen from 24 accommodation options across tiers and cities, so the exact hotel depends on what's booked.
- No meals are listed as included on this itinerary.
- All the Amtrak travel, including the 5 overnight legs across three trains, is Coach class seating rather than a sleeper cabin.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Chicago
Your Journey Begins in Chicago
Welcome to Chicago! This afternoon, travel on your own to Chicago's Union Station and board Amtrak® to Glacier National Park. The Empire Builder takes you along major portions of the Lewis and Clark trail. Settle in for an exciting adventure through the majestic wilderness as you venture out West, following the footsteps of early pioneers!
- Day 2overnight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak®
This morning, you will travel through the gorgeous North Dakota plains and cross over the spectacular Gassman Coulee Trestle as you make your way to "Big Sky Country." This evening, you'll pass by the magnificent Glacier National Park.
- Day 3overnight: Seattle
Seattle
Upon arrival in Seattle, check in for a one-night stay at a conveniently located hotel. Spend the afternoon visiting the iconic Space Needle, where panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains await. Next, explore the Chihuly Garden and Glass, an enchanting exhibition of Dale Chihuly's stunning glass sculptures, set against a backdrop of lush gardens and striking architecture.
- Day 4overnight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak®
Today, travel on your own to Seattle's Amtrak station and prepare to take a beautiful ride on the Coast Starlight to San Francisco. The scenery along the Coast Starlight route is truly breathtaking. Enjoy the majestic landscapes right outside your window as you wind through lush forests and fertile valleys.
- Day 5overnight: San Francisco
San Francisco
You will arrive in San Francisco this morning and head to your hotel to check in and drop off your belongings. Then, it's time for some sightseeing! Climb aboard a hop-on, hop-off tour that includes all San Francisco's great locations, like Fisherman's Wharf, Downtown, the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, and many more. You can hop off the tour at any of the designated stops to explore them at your own pace.
- Day 6overnight: San Francisco
San Francisco
Today, get ready to discover the beauty of the Muir Woods and Sausalito! On the drive to Muir Woods, you'll cross over the Golden Gate Bridge and disembark in the serene redwood forest. Once you've taken in all that Muir Woods has to offer, you'll stop in Sausalito, a charming town with art galleries and shops. You'll have some free time to explore all Sausalito has to offer before your 30-minute bay cruise, which takes you back to Fisherman's Wharf.
- Day 7railovernight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak®
This morning, travel on your own to the Amtrak station and board the California Zephyr® to Denver. This route is said to be one of the most beautiful train trips in all of North America. As you climb through the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains and the heart of the Rockies, you may find it hard to disagree.
- Day 8railovernight: Denver
Denver
Today, enjoy the best views that Amtrak® has to offer. The train ascends the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, navigating through the scenic Glenwood Canyon alongside the Colorado River. The final leg of the trip includes traversing the Continental Divide via the historic Moffat Tunnel, before descending into the vibrant city of Denver. Once in Denver, check in for a two-night stay at a centrally located hotel.
- Day 9overnight: 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. 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.
- Day 10railovernight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak®
Spend your day exploring downtown Denver, visiting landmarks like the Denver Art Museum and historic Larimer Square, and enjoying a meal at one of the city's renowned restaurants. This evening, head to the iconic Union Station and board the California Zephyr®. Take in the gorgeous landscape of the American countryside as the train ventures east to Chicago.
- Day 11rail
Your Journey Ends in Chicago
Arrive in Chicago and continue with your travels. If you'd like to extend your journey to another city, just ask your Rail Expert and we can help you make all the arrangements.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 2The Empire Builder crosses the North Dakota plains and the Gassman Coulee Trestle, then passes Glacier National Park by evening on the way to Seattle.
- Day 3The Space Needle offers panoramic views of Seattle and the surrounding mountains, followed by a visit to the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibition.
- Day 6A day trip from San Francisco crosses the Golden Gate Bridge to the redwood forest of Muir Woods, then stops in Sausalito for a 30-minute bay cruise.
- Day 8The California Zephyr ascends the Rocky Mountains through Glenwood Canyon alongside the Colorado River, crossing the Continental Divide via the Moffat Tunnel before descending into Denver.
- Day 9A day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park takes in its wildlife and views, with a photo stop on the return trip.
Included
- Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Admission
- Hop-on, Hop-off Sightseeing Tour of San Francisco
- Sightseeing Tour of Muir Woods and Sausalito
- Sightseeing Cruise of San Francisco Bay
- Sightseeing Tour of Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes. One-way Coach class travel on the Empire Builder (Chicago to Seattle), the Coast Starlight (Seattle to San Francisco), and the California Zephyr (San Francisco to Denver to Chicago).
- Is this trip escorted or independent?
- It's an independent rail vacation with included day tours at Seattle, San Francisco, and Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver.
- Which trains are used?
- The Empire Builder, the Coast Starlight, and the California Zephyr, all in Coach class.
- What hotels are used?
- 24 accommodation options across tiers and cities, for example the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago; the exact hotel depends on what's booked.
- What is included besides rail and hotels?
- Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass admission in Seattle, a hop-on, hop-off tour of San Francisco, a Muir Woods and Sausalito tour with bay cruise, and a Rocky Mountain National Park day tour from Denver.
- How much of the trip is onboard the train versus in a hotel?
- 5 of the 10 nights are spent onboard Amtrak across the three trains; the other 5 are hotel nights in Seattle, San Francisco and Denver.
