Amtrak Vacations
America Coast to Coast - LA to Boston
Independent coast-to-coast US rail trip on four Amtrak trains, LA to Boston
10 daysfrom $1,809
100% rail
Amtrak Vacations · Rail vacation
Peaks to Pacific Journey
10-day Denver to San Francisco rail trip via Salt Lake City, Yellowstone
Amtrak Vacations runs this 10-day, 9-night rail trip from Denver, Colorado, to San Francisco, California, with a day trip to Yosemite National Park. Two nights in Denver open the trip with a full-day guided tour of Rocky Mountain National Park, before the California Zephyr carries you to Salt Lake City for a narrated city tour past the Great Salt Lake, the Old Union Pacific Train Depot, and Temple Square, with lunch included. A shuttle then leads to two nights near Yellowstone National Park for a full-day tour of the lower loop, including Old Faithful Geyser and Isa Lake, before day 7 becomes an overnight ride on the California Zephyr to San Francisco. Two nights in San Francisco include a day trip to Yosemite National Park past the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains. The pace suits travelers who want national park scenery and an overnight train ride alongside guided city touring, without a heavy walking or hiking load.
What to know before you look closer
- The hotel list includes 25 accommodation options across different tiers and cities, so the specific hotel you get depends on which tier and city option you choose.
- The Yellowstone Lower Loop tour is seasonal; in winter months it is replaced with the Old Faithful Explorer Tour.
- On day 3 and day 7 you make your own way to the Amtrak station rather than being escorted there.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Denver
Your Journey Begins in Denver
Welcome to Denver! the "Mile-High City" offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and is the perfect place to start your Peaks to Pacific journey.
- Day 2overnight: Denver
Denver, CO
Today you will experience the majestic splendor of the Rocky Mountains on an exhilarating full-day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park. Your holiday includes admission to Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Day 3railovernight: Salt Lake City
Denver to Salt Lake City
Make your way to the station and board Amtrak's California Zephyr to Salt Lake City today, for what many travelers say is one of the most beautiful train trips in all of North America.
- Day 4railovernight: Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City, UT
Welcome to the "Crossroads of the West", Salt Lake City. Enjoy a narrated tour of the city that covers many popular sights, including the magnificent Great Salt Lake, the historic Old Union Pacific Train Depot and Temple Square.
- Day 5overnight: Yellowstone National Park
Salt Lake City to Yellowstone National Park
Today, your included roundtrip shuttle service will take you on a scenic drive to West Yellowstone. Check in to your hotel and settle in for a good night's rest.
- Day 6overnight: Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Enjoy a full-day tour of the lower loop of Yellowstone National Park, including Old Faithful Geyser, the Old Faithful Inn, and Isa Lake on the Continental Divide. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Old Faithful Village.
- Day 7overnight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Today, you will take a relaxing drive back to Salt Lake City on board the shuttle. Make your way to the station and board Amtrak's California Zephyr to San Francisco.
- Day 8overnight: San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
Arrive in San Francisco at the Emeryville station, where you will board your included motorcoach transfer for a short trip across the bay to San Francisco. The famous Fisherman's Wharf is a great place to start.
- Day 9overnight: San Francisco
San Francisco to Yosemite National Park
Today you'll spend the day taking in the beauty of Yosemite National Park. Your drive to Yosemite will offer stunning scenery, including the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains. Arrive back at your hotel in the evening.
- Day 10
Your Journey Ends in San Francisco
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 2A full-day guided tour of Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Day 4A narrated Salt Lake City tour taking in the Great Salt Lake, the historic Old Union Pacific Train Depot, and Temple Square, with lunch included.
- Day 6A full-day tour of Yellowstone's lower loop, including Old Faithful Geyser, the Old Faithful Inn, and Isa Lake on the Continental Divide.
- Day 7An overnight ride on the California Zephyr from Salt Lake City to San Francisco.
- Day 9A day trip to Yosemite National Park, driving past the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Included
- Amtrak® rail travel in standard (coach) class throughout
- 8 nights' hotel stay
- 1 night onboard Amtrak
- Roundtrip shuttle transfer from Salt Lake City to West Yellowstone
- Lunch in Salt Lake City
- Sightseeing tour of Rocky Mountain National Park*
- Sightseeing tour of Salt Lake City
- Sightseeing tour of the Lower Loop of Yellowstone National Park
- Sightseeing tour of Yosemite National Park
Also sold by
The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.
- Railbookersfrom $4,249
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes. Amtrak rail travel in standard (coach) class is included throughout, including one night onboard the California Zephyr between Salt Lake City and San Francisco.
- Do I sleep on the train?
- Yes, on day 7 you ride the California Zephyr overnight from Salt Lake City to San Francisco.
- Is this trip escorted or do I travel on my own?
- It's a mix. Guided sightseeing tours are included for Rocky Mountain National Park, Salt Lake City, Yellowstone's Lower Loop, and Yosemite, but you make your own way to the station on days 3 and 7 and explore San Francisco on your own after arrival.
- What hotels are used?
- The package offers 25 accommodation options across Denver, Salt Lake City, and San Francisco, including the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver, The Crawford Hotel, and The Peery Salt Lake City Downtown, among others. An overnight stay near Yellowstone National Park is also included.
- Is the itinerary seasonal?
- Yes. The Yellowstone Lower Loop tour is seasonal; during winter months it is substituted with the Old Faithful Explorer Tour.
- Is lunch included?
- Yes, a lunch is included in Salt Lake City as part of the city sightseeing tour.
