Amtrak Vacations
Grand National Parks with Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon Roundtrip San Francisco
Independent Amtrak roundtrip from San Francisco to Yosemite, Grand Canyon and Yellowstone
16 daysfrom $3,079
44% rail
Amtrak Vacations
Rails Across America The Beautiful
16-day rail journey from Chicago to San Francisco on the California Zephyr
Amtrak Vacations operates this 16-day, 15-night cross-country rail journey from Chicago to San Francisco aboard the California Zephyr, in Coach class, with an optional reverse direction available. After two nights in Chicago exploring the city's skyline and its Prohibition-era Gangland history, the train carries travelers overnight into Denver for a two-night stay that includes a full-day guided tour of Rocky Mountain National Park. From there, the Zephyr crosses Colorado's canyons to Glenwood Springs, where the itinerary allows a day soaking in hot springs overlooking the Colorado River, before continuing to Salt Lake City and a second overnight rail leg on to Reno. The trip ends with three nights in San Francisco, including a Mission District food tour and a day in California's Wine Country. Hotels are offered as 34 accommodation options across tiers and cities rather than one fixed property per stop. This suits travelers who want a long, multi-stop rail itinerary through Western scenery, mixing guided tours with days left at leisure.
What to know before you look closer
- Hotels are offered as 34 accommodation options across tiers and cities, from the Holiday Inn Chicago Downtown up to the Waldorf Astoria Chicago; the specific hotel you get depends on the tier and city you choose, not a single fixed property.
- The included rail travel is in Coach class; the evidence does not mention a sleeper cabin upgrade for this package.
- The evidence lists no current departure dates for this package.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Chicago
Your Journey Begins in Chicago
Welcome to Chicago! Arrive and check in to your hotel for a two-night stay. Spend the day exploring the Windy City's iconic landmarks, riverfront, and famous deep-dish pizza joints.
- Day 2overnight: Chicago
Chicago
Explore the city's infamous past on a guided tour. Visit historic crime scenes and learn about the Prohibition era.
- Day 3overnight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Board Amtrak's California Zephyr® for your overnight journey west. Travel across the Midwest and prepare for stunning mountain scenery ahead.
- Day 4overnight: Denver
Denver
Arrive in the "Mile High City" and check in to your hotel for a two-night stay. Spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring Denver's art scene, breweries, or local dining.
- Day 5overnight: Denver
Rocky Mountain National Park
Enjoy a private full-day guided tour of Rocky Mountain National Park. Marvel at alpine vistas, glacier-carved valleys, and abundant wildlife.
- Day 6overnight: Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs
Reboard the California Zephyr® and travel through Colorado's breathtaking canyons to Glenwood Springs.
- Day 7overnight: Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs
Relax at the hot springs with access to 16 soaking pools overlooking the Colorado River.
- Day 8railovernight: Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City
Continue your scenic rail journey into Utah and arrive in Salt Lake City for a two-night stay.
- Day 9overnight: Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City
Experience a guided journey through the city and discover the area's natural and historical highlights.
- Day 10overnight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Board the California Zephyr® for an overnight ride through Nevada's high desert.
- Day 11overnight: Reno
Reno
Arrive in Reno and check in to your hotel. Later, explore the sights and sounds of the "Biggest Little City in the World" at your leisure.
- Day 12overnight: Reno
Reno
Spend the day exploring the Reno at your own leisure checking off any bucket-list attractions you wish to see independently.
- Day 13railovernight: San Francisco
San Francisco
Board your train to San Francisco. After checking in, enjoy a waterfront dinner at Swiss Louis Italian & Seafood Restaurant.
- Day 14overnight: San Francisco
San Francisco
Embark on a small-group food tour through the colorful Mission District, sampling local eats and drinks.
- Day 15overnight: San Francisco
Wine Country
Travel into Wine Country on a tour of California's world-renowned vineyards. Savor tastings and vineyard views.
- Day 16
Your Journey Ends in San Francisco
Check out of your hotel and continue your travels.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 3Boards Amtrak's California Zephyr for an overnight journey west, crossing the Midwest toward the Rockies.
- Day 5A private full-day guided tour of Rocky Mountain National Park, taking in alpine vistas, glacier-carved valleys, and wildlife.
- Day 6The California Zephyr crosses Colorado's canyons en route to Glenwood Springs.
- Day 7Soaks in the hot springs at Glenwood Springs, with access to 16 pools overlooking the Colorado River.
- Day 15A tour of California's Wine Country, with tastings and vineyard views.
Included
- Amtrak® travel in Coach accommodations from Chicago to Denver, Denver to Glenwood Springs, Glenwood Springs to Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City to Reno, and Reno to San Francisco on Amtrak's California Zephyr®
- 13 nights' hotel accommodations, 2 nights onboard Amtrak
Questions travellers ask
- Is train travel included?
- Yes, Amtrak Coach travel aboard the California Zephyr from Chicago to Denver, Glenwood Springs, Salt Lake City, Reno, and San Francisco.
- Which train is used?
- The California Zephyr, in Coach class, the full route from Chicago to San Francisco.
- Is it escorted or independent?
- A mix. Guided sightseeing is included in several cities, alongside days explicitly left at leisure, such as in Denver and Reno.
- What hotels are used?
- The evidence lists 34 accommodation options across tiers and cities, from the Holiday Inn Chicago Downtown to the Waldorf Astoria Chicago, rather than one fixed hotel per city.
- Is overnight train travel included?
- Yes, two overnight legs onboard the California Zephyr, from Chicago to Denver and from Salt Lake City to Reno.
- How much walking is involved?
- The trip includes guided city tours and a full-day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park; the evidence does not mention hiking or high-altitude activity.
