Amtrak Vacations
America's National Parks
Denver to Salt Lake City rail and park tour: Rockies, Arches, Yellowstone
9 daysfrom $3,469
22% rail
Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation
Rocky Mountains and Fall Foliage
Rail journey from Chicago to Denver for Rocky Mountain fall foliage
Amtrak Vacations runs this 6-day, 5-night independent rail vacation from Chicago to Denver and Rocky Mountain National Park, timed around fall foliage. Day 1 starts with an architecture river cruise along the Chicago River before boarding the California Zephyr overnight to Denver. Three nights in Denver include a full day in Rocky Mountain National Park, where the itinerary describes autumn colors at the base of snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and wildlife including elk, deer, moose and black bears, and a foothills tour that takes in the Red Rocks Amphitheater, Bear Creek Canyon, the town of Evergreen, and Lookout Mountain. Both major sightseeing days are guided tours rather than self-drive excursions. The Rocky Mountain National Park tour is seasonal, with a combination city and mountain parks tour offered in the off season. This suits travellers who want Colorado's fall scenery covered by organized tours, bookended by one long scenic rail journey rather than short hops.
What to know before you look closer
- The trip includes a choice from 12 accommodation options across Chicago and Denver, for example the Waldorf Astoria Chicago or the more modest Holiday Inn Chicago Downtown, so which hotels you get depends on what you book.
- Only 1 meal, a lunch, is included across the 4 hotel nights; other meals are on your own.
- The Rocky Mountain National Park tour is seasonal; in the off season, the evidence says a combination city and mountain parks tour is offered instead.
- The evidence does not list specific departure dates; confirm current availability with Amtrak Vacations.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Chicago
Your Journey Begins in Chicago
Begin your journey in Chicago, where you'll check into your hotel for a one-night stay. Experience the city's architectural wonders on a captivating river cruise, sailing along the Chicago River and marveling at the iconic skyline. Admire the diverse array of architectural styles, from towering skyscrapers to historic landmarks.
- Day 2railovernight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Spend a leisurely morning in Chicago before heading to Union station. Board one of Amtrak's most scenic train routes, the California Zephyr, and embark on an overnight journey to Denver. Relax and enjoy the stunning views as you traverse the beautiful landscapes en route to your next destination.
- Day 3overnight: Denver
Denver, CO
Arrive in Denver in the morning and check into your hotel for a three-night stay. Explore the vibrant downtown area, filled with art galleries, trendy shops, and excellent dining options. Immerse yourself in the city's lively atmosphere, perhaps visiting the Denver Art Museum or taking a leisurely stroll through the historic Larimer Square.
- Day 4overnight: Denver
Rocky Mountain National Park Day Trip
Embark on a sightseeing tour of Rocky Mountain National Park, known for its stunning natural beauty, especially as the autumn colors settle at the base of the snow-capped mountains. Traverse scenic drives and witness the breathtaking vistas of alpine lakes, majestic peaks, and abundant wildlife. Keep an eye out for elk, deer, moose, and even black bears as you soak in the tranquility of the park's wilderness.
- Day 5overnight: Denver
Denver, CO
Discover the captivating foothills of Denver on a tour that begins at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater, famous for its natural rock formations and spectacular views. Journey through the scenic Bear Creek Canyon and visit the charming town of Evergreen, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or immerse yourself in the Wild West atmosphere. Stop at Lookout Mountain for panoramic views of the plains and the majestic Continental Divide, an iconic spot where Buffalo Bill Cody requested to be buried.
- Day 6
Your Journey Ends in Denver
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1An architecture river cruise sails the Chicago River past the city's skyline.
- Day 2The California Zephyr carries travellers overnight from Chicago to Denver.
- Day 4A sightseeing tour of Rocky Mountain National Park takes in autumn colors, alpine lakes, and wildlife including elk, deer, moose and black bears.
- Day 5A foothills tour visits the Red Rocks Amphitheater, Bear Creek Canyon, the town of Evergreen, and Lookout Mountain.
Included
- One-way Amtrak in Coach accommodations from Chicago to Denver on the California Zephyr
- 4 nights' hotel accommodations, 1 night onboard Amtrak
- 1 meal included (1 lunch)
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes. Amtrak Vacations includes one-way Coach travel on the California Zephyr from Chicago to Denver, with 1 night onboard Amtrak.
- Which train is used?
- The California Zephyr.
- What hotels are used?
- A choice from 12 accommodation options across Chicago and Denver, for example the Waldorf Astoria Chicago or the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver.
- When does the Rocky Mountain National Park tour run?
- It's seasonal; the evidence says a combination city and mountain parks tour is offered in the off season instead.
- How much walking is involved?
- The Rocky Mountain National Park and Denver foothills days are described as sightseeing tours with scenic drives; no hikes or high-altitude activity are described.
- What meals are included?
- 1 meal: a lunch.
