Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation

Rocky Mountains to Arches and Canyonlands Roundtrip from Chicago

Round-trip rail journey from Chicago to Rocky Mountains, Arches and Canyonlands

Rocky Mountains to Arches and Canyonlands Roundtrip from Chicago, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations runs this 7-day, 6-night independent rail vacation, a round trip from Chicago to Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Moab, Utah, home base for Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. The journey uses the California Zephyr three times: an overnight ride from Chicago through the Midwestern plains and snowy mountains to Denver, a second overnight leg on the way back, and a shorter ride between Denver and Grand Junction, followed by a shuttle transfer to Moab. Two nights in Denver include a day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park with photo stops on the return drive, and two nights in Moab bring a full-day tour of Arches National Park's roughly 2,000 sandstone arches, including the well-known Delicate Arch, and Canyonlands National Park. This suits travellers who enjoy long-distance train travel and want the Rockies and Utah's red rock country covered in one rail loop.

What to know before you look closer

  • The trip includes a choice from 12 accommodation options across Denver and Moab, for example The Crawford Hotel or the more standard Hampton Inn & Suites Denver Downtown, so which hotels you get depends on what you book.
  • No meals are listed as included on this trip.
  • 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

  1. Day 1overnight: Onboard Amtrak

    Chicago to Denver

    Board Amtrak's California Zephyr in Chicago for a scenic and comfortable overnight journey through Midwestern plains and snowy mountains to Denver.

  2. Day 2overnight: Denver

    Denver, CO

    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. You'll have lots of free time today 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.

  3. Day 3overnight: Denver

    Denver, CO

    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, Rocky Mountain National Park will make you feel like you're on top of the world! 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.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Moab

    Denver to Moab

    Board the train this morning for your scenic and comfortable journey with breathtaking views of the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas and the dramatic red rock formations. Upon arrival, in Grand Junction, you will take a shuttle transfer to Moab where you will check in to your hotel for a two-night stay and then begin exploring the shops, restaurants and galleries of the charming downtown area.

  5. Day 5overnight: Moab

    Arches and Canyonlands National Parks

    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: Onboard Amtrak

    Moab to Chicago

    In the morning, take a shuttle transfer back to Grand Junction, where you'll begin your return overnight journey to Chicago aboard Amtrak. Have your camera ready for more incredible views you may have missed on the way!

  7. Day 7

    Your Journey Ends in Chicago

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The California Zephyr departs Chicago overnight, crossing the Midwestern plains and snowy mountains toward Denver.
  • Day 3A day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park includes photo opportunities during a break on the return to the hotel.
  • Day 4The California Zephyr rolls past snow-capped mountains and red rock formations from Denver to Grand Junction, followed by a shuttle transfer to Moab.
  • Day 5A full-day tour covers Arches National Park's roughly 2,000 sandstone arches, including the well-known Delicate Arch, and Canyonlands National Park.
  • Day 6A shuttle returns to Grand Junction to board the overnight California Zephyr back to Chicago.

Included

  • Roundtrip Amtrak in Coach accommodations from Chicago to Denver; Denver to Grand Junction; Grand Junction to Chicago on the California Zephyr
  • 4 nights' hotel accommodations; 2 nights onboard Amtrak
  • Roundtrip transfers between Grand Junction and Moab

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Amtrak Vacations includes roundtrip Coach travel on the California Zephyr across three legs, Chicago to Denver, Denver to Grand Junction, and Grand Junction back to Chicago, with 2 nights onboard Amtrak and roundtrip shuttle transfers to Moab.
Which train is used?
The California Zephyr, used for all three legs of the round trip.
What hotels are used?
A choice from 12 accommodation options across Denver and Moab, for example The Crawford Hotel or the Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
The evidence labels it an independent rail vacation.
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.
What is not included?
No meals are listed as included on this trip.

Similar journeys, different answers