Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation

Rocky Mountains to Arches and Canyonlands Roundtrip from San Francisco

San Francisco roundtrip rail trip to Denver, Moab, and three national parks

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

Amtrak Vacations runs this 7-day independent rail vacation as a round trip from San Francisco, using the California Zephyr for every rail leg. The outbound overnight train crosses the deserts of Nevada and Utah before climbing into Colorado, arriving in Denver for a two-night stay that includes a guided day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park, known for its wildlife and mountain views. From Denver, the Zephyr continues to Grand Junction, passing snow-capped peaks and red rock formations, before a transfer to Moab for two nights. A full-day tour there covers Arches National Park's roughly 2,000 sandstone arches, including Delicate Arch, and the canyons and mesas of Canyonlands National Park. The trip ends with an overnight return train from Grand Junction to San Francisco. The pace favors travelers who want two-night stays and scenic train rides over a fast-moving multi-city itinerary, with guided park tours bookending free time to explore Denver and Moab independently.

What to know before you look closer

  • The package includes a choice of 12 accommodation options across tiers and cities, with six Denver hotels alone in the sample, so the exact hotel in Denver and Moab depends on what you select when booking.
  • The transfer between Grand Junction and Moab is described as included in the day-by-day itinerary text but is not itemized separately in the page's what's-included list; confirm it is covered when booking.
  • No meals are listed as included in this package; only rail transportation, the Grand Junction to Moab transfer, and hotel nights are named.
  • The Rocky Mountain National Park tour is seasonal; a combination city and mountain parks tour is offered in the off season instead, though exact months are not given in the evidence.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Onboard Amtrak

    San Francisco to Denver

    Board Amtrak's California Zephyr in San Francisco for a scenic and comfortable overnight journey to Denver. Enjoy incredible desert and mountain views as you traverse Nevada and Utah into Colorado.

  2. Day 2overnight: Denver

    Denver, CO

    Welcome to the Denver, also known as the "Mile High City." Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. This scenic metropolis is located 5,280 feet above sea level and offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. 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 in Denver for your scenic and comfortable journey to Grand Junction, regarded as one of the most beautiful train rides in North America. Take in breathtaking views of the snow-capped Rocky Mountains and dramatic red rock formations as you travel west. Upon arrival in Grand Junction, take your included transfer to Moab and check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. The rest of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring the unique charm of this red rock wonderland, such as the shops, restaurants, and galleries of the charming downtown area.

  5. Day 5overnight: Moab

    Moab, UT

    Today you'll cross the border into Utah for a full-day tour of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. 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 6railovernight: Onboard Amtrak

    Moab to San Francisco

    This morning you will take your included transfer back to Grand Junction. There, board the train for your return overnight journey to San Francisco. Settle in and keep your camera ready, you'll have another chance to take in the incredible scenery you may have missed on the way out.

  7. Day 7

    Your Journey Ends in San Francisco

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The California Zephyr departs San Francisco overnight, crossing Nevada and Utah with desert and mountain views on the way into Colorado.
  • Day 3A day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park, known for its wildlife and views, includes a leisurely stop for rest, refreshments, and photos on the way back to Denver.
  • Day 4The California Zephyr's Denver to Grand Junction leg, called one of the most beautiful train rides in North America, passes snow-capped Rockies and red rock formations.
  • Day 5A full-day tour visits Arches National Park's roughly 2,000 sandstone arches, including Delicate Arch, and the canyons and mesas of Canyonlands National Park.
  • Day 6The return overnight California Zephyr from Grand Junction to San Francisco offers another chance to see the scenery from the outbound trip.

Included

  • Roundtrip Amtrak in Coach accommodations from San Francisco to Denver; Denver to Grand Junction; Grand Junction to San Francisco on the California Zephyr
  • 4 nights' hotel accommodations; 2 nights onboard Amtrak
  • Transfer between Grand Junction and Moab (described as 'included' in the Day 4 / Day 6 itinerary text; not itemized separately in the page's What's Included list)

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Roundtrip Amtrak Coach travel from San Francisco to Denver, Denver to Grand Junction, and Grand Junction back to San Francisco on the California Zephyr is included.
Is it escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation, though guided day tours of Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are included.
Which train is used?
The California Zephyr, in Coach class, for the entire San Francisco to Denver to Grand Junction to San Francisco route.
What hotels are included?
A choice of 12 accommodation options across tiers and cities, including the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver, The Crawford Hotel, Hampton Inn & Suites Denver Downtown, and the Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton.
What is included besides rail and hotels?
Sightseeing tours of Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, plus the transfer between Grand Junction and Moab.
Are meals included?
No meals are listed as included in this package.

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