Amtrak Vacations
Grand National Parks of the Southwest
8-day round-trip rail journey from Chicago to Utah's Mighty 5 parks
8 daysfrom $1,499
25% rail
Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation
Rocky Mountains to Arches and Canyonlands with Canyon Spirit from Chicago
Chicago to Moab rail trip via Denver on the Signature-class Canyon Spirit
Amtrak Vacations runs this 8-day independent rail vacation from Chicago, ending in Moab, Utah. The trip opens with an overnight ride on the California Zephyr from Chicago's Union Station, crossing the Mississippi River and the plains before reaching Denver for a three-night stay with free time to explore the city and a guided day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park. From Denver, travelers board the Signature-class Canyon Spirit, described by the operator as offering luxurious onboard accommodations, for a ride through the snow-capped Rockies to Glenwood Springs. The Canyon Spirit continues the next day past red rock cliffs and through De Beque Canyon to Moab, where a full-day tour covers the sandstone arches of Arches National Park and the mesas of Canyonlands National Park. This trip suits travelers who want a mix of free city time, guided park tours, and an upgraded train experience on the Canyon Spirit, rather than a fully escorted itinerary throughout.
What to know before you look closer
- The package includes a choice of 17 accommodation options across tiers and cities, including six Denver hotels and Glenwood Springs properties such as Hotel Colorado and Best Western Antlers, so the exact hotel depends on what you select when booking.
- Only 3 meals (2 breakfasts, 1 lunch) are included across the 8-day trip; the rest are on your own.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Board the California Zephyr at Chicago's Union Station this afternoon to begin your journey west. Relax onboard and enjoy the passing scenery, crossing the Mississippi and traveling through wide open plains as you head to Colorado.
- 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 arrive in the morning and have lots of free time today to start exploring all Denver has to offer.
- Day 3overnight: Denver
Denver, CO
Enjoy the day exploring Denver at your own pace. Take a stroll along the 16th Street Mall filled with shops and restaurants. Or take a ride on the free shuttle that runs from Civic Center Station and Union.
- Day 4overnight: Denver
Rocky Mountain National Park, 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.
- Day 5railovernight: Glenwood Springs
Canyon Spirit from Denver to Glenwood Springs
Today, travel to Denver Union Station and board the famous Canyon Spirit itself. Settle into the luxurious accommodations and relax onboard, soaking in the spectacular scenery of one of the most beautiful train trips in North America as you travel through the snowcapped Rocky Mountains, making your way to Glenwood Springs.
- Day 6overnight: Moab
Canyon Spirit from Glenwood Springs to Moab
Depart Glenwood Springs this morning and enjoy the passing mountain scenery as you enjoy breakfast onboard. Travel by stunning red rock formations along the cliffs and towards De Beque Canyon, a 15-mile long narrow canyon with stair-step cliffs of sedimentary rock layers. Arrive in Moab around noon with an afternoon to being exploring this quaint downtown nestled between Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
- Day 7overnight: Moab
Arches and Canyonlands National Park
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.
- Day 8
Your Journey Ends in Moab
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1The California Zephyr departs Chicago's Union Station in the afternoon, crossing the Mississippi River and the plains on an overnight ride to Denver.
- Day 4A day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park includes wildlife viewing and a leisurely stop for photos on the way back to Denver.
- Day 5The Signature-class Canyon Spirit departs Denver Union Station, with the operator describing luxurious onboard accommodations and Rocky Mountain scenery on the way to Glenwood Springs.
- Day 6The Canyon Spirit continues from Glenwood Springs past red rock cliffs and through De Beque Canyon, a 15-mile canyon with stair-step sedimentary cliffs, arriving in Moab by early afternoon.
- Day 7A full-day tour covers Arches National Park's roughly 2,000 sandstone arches, including Delicate Arch, and the mesas and rock formations of Canyonlands National Park.
Included
- One-way Amtrak in Coach accommodations from Chicago to Denver on the California Zephyr
- Canyon Spirit from Denver to Moab in Signature class
- 6 nights' hotel accommodations; 1 night onboard Amtrak
- 3 meals (2 breakfasts, 1 lunch)
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes. One-way Amtrak Coach travel from Chicago to Denver on the California Zephyr is included, along with the Canyon Spirit in Signature class from Denver to Moab via Glenwood Springs.
- Is it escorted or independent?
- It is an independent rail vacation, with guided day tours of Rocky Mountain National Park and Arches and Canyonlands National Parks included.
- Which trains are used?
- The California Zephyr in Coach class from Chicago to Denver, and the Canyon Spirit in Signature class from Denver to Glenwood Springs to Moab.
- What hotels are included?
- A choice of 17 accommodation options across Denver and Glenwood Springs, including the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver, The Crawford Hotel, Hotel Colorado, and Best Western Antlers.
- Are meals included?
- Yes, 3 meals are included across the 8 days: 2 breakfasts and 1 lunch.
- What is included besides trains, hotels, and meals?
- Sightseeing tours of Rocky Mountain National Park and Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
