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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Rocky Mountains to Arches and Canyonlands with Canyon Spirit from Chicago

8-day rail trip from Chicago through Denver to Arches and Canyonlands

Illustration of Rocky Mountains to Arches and Canyonlands with Canyon Spirit from Chicago

Railbookers operates this 8-day, 7-night independent rail vacation across the American West, starting in Chicago and ending in Moab, Utah. The trip opens with an overnight ride on the Amtrak California Zephyr, crossing the Mississippi River and the open plains toward Colorado in Coach accommodations. Three nights in Denver, the "Mile High City," are largely at your own pace, with a day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park among them. From Denver Union Station, the scenic Canyon Spirit train runs through the snowcapped Rockies to Glenwood Springs for a night, then on past red rock cliffs and De Beque Canyon to Moab. Two nights in Moab include a full-day tour of Arches National Park, home to 2,000 natural sandstone arches including Delicate Arch, and Canyonlands National Park's Island in the Sky scenic drive. Because two of the Denver days have no guided activity, this suits travelers happy to plan their own time between the included train journeys and park tours.

What to know before you look closer

  • The overnight leg from Chicago to Denver on the Amtrak California Zephyr is booked in Coach accommodations, meaning reclining seats rather than a private sleeper cabin, even though the itinerary labels day 1 an overnight onboard the train.
  • Railbookers offers 17 accommodation options across the trip's cities and tiers, from the Hampton Inn & Suites Denver Downtown to the boutique Crawford Hotel inside Denver's Union Station, so the specific hotel depends on which tier and property you choose.
  • The evidence lists only 3 meals (2 breakfasts, 1 lunch) as included across the whole 8-day, 7-night trip, so travelers should budget for most other meals themselves.
  • Days 2 and 3 in Denver have no guided activity in the itinerary; both are described as free time to explore the city at your own pace.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Amtrak

    Overnight Onboard Amtrak

    Board the California Zephyr at Chicago's Union Station this afternoon to begin your journey west, crossing the Mississippi and traveling through wide open plains as you head to Colorado.

  2. Day 2overnight: Denver

    Denver, CO

    Welcome to Denver, also known as the "Mile High City." You'll arrive in the morning and have lots of free time today to start exploring.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Day 5overnight: Glenwood Springs

    Canyon Spirit from Denver to Glenwood Springs

    Travel to Denver Union Station and board the famous Canyon Spirit itself, soaking in the spectacular scenery as you travel through the snowcapped Rocky Mountains.

  6. Day 6overnight: Moab

    Canyon Spirit from Glenwood Springs to Moab

    Depart Glenwood Springs this morning, traveling by stunning red rock formations along the cliffs and towards De Beque Canyon. Arrive in Moab around noon.

  7. Day 7overnight: Moab

    Arches and Canyonlands National Park

    A full-day tour of two spectacular national parks: Arches, featuring 2,000 natural sandstone arches including the world famous Delicate Arch, and Canyonlands, with the astounding Island in the Sky scenic drive.

  8. Day 8

    Your Journey Ends in Moab

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The California Zephyr departs Chicago's Union Station, crossing the Mississippi River and traveling through open plains overnight toward Colorado.
  • Day 4A day tour explores the majestic splendor of Rocky Mountain National Park.
  • Day 5The Canyon Spirit departs Denver Union Station, traveling through the snowcapped Rocky Mountains toward Glenwood Springs.
  • Day 6The Canyon Spirit continues from Glenwood Springs to Moab, passing red rock formations along the cliffs and toward De Beque Canyon.
  • Day 7A full-day tour visits Arches National Park, home to 2,000 natural sandstone arches including the famous Delicate Arch, and Canyonlands National Park's Island in the Sky scenic drive.

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)

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The Amtrak California Zephyr covers Chicago to Denver in Coach accommodations, with an overnight onboard, and the Canyon Spirit in Signature class covers Denver to Glenwood Springs to Moab.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
Railbookers lists it as an independent rail vacation with included excursions; two full days in Denver are entirely at your own pace.
Do travelers sleep on the train?
Yes, one night. Day 1 is spent overnight onboard the Amtrak California Zephyr from Chicago toward Denver, in Coach accommodations rather than a private sleeper cabin.
What hotels are used?
Railbookers offers 17 accommodation options; named examples include the Hampton Inn & Suites Denver Downtown and The Crawford Hotel in Denver, and the Best Western Antlers and Hampton Inn in Glenwood Springs.
What is included besides rail and hotels?
A sightseeing tour of Rocky Mountain National Park and a full-day tour of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, plus 3 meals (2 breakfasts, 1 lunch).
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $4,029 USD for the 8-day, 7-night trip.

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