Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation

Rocky Mountains to Yellowstone

Denver to Yellowstone rail trip via Salt Lake City on the Zephyr

Rocky Mountains to Yellowstone, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations runs this 7-day independent rail vacation between Denver and Yellowstone National Park, with Salt Lake City as the hub in between. The trip opens with two nights in Denver and a guided day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park, known for its wildlife and mountain views. The California Zephyr then carries travelers from Denver to Salt Lake City, a ride through the heart of the Rockies that the operator calls one of the most beautiful in North America. From Salt Lake City, roundtrip transfers reach West Yellowstone for two nights, including a guided tour of Yellowstone National Park that takes in Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, Hayden Valley, and Yellowstone Lake. The trip closes with a final night back in Salt Lake City. This suits travelers who want one scenic rail leg bookended by guided park time, with free time built in around Denver and Salt Lake City to explore at their own pace.

What to know before you look closer

  • The package includes a choice of 17 accommodation options across Denver and Salt Lake City; the exact hotel depends on what's picked at booking, and no hotel name is given for the West Yellowstone stay.
  • No meals are listed as included in this package; only rail travel, transfers, and hotel nights are named.
  • The Rocky Mountain National Park tour and the Yellowstone Lower Loop Tour are both seasonal, with alternate tours (a combined city and mountain parks tour, and the Old Faithful Explorer Tour) substituted at other times of year; exact months are not given in the evidence.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Denver

    Your Journey Begins in Denver

    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. After you check into your hotel, you'll have lots of free time to start exploring all Denver has to offer.

  2. Day 2overnight: Denver

    Rocky Mountain National Park

    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.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Salt Lake City

    On Board Amtrak

    Today you will travel on the California Zephyr through the mountains to Salt Lake City. Many travelers say this route is one of the most beautiful train rides in all of North America. As you climb through the heart of the Rockies and west through magnificent snow-capped mountains, we just know you will find it hard to disagree. Later in the evening, your train arrives to Salt Lake City and you'll check in to your hotel for the night.

  4. Day 4overnight: West Yellowstone

    Yellowstone National Park

    Awake this morning and continue on to Yellowstone. Along the way you will take in a very scenic ride so keep your camera handy!

  5. Day 5overnight: West Yellowstone

    Yellowstone National Park

    America's first national park is yours to explore today! Your tour picks you up for a journey through Yellowstone. Along the way, your guide will provide some amazing insights into the park, its history, and of course, its abundant wildlife. Famous spots such as Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, Hayden Valley, and Yellowstone Lake are all part of the experience. There is no place on earth like Yellowstone National Park.

  6. Day 6overnight: Salt Lake City

    Salt Lake City, UT

    Take a scenic leisurely drive back to Salt Lake City today. Spend the evening exploring the city or relax at your hotel on your final night of your journey.

  7. Day 7

    Your Journey Ends in Salt Lake City

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park, celebrated for its abundance of wildlife and views, includes a leisurely stop for rest, refreshments, and photos on the return to Denver.
  • Day 3The California Zephyr climbs through the heart of the Rockies and past snow-capped peaks from Denver to Salt Lake City, a ride the operator calls one of the most beautiful in North America.
  • Day 4The scenic drive from Salt Lake City toward Yellowstone is highlighted as camera-ready, with the operator advising travelers to keep their camera handy along the way.
  • Day 5A guided tour of Yellowstone National Park visits Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, Hayden Valley, and Yellowstone Lake, with the guide providing insight into the park's history and wildlife.

Included

  • One-way Amtrak in Coach accommodations from Denver to Salt Lake City on the California Zephyr
  • Roundtrip transfers between Salt Lake City and Yellowstone
  • 6 nights' hotel accommodations

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, one-way Amtrak Coach travel from Denver to Salt Lake City on the California Zephyr is included; travel to and from Yellowstone is by roundtrip transfer, not rail.
Is it escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation, with guided day tours of Rocky Mountain National Park and Yellowstone National Park included.
Which train is used?
The California Zephyr, in Coach class, for the Denver to Salt Lake City leg.
What hotels are included?
A choice of 17 accommodation options across Denver and Salt Lake City, including the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver and the Peery Salt Lake City Downtown; no hotel is named for the West Yellowstone stay.
When does the Yellowstone tour run?
The Yellowstone Lower Loop Tour is seasonal; the Old Faithful Explorer Tour is substituted during winter months.
How much does it cost?
From $1,369 USD, about $196 per day.

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