Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation

Rocky Mountains to Yosemite

Denver to San Francisco rail trip via Salt Lake City and Yosemite

Rocky Mountains to Yosemite, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations runs this 8-day independent rail vacation from Denver to San Francisco, with stops in Salt Lake City and a day trip to Yosemite National Park. The trip opens with two nights in Denver and a guided day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park, prized for its wildlife and mountain views. The California Zephyr then climbs through the Rockies to Salt Lake City for two nights, including a narrated city tour that covers the Old Union Pacific Train Depot, Temple Square, and the State Capitol Building. An overnight Zephyr ride continues west to San Francisco, where two nights include a day trip to Yosemite National Park, crossing the Bay Bridge at sunrise before reaching the Sierra Nevada Mountains and about 2.5 hours in the park itself. This suits travelers who want two scenic rail legs, including one overnight, linking guided city and park time across four distinct Western landscapes.

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 two Salt Lake City hotels in the sample, so the exact property depends on what's picked at booking.
  • No meals are listed as included in this package; only rail travel and hotel nights are named inclusions.
  • The Rocky Mountain National Park tour only runs late May through late September on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays; a Mountain Parks Tour is substituted when it isn't available.
  • Getting to the Amtrak station in Salt Lake City for the Day 5 departure is on your own, so this is not a fully escorted transfer.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Denver

    Your Journey Begins in Denver

    Welcome to the Denver, AKA, 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. There is much to see and do, like Red Rocks Park, the Denver Art Museum, Denver Zoo and more.

  2. Day 2overnight: 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.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Salt Lake City

    Denver to Salt Lake City

    Today you will travel on your own to the Amtrak station and board the California Zephyr 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. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the gorgeous scenery around you.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Salt Lake City

    Salt Lake City, UT

    Welcome to Salt Lake City, otherwise known as the "Crossroads of the West." Enjoy a narrated tour of the city that covers many popular attractions, like the historic Old Union Pacific Train Depot, Temple Square, the Mormon Temple, the State Capital Building, Fort Douglas, Pioneer Park, and many more.

  5. Day 5overnight: Onboard Amtrak

    Overnight Onboard Amtrak

    Today, enjoy more of the sights of Salt Lake City before traveling on your own to the Amtrak station and embarking on your overnight journey west on Amtrak's iconic California Zephyr.

  6. Day 6railovernight: San Francisco

    San Francisco, CA

    After your train pulls into Emeryville Station, you will hop onto Amtrak's Thruway Bus and head straight to San Francisco's festive Fisherman's Wharf. After you check into your hotel, the evening is yours to start exploring the "City by the Bay." Take a stroll along Fisherman's Wharf, breathe in the fresh ocean air, and sample the delicious local cuisine, like Pacific Ocean seafood, San Francisco sourdough bread and clam chowder.

  7. Day 7overnight: San Francisco

    San Francisco to Yosemite National Park

    Spend the day exploring one of America's most iconic landmarks, Yosemite National Park. Your day will start off with breathtaking panoramic views of San Francisco as you cross over the Bay Bridge at sunrise. The rest of your drive to Yosemite will offer stunning scenery as well, including the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains and lush Central Valley. Once you arrive in Yosemite National Park, you'll have 2.5 hours to hike, shop, and sample the local cuisine in Yosemite Village. You will arrive back at your hotel just in time for a spectacular San Francisco sunset.

  8. Day 8

    Your Journey Ends in San Francisco

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park showcases abundant wildlife and mountain views, with a leisurely stop for rest, refreshments, and photos on the way back to Denver.
  • Day 3The California Zephyr climbs through the heart of the Rockies from Denver to Salt Lake City, a ride the operator calls one of the most beautiful train trips in North America.
  • Day 4A narrated tour of Salt Lake City covers the historic Old Union Pacific Train Depot, Temple Square, the Mormon Temple, the State Capitol Building, Fort Douglas, and Pioneer Park.
  • Day 5An overnight California Zephyr ride carries travelers west from Salt Lake City toward San Francisco.
  • Day 7The Yosemite day trip opens with panoramic views of San Francisco at sunrise crossing the Bay Bridge, then passes the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Central Valley before about 2.5 hours in the park.

Included

  • One-way Amtrak in Coach accommodations from Denver to Salt Lake City; Salt Lake City to San Francisco on the California Zephyr
  • 6 nights' hotel accommodations; one night onboard Amtrak

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, one-way Amtrak Coach travel from Denver to Salt Lake City and Salt Lake City to San Francisco on the California Zephyr is included, including one overnight leg.
Is it escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation, with guided tours of Rocky Mountain National Park, Salt Lake City, and Yosemite National Park included.
Which trains are used?
The California Zephyr, in Coach class, for both rail legs.
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.
When does the Rocky Mountain National Park tour run?
Late May through late September, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays; a Mountain Parks Tour replaces it outside that window.
How much walking is involved at Yosemite?
The day trip includes about 2.5 hours in the park; no hike is described in the itinerary.

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