Amtrak Vacations
Grand Canyon to Yosemite Roundtrip from Chicago
Roundtrip rail trip from Chicago to the Grand Canyon and Yosemite
11 daysfrom $1,939
45% rail
Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation
Rocky Mountains to Yosemite Roundtrip Chicago
Chicago roundtrip rail loop to Denver, Salt Lake City, and Yosemite
Amtrak Vacations runs this 11-day independent rail vacation as a round trip from Chicago to San Francisco and back, riding the California Zephyr for all four legs. The trip opens with an overnight ride to Denver for two nights, including a day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park that the operator calls a photographer's delight. The Zephyr then climbs through the Rockies to Salt Lake City for two nights and a narrated city tour covering Temple Square and the Old Union Pacific Train Depot, before an overnight leg continues to San Francisco. Two nights there include a day trip to Yosemite National Park, crossing the Bay Bridge at sunrise before reaching the Sierra Nevada Mountains. A final overnight Zephyr ride, spanning two nights onboard, returns travelers to Chicago. With four overnight train legs and six hotel nights split across three cities, this suits travelers who want an extended cross-country rail loop built around national park and city time rather than a shorter one-way trip.
What to know before you look closer
- The package includes a choice of 17 accommodation options across tiers and cities for the Denver, Salt Lake City, and San Francisco stays; the exact hotel 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 published itinerary skips from Day 9 to Day 11 with no Day 10 described; this is likely a second night on the overnight train back to Chicago given the '4 nights onboard Amtrak' inclusion, but confirm the exact schedule with Amtrak Vacations.
- The Rocky Mountain National Park tour is seasonal, with a combination city and mountain parks tour substituted in the off season; exact months are not given in the evidence.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Depart Chicago's Union Station this afternoon onboard the California Zephyr. Travel through America's heartland and the Midwest plains as you make your way to the Rocky Mountains.
- Day 2overnight: Denver
Denver, CO
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. You'll have lots of free time today 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.
- 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.
- Day 4railovernight: 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.
- Day 5railovernight: 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.
- Day 6overnight: 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.
- Day 7railovernight: 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.
- Day 8overnight: 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.
- Day 9railovernight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
This morning, travel on your own to the Amtrak station and board the California Zephyr back to Chicago. This route is said to be one of the most beautiful train trips in all of North America. As you climb through the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains and the heart of the Rockies, you may find it hard to disagree. Sit back, relax, and take in the stunning scenery.
- Day 11
Your Journey Ends in Chicago
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1The California Zephyr departs Chicago's Union Station in the afternoon, crossing America's heartland and Midwest plains overnight on the way to Denver.
- Day 3A day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park, described as a photographer's delight, brings sightings of abundant wildlife and mountain views.
- Day 4The 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 in North America.
- Day 8The 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.
- Day 9The return California Zephyr climbs through the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Rockies on the overnight journey back toward Chicago.
Included
- One-way Amtrak in Coach accommodations from Chicago to Denver; Denver to Salt Lake City; Salt Lake City to San Francisco; San Francisco to Chicago on the California Zephyr
- 6 nights' hotel accommodations; 4 nights' onboard Amtrak
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes, one-way Amtrak Coach travel for all four legs, Chicago to Denver, Denver to Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City to San Francisco, and San Francisco back to Chicago, on the California Zephyr, including three overnight legs.
- 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 train is used?
- The California Zephyr, in Coach class, for the full roundtrip.
- What hotels are included?
- A choice of 17 accommodation options across Denver, Salt Lake City, and San Francisco.
- How many nights are spent onboard the train?
- 4 nights onboard Amtrak are included, alongside 6 nights of hotel accommodations.
- How much does it cost?
- From $2,179 USD, about $198 per day across 11 days.
