Amtrak Vacations
Essential Grand Canyon Discovery
Rail journey from Chicago to the Grand Canyon and Sedona
7 daysfrom $1,339
43% rail
Amtrak Vacations
Southwest Escape
Round trip Amtrak rail vacation from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon
Amtrak Vacations runs Southwest Escape, a 7-day, 6-night round trip rail vacation between Los Angeles and the Grand Canyon, in Coach class on the Southwest Chief and Grand Canyon Railway. The outbound overnight ride on the Southwest Chief crosses the desert landscapes of the Southwest before an early morning arrival near Flagstaff, where an included Fred Harvey breakfast and Wild West show lead into the Grand Canyon Railway's run to the South Rim. Two nights at the Grand Canyon include a guided arrival tour and a free day to take in the South Rim's viewpoints at your own pace. From there, the trip moves to Flagstaff, a Route 66 town used as the base for a full-day guided Sedona day trip along Oak Creek Canyon to Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock. The Southwest Chief then carries travelers back to Los Angeles overnight. It suits travelers who want a short, structured Grand Canyon and Sedona trip with some open time built in, rather than a long cross-country rail journey.
What to know before you look closer
- Flagstaff has six hotel options for the same 2-night stay, from the more budget-oriented Holiday Inn Express Flagstaff to the Embassy Suites and Hilton Garden Inn, so your actual hotel depends on what's booked.
- The two overnight legs on the Southwest Chief are in Coach class, so travelers sleep in reclining seats rather than a private sleeper cabin.
- Only one meal, a breakfast at the Fred Harvey restaurant in Williams, is listed as included; other meals are on your own.
- The evidence does not list specific departure dates; confirm current availability with Amtrak Vacations.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Onboard Amtrak
Your Journey Begins in Los Angeles
Board Amtrak's Southwest Chief®, settle into your comfortable Coach seat, and relax as the train rolls through Southern California and into the desert landscapes of the Southwest.
- Day 2railovernight: Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park
Arrive in Flagstaff early this morning and transfer to your hotel in Williams. Enjoy an included breakfast at the Fred Harvey restaurant, take in the on-site Wild West show, and then board the Grand Canyon Railway for a relaxing, scenic trip to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. On arrival, meet your guided tour and begin exploring this amazing natural wonder.
- Day 3overnight: Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park
Today is a free day to experience the park. Take in the spectacular views from various vantage points along the South Rim and enjoy time to explore at your own pace. Maybe get up early for Canyon sunrise!
- Day 4overnight: Flagstaff
Flagstaff
Transfer today from the Grand Canyon to Flagstaff, a charming old Route 66 town and your base for exploring Sedona.
- Day 5overnight: Flagstaff
Sedona Day Trip
Today, set out on a full-day guided adventure through the scenic red rock country of Sedona. Travel along Oak Creek Canyon, browse the town's many art galleries and boutiques, and admire stunning vistas such as Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock. Return to Flagstaff for a relaxing evening.
- Day 6railovernight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Spend a leisurely morning in Flagstaff, perhaps exploring the Route 66 charm of its downtown or visiting a local café. In the afternoon, return to the train station and board Amtrak's Southwest Chief® for your overnight journey back to Los Angeles.
- Day 7
Your Journey Ends in Los Angeles
Check out of your hotel and continue your travels.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1The Southwest Chief departs Los Angeles and crosses the desert landscapes of the Southwest en route to Arizona.
- Day 2The Grand Canyon Railway carries travelers from Williams to the South Rim, after an included Fred Harvey breakfast and Wild West show.
- Day 3A free day at the Grand Canyon South Rim allows time to take in the viewpoints at your own pace, including an optional early start for sunrise.
- Day 5A full-day guided trip to Sedona follows Oak Creek Canyon to red rock landmarks such as Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock.
Included
- Round-trip Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Los Angeles to Williams on the Southwest Chief®
- 1 meal included (1 breakfast)
- 4 nights' hotel accommodations, 2 nights onboard Amtrak
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes, roundtrip Southwest Chief Coach class between Los Angeles and Williams, plus one-way Grand Canyon Railway Coach class from Williams to the South Rim.
- Do I sleep on the train?
- Yes, two of the six nights are spent onboard the Southwest Chief in Coach class seating.
- Which trains are used?
- The Southwest Chief and the Grand Canyon Railway, both in Coach class.
- Is it guided or independent?
- It's a mix: a guided tour on arrival at the Grand Canyon and a full-day guided Sedona day trip, with a free day at the Grand Canyon and a free morning in Flagstaff to explore at your own pace.
- What hotels are used?
- Yavapai Lodge at the Grand Canyon, plus a choice of six hotels in Flagstaff such as the DoubleTree by Hilton Flagstaff or Little America Hotel Flagstaff.
- What is not included?
- Only one breakfast is listed as included; other meals are not mentioned as included.
