Amtrak Vacations
Americas National Parks Roundtrip from Chicago
Chicago roundtrip rail trip to Rocky Mountain, Arches, Canyonlands and Yellowstone parks
11 daysfrom $4,289
36% rail
Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation
Yellowstone to Yosemite by Rail
11-day rail trip from Chicago to San Francisco via Yellowstone and Yosemite
Amtrak Vacations' Yellowstone to Yosemite by Rail is an 11-day independent rail vacation that starts in Chicago, rides the California Zephyr one-way to San Francisco, and stops at both Yellowstone and Yosemite National Parks along the way. Two days in Chicago, with a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour and time to walk the Magnificent Mile, lead into an overnight train ride through the Great Plains and the Rockies, a route the operator says experienced travelers call one of the most beautiful in North America. From Salt Lake City, a round-trip shuttle reaches West Yellowstone for a guided tour of the Lower Loop, including Old Faithful Geyser and Isa Lake on the Continental Divide, before the train continues on to San Francisco. There, a day trip crosses the Bay Bridge and the Sierra Nevada Mountains to reach Yosemite. This suits travelers who want two national parks and three cities on one itinerary, with the rail journey itself treated as a highlight.
What to know before you look closer
- The trip offers a choice of 23 hotels across Chicago and Salt Lake City spanning multiple tiers, from the Holiday Inn Chicago Downtown to the Waldorf Astoria Chicago; which one you get depends on the tier selected at booking, and no specific hotel is named for West Yellowstone or San Francisco.
- The Salt Lake City to West Yellowstone legs are covered by an included shuttle, not by train, despite the trip being sold as a rail journey.
- No meals are listed as included on this 11-day trip; day 6's itinerary explicitly notes lunch is on your own at Old Faithful Village.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Chicago
Your Journey Begins in Chicago
Welcome to Chicago! Breeze into the "Windy City," and after you are all settled in, take some time to explore all this amazing city has to offer. You can start using your multi-day hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour. Or, if you are in the mood to shop, take a leisurely stroll down the Magnificent Mile, which offers world-class shopping, dining, and other great attractions. If you are a fan of music, check out one of the many famous blues clubs in the area.
- Day 2overnight: Chicago
Chicago, IL
Continue to explore Chicago with your multi-day hop-on, hop-off sightseeing city tour and head to any landmarks you did not get a chance to see yesterday. While you tour everything from underground streets to internationally-acclaimed skyscrapers, the tour guides are excited to share their in-depth knowledge.
- Day 3railovernight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Travel to Chicago's Union Station and board Amtrak to Salt Lake City. Enjoy America's majestic landscapes as you travel on the California Zephyr® through the Great Plains. Experienced travelers say this train route is one of the most beautiful in all of North America. Sit back and relax as you climb through the heart of the Rockies to continue your journey out to the West Coast.
- Day 4railovernight: Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City, UT
Continue to take in the stunning views of Utah's Wasatch Mountains as you complete your train ride west to Salt Lake City. Upon your arrival in Salt Lake City, you will travel on your own to your hotel for a relaxing evening before your busy day tomorrow.
- Day 5overnight: West Yellowstone
Salt Lake City to West Yellowstone
Early this morning, hop on your included shuttle service that will take you to West Yellowstone. Yellowstone is widely held to be the first national park in the world and is home to the most impressive geothermal features in North America. The sights here are simply stunning and will not disappoint. After you arrive in the early evening, you can settle into your hotel for a good night's sleep. You have a full day of sightseeing ahead of you tomorrow!
- Day 6overnight: West Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park
Enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of Yellowstone's lower loop. Highlights of this tour include Old Faithful Geyser, the Old Faithful Inn, Isa Lake on the Continental Divide, and many more stunning landmarks. After your tour, you will have time to grab lunch on your own at the Old Faithful Village.
- Day 7overnight: Salt Lake City
West Yellowstone to Salt Lake City
Today, take a leisurely cruise back to Salt Lake City aboard the included shuttle. Then, the evening is yours to spend enjoying this gorgeous city.
- Day 8railovernight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Discover all Salt Lake City has to offer on a guided sightseeing city tour of all of Salt Lake City's hot spots. You'll see the magnificent Salt Lake Mormon Temple and even hear the renowned Tabernacle Organ. You'll also visit Pioneer Park, Brigham Young's Territorial Governor's Mansion, and, of course, the Great Salt Lake! Make your own way to the Amtrak Station and board the train west to California.
- Day 9overnight: San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
Upon your arrival at Emeryville Station, you will board your included transfer to San Francisco. 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 fresh seafood and crusty sourdough bread.
- Day 10overnight: San Francisco
San Francisco to Yosemite to San Francisco
Spend the entire day exploring one of America's most iconic landmarks, Yosemite National Park. Your day will kick 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 will have 2.5 hours to hike and shop in Yosemite Village. You will arrive back at your hotel just in time for a spectacular San Francisco sunset.
- Day 11
Your Journey Ends in San Francisco
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 3The California Zephyr climbs through the heart of the Rockies on the ride from Chicago to Salt Lake City, a route experienced travelers call one of the most beautiful in North America, per the operator.
- Day 6A full-day guided tour of Yellowstone's Lower Loop visits Old Faithful Geyser, the Old Faithful Inn, and Isa Lake on the Continental Divide.
- Day 8A guided city tour of Salt Lake City takes in the Mormon Temple, the Tabernacle Organ, Pioneer Park, Brigham Young's Territorial Governor's Mansion, and the Great Salt Lake, before boarding the train west to California that evening.
- Day 10A day trip crosses the Bay Bridge at sunrise and climbs past the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Central Valley to spend the day in Yosemite National Park.
Included
- One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Chicago to Salt Lake City; Salt Lake City to San Francisco on the California Zephyr®
- Round-trip shuttle transfer from Salt Lake City to West Yellowstone
- 8 nights' hotel accommodations; 2 nights' onboard Amtrak
Also sold by
The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.
- Railbookersfrom $3,199
Questions travellers ask
- Is train travel included?
- Yes, one-way Amtrak Coach travel from Chicago to Salt Lake City and Salt Lake City to San Francisco on the California Zephyr is included, plus 2 nights onboard.
- Is it escorted or independent?
- It's listed as an independent rail vacation, with guided sightseeing tours included in Chicago, Yellowstone, Salt Lake City, and Yosemite.
- Which train is used?
- The California Zephyr, in Coach class, one-way from Chicago to San Francisco via Salt Lake City.
- What hotels are included?
- A choice of 23 hotel options across Chicago and Salt Lake City, including the Waldorf Astoria Chicago, Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile, and the Peery Salt Lake City Downtown; no specific hotel is named for West Yellowstone or San Francisco.
- How does the Salt Lake City to Yellowstone leg work?
- By round-trip shuttle transfer, not train.
- How much does it cost?
- From $2,509 USD, about $228 per day.
