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Railbookers · Self-guided rail vacation

Yellowstone to Yosemite by Rail

Amtrak rail trip linking Chicago, Yellowstone, and Yosemite

Illustration of Yellowstone to Yosemite by Rail

Railbookers runs this 11-day, 10-night self-guided rail vacation across the United States, starting in Chicago and ending near San Francisco after a day trip to Yosemite National Park. After two days in Chicago with a hop-on hop-off sightseeing pass, travelers board Amtrak's California Zephyr for an overnight Coach-class journey to Salt Lake City, crossing the Great Plains and climbing through the Rockies. A round-trip shuttle then connects to West Yellowstone for a full-day sightseeing tour of Yellowstone's lower loop, including Old Faithful Geyser and Isa Lake on the Continental Divide, before returning to Salt Lake City for a guided city tour and a second overnight Amtrak journey to San Francisco. From there, a day trip crosses the Bay Bridge at sunrise on the way to Yosemite. This suits travelers who want two of America's national parks paired with long-distance train travel, and who don't mind Coach seating rather than a private sleeper cabin on the overnight legs.

What to know before you look closer

  • The overnight train segments, Chicago to Salt Lake City and Salt Lake City to San Francisco, are booked in Amtrak Coach accommodations, not a private sleeper cabin.
  • Our evidence for this itinerary does not include a full day-by-day description for every day; days 4, 9, and 11 are not itemized, though the overall route and what's included are clear.
  • The Yellowstone Lower Loop sightseeing tour is seasonal; in winter months, the operator substitutes the Old Faithful Explorer Tour instead.

Day by day

  1. 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. There is so much to do and see in Chi-Town, you will not run out of great places to scope out.

  2. 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.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Salt Lake City

    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. (Overnight onboard Amtrak) Day 4 Salt Lake City, UT View Details Continue to take in the stunning views of Utah's Wasatach 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.

  4. 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!

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. Day 8railovernight: San Francisco

    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. (Overnight onboard Amtrak) Day 9 San Francisco, CA View Details 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.

  8. 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.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3An overnight ride on Amtrak's California Zephyr, described as one of North America's most beautiful train routes, crossing the Great Plains and climbing through the Rockies.
  • Day 6A full-day sightseeing tour of Yellowstone's lower loop, taking in Old Faithful Geyser, the Old Faithful Inn, and Isa Lake on the Continental Divide.
  • Day 8A guided Salt Lake City tour of the Mormon Temple, the Tabernacle Organ, and the Great Salt Lake, before boarding the overnight train to California.
  • Day 10Sunrise views crossing the Bay Bridge on the way to Yosemite National Park, passing the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains.

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.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes one-way Amtrak Coach travel from Chicago to Salt Lake City and from Salt Lake City to San Francisco on the California Zephyr, both overnight journeys, plus a round-trip shuttle between Salt Lake City and West Yellowstone.
Is the overnight train a private sleeper?
No. The included overnight Amtrak segments are Coach accommodations, not a private sleeper cabin.
Is this trip guided or self-guided?
It is a self-guided rail vacation. Sightseeing tours are included in Chicago, Yellowstone National Park, Salt Lake City, and Yosemite National Park, with free time otherwise.
How many nights are included?
10 nights total: 8 nights in hotels and 2 nights onboard Amtrak.
When does the Yellowstone tour run?
The Yellowstone Lower Loop Tour described in the itinerary is seasonal; the operator substitutes the Old Faithful Explorer Tour during the winter months.
How much does the trip cost?
Prices start from $2,539 per person (USD), about $231 per day.

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