Amtrak Vacations
America Coast to Coast
Coast-to-coast Amtrak rail journey from New York City to San Francisco
15 daysfrom $2,669
40% rail
Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation
Yellowstone to Yosemite featuring Canyon Spirit
Independent rail vacation Chicago to San Francisco via Yellowstone and Canyon Spirit
Amtrak Vacations operates this 14-day, 13-night independent rail vacation across the American West, starting in Chicago and ending in San Francisco. The trip opens with two days of sightseeing in Chicago, including a hop-on, hop-off city tour, before travelers board the California Zephyr west to Denver. From Denver, three consecutive days aboard the Canyon Spirit in Signature Class carry travelers through the Rockies to Glenwood Springs, on to the red rock country around Moab, and into Salt Lake City, with an overnight stop in each town along the way. A shuttle then connects to West Yellowstone for a full-day tour of Yellowstone's lower loop before rejoining the California Zephyr toward San Francisco, with a side visit to Yosemite National Park near the close of the trip. Because hotels are booked from a list of options across tiers and cities, this trip suits independent travelers who want to set their own pace between scheduled train days rather than follow a fixed group itinerary.
What to know before you look closer
- Amtrak Vacations lists 27 accommodation options across different tiers and cities for this trip; the specific hotel you get depends on which tier and city option is chosen.
- The Salt Lake City to West Yellowstone leg is covered by an included shuttle rather than a train.
- The evidence pack does not list current departure dates; confirm scheduling directly with Amtrak Vacations.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Chicago
Your Journey Begins in Chicago
Welcome to the Windy City! Upon arrival in Chicago, make your way to your centrally located hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to begin exploring this iconic destination. Perhaps take a stroll along the Magnificent Mile, enjoy views of Lake Michigan, or admire the city's world-renowned architecture.
- Day 2overnight: Chicago
Chicago
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 3overnight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight On Board Amtrak®
Enjoy a final morning in Chicago before you board the California Zephyr at Chicago's Union Station this afternoon to begin your journey west. Relax onboard and enjoy the passing scenery, crossing the Mississippi and traveling through wide open plains as you head to Denver, Colorado.
- Day 4overnight: Denver
Denver
Welcome to Denver, also known as 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 arrive in the morning and have lots of free time today to start exploring all Denver has to offer.
- Day 5overnight: Denver
Denver (Rocky Mountain National Park)
Today, enjoy an included excursion to Rocky Mountain National Park. Travel through breathtaking alpine scenery, winding mountain roads, and expansive valleys. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as elk and bighorn sheep while taking in sweeping views of the Rockies. Return to Denver for an evening at leisure.
- Day 6railovernight: Glenwood Springs
Denver to Glenwood Springs (Canyon Spirit)
Board the Canyon Spirit train and begin your unforgettable journey through the Rockies. Travel alongside rushing rivers and through dramatic canyons as you make your way to Glenwood Springs. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the evening in this charming mountain town.
- Day 7railovernight: Moab
Glenwood Springs to Moab (Canyon Spirit)
Rejoin the Canyon Spirit for another spectacular day of rail travel. Witness a dramatic shift in scenery from alpine landscapes to the striking red rock formations of the American Southwest. Arrive in Moab and enjoy an evening at leisure.
- Day 8overnight: Salt Lake City
Moab to Salt Lake City (Canyon Spirit)
Complete your Canyon Spirit journey as you travel through expansive desert landscapes and rugged terrain en route to Salt Lake City. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.
- Day 9overnight: West Yellowstone
Salt Lake City to Yellowstone National Park
This morning, hop on your included shuttle service 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. 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 10overnight: 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 11overnight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight On Board Amtrak®
Depart Yellowstone and return to Salt Lake City, where you will board the iconic Amtrak® California Zephyr®. Settle into your onboard accommodations and relax as your journey west continues.
- Day 12overnight: San Francisco
San Francisco
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 13overnight: San Francisco
San Francisco to Yosemite National Park
Travel to Yosemite National Park, where towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and scenic valleys await. Spend time exploring this breathtaking natural wonder before returning to San Francisco or overnighting nearby, depending on your program.
- Day 14rail
Your Journey Ends in San Francisco
This incredible journey comes to a close. As you depart, you'll carry with you unforgettable memories of breathtaking national parks and the remarkable experiences of your rail adventure.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 5An included excursion travels through Rocky Mountain National Park's alpine scenery and winding mountain roads, with a chance to see elk and bighorn sheep.
- Day 6The Canyon Spirit train travels from Denver to Glenwood Springs alongside rushing rivers and through dramatic canyons.
- Day 7The Canyon Spirit continues from Glenwood Springs to Moab, where the scenery shifts from alpine landscapes to the red rock formations of the American Southwest.
- Day 10A full-day tour of Yellowstone's lower loop stops at Old Faithful Geyser, the Old Faithful Inn, and Isa Lake on the Continental Divide.
- Day 13The trip visits Yosemite National Park, with its granite cliffs, waterfalls, and scenic valleys, before returning toward San Francisco.
Included
- 11 nights' hotel accommodations; 2 nights' onboard Amtrak
- One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Chicago to Salt Lake City and Salt Lake City to San Francisco on the California Zephyr®
- Three-day journey aboard the Canyon Spirit in Signature Class
Questions travellers ask
- Is train travel included in the price of this trip?
- Yes. The package includes one-way Amtrak Coach travel on the California Zephyr between Chicago, Salt Lake City, and San Francisco, plus a three-day journey aboard the Canyon Spirit in Signature Class between Denver and Salt Lake City.
- Is this trip escorted or independent?
- Amtrak Vacations classifies it as an independent rail vacation. A few stops include guided excursions, such as the Rocky Mountain National Park excursion and the Yellowstone lower loop tour, but travel between cities is on your own.
- Which trains are used on this trip?
- The California Zephyr in Coach class and the Canyon Spirit in Signature Class.
- What hotels does the trip use?
- Amtrak Vacations offers 27 accommodation options across different tiers and cities. Sample choices include the Palmer House Hilton, the Waldorf Astoria Chicago, and the Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile in Chicago, and the Kimpton Hotel Monaco and Warwick Denver Hotel in Denver.
- How much walking does this trip involve?
- The itinerary includes a multi-day hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of Chicago and a full-day sightseeing tour of Yellowstone's lower loop, both vehicle-based tours rather than hikes.
- How much does this trip cost?
- Amtrak Vacations prices this trip from $4,819 per person, in USD.
