National Parks Discovery on the California Zephyr
8 Days
5 Destinations
Trip Itinerary
Take an iconic train journey to four amazing national parks on this eight-day journey through classic mountain and desert terrain. Start in Denver with an immersive tour of the scenery and wildlife of Rocky Mountain National Park. From Denver, board Amtrak’s iconic California Zephyr for one of the most scenic train journeys in the country as the train heads west through the Sierra Nevadas and then through dramatic red rock desert formations. Make a two-night stop in Moab and take an unforgettable sightseeing tour of nearby Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Re-board the Zephyr for the final leg of your journey west to San Francisco. Discover the ‘City by the Bay’ and take an exhilarating day-trip to Yosemite National Park to cap off this epic train adventure.

Welcome to Denver! Located 5,280 feet above sea level, Denver, or the "Mile-High City" offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and is the perfect place to start your discovery of some of America's best national parks! Enjoy the scenery and breathtaking Rocky Mountain views as you head to your hotel to settle in for the night. (Overnight in Denver)
Accommodation Options

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver

Hotel Indigo Downtown Denver-Union Station

Magnolia Denver

Holiday Inn Express Denver Downtown

Embassy Suites by Hilton Denver Downtown Convention Center

Hilton Denver City Center

Today you will experience the majestic splendor of the Rocky Mountains on an exhilarating full-day sightseeing tour of Rocky Mountain National Park. 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! You'll definitely want your camera on hand for this tour as well as the drive back to your hotel, as you'll be able to enjoy several photo opportunities along the way! (Overnight in Denver)
Accommodation Options

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver

Hotel Indigo Downtown Denver-Union Station

Magnolia Denver

Holiday Inn Express Denver Downtown

Embassy Suites by Hilton Denver Downtown Convention Center

Hilton Denver City Center

Board the train this morning for your scenic and comfortable journey west- regarded as one of the most beautiful train trips in North America. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada's and the dramatic red rock formations. Upon arrival, your transfer will take you to your hotel in Moab where you will check in for a two-night stay and can begin exploring the shops, restaurants and galleries of the charming downtown area.. (Overnight in Moab)
Accommodation Options

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Moab

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Moab
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Hampton Inn Moab

Homewood Suites by Hilton Moab

Moab Valley Inn

Aarchway Inn

Today you'll have a full-day tour of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Arches National Park is a geological treasure featuring 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the world famous Delicate Arch. The park's rich colors, textures, and landforms highlight the extraordinary balanced rocks, fins, and pinnacles. Canyonlands National Park offers a stunning landscape filled with countless canyons, mesas, and buttes, carved by the mighty Green and Colorado rivers. Experience the park from the astounding Island in the Sky, a scenic drive that follows the rim of the mesa and offers amazing views. (Overnight in Moab)
Spend some time today enjoying Moab before re-boarding the Zephyr for your journey to San Francisco. Relax and settle in for a relaxing Overnight on the train! (Overnight onboard Amtrak)

Wake up on the train this morning to incredible desert views out your window as the train continues West toward San Francisco. After your train pulls into Emeryville Station, you will hop onto Amtrak's Thruway Bus and head straight to San Francisco's lively 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. (Overnight in San Francisco)
Accommodation Options

Hotel Zephyr

Kimpton Alton Hotel - On the San Francisco Waterfront

InterContinental San Francisco

Fairmont San Francisco

Omni San Francisco Hotel

Fairmont San Francisco

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. (Overnight in San Francisco)
Accommodation Options

Hotel Zephyr

Kimpton Alton Hotel - On the San Francisco Waterfront

InterContinental San Francisco

Fairmont San Francisco

Omni San Francisco Hotel

Fairmont San Francisco

Trip Details
Trip Highlights
- Sightseeing tour of Rocky Mountain National Park.*
- Sightseeing tour of Arches & Canyonlands National Parks
- Sightseeing tour of Yosemite National Park
*Rocky Mountain National Park Tour is seasonal. A combination city and mountain parks tour will be offered in the off season.
What's Included
- One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Denver to Grand Junction; Grand Junction to San Francisco on California Zephyr®
- 6 nights' hotel accommodations
- Roundtrip transfers between Grand Junction and Moab