Grand Tetons and Yellowstone Rail Journey Roundtrip from Chicago
8 Days
4 Destinations
Trip Itinerary
Lose yourself in the unbelievable beauty of the wilderness of two of America’s grandest national parks: Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. Your eight-day roundtrip rail journey from Chicago will offer experiences and views you won’t find anywhere else! There’s never a bad time to visit these parks. Travel across the Heartland before stopping in Salt Lake City en route to Jackson Hole. Once you arrive in Grand Teton National Park, you’ll quickly realize its grandeur—and how less crowded it is than most national parks. From there, this incredible journey continues north to Yellowstone National Park, where the Grand Prismatic Spring and Grand Canyon of Yellowstone with leave you in awe.

Depart from Chicago's Union Station for a journey west to the national parks. (Overnight onboard Amtrak)
Accommodation Options

Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile

Holiday Inn Chicago Downtown Wolf Point

Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile

Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown Riverwalk

The train journey today will take you through spectacular scenery. As the train makes its way through Colorado to Utah, you will be treated to an amazing array of mountain landscapes. Relax and soak in the experience from the comfort of your train. This evening, you arrive to Salt Lake City and rest up for the night. (Overnight in Salt Lake)
Accommodation Options

Hilton Salt Lake City Center

Holiday Inn Express Salt Lake City Downtown

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City

Hilton Garden Inn Salt Lake City Downtown

Sheraton Salt Lake City

Hilton Salt Lake City Center

Today you will take your rental car and drive up to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. From there, you will be exploring the beauty of Grand Teton National Park. Upon arrival check into your hotel and have the evening free to relax and explore this charming town. (Overnight in Jackson Hole)

This morning, you are picked up and taken for a wildlife exploration of Grand Teton National Park. While enjoy the park's stunning scenery, your guide will be taking you to some of the best spots for spotting the area's abundant wildlife. Keep your eyes open for the bison, elk, and other animals that make the park their home. This afternoon, take the short drive you Yellowstone and check in to your hotel located in the heart of this national park. (Overnight in Yellowstone National Park)
Accommodation Options

Grant Village

Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins

Lake Lodge Cabins

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins

Old Faithful Inn

Today you will be whisked away on a journey through the vast beauty of Yellowstone National Park. Your guide will point out craggy peaks, sprawling meadows, and the abundant geothermal features such as the famous Old Faithful geyser. It is hard not to be overwhelmed by this breath-taking destination. (Overnight in Yellowstone National Park)
Accommodation Options

Grant Village

Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins

Lake Lodge Cabins

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins

Old Faithful Inn

This morning check out of your hotel and head back to Salt Lake City. Once you arrive back, check in to your hotel and have the night to relax on your own. (Overnight in Salt Lake City)
Accommodation Options

Hilton Salt Lake City Center

Holiday Inn Express Salt Lake City Downtown

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City

Hilton Garden Inn Salt Lake City Downtown

Sheraton Salt Lake City

Hilton Salt Lake City Center

Board Amtrak and head back east to Chicago. As the train winds its way home, reflect on the wonderful national parks you have just explored! (Overnight on Amtrak)
Accommodation Options

Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile

Holiday Inn Chicago Downtown Wolf Point

Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile

Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown Riverwalk

Trip Details
What's Included
- 5 nights' hotel accommodations, 2 nights onboard Amtrak®
- Half day sightseeing tour of Grand Teton National Park
- Sightseeing tour of Yellowstone National Park.*
- 5-day midsized car rental
- Roundtrip Amtrak in Coach accommodations from Chicago, Illinois onboard the California Zephyr®
*Yellowstone Lower Loop Tour is seasonal. During winter months, Old Faithful Explorer Tour will be substituted.