America's National Parks Roundtrip from Chicago

Trip Overview

This is a trip where memories are made and talked about for years to come. Your 11-day roundtrip rail journey from Chicago includes a visit to four phenomenal national parks: Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain, Arches, and Canyonlands. Climb aboard Amtrak’s California Zephyr to Grand Junction in Colorado, which is considered one of the most unforgettable train trips in North America. Discover the gorgeous Colorado wilderness in Rocky Mountain National Park, take advantage of perfect photo opportunities in lands that appear to have been forgotten by time in Canyonlands and Arches, and tour Yellowstone’s Upper Geyser Basin and spot wildlife in Lamar Valley. Before returning to Chicago, you’re guaranteed to have the experience of a lifetime, and the photos to prove it!

Highlights

Sightseeing tour of Rocky Mountain National Park*
Sightseeing tour of Arches and Canyonlands National Park
Roundtrip transfers between Salt Lake City and West Yellowstone
Sightseeing tour of Yellowstone National Park**

Package Also Includes:

One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Chicago to Denver; Denver to Grand Junction; Grand Junction to Salt Lake City; Salt Lake City to San Francisco onboard the California Zephyr®
7 nights' hotel accommodations; 2 nights onboard Amtrak

*The Rocky Mountain National Park Tour is seasonal from late May to late September on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. The Denver Highlights Tour will be offered when the Rocky Mountain National Park Tour is unavailable.

**Yellowstone Lower Loop Tour is seasonal. During winter months, Old Faithful Explorer Tour will be substituted.

Disclaimer:

Package prices are per person, double occupancy, tax included. Prices do not include rail from your hometown. Please call for pricing. Package prices are subject to change without notice, and all reservations are based upon availability at the time of booking. Amtrak travel is for Coach accommodations unless otherwise noted. Upgrades to Roomette or Bedroom accommodations on board Amtrak are available. Call for pricing. Other restrictions may apply. Activities referenced in the itinerary during free time are for suggested purposes only and are not included. Seasonal activity (if applicable): During the off-season, some tours may not be available. In this case, a similar tour will be substituted. Passports (if applicable): Passports are required when crossing the Canadian border. Amtrak and Amtrak Vacations are registered service marks of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.

DAY 1 CHICAGO > DENVER
Depart this morning from Chicago on Amtrak's California Zephyr for a scenic and relaxing journey to Denver. Enjoy comfortable overnight accommodations onboard the train, including meals and amenities. Your national park journey has just begun! (Overnight onboard Amtrak)

DAY 2 DENVER
Welcome to Denver! Enjoy the views of the fabulous Rocky Mountains as you make your way to your hotel. After you settle in, take some time to explore the downtown area of the Mile-High City, where you'll find lots of museums, art galleries, craft beer bars, and so much more! The Denver Art Museum, located right in downtown Denver, has one of the largest Native American art collections in the world. (Overnight in Denver)

DAY 3 DENVER
Experience the majestic splendor of the Rockies on an exhilarating full-day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park. This gorgeous site, often celebrated for its abundance of animals and spectacular views of the Rockies, is one of the most beautiful national parks in the world, so don't forget your camera! On your return journey, you'll get a chance to enjoy several photo opportunities and a break for refreshments. (Overnight in Denver)

DAY 4 DENVER > GRAND JUNCTION
Travel to the Amtrak station and board the California Zephyr to Grand Junction for one of the most beautiful train trips in all of North America. As you climb through the heart of the Rockies and further west through the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas, you may find it hard to disagree. After your arrival in the afternoon, enjoy the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the red rock landscape of Grand Junction at your leisure. If you're looking for something to do, try exploring downtown and visit some of the shops, restaurants, or art galleries. (Overnight in Grand Junction)

DAY 5 GRAND JUNCTION
Today you'll cross the border into Utah for a full-day tour of two spectacular national parks: Arches and Canyonlands. 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 Grand Junction)

DAY 6 GRAND JUNCTION > SALT LAKE CITY
Travel to the Amtrak station and board the train to Salt Lake City. Take in the unparalleled views of Utah's gorgeous Wasatch Mountains as you head west on the California Zephyr. (Overnight in Salt Lake City)

DAY 7 SALT LAKE CITY > WEST YELLOWSTONE
Today your included roundtrip shuttle service will to take you to West Yellowstone. Widely held to be the first national park in the world, Yellowstone National Park is home to the most impressive geothermal areas in all of North America. (Overnight in West Yellowstone)

DAY 8 WEST YELLOWSTONE
Enjoy a full-day tour of the lower loop of West Yellowstone, open seasonally. Highlights of this fascinating tour include Old Faithful Geyser, the Old Faithful Inn, Isa Lake on the Continental Divide, and many more amazing sites. You'll have some leisure time to enjoy lunch on your own at the Old Faithful Village and do some exploring of the area if you desire. (Overnight in West Yellowstone)

DAY 9 WEST YELLOWSTONE > SALT LAKE CITY
Today, take a leisurely drive back to Salt Lake City aboard the included shuttle. Spend the evening at your own pace enjoying all that the city has to offer. Venture out to Olympic Park or explore the vibrant and growing restaurant scene downtown. (Overnight in Salt Lake City)

DAY 10 SALT LAKE CITY > CHICAGO
Board the train this morning for your overnight return journey to Chicago. (Overnight onboard Amtrak)

DAY 11 YOUR JOURNEY ENDS IN CHICAGO

Legend for meals: B - Breakfast, BR - Brunch, L - Lunch, D - Dinner

Clarion Hotel Denver Central

Located at the crossroads of I-25 & I-70 just north of Downtown Denver, the Quality Inn Central hotel in Denver, CO offers an affordable and convenient place to stay in Denver.

Doubletree by Hilton Grand Junction

Step into a resort-style paradise at the DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Junction hotel. Your premier upscale Grand Junction hotel is newly renovated and overlooks the lush valley and famous bluffs of the Grand Mesa Plateau. Located just minutes from Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) with easy access to I-70, our Grand Junction hotel is also close to local businesses like West Star Aviation, St. Mary's Hospital, Community Hospital as well as Colorado Mesa University, local vineyards, wineries and historic Downtown Grand Junction

Grand Vista Hotel

The Grand Vista Hotel is conveniently located near the airport in Grand Junction and is close to Colorado Mesa University and the Two Rivers Convention Center.

Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Downtown

Discover Salt Lake City destinations in the downtown area surrounding the Radisson, from Capitol Theater and Temple Square to the Family History Library, Gateway Shopping Center and City Creek Shopping Center. SLC Airport is just a short commute thanks to the nearby Arena TRAX light rail station, and Hogle Zoo provides hours of entertainment for families.

Sheraton Salt Lake City Hotel

Sheraton Salt Lake City Hotel is perfectly located on 500 South, in the heart of the downtown business and entertainment district and three blocks from the Salt Palace Convention Center.

Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone

Located in the heart of West Yellowstone, the new 50-cabin property provides a unique vacation experience. Enjoy stylish décor, upscale linen and your own private cabin. The kitchenettes allow for light cooking to enjoy a simple meal.

Gray Wolf Inn And Suites

The Gray Wolf Inn & Suites is conveniently located next to the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone - the four-season getaway to Yellowstone National Park. Our free deluxe continental breakfast, included with every room, is served in the lobby adjacent to the signature Gray Wolf lobby fireplace. For dinner we recommend the The Oregon Short Line Restaurant, located two blocks away at the Holiday Inn West Yellowstone Hotel.

Holiday Inn West Yellowstone

If you're looking for the best Yellowstone National Park lodging close to the Park's West entrance, you've found it! The hotel is located is just three blocks from Yellowstone National Park. We're the premier destination for Yellowstone family vacations, memorable meetings and corporate retreats. All guest rooms and corridors were renovated in early 2014.

Yellowstone Park Hotel

Built in 2007 and featuring an attractive list of amenities and a AAA® Three-Diamond rating, the well-appointed, non-smoking Yellowstone Park Hotel has earned a loyal guest following. Best of all, it's located three blocks from the West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park and less than an hour's drive from the lower geyser basin and Old Faithful.