America’s National Parks

  • California + 10 more
  • Independent USA Rail Holidays, Rail Holidays, USA Rail Holidays,
  • 13
from  £2,549 pp
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Introduction

Enjoy some of the most gorgeous landscapes in the world on this train tour from Denver to Salt Lake City that includes three spectacular national parks – Yellowstone, Arches, and Canyonlands – as well as time in the great cities of Salt Lake and San Francisco. Begin in Denver, where you will take in some of the best alpine scenery in North America at Rocky Mountain National Park. Arches and Canyonlands National Park will provide awe-inspiring crags and rock formations. And no park offers more spectacular landscapes, impressive geysers and geo-thermal features, or more abundant wildlife than Yellowstone. Along the way, tour popular Salt Lake City attractions such as the Mormon Tabernacle and the varied points of interest in San Francisco such as Fisherman’s Wharf, Haight-Ashbury, and Union Square.  An amazing journey awaits!

Trip Highlights

⭐ Sightseeing tour of Rocky Mountain National Park
⭐ Sightseeing tour of Arches and Canyonlands National Park
⭐ Sightseeing city tour of Salt Lake City
⭐ Dinner at The Roof Restaurant in Salt Lake City
⭐ Roundtrip transfers between Salt Lake City and West Yellowstone
⭐ Sightseeing tour of Yellowstone National Park*
⭐ Multi-day hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of San Francisco
⭐ San Francisco CityPASS® including:

  • California Academy of Sciences
  • Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure
  • Aquarium of the Bay OR Walt Disney Family Museum
  • Exploratorium OR San Francisco Zoo

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

 

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in 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 2: 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 journey back, you'll get a chance to enjoy several photo opportunities and a break for refreshments. (Overnight in Denver)

Day 3: 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 4: Grand Junction - Arches and Canyonlands - 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 two thousand 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 5: 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 6: Salt Lake City


Day 7: Salt Lake City - Yellowstone National Park

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 Yellowstone National Park)

Day 8: Yellowstone National Park

Enjoy a full-day tour of the lower loop of Yellowstone. 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 Yellowstone National Park)

Day 9: Overnight on board Amtrak

Today, take a leisurely drive back to Salt Lake City aboard the included shuttle. Spend a little more time relaxing this afternoon or this evening at your hotel or spend some time exploring the city further as you prepare for your evening departure on the train. (Overnight onboard Amtrak)

Day 10: San Francisco

Today's train journey through the American West and California is a wonderful sightseeing opportunity in and of itself. Grab some excellent views of the Sierra Nevadas as Amtrak delivers you to the “City by the Bay”. (Overnight in San Francisco)

Day 11: San Francisco

You have a day full of sightseeing opportunities ahead of you. Use your included pass for the hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour to receive a wonderful guided journey around the city. You will experience places such as Golden Gate Park, Chinatown, Pier 39, Union Square, and many more. Hop-on and off the tour as you choose to spend more time visiting those landmarks that most interest you. Your included CityPASS also provides some amazing admissions for activities like a visit to the California Academy of Science or a sightseeing cruise around the bay. (Overnight in San Francisco)

Day 12: San Francisco

Continue using your hop-on, hop-off tour and CityPASS to experience San Francisco at your own pace. There is so much to see and do. After having seen so much of America, relax this evening with an included dinner at Fisherman's Wharf to reminisce about the amazing experiences you've enjoyed. (Overnight in San Francisco)

Day 13: San Francisco

Your independent rail tour ends today.

Speak with a Discover North America Travel Specialist about extending your trip.