Grand National Parks with Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon

Head over to Union Station in Chicago to board the California Zephyr train heading West. You are on your way to the national parks!

Keep your camera handy as your train makes its way west. This journey from Chicago takes you across the waving fields of grain that make up the Great Plains and through the soaring peaks of the Rocky Mountains. As you arrive to Salt Lake City, head to your hotel for the evening.

Awake this morning and continue on to Yellowstone. Your cross-country journey takes in some amazing mountain scenery along the way.

Today you will experience the majesty of Yellowstone, the world's first national park. Formed from the remains of an extinct super-volcano that exploded around 600,000 years ago, the park is a full of alpine lakes, flowing rivers, jagged peaks, expansive forests, hot springs and geysers. Your included tour allows you to experience all of this while stopping at a number of thrilling landmarks such as the world-famous geyser, Old Faithful. Keep your eyes open for the abundant wildlife that inhabit Yellowstone such as elk, bears, pronghorn, and even wolves! Yellowstone is an absolute wonder!

You are transported back to Salt Lake City today to board your train heading to the West Coast and Yosemite National Park. Enjoy dinner and spectacular views of the city at The Roof Restaurant before departing on the train in the evening.

This evening you will arrive in San Francisco. Check into your hotel to relax or head out to enjoy dinner or some sights. The evening is yours.

Today's trip to Yosemite National Park is one of the highlights of your journey. After being picked up from your hotel, you will ride cross country, through California's agricultural heartland. This is a relaxing trip through some very charming countryside. Your visit to Yosemite itself is a chance to experience all the park is famous for: rocky peaks such as El Capitan, abundant pine forest, a variety of wildlife, and more. This evening you return to San Francisco.

This morning you begin a truly scenic journey down to the California coast. Savor the beautiful rolling hills and amazing ocean views as you travel south. This evening, you stop for a night in Los Angeles before your vacation continues to the Grand Canyon.

Before your train departs in the evening, take some time to explore Los Angeles. Use your included tour which will help you learn all about Hollywood with a visit to some of the homes of the stars. Later on, head over to Union Station and board the Southwest Chief bound for the Grand Canyon.

ou arrive in Williams, Arizona today headed for the Grand Canyon itself. Enjoy breakfast at the Fred Harvey Restaurant as you prepare to board the Grand Canyon Railway. This classic train ride runs through the largest expanse or ponderosa pine forest views of some charming southwest scenery. The train ends at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Formed over millions of years, the waters of the Colorado River have carved the Canyon into one of the wonders of the natural world. Your included tour picks you up from the South Rim and takes you all around for sightseeing while your guide provides a wealth of fascinating information about the area. The views are absolutely spectacular! You will stay this evening at the South Rim.

This morning is yours to continue exploring the Grand Canyon. Relax by the Canyon and just enjoy the atmosphere. Take some time to visit some local attractions such as the historic Hopi House. In the afternoon, you will return to Williams on the Grand Canyon Railway. Dinner is included this evening as you prepare for the journey home.

Today you depart from Williams in the morning. Enjoy the desert sunrise as your train winds its way east. As the landscape rolls by out your window, take some time to reflect on all the amazing experiences you've had along the way.

Have a safe journey.