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Grand National Parks Discovery on the California Zephyr
Amtrak Vacations | 13 Days | Denver to San Francisco
January - October 2026 Departures
Experience the true grandeur of America’s national parks on this 13-day rail holiday to Rocky Mountain, Arches and Canyonlands, Zion, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite National Parks! Of course, you’ll also be stopping in some iconic cities along the way, such as Denver, Salt Lake City and San Francisco, and riding aboard the famous California Zephyr train! All of these places should be on your travel bucket list! Why? Because North America’s national parks are priceless treasures filled with unforgettable adventures and scenery. By the time you wrap up this rail journey, you’re bound to have collected many memories and photographs.
AAA Member Benefits and Special Offers
- Member Benefit
- Up to $50 per booking savings
- AAA Vacations Amenities
- Double member benefit of up to $100 per booking savings
Call to Book
1-800-529-3222
Included With Your Trip
What's Included?
- One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Denver to Grand Junction; Grand Junction to Salt Lake City; Salt Lake City to San Francisco on California Zephyr®
- 5 day compact car rental
- Roundtrip transfers from Salt Lake City to West Yellowstone
- 11 nights' hotel accommodations
Trip Highlights
- Sightseeing tour of Rocky Mountain National Park.*
- Sightseeing tour of Arches & Canyonlands National Parks
- Free days to explore Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef and Zion National Park
- Sightseeing tour of Yellowstone National Park
- 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.
Additional Information
Day 1: Your Journey Begins in Denver
Welcome to the Denver, AKA, the "Mile High City." This scenic metropolis is located 5,280 feet above sea level and offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. After you check into your hotel, you'll have lots of free time to start exploring all Denver has to offer. There is much to see and do, like Red Rocks Park, the Denver Art Museum, Denver Zoo and more. (Overnight in Denver)
Day 2: Denver, Colorado
Today, you'll enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Rocky Mountain National Park! Departing from Denver, this small group tour features some awesome highlights that are sure to get you excited. Along the way, you'll pass historic towns and breath-taking landscapes. Once in Rocky Mountain National Park, have an included picnic lunch, view wildlife, see the continental divide, relax alongside rivers and streams, and see the Stanley Hotel (made famous in the Shining). There is also an optional hike you can take. Rocky Mountain National Park will make you feel like you're on top of the world! After the tour, you'll be transferred back to Denver. (Overnight in Denver)
Day 3: Moab, Utah
Today, you'll travel to the Amtrak station on your own to board the iconic California Zephyr train from Denver to Grand Junction. Take in all the views from your seat, such as snow-capped mountains, river-carved canyons, and tree-lined cliffs. When you arrive, pick up your included car rental and head to Moab, nestled between Arches and Canyonlands National Park. Check into your hotel for a two-night stay and you can begin exploring or rest up for your adventures tomorrow. (Overnight in Moab)
Day 4: Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
Ready to explore Arches and Canyonlands National Parks? Today is the day! Highlights of your tour include the Colorado River, multiple iconic arches, rock pinnacles, spires, and much more. These parks feature some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in America and are sure to illicit plenty of oohs and aahs from anyone who visits. The incredible panoramic vistas you'll experience of Canyonlands from Island in the Sky is a view that will stay with you for years to come! (Overnight in Moab)
Day 5: Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks
Enjoy the day visiting Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks at your leisure. Have your camera ready as you drive along Scenic Byway UT-12 and pass slickrock canyons, towering plateaus and massive red rock formations. Drive through Waterpocket Fold reef geologic formation and witness the amazing sandstone domes resembling capitol buildings - both of which give Capitol Reef National Park its name. At Bryce Canyon, discover the largest collection of rock hoodoos and natural rock amphitheaters on earth. (Overnight in Springdale)
Day 6: Zion National Park
Journey through Zion National Park, featuring picturesque trails, stunning vistas, vermillion cliffs, canyons, jagged skyline, and interesting flora and fauna. Be sure to visit popular sights, including Court of the Patriarchs, Emerald Pools, Weeping Rock, Temple of Sinawava and the Grotto. (Overnight in Springdale)
Day 7: Salt Lake City, Utah
Today, begin the drive back to Grand Junction. Later this afternoon head to the Amtrak station and board your train to Salt Lake City. When you arrive, check into your hotel and then begin getting to know the "Crossroads of the West." (Overnight in Salt Lake City)
Day 8: West Yellowstone
Early this morning, hop on your included transfer service that will take you to West Yellowstone. Yellowstone is widely held to be the first national park in the world and is home to the most impressive geothermal features in North America. The sights here are simply stunning and will not disappoint. After you arrive in the early evening, you can settle into your hotel for a good night's sleep. You have a full day of sightseeing ahead of you tomorrow! (Overnight in West Yellowstone)
Day 9: West Yellowstone
America's first national park is yours to explore today! Your tour picks you up for a journey through Yellowstone. Along the way, your guide will provide some amazing insights into the park, its history, and of course, its abundant wildlife. Famous spots such as Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, Hayden Valley, and Yellowstone Lake are all part of the experience. There is no place on earth like Yellowstone National Park. (Overnight in West Yellowstone)
Day 10: Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Today, you'll take your included transfer from West Yellowstone back to Salt Lake City before travelling on your own to the Amtrak station to board your overnight train to beautiful San Francisco! (Overnight onboard Amtrak)
Day 11: San Francisco, California
When you arrive in San Francisco, travel on your own to your hotel and check in. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city at your leisure. Visit iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts, or Coit Tower historic districts, coffeehouses, Fisherman's Wharf, or simply relax and take it easy. A favourite for travelers is taking a ferry ride on their own to see Alcatraz Prison or embarking on a Bay cruise. Stop to see the famous switchbacks of Lombard Street, or relax in Mission Dolores Park. (Overnight in San Francisco)
Day 12: Yosemite National Park
Enjoy your ride out to Yosemite National Park from San Francisco today! Are you ready to discover all the beauty and wonder of a national park that has been touted to be among the most beautiful places in the world? Located along the Sierra Nevada Mountains in central California, Yosemite's remote corners and beaten paths never get old. During your day tour of Yosemite from San Francisco, you'll get to experience the park's legendary landmarks, views, and history. See El Capitan (look for rock climbers high up on the rock face), Yosemite Falls, Inspiration Point, Half Dome, and Yosemite Village from a unique perspective and learn all about the park's history. Find peace and serenity among giant sequoia trees or when sitting by the Merced River. Following your sightseeing tour, you'll be transferred back to San Francisco for your final night's stay. (Overnight in San Francisco)
Day 13: Your Journey Ends in San Francisco
Price My Trip
Product Code: AAA-Amtrak_LF
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