California Zephyr with Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

Get set for your Wild West adventure as you board Amtrak's California Zephyr at Chicago Union Station. Settle into your onboard accommodations, sit back and relax as the train begins its journey west. Walk through the train to the glass-walled Sightseer Lounge car for panoramic views of the passing scenery. Overnight train.

Spend the day enjoying the changing scenery from your onboard accommodations or the Sightseer Lounge car, the train's social center. Follow along on your route map as the train makes its way through Iowa, Nebraska, and Colorado on its way to Utah. Arrive in Salt Lake City this evening and transfer independently to your centrally located hotel. Overnight Salt Lake, UT. 

Transfer on your own to the Salt Lake City airport and pick up your rental car. Visit some of Salt Lake City's famous attractions, such as the Mormon Temple and historic State Capitol, before driving to the cowboy town of Jackson. Walk the wood-plank sidewalks, take a picture by the elk antler arch, and enjoy its excellent shops and restaurants. Overnight Jackson, WY. 

Jackson is the gateway to Grand Teton National Park. Enjoy a leisurely drive through the park, stopping to admire the spectacular mountain scenery, on your way to Yellowstone National Park. En route to your accommodations in West Yellowstone, stop to see some of Yellowstone National Park's scenic wonders, including West Thumb Geyser Basin. Overnight West Yellowstone, WY.

You have two full days to explore the natural wonders in Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone is the largest active geyser field in the world and home to the most, Old Faithful. There are also many colorful hot springs and pools, such as the Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Norris Geyser Basin. Explore the Upper and Lower Falls or take a hike on one of the many trails throughout the parks 1,300-mile trail system.

Wildlife spotting is the main event. The park is home to abundant wildlife. Grizzly and Black bears, bison, elk, wolves, coyotes, and eagles are just some of the animals that call this national park home. See how many you can spot! Take a drive through Hayden Valley for the chance to encounter roaming bison. Overnight West Yellowstone, WY.

Begin your scenic drive back to Salt Lake City. Return your rental car at the airport and taxi on your own back to the Amtrak Station for an evening departure aboard the California Zephyr. Overnight train. 

On today's train journey, pass by the Sierra Nevada Mountains, historic Donner Pass and quaint towns before arriving in Emeryville, CA. Connect to San Francisco's Ferry Building on the Amtrak Thruway Bus. Overnight San Francisco, CA.

Your vacation concludes today. Ask a rail specialist about extending your stay to explore the "City by the Bay." Named one of the world's top cities, San Francisco is a cultural and culinary wonderland, where the spirit of the Gold Rush continues to fill the air. From the Golden Gate Bridge and Chinatown to Alcatraz, ride the cable cars, see the world's most crooked street and stroll around Fisherman's Wharf. You won't be able to resist the sweet treats at The Ghirardelli Chocolate Ice Cream Shop at Ghirardelli Square. And be sure to cruise around San Francisco Bay, where you're sure to leave your heart.