Colorado Rockies to Yosemite National Park

A showcase of natural beauty lies ahead as your vacation begins in the "Mile High City," Denver. Colorado's capital city has an enticing blend of urban amenities and nature, with mountain views in the distance and a bustling atmosphere. As you arrive, make your own way to your centrally located hotel and check in for the first of two nights, and then you are free to explore.

Denver's streets are filled with intrigue, featuring plenty of art galleries and museums to explore, including the Denver Art Museum. The city has a thriving music scene and is famous for its craft beer, with plenty of breweries making unique brews. Amongst its walkable neighborhoods are also a range of diverse eateries, offering everything from local favorites like Rocky Mountain oysters to international cuisine. Overnight Denver.

The grandeur of the Rocky Mountains is undeniable, and today, you can experience it for yourself. Make your own way to Union Station this morning for an 8-hour tour that takes you into Rocky Mountain National Park.

On the drive there, the van makes its way through Boulder, following winding roads past quaint mountain towns. You might even catch a glimpse of the infamous Stanley Hotel, which was featured in "The Shining." Inside the park, look for black bears, elk, deer, wolves, bighorn sheep and many species of birds as you take in the glorious scenery. You will have an opportunity to get out and explore some of the best viewpoints on foot.

Upon returning to Denver, the remainder of the day is yours to continue exploring the city independently. Overnight Denver.

Your journey of ever-changing vistas of the American West begins this morning as you make your own way to Union Station to board Amtrak's California Zephyr. Your destination is the incredible city of San Francisco, the "City by the Bay." Settle into your onboard accommodations and watch as the train begins its journey into the Rockies.

For an unforgettable perspective on the scenery, you might like to head up to the train's sightseer lounge, which features floor-to-ceiling windows. This lounge is open to passengers of all service classes and has comfortable seating from which to admire the views. Highlights of today's travels include crossing the Continental Divide while traveling through the Moffat Tunnel and traversing Byers and Glenwood Canyons. Later in the evening, the train crosses the border into Utah, continuing its route toward the coast. Overnight train.

Upon waking this morning, Reno's contrasting landscape comes into sight. It is amazing how the angular buildings of the "Biggest Little City in the World" contrast with the rugged terrain and mountains surrounding it.

As the California Zephyr continues west, the rugged peaks of the Sierra Nevadas give you plenty to see. The train skirts the Truckee River and climbs Donner Pass before descending through California. The scenery continues to transform until the California Zephyr rolls into the Emeryville train station later this afternoon.

Transfer from the station to the heart of San Francisco, and check into your hotel near Fisherman's Wharf. The rest of the evening is then free to experience the city. Grab some of the best seafood on the West Coast at one of the Wharf's restaurants, look for seals resting on the piers or sightsee aboard the classic cable cars. Overnight San Francisco.

Today, you have a chance to soak in California's immense natural beauty during a memorable excursion to Yosemite National Park. Your full-day tour begins with a scenic drive inland, taking you through cities and remote desert landscapes before arriving at America's third-oldest national park.

During your time here, enjoy a scenic walk through the giant sequoias and photo opportunities at Half Dome, El Capitan and Yosemite Falls, a set of three waterfalls that plunge a total of more than 2,400 feet. There is also some free time to stroll along the trails and independently explore the park's incredible features. A knowledgeable guide joins you as you make your way to, from and through the park to ensure you get the most from your time in this crowning jewel of America.

Upon returning to San Francisco this evening, you are free to relax at the hotel or make the most of this diverse city's culinary offerings. Overnight San Francisco.

From the sky-high mountains of Colorado to the untamed grandeur of Yosemite National Park and all the beautiful landscapes that fell in between, this rail journey has shown many sides of the West. In addition to nature, you have also gotten the chance to soak up the unique features of two of the country's most impressive cities and captured the old-world romance of a rail vacation on the California Zephyr.

Your journey concludes this morning upon checking out of your hotel. You are free to make your way home or continue on at leisure. If you are not ready to leave San Francisco behind, speak to a Rail Specialist about adding additional nights.