America’s Treasures & Natural Wonders

Explore the most stunning spots in America's west with this 14-day tour of national parks that highlight the country's magnificent natural wonders.

Tour Description

Kick off your journey in Chicago or Los Angeles as Amtrak's Southwest Chief takes you on a scenic ride into the beauty of America's southwestern scenery. Once you arrive in Flagstaff, Arizona, you begin a trip northward that stops at six different national parks. Start with one of the best views of the area with a visit to Grand Canyon where you will see this natural wonder from multiple vantage points.

Then enjoy a tram ride through Zion National Park and view its beautiful gorges, idyllic waterfalls and the highest peak of West Temple. In Bryce Canyon National Park, a guided tour will highlight the colorful rocks that have been sculpted by erosion into pillars, known as hoodoos.

You can then explore the sights of Salt Lake City as you split the day between a guided tour and free time. Next, an overnight stay in Jackson Hole, gateway to Grand Teton National Park and a quintessential cowboy town.

After viewing the Grand Teton National Range, you'll have two days to visit Yellowstone National Park, where you can awe at the sights of hot springs, Old Faithful geyser, and roaming wildlife. The final stop is a daylong tour of Glacier National Park, complete with a trek along Going-to-the-Sun Road, which crosses the Continental Divide. After days of touring, enjoy a relaxing train ride on the Empire Builder back to Chicago, as you bid farewell to the Rockies and welcome the northern prairies.

Tour Photos

Highlights and Inclusions

• Roundtrip rail travel on Amtrak (2 nights on train)
• Hotel accommodations for 11 nights
• 15 meals, including dinner at the Rainbow Room and a Chuckwagon dinner
• Meals on the train included when upgrading to private sleeping accommodations
• Grand Canyon National Park
• Zion National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Grand Teton National Park
• Yellowstone National Park including Old Faithful
• Going-to-the-Sun Road aboard vintage Red Jammer buses
• Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
• Services of a professional tour manager
• Baggage handling

Itinerary

Day 1 - Depart Chicago aboard the Southwest Chief
Board the legendary Southwest Chief in Chicago or Los Angeles, settle into your onboard accommodations and prepare for your overnight rail journey. Overnight train.

Day 2 - En-Route to Flagstaff
Spend the day admiring the sights from the train's glass-walled Sightseer Lounge and chatting with your fellow travelers about the adventure that awaits. Overnight Flagstaff, AZ.

Day 3 - Grand Canyon National Park
Your discovery of some of America's natural treasures begins this morning with a visit to the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World! Highlights include expansive views—and excellent photo opportunities—from several observation areas including Mather Point. This afternoon, visit the Carl Hayden Visitor Center before arriving in Page. Dinner tonight will be at the popular Rainbow Room. Overnight Page, AZ. (B, D)

Day 4 - Zion National Park
This morning we set off to explore Utah's first National Park, Zion. The Park is full of stunning sights including the enormous stone masses of the West Temple, hanging gardens and waterfalls, and Zion Canyon, the spectacular gorge carved by the Virgin River. Tonight, enjoy an evening of old fashioned western fun, music, and great cowboy food. Overnight Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon, UT. (B, D)

Day 5 - Bryce Canyon National Park
Today we visit Bryce Canyon National Park, where we'll see some spectacular hoodoos, colorful rocks which have been sculpted by erosion into pillars. A local guide will take us along the high rim to major vantage points like Sunset Point. Following our exploration, we'll travel to Salt Lake City with the evening at leisure. Overnight Salt Lake City, UT. (B)

Day 6 - Salt Lake City
Embark on a comprehensive tour of Salt Lake City this morning. Highlights include the Mormon Temple and Tabernacle, Brigham Young's Monument, Beehive House, Lion House, Eagle Gate, University of Utah, Fort Douglas and Utah Olympic Park. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the city on your own. Overnight Salt Lake City, UT. (B)

Day 7 - Jackson Hole
Travel by coach today to Jackson, WY. After your scenic journey, there is time to explore this resort community. Overnight Jackson Hole, WY. (B)

Day 8 - Grand Teton Range
Your day begins with a visit to the Chapel of Transfiguration, a rustic log church with fantastic views of the looming Grand Teton Mountains rising from the ground with no foothills. Enjoy lunch at Jackson Lake Lodge. This afternoon our travels continue to Yellowstone National Park, featuring the world's most extensive area of geothermal activity. Overnight West Yellowstone, MT. (B)

Day 9 - Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is America's first National Park, established in 1872. Begin to explore this two million-acre treasure with visits to some of its most notable sights like Mammoth Hot Springs and Tower Junction. Following lunch on your own, visit Artist Point and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Overnight West Yellowstone, MT. (B, D)

Day 10 - Yellowstone Sightseeing
Your second day in Yellowstone finds you on a drive through the Hayden Valley. Keep an eye out for bison and other wildlife! Highlights of the day include Old Faithful and the Paint Pots. Overnight West Yellowstone, MT. (B)

Day 11 - Whitefish, MT
Today we travel north by coach to Whitefish, MT. Plan to arrive in the late afternoon with your evening at leisure. Overnight Whitefish, MT. (B)

Day 12 - Glacier National Park
Embark on a half-day tour of one of America's most beautiful attractions, the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Considered one of the outstanding scenic roadways of the world, the drive offers magnificent views of the mountain scenery. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner hosted by your tour manager. Overnight Whitefish, MT. (B, D)

Day 13 - Empire Builder to Chicago
Transfer to the Whitefish Amtrak Station and prepare for your scheduled boarding of the iconic Empire Builder at 7:46 am. Settle into your onboard accommodations as the train begins its journey east. Sit back and enjoy the scenery, the company of your fellow travelers, and some delicious meals. Overnight train. (B)

Day 14 - Tour Conclusion
When you awake this morning, the Empire Builder will be departing Minneapolis, winding along the banks of the Mississippi River. You're scheduled to arrive in Chicago late this afternoon where your discovery of the West's natural wonders comes to an end.

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Dates & Prices

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• Amtrak Coach
• Amtrak Roomette
• Amtrak Bedroom