Grand National Parks Adventure

The Grand National Parks package includes:

• One-way Amtrak accommodations from Chicago to Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City to San Francisco, San Francisco to Seattle, Seattle to Glacier National Park, and Glacier National Park to Chicago
• Travel on the California Zephyr, Coast Starlight, and Empire Builder routes
• 10 nights' hotel accommodations
• 5 nights' onboard Amtrak
• 6 meals included (3 dinners, 3 breakfasts)
• Guided sightseeing tour of Yellowstone's Lower Loop
• Comprehensive tour of Yosemite National Park
• Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of San Francisco
• Admission to the Space Needle Observatory Deck in Seattle
• Big Sky Circle Tour of Glacier National Park
• Two Medicine Valley Boat Cruise in Glacier National Park
• All national park entrance fees

The Grand National Parks tour is a comprehensive 15-day journey that covers 6 major destinations across the American West. The itinerary includes:

• 1 day in Chicago (departure)
• 1 day in Salt Lake City
• 2 days in Yellowstone National Park
• 1 day in San Francisco
• 1 day in Yosemite National Park
• 1 day in Seattle
• 3 days in Glacier National Park
• 5 overnight segments aboard Amtrak trains

This duration ensures you have ample time to experience the highlights of each national park without feeling rushed.

The package includes travel on three of Amtrak's most scenic and celebrated routes:

• California Zephyr® (Chicago to Salt Lake City): Often called Amtrak's most beautiful route, it travels through the Rocky Mountains with spectacular views of canyons, deserts, and mountain passes.
• Coast Starlight® (San Francisco to Seattle): Runs along the stunning Pacific coastline with views of ocean cliffs, forests, and the Cascade Mountain Range.
• Empire Builder® (Seattle to Glacier National Park and back to Chicago): Follows parts of the Lewis and Clark trail with dramatic views of glaciers, mountains, and the northern plains.

All routes feature spacious seating, large windows, observation cars, and dining facilities.

Yes, the package includes 6 meals: 3 dinners and 3 breakfasts at select locations during the tour. Additional meals can be:

• Purchased onboard Amtrak trains in the dining car or cafe
• Enjoyed at local restaurants during your hotel stays
• Amtrak's dining cars offer full-service meals with a variety of options including vegetarian, gluten-free, and other dietary preferences
• Most hotels included in the package are located near dining options

The package includes two types of accommodations:

• Hotel Accommodations (10 nights): Quality hotels conveniently located near city centers or national park entrances. All rooms include private bathrooms, amenities, and are based on double occupancy.
• Amtrak Accommodations (5 nights): Coach class seating on Amtrak trains with reclining seats, ample legroom, and access to observation cars. Upgrade options to sleeping accommodations are available including:
  • Roomette: Private accommodation for 1-2 people with convertible seats to beds
  • Bedroom: Larger private room with in-room toilet and shower
  • Bedroom Suite: Combination of two bedrooms

Sleeping accommodation upgrades include all meals in the dining car.

The Grand National Parks tour is rated as moderate activity level:

• Includes walking on paved paths and some uneven terrain in national parks
• Guided tours involve getting on and off buses or boats
• Some optional hiking opportunities available for those who want more activity
• Most sightseeing is accessible, but certain areas may have stairs or inclines
• Train travel involves navigating between cars and possibly stairs on double-decker trains

If you have mobility concerns, please contact us to discuss accessibility options and potential modifications to the itinerary.

The ideal time for the Grand National Parks tour is from late May through September:

• May-June: Spring wildflowers, flowing waterfalls, fewer crowds
• July-August: Warm weather, all park facilities open, peak visitation
• September: Fall colors, comfortable temperatures, reduced crowds

Important seasonal considerations:

• Glacier National Park's Going-to-the-Sun Road typically opens fully in late June/early July
• Yosemite's waterfalls are most spectacular in spring and early summer
• Yellowstone's higher elevations may have snow into June
• Some park facilities may have reduced services in shoulder seasons

Yes! Amtrak Vacations offers several customization options:

• Start from any of the 500+ Amtrak Stations across the United States
• Upgrade to sleeping accommodations onboard the train
• Add extra nights in a favorite destination
• Select your own hotel accommodations
• Add additional sightseeing tours or activities
• Take the itinerary in reverse direction
• Extend your stay before or after the main tour

Contact our vacation specialists to discuss options for your personalized national parks adventure.