An adventure into the great West, this journey tells a story of
Earth's wonders and magnificent displays of nature through visits
to six of America's most beloved national parks
Set your sights on amazing scenes of America's West with visits
to six national parks on this unforgettable rail tour. The journey
begins on Amtrak's Empire Builder, aboard which beautiful vistas of
the Northern Prairies create the serene backdrop for the start of
our trip. Our first visit is to Whitefish, where Glacier National
Park's glaciers, lakes, and wildlife set the tone for our discovery
of America's natural wonders. Our immersive journey continues south
to the awesomeness of Yellowstone, the vast expanses of meadows and
mountains that is Grand Teton National Park, and into Utah where
Bryce and Zion National Parks wait to show us their treasures. Our
trip culminates in the sheer majesty of the Grand Canyon. From the
scenery to the iconic sites and the wildlife, your camera and your
heart will overflow with memories from this voyage.
Cross the Continental Divide on a drive along the Going-to-the-Sun Road aboard vintage Red Jammer buses.
Yellowstone National Park
Discover fumaroles, hot springs, and geysers—including the most famous, Old Faithful— in America’s first national park, Yellowstone.
Teton Range
Stand in awe of the Teton Range, which rises to the sky without foothills.
Bryce Canyon National Park
See the colorful wind-shaped hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park.
Zion National Park
Explore the hanging gardens and waterfalls in Zion National Park.
Grand Canyon
Witness the majesty of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon.
What’s included on the tour?
Accommodation
Hotel accommodations for 10 nights
Transportation
Rail travel on Amtrak (1 night on train)
Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
Food & Drink
Meals on train included when upgrading to private sleeping accommodations
14 meals
Luggage
Baggage Handling
Excursions & Entertainment
National Park Entrance Fees
Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Grand Canyon National Parks touring
Lake Powell Cruise
National Oregon/California Trail Center visit
Not Included
Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
Flights and Airport transfers not included
Itinerary
Depart Chicago aboard the Empire Builder
Arrive at Chicago Union Station early this afternoon and board
the legendary Empire Builder. Settle into your onboard
accommodations and prepare for your overnight rail journey.
Travelers may elect to travel from Seattle or points in-between and
meet your tour manager in Whitefish. Overnight train.
En Route to Whitefish
Spend the day admiring the sights of the Northern Prairies from
the train's glass-walled Sightseer Lounge and chatting with your
fellow travelers about the adventures to come. On arrival in
Whitefish this evening, we meet our motorcoach and transfer to our
hotel. Overnight Whitefish, MT.
Glacier National Park & Going-to-the-Sun Road
Nature's beauty is on full display during our visit to Glacier
National Park. Here, we 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. Best of
all, we experience it from the comfortable seat of a 1930s-era Red
Jammer bus, the park's most iconic form of transportation. With
large windows and a roll-back top, the bus offers endless views of
the surrounding scenery. This evening, join your Tour Manager and
fellow travelers for dinner at the hotel. Overnight Whitefish,
MT.
Includes
Breakfast, Dinner
Scenic Drive to West Yellowstone
Today brings a full day of travel as we drive through the
Northern Great Plains south to West Yellowstone, MT. The natural
scenery showcased along the journey illustrates the unique beauty
of America's West. After our arrival in West Yellowstone, you have
the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight West Yellowstone,
MT.
Includes
Breakfast
Yellowstone National Park & Old Faithful
Yellowstone is America's first national park, established in
1872. Today's full-day tour with a Yellowstone certified guide
includes a narrated drive through the Hayden Valley and visits to
Mammoth Hot Springs, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, the Fountain
Paint Pot, and-perhaps the most famous natural wonder in the
park-Old Faithful. Overnight West Yellowstone, MT.
Includes
Breakfast
Grand Teton National Park
The day begins with a drive into Wyoming. As the Teton Range
joins the landscape, we know we're approaching our destination,
Grand Teton National Park, home to more than 300,000 acres of
protected land comprised of verdant valleys, meadows, and lakes.
Here, we 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. We continue to Jackson,
known as the gateway to Grand Teton National Park. The remainder of
the day and evening is at leisure to get acquainted with the town
or relax at the hotel. Overnight Jackson, WY.
Includes
Breakfast
Jackson at Leisure
Jackson is a charming Wild West town complete with a town square
bordered by elk antler arches, Western and contemporary shops, a
variety of restaurants, and cowboy bars. Today is at leisure to
explore the town or immerse yourself in nature in nearby Grand
Teton National Park. There are over 200 miles of hiking trails to
explore, as well as optional activities such as a leisurely scenic
float trip along the Snake River, biking, or fishing. Overnight
Jackson, WY.
Includes
Breakfast
National Oregon/California Trail Center
Our journey south continues today as we travel by deluxe
motorcoach to Salt Lake City. Watch as some of the most incredible
scenes the West has to offer unfold before your eyes. En route, we
visit the National Oregon/California Trail Center in Montpelier,
ID, where we learn firsthand about this historic pioneer route and
experience a simulated wagon train ride. Upon arrival in Salt Lake
City, there is time to explore on your own. Overnight Salt Lake
City, UT.
Includes
Breakfast
Bryce Canyon National Park Touring
Today we journey to Bryce Canyon National Park to see its
amazing sights, including spectacular hoodoos-colorful rocks which
have been sculpted by erosion into pillars. Our route takes us
along the high rim to major vantage points, such as Sunset
Point. After a day of exploration, dinner at Ebenezer's Dinner
Show is just the thing to complete the day. Overnight Bryce
Canyon City, UT.
Includes
Breakfast, Dinner
Experience 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. Aboard an open-air tram, we learn little-known facts
about the park through narration and soak in these sights and more.
The tour makes photo stops at the Great White Throne and the Temple
of Sinawava, as well.
After exploring Zion National Park, we board our deluxe
motorcoach for the scenic drive to Page, AZ. Here, visit to
the Carl Hayden Visitors Center, situated atop the Glen Canyon
Dam and we board the Canyon Princess for a 2-hour dinner
cruise on Lake Powell. Marvel at the brilliant display of colors as
the setting sun falls behind the surrounding cliffs and mountains.
Savor fresh, chef-prepared meals while taking in the views and
chatting with your fellow travelers. Overnight Page, AZ.
**Please Note: Select departures will do a Lake Powell Cruise
and dinner in the Rainbow Room at Lake Powell Resort.
Includes
Breakfast, Dinner
Grand Canyon National Park
We start the day with a drive to perhaps one of the most
awe-inspiring destinations: The Grand Canyon, one of the Seven
Natural Wonders of the World. During our visit, we have the chance
to drink in the expansive views and grasp the enormity of this site
from several observation areas, including Mather Point. Enjoy time
to take in the scenes and famed attractions of the Grand Canyon on
your own. We travel to Flagstaff this evening and join our Tour
Manager and fellow travelers for a farewell dinner. Overnight
Flagstaff, AZ.
Includes
Dinner
Tour Conclusion
With the memories of six national parks fresh in your mind, your
journey through America's treasures concludes this morning. A group
transfer to Flagstaff Airport is available for flights departing
after 10:00 a.m. and Phoenix Airport for flights
departing after 1:00 p.m.
Amtrak accommodations are available in Coach class,
Roomette, and Bedroom.
Coach accommodations include a reclining
seat with leg rest.
Roomette accommodations include a private
cabin featuring two comfortable seats beside a picture window
during the day, converting to an upper and lower berth at
night.
Bedroom accommodations feature a sofa and
chair by day, and upper and lower berth by night. Bedroom
accommodations also include a sink and self-enclosed toilet and
shower. All travelers have access to the Sightseer
Lounge.
Roomette and Bedroom accommodations include all meals aboard the
train. Sleeping car passengers aboard the Empire Builder enjoy
meals in the train's Dining car. New contemporary and fresh dining
choices replace traditional dining car service. Sleeping car
passengers may elect to have a chilled prepared meal selection
delivered to your Roomette or Bedroom or enjoy meals in a private
cafe or lounge car.
Please note
Prices are land-only, per person based on double occupancy.
Prices are correct at the time of this web page going live; however
are subject to confirmation at time of booking. Hotels &
Accommodations are subject to change based on availability.
Recommended Airport
Departure times
Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This
information will be provided in your final documents. For more
information please speak with your rail specialist.
Mobility information
Due to the nature of our tours, they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. Please reference our Mobility Ratings Information, and if you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-877-929-7245.
Hotels
Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, Bryce Canyon City
Amtrak's Empire Builder follows a 2,200-mile route connecting
Chicago, IL, and Seattle, WA, or Portland, OR. This iconic journey
highlights America's cityscapes and natural beauty as it follows a
pioneer route through the Northern Prairies. While the scenery is
spectacular throughout, one of the most impressive portions comes
as the Empire Builder passes by Glacier National Park.
Many of our guests choose to spend additional nights
before or after their trip. Great Rail Journeys
would be happy to make hotel arrangements for you.
Rail Your Way
Great Rail Journeys can supply connecting rail from your closest
Amtrak Station.
Reviews
4.7 / 5 · 85 reviews
5 stars
(59)
4 stars
(26)
3 stars
(0)
2 stars
(0)
1 star
(0)
James Moser
Submitted 15/Aug
The best vacation that I have been on for 54 years!!! I will never forget it and hope to take more Amtrak Vacations in the very near future. Everything was well planned and the trip coordinator was fabulous!!
Collected by Trustpilot
Dennis Coffey
Submitted 15/Aug
We met a lot of new people. They enhanced our experience so much.
Our tour guide was friendly and knew so much about the places we visited.
Our hotels were clean and the food excellent.
The adventure was our second with the Vacation by Rail people. We look forward to the next one.
Collected by Trustpilot
Paul Stec
Submitted 15/Aug
The itinerary was excellent ans enhanced by our tour guide Sally who was simply outstanding. The write-up about the tour of the parks, as good as it was, does not do justice to the beauty we saw.
Collected by Trustpilot
Anna Ray
Submitted 11/Aug
I enjoyed everything about our adventure! I would suggest omitting Zion and giving more time to another park.
Collected by Trustpilot
Nancee REIMANN
Submitted 15 Sep 2023
The train trip from Chicago to Whitefish, MT was a difficult ride. Staying in the coach seats was really uncomfortable. I believe that there was a defect in the seat I was in; a bent hard wire on the right side was irritating my leg. My husband had a VERY difficult time sleeping, or getting any rest in those seats. I would have considered the bedroom or the other option, but I believed the prices to be OUTRAGEOUS! In December, I was quoted a price over $1K for ONE NIGHT! In May, the price had increased to OVER THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS!!!! Had we flown to Whitefish, or somewhere close by, I think the overall trip would have been much better. I realize that your name is VACATIONS BY RAIL, however, much of the time on the train was during darkness, so not much scenery was available.