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California Zephyr with Yosemite National Park - Chicago to San Francisco

 
4.3 stars(18 reviews)
You are viewing the 2026 itinerary. Select your departure year
20262027
Duration
8 days
From per person
$2,295 $2,095
Tour code
TU-ZYMW-26
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View Dates & Pricing
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Travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary
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Explore both big city culture and grand natural wonders with this trip that takes you from Chicago to San Francisco, traversing through the Rockies and Sierra Mountains, topping off with a visit to beautiful Yosemite National Park.

The only thing more appealing than a train vacation through the Rocky and Sierra Mountains is one that includes a visit to the waterfalls and Giant Sequoia groves of Yosemite National Park. Your great western rail adventure begins in Chicago with a two-night stay in this Midwest metropolis, providing ample time to explore the highlights such as the Bean in Millennium Park, a Ferris wheel ride at Navy Pier, or a stop to do some shopping in one of the several fabulous stores lining the Magnificent Mile.

After you're done discovering "The Windy City", continue on your train vacation as you board Amtrak's legendary California Zephyr for a two-night rail journey across the plains of the Midwest into the snow-capped Rocky and Sierra mountain ranges to San Francisco. During your two-night stay in the City by the Bay, spend the first part visiting famed highlights such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Fishermans Wharf, or a take a ride on one of the city's classic cable cars.

Conclude your stay in San Francisco with a visit to the famous Yosemite National Park. Known for its dazzling waterfalls and vibrant evergreen forests, discovering the wonders of this National Park is the absolute ideal way to complete this unique rail adventure.

Unforgettable Experiences

Amtrak’s California Zephyr
Amtrak’s California Zephyr
Enjoy a classic overnight rail adventure aboard Amtrak’s California Zephyr.
Chicago
Chicago
Get a new perspective of Chicago on an architectural river cruise.
San Francisco
San Francisco
See San Francisco’s popular attractions on a guided sightseeing tour.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park
Explore Yosemite National Park’s natural wonders on a full-day excursion.

What’s included on the tour?

Itinerary

DAY1Chicago

Arrive in Chicago and spend the day exploring the city at your leisure with a hop on/hop off tour. See Millennium Park, the theatre district, the Art Institute, Navy Pier, the John Hancock Observatory, Willis Tower and other important city landmarks. Overnight Chicago.

DAY2Chicago Sightseeing

Admire the architectural gems of Chicago during this 90-minute River Architecture tour. See the city with unobstructed views from a boat cruising along the river. Learn about over 130 years of the city's history and sightsee from a new angle. Overnight Chicago.

DAY3Depart Chicago aboard the California Zephyr

Arrive at Chicago's historic Union Station for your 1:50 pm departure and prepare for your train adventure. Once onboard the iconic California Zephyr, settle into your onboard accommodations for the 2,400+ mile journey across the country to San Francisco. As the train chugs across the Midwest, make sure to visit the Sightseer Lounge to meet some new friends and admire the passing scenery. Enjoy dinner in the Dining Car as you cross the mighty Mississippi River. Overnight train.

DAY4California Zephyr and the Rockies

Stunning views of the Colorado Rockies await you this morning as the Zephyr climbs the front range of the Rockies. Keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy the breathtaking scenery from your onboard accommodations, or opt for a more panoramic setting in the Lounge Car. During the summer months, take advantage of the opportunity to learn about the area through which you're traveling during a Trails and Rails presentation conducted by volunteer rangers as you travel from Denver to Grand Junction. Overnight train.

DAY5San Francisco

The train arrives in Reno, Nevada mid-morning and continues across the border into California, climbing through the legendary Donner Pass, the high point in the northern Sierra Nevada Mountains. The California Zephyr is scheduled to arrive in Emeryville around 4:10 pm this afternoon. Upon arrival, hop a shuttle for your transfer to the San Francisco Ferry building, where you can get a taxi to your hotel located near Fisherman's Wharf. Overnight San Francisco.

DAY6San Francisco Sightseeing

Spend the day exploring the "City by the Bay" on an included guided tour. Learn about San Francisco's history from the early Spanish settlers and the Gold Rush to today. Passing through the country's largest Chinatown and the popular Fisherman's Wharf, your journey continues to Pacific Heights and Fort Point - an ideal spot to take that perfect photo of the Golden Gate Bridge. After viewing the ancient trees of Muir Woods National Monument, your tour concludes at the Palace of Fine Arts Theater.

There is an option to add a visit to Alcatraz on the end of your guided tour. Alternatively, opt to swap the city sightseeing tour to join a walking food tour of the Mission District or enjoy a half-day tour of the Sonoma wine country. Overnight San Francisco.

DAY7Yosemite National Park

Discover the wonders of Yosemite National Park on a full-day excursion to Yosemite Valley and the Giant Sequoias. Visit El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls and Inspiration Point before driving to a lesser-traveled part of the Park for a chance to hike in the evergreen forest to see the world's largest living things: a grove of Giant Sequoia trees! Overnight San Francisco.

DAY8Return Home

Your California Zephyr and Yosemite National Park vacation comes to an end today. Check out of your hotel and transfer on your own to the airport or railway station for your return travel home.

Additional information

Hotel Accommodations

Hotels are centrally-located, well-appointed properties such as the Palmer House Hilton, Chicago and Hotel RIU Plaza Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco. 

Pricing Plans

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. 

Please note

Please be aware Amtrak may experience occasional schedule changes and service disruptions.  Great Rail Journeys recommends visiting the Amtrak web site prior to your departure for the latest information.

Arrival and Departure times are subject to change. Please be advised that passengers traveling on California Zephyr Trains may encounter delays of approximately three to six hours due to heavy congestion, speed restrictions and other operating conditions. Chicago Historical Tour is not available on Thursdays and substitution of equal value would occur. The Giant Sequoias hike on the excursion to Yosemite is dependant on snow levels and trail conditions.

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.

Find out more
California Zephyr
Amtrak's California Zephyr

From the heart of the Midwest to the stunning Pacific coast, the California Zephyr reveals the ever-changing landscapes of the United States, one mile at a time. This is one of the most popular of Amtrak's overnight rail journeys, traveling from  Chicago, IL, to Emeryville, CA, in the San Francisco Bay Area. The route encompasses over 2,400 miles and includes fantastic views of the Rocky and Sierra Nevada Mountains, Byers and Glenwood Canyons, the deserts of Utah, San Pablo Bay, and many other scenes that can only be captured from the rails. 

Find out more

Enhance your trip

Elevate Your Adventure

Extend your stay

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

4.3 stars4.3 / 5 · 18 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (9)
  2. 4 stars
    (7)
  3. 3 stars
    (1)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (1)

SUSAN HUNT

5 stars

Submitted 06 Oct 2024

A trip of a lifetime!

Collected by Trustpilot

KAREN SWITZER

5 stars

Submitted 24 Jul 2024

Enjoyed the trip. Both Chicago and San Francisco hotels were great. Enjoyed planned tours.

Collected by Trustpilot

Michael

5 stars

Submitted 23 Oct 2021

We enjoyed the experience. Considering the unavoidable space restrictions on a train, the goog use of all spaces was impressive.

Collected by Trustpilot

Kelly T, Greenbush, MI

5 stars

Submitted 11 Sep 2021

Better than I could have imagined. Grame our agent is super at what he does. It was the best experience I have ever had. Will be scheduling something real soon. Thank you for making it the best vacation ever.

Collected by Great Rail Journeys

Kelly T, Greenbush, MI

5 stars

Submitted 11 Sep 2021

Better than I could have imagined. Grame our agent is super at what he does. It was the best experience I have ever had. Will be scheduling something real soon. Thank you for making it the best vacation ever.

Collected by Great Rail Journeys

Pauline Weidenkopf

5 stars

Submitted 07 Jul 2019

Everything was wonderful. The good was very good, the scenery was breathtaking. Our cabin attendant was great. The tours in Chicago and San Francisco were very good. The trip to Yosemite was very informative. Our driver was very knowledgeable. She knew the history of the park. She stopped several times to explain points to interest. We never felt rushed. I would whole-heartedly recommend this trip.

Collected by Great Rail Journeys

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