7-Day National Parks of the Southwest Grand Canyon & Beyond
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7-Day National Parks of the Southwest Grand Canyon & Beyond Los Angeles Roundtrip Take 3 of the most popular and scenic train routes— the Southwest Chief, California Zephyr, and Coast Starlight. You’ll discover the beautiful, untamed landscapes of some of America’s most beloved national parks. Millions of visitors from around the globe travel to see and experience these special places each year, and there’s no better way to do it than by train. Ride the Southwest Chief from bustling Los Angeles into Williams, Arizona, the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon.” From there, you’ll board the Grand Canyon Railway to the awe-inspiring South Rim. During your tours through Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef National Parks, the surreal scenery of vermillion cliffs and red rock canyons will amaze you. Spend 1 night in San Francisco to explore the city before taking the Coast Starlight back to Los Angeles. HIGHLIGHTS • Sightseeing tour of the Grand Canyon • Sightseeing tour of Lake Powell and Zion National Park • Sightseeing tour of Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks PACKAGE ALSO INCLUDES: • Roundtrip Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Los Angeles to Williams, Arizona on the Southwest Chief®; Grand Junction to San Francisco on the California Zephyr®; San Francisco to Los Angeles on the Coast Starlight® • Transfers from Grand Canyon to Springdale; Springdale to Grand Junction • One-way in Coach accommodation on the Grand Canyon Railway • 4 nights' hotel accommodations • 2 meals included (1 breakfast, 1 dinner) ITINERARY Day 1 YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS IN LOS ANGELES Welcome to Los Angeles! Travel on your own to Union Station, one of the city’s most iconic gems, and board Amtrak’s Southwest Chief to Williams, Arizona. Onboard, you’ll catch glimpses of the fabled American West from the Observation Car—the kind you can only experience from the comfort of a train. (Overnight onboard Amtrak) Day 2 GRAND CANYON Today, the train arrives in Williams, Arizona, famous for being the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon.” Enjoy an included breakfast at the Fred Harvey Restaurant and browse the gift shop before boarding the Grand Canyon Railway to the awe-inspiring South Rim. With close to two dozen expansive, breathtaking viewpoints at the South Rim, you’re guaranteed to make some lasting memories while on your sightseeing tour of this great natural abyss. Can’t-miss panorama views include Mather Point, Yavapai Point, Desert View, and Hermit’s Rest. (Overnight in Grand Canyon’s South Rim) B Day 3 ZION NATIONAL PARK AND LAKE POWEL Today, begin your tour through the National Parks of the Southwest! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in the Grand Canyon and travel close to the picturesque shores of Lake Powell and over the Glen Canyon Dam. In Zion, you will experience one of Utah’s most breathtaking landscapes. Featuring 200 miles of picturesque trails, stunning vistas, vermillion cliffs, canyons, jagged skyline, and flora and fauna, this national park is a must-visit! Highlights of your included tour are Court of the Patriarchs, Emerald Pools, Weeping Rock, Temple of Sinawava and the Grotto. There is plenty to see and do without straining yourself, as there are fully-paved paths throughout Zion and many wheelchair accessible points of interest. Simply wander to a comfortable location and take it all the wonderful scenery. And you can’t forget about the wildlife! Deer, wild turkeys, and bighorn sheep call this place home. At the end of your tour, you’ll arrive in Springdale for a one-night stay. (Overnight in Springdale) Day 4 BRYCE CANYON AND CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARKS Continue your tour from Springdale to Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks en route to Grand Junction. En route to Bryce Canyon, highlights will most certainly be the distinctive hoodoos (red rock pillars), bristlecone pine trees (the oldest trees in the world), and views from Sunrise, Sunset, and Inspiration Points. In Capitol Reef (the least known and least crowded park in Utah), explore the mesmerizing cliffs, hidden arches, massive sandstone domes that resemble capitol buildings, and deep canyons. The scenery speaks for itself with plenty of opportunities to stop and take photos or simply admire the views. See the park’s most famous attraction, the Waterpocket Fold. Back in Grand Junction, spend your evening on your own strolling along Riverfront Trail or enjoying some farm-to-table cuisine. (Overnight Grand Junction) Day 5 OVERNIGHT ONBOARD AMTRAK Travel on your own to the Grand Junction station and board Amtrak’s California Zephyr to San Francisco. Pass by the Great Salt Lake, traverse Nevada and two National Forests, catch a glimpse of California’s capital from outside your window, and enjoy your onboard experience before arriving in the City by the Bay. (Overnight onboard Amtrak) Day 6 SAN FRANCISCO Welcome to San Francisco! After traveling on your own to your hotel and checking in, the rest of the day is yours to explore the city at your leisure. Visit iconic landmarks—like the Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts, or Coit Tower—historic districts, coffeehouses, Fisherman’s Wharf, or simply relax and take it easy. A favorite for travelers is taking a ferry ride on their own to see Alcatraz Prison or embarking on a Bay cruise. Tonight, enjoy your included dinner at popular, local restaurant. (Overnight in San Francisco) D Day 7 YOUR JOURNEY ENDS IN LOS ANGELES Travel to the Amtrak station on your own and board the Coast Starlight back to Los Angeles. Known as one of America’s most beautiful train rides, this route features stunning landscapes: lush forests, the Pacific Ocean, the Santa Ynez Mountains, and rolling hillsides. Relax onboard and take in the views from the Observation Car or Lounge Car as you reflect upon your rail journey. LEGEND FOR MEALS: B - Breakfast, BR - Brunch, L - Lunch, D –Dinner *Package prices are per person, double occupancy, tax included. Package prices and availability are subject to change. Amtrak travel is for Coach accommodations unless otherwise noted, upgrades are available at extra cost. Activities referenced in the itinerary during free time are for suggested purposes only and are not included. Seasonal activity (if applicable): During the off-season, some tours may not be available. In this case, a similar tour will be substituted. Passports (if applicable): Passports are required when crossing the Canadian border. Amtrak and Amtrak Vacations are registered service marks of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation. .