Skip to main content
EF Go Ahead logo
Loading quick links
EF Go Ahead logo

America’s National Parks by Train: Rocky Mountains, Arches & Zion

9 days  |  11 days with Jackson Hole & Yellowstone National Park extension  |  Loading prices

Group size
15–34 travelers
Reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars

9
Activity level

Marvel at otherworldly landscapes and landmarks, all in your own backyard.

Jagged peaks that rival the Alps. Martian plains with sandstone formations that wouldn’t look out of place in Wadi Rum. As far as natural attractions go, the American West is a microcosm of our planet’s varying elegance, and nowhere is it better seen than in the country’s national parks. By deluxe bus and rail, your Tour Director will whisk you from the Rocky Mountains to Zion—and Yellowstone, if you add this trip’s extension.

Your tour package includes

  • 8 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 8 breakfasts
  • 2 lunches
  • 2 dinners with beer or wine
  • 6 sightseeing tours
  • Expert Tour Director & local guides
  • Private deluxe motor coach & ride on Rocky Mountaineer train

Included highlights

  • Rocky Mountain National Park
  • A ride on the Canyon Spirit
  • Continental Divide crossing
  • Arches National Park
  • Bryce Canyon National Park
  • Zion National Park

Itinerary

Denver, Colorado

Day 1: Arrival in Denver

Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Colorado! Transfer to your Denver hotel and take a moment to get settled. Tonight, you’ll join your Tour Director and groupmates for a welcome dinner, served with beer or wine.

Day 2: Rocky Mountain National Park

Included meal: Breakfast

Over its 415 square miles, Rocky Mountain National Park transitions from scrubby tundra to evergreen alpine forests. Today, you’ll set out into its breathtaking heights by bus and see its diverse ecosystems yourself.

  • Stop at one of the park’s visitor centers before continuing on Trail Ridge Road, a scenic byway that climbs to an elevation of over 12,000 feet.
  • Pull over at a few different trailheads for photos and, if you’d like, follow your Tour Director on brief out-and-back walks. (Don’t worry about hiking boots: These paths are paved and well-maintained.)
  • Peer into the distance to try and spot the park’s endemic wildlife—animals like elk, bighorn sheep, moose, and bears.

Please note: Trail Ridge Road may close due to inclement weather.

Jackson Hole & Yellowstone National Park extension

Home to half of the world’s active geysers, Yellowstone’s a park unlike any we’ve visited on this tour. From your base in lovely Jackson, Wyoming, you’ll head into its vast expanse for a day on the wild side—watching Old Faithful spout, pointing out animals roaming freely, and breathing in the freedom of the wilderness.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Day 9: Transfer to Jackson Hole

Included meal: Breakfast

This morning, hop on your bus and drive north to cross into Wyoming. Soon, you’ll arrive at Jackson—a rustic resort town nestled amid the scenery of the Teton Range. Once you check into your hotel, you’ll have the rest of the day to yourself. Jackson Town Square beckons with wooden boardwalks and famous elk antler arches that adorn each corner; maybe go for a walk and see where your curiosity leads you.

Day 10: Yellowstone National Park

Included meal: Breakfast

Venture from Jackson to Yellowstone National Park, designated the world’s first national park in 1872, for a full day of sightseeing. From the Oxbow Bend overlook, gazing out to Mount Moran in the Tetons, to Artist Point and the roaring Upper and Lower Falls, there’ll be plenty of time for photos—and oohs and aahs—along the way.

  • Immerse yourself in Yellowstone’s untamed wilderness, marked by the forests and meadows carpeting its landscape, and behold its serene centerpiece: Yellowstone Lake.
  • Experience the thrill of witnessing Old Faithful erupt, its towering plume of steam reaching skyward in a breathtaking crescendo. As you explore the park’s hydrothermal areas, you’ll see and hear—and smell—bubbling mud pots and steaming hot springs.
  • Listen for the echoing, haunting howls of Yellowstone’s resident grey wolves and look for bison grazing on swaying grasslands, agile mountain goats springing between rocks, and moose wading in tranquil streams.

Flight Home

Day 11: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Reviews

Loading reviews

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Skip to end of carousel

Denver - Hotel Indigo Denver Downtown-Union Station

This stylish boutique hotel is located in Denver. Visitors can take in panoramic city views from the rooftop bar and restaurant, maintain their exercise routine at the well-appointed fitness center, and enjoy the property's...

Glenwood Springs - Courtyard by Marriott Glenwood Springs

This peaceful hotel is located in downtown Glenwood Springs. Guests enjoy the indoor pool, stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, and fitness center. Nearby you’ll find Two Rivers Park, hiking trails, and the Iron Mountain Hot...

Moab - Hampton Inn Moab

This comfortable hotel is located in Moab. Travelers can cool off in the seasonal outdoor pool and hot tub after desert adventures, utilize the on-site fitness center to stay energized, and relax in well-appointed...

Zion National Park - Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale

Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale/Zion National Park is set amidst the towering red rock cliffs of Zion National Park, adjacent to the Virgin River. Discover the majesty of Zion from our hotel and enjoy easy access to quaint...

Salt Lake City - Hampton Inn Salt Lake City Downtown

This inviting hotel is located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Guests enjoy comfortable rooms with ergonomic workspaces, a heated indoor pool for year-round relaxation, and a complimentary hot breakfast buffet to start your day off...

Jackson - Elk Country Inn

This western hotel is located in the Historic neighborhood. Guests enjoy a fitness room, a free ski shuttle, and a picnic area. Nearby, you’ll find Grand Teton National Park, the National Elk Refuge, and Jackson Hole.

Skip to start of carousel

Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare and you’ll get:

  • Round-trip flight for your tour
  • Airport transfers at your destination
  • A great price locked in today
  • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
  • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
  • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

FAQ

Loading your quote