A Round-Trip Journey From Yellowstone To San Francisco Awaits On This Scenic Train

Compared to places like Japan or Europe, train travel is not a mode of transportation so often associated with the United States. This may not be the case for much longer, however, as Amtrak saw a record number of train travelers during the 2025 fiscal year. But more than stopping at some of the most iconic U.S. destinations, Amtrak has pre-planned vacation itineraries. One that combines world-famous nature and unique urban sites is a round trip from San Francisco to Yellowstone National Park, including a stop in Salt Lake City.

With this epic Amtrak Vacations journey, called the Yellowstone National Park Discovery route, you'll spend two nights on the train itself. Choose from a small private room on the train that sleeps two or one that sleeps up to four. Both options have private restrooms and beds that convert into seats during daylight hours. Aside from sleeping, you can get meals on the train, too. Amtrak trains usually have a cafe car with quick bites and a dining car for sit-down meals. All passengers can access either car, and meals come free for those who booked sleeping accommodations. Of course, with this itinerary, the journey is only half the fun.

The stretch from San Francisco to Salt Lake City is part of the beloved and scenic California Zephyr route. This section of the itinerary is overnight, but as the train nears the Utah capital, you can catch the sunrise through the valley. Then, you'll hit the ground running with a guided tour of Salt Lake City. The tour will include Temple Square, home of 19th-century buildings significant to Utah's history and Mormonism like the Salt Lake Tabernacle and the Beehive House, home of the famous Brigham Young when he served as governor of Utah Territory before it became a state.

Explore Downtown Salt Lake City into the night by scoping out its craft brewery scene. Squatters Pub Brewery Downtown has roots in Utah's early post-Prohibition years and still serves up locally sourced beer. In a similar vein, the speakeasy-themed Bodega and The Rest is another intriguing place for eclectic dishes and original cocktails. End this Salt Lake City portion of the trip with an overnight stay in one of the hotel options recommended by Amtrak Vacations, such as The Peery or the Kimpton Hotel Monaco.

From Salt Lake City, the train arrives at West Yellowstone by the afternoon. As with Salt Lake City, you'll choose from a list of hotel options in the itinerary description. But you can hardly go wrong with any of these, as each hotel's location will make you feel well immersed in the iconic nature of Yellowstone National Park.

Additionally, enjoy a full day of guided tours through Yellowstone, which will include some of the park's best highlights. Meander along the walkways to see the vibrant thermal pools and, of course, watch an Old Faithful geyser eruption. Then, learn about the lush and scenic Continental Divide, a geologic feature that reaches from Alaska all the way down to South America. The tour will also stop at the "Grand Canyon Of The Yellowstone," a must-see when visiting the park, thanks to its incredible size and waterfalls. Lower Falls, in particular, is double the height of Niagara Falls.

The Amtrak heads back to Salt Lake City the next day, allowing you to spend one more evening in Utah's capital city. In the morning, the journey concludes with one last train ride back to San Francisco.