Grand National Parks of the Southwest - Bryce and Zion to the Grand Canyon

Depart Chicago's Union Station onboard the Southwest Chief today for an overnight rail journey to Grand Junction, Colorado. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and all the incredible views along the way! (Overnight onboard Amtrak)

Today, travel through the Rocky Mountains and enjoy the most beautiful stretch of the California Zephyr. Later this afternoon, arrive in Grand Junction and pick up your included car rental. Grand Junction offers something for everyone to enjoy, from farm-to-table cuisine, hiking, shopping, arts and culture, and so much more. Stroll along the Riverfront Trail or browse the boutiques, bookstores, and galleries of Downtown. (Overnight in Moab)

Today, enjoy your tour to Arches & Canyonlands National Parks! Highlights include the Colorado River, multiple iconic arches, rock pinnacles, spires, and much more. These parks feature some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in America and are sure to illicit plenty of oohs and aahs from anyone who visits. The incredible panoramic vistas you'll experience of Canyonlands from Island in the Sky is a view that will stay with you for years to come! Following the tour, you'll be dropped off in Moab with the evening to enjoy at your leisure. (Overnight in Moab)

Continue your adventure from Moab en route to Capitol Reef. Probably the least known and least crowded park in Utah (though equally as mesmerizing), this national park features 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. When you arrive in Bryce Canyon, the 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 Point. (Overnight in Springdale)

Today, spend the day exploring Zion National Park, 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! Must see highlights of the park are Court of the Patriarchs, Emerald Pools, Weeping Rock, Temple of Sinawava and the Grotto. And you can't forget about the wildlife! Deer, wild turkeys, and bighorn sheep call this place home. After touring Zion, head back to Springdale and enjoy a relaxing evening. (Overnight in Springdale)

Depart Springdale this morning and make your way to Flagstaff. Be sure to stop at Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon Dam along the way! Drop off your rental car in Flagstaff and be picked up and brought right to the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in the town of Williams, Arizona, famous for being the "Gateway to the Grand Canyon." (Overnight in Williams)

After having breakfast at the Fred Harvey Restaurant, board the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. During your Grand Canyon Freedom Rim tour, you'll discover why the South Rim has been hosting visitors since the 1850's. It's awe-inspiring. Except, back then, the trip here meant surviving a bone-jarring stagecoach ride that took anywhere from one to two days! With close to two dozen expansive, breath-taking viewpoints, the South Rim will provoke childlike wonder and a sense that the world is so much more magnificent and grand than you imagined. (Overnight in Grand Canyon's South Rim) B

Before boarding the Grand Canyon Railway from the South Rim back to Williams, take some time to see any sights and capture memories that you didn't get a chance to yesterday. In Williams, explore on your own before enjoying your included dinner at the Fred Harvey Restaurant. Perhaps head to Wild West Junction (a short walk from downtown) to see Wild West-era buildings or grab a night cap at the Long Horn Saloon and reflect on your wonderful rail journey through the American Southwest. (Overnight in Williams) D

After a good night's sleep, board the Southwest Chief train back to Chicago. This evening, enjoy the spectacular sunset and pristine vistas as you cross through ranches and missions in America's heartland. (Overnight onboard Amtrak) D