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California Redwoods and Yellowstone National Park Adventure by Train

Viewed by 118 travelers

Day 1: Arrival and City Tour

San Francisco, California on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mama’s on Washington Square

Start your day with classic American breakfast fare in a popular San Francisco spot known for fresh ingredients and cozy atmosphere.
USD25, 1h

9:30am

Visit Fisherman's Wharf

Explore this bustling waterfront area known for seafood stalls, sea lions at Pier 39, and historic ships.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Boudin Bakery Café

Taste San Francisco’s famous sourdough bread with clam chowder served in a bread bowl at this iconic bakery.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point

Walk or drive to one of the best vantage points to photograph and admire the Golden Gate Bridge’s grandeur.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Ride historic cable cars

Experience San Francisco’s legendary cable car system traveling up and down the city hills for a unique city view.
USD8 per ride, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Scoma’s Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood dinner in a classic San Francisco eatery located on the waterfront at Fisherman’s Wharf.
USD45, 1.5h
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Day 2: Travel to Redwood National Park

Redwood National and State Parks, California on May 12, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Grab a quick and energizing breakfast at your hotel before heading out on the long drive north.
Included in accommodation, 0.5h

7:30am

Drive to Redwood National and State Parks

Begin the scenic approximately 5-hour drive north from San Francisco to the majestic Redwood forests, enjoying coastal views along the way.
Fuel cost approx USD60, 5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Moonstone Grill, Eureka

Enjoy fresh seafood and hearty local dishes in this popular restaurant near the park entrance.
USD30, 1h

2:00pm

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park – Lady Bird Johnson Trail

A gentle 1.5-mile loop trail among ancient towering redwoods and fern-lined creeks. Open year-round from dawn to dusk.
Free, 1.5h

4:00pm

Drive to hotel near park

Settle into accommodation near Redwood National Park, ideal for next day’s exploration.
USD0, 0.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Historic Requa Inn

Rustic dining with hearty American fare near the park, a great local choice to relax after the day’s journey.
USD35, 1.5h
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Day 3: Explore Redwoods

Redwood National and State Parks, California on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast on-site to prepare for a day full of nature hikes among the tallest trees on earth.
Included in stay, 0.5h

9:00am

Tall Trees Grove Trail

Hike this moderately challenging 4-mile round trip trail showcasing some of the tallest living trees. Check-in required at the visitor center, open 9am-5pm.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch picnic in park

Pack or purchase a picnic lunch to enjoy in designated picnic areas under the canopy of the redwoods.
USD15, 1h

2:00pm

Fern Canyon Visit

Explore the stunning Fern Canyon with walls covered by lush ferns, a must-see in Prairie Creek Redwoods, open daylight hours.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Drive to train station in Redding for overnight train

Head east towards Redding to catch the evening Amtrak train towards Spokane to continue to Yellowstone.
Drive cost USD30, 3h

8:30pm

Dinner on the Amtrak train or prior boarding

Option to have dinner on board or grab a quick meal before departure, train departs late evening.
USD25, 1h
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Day 4: Train Travel to Spokane

Onboard Amtrak towards Spokane on May 14, 2025

All Day

Train Journey to Spokane

Relax and enjoy views from the train as you travel northeast through scenic landscapes. Utilize onboard amenities for meals and comfort.
Included in train ticket, All day

7:00pm

Arrive in Spokane

Spend the night in Spokane preparing for the next leg to Yellowstone National Park.
USD150 approx hotel, Overnight
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Day 5: Travel to Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming on May 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at downtown Spokane

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Atticus Coffee & Gifts known for its pastries and strong coffee to start the day.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Drive or take shuttle to Yellowstone National Park

Travel approximately 6 hours southeast to enter Yellowstone, the nation’s first national park known for geothermal wonders and abundant wildlife.
Car rental approx USD100/day, 6h

2:00pm

Lunch at Canyon Village’s general store café

Refuel with sandwiches and snacks before exploring the park’s famous locations.
USD20, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

See breathtaking views of Yellowstone River and Lower Falls. Open year-round during daylight.
Park entrance fee USD35 per vehicle, 2h

6:00pm

Check in at hotel or lodge inside park

Stay overnight at one of Yellowstone’s lodges to maximize time in the park.
USD200+ per night, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at hotel restaurant

Enjoy dinner inside the park with local American cuisine to rest after a long day of travel and sightseeing.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 6: Yellowstone Highlights

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming on May 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at lodge

Prepare for a full day of exploring Yellowstone’s natural wonders with breakfast at your accommodation.
Included, 0.5h

8:00am

Old Faithful Geyser

Visit the park’s most famous geyser which erupts approximately every 90 minutes. Visitor center open 8am-6pm.
Included in park fee, 2h

10:30am

Mud Volcano and Sulfur Cauldron Trail

Explore geothermal areas with colorful bubbling mud pots within a short walking trail. Open daily daylight hours.
Included in park fee, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Snow Lodge

Casual dining at the Snow Lodge cafeteria offering balanced meals to refuel.
USD25, 1h

1:30pm

Lamar Valley Wildlife Watching

Afternoon drive to Lamar Valley to spot wolves, bison, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Best visited in afternoon light.
Included, 3h

5:00pm

Return to lodge and rest

Rest and unwind for the evening at your lodging inside or near the park.
Included, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Lake Yellowstone Hotel

Fine dining experience in a historic hotel; try regional specialties and seasonal menus.
USD50, 1.5h
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Day 7: Return Travel

Yellowstone to San Francisco on May 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at lodge

Enjoy a final hearty breakfast before check out and travel.
Included, 0.5h

8:00am

Drive back to Spokane

Begin the approximately 6-hour drive back to Spokane to catch the train westward.
Fuel approx USD60, 6h

2:30pm

Lunch stop en route

Take a break for lunch at a local diner to stretch legs during the return drive.
USD20, 1h

8:00pm

Board Amtrak train to San Francisco

Evening train ride back west, relax and reflect on the adventure.
Included in ticket, Overnight
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