Amtrak to Yosemite: A 5-Day Journey Slower Than Flying

Journey to Yosemite via Amtrak

• 🚀 The Great American Rail Trip continues with Episode 2, focusing on the journey from Yellowstone to Yosemite National Park.
• 🗺️ This episode covers over 1,400 miles using a combination of buses and Amtrak trains, taking approximately 5 days.
• 💡 The trip highlights that while Amtrak may not be the fastest or cheapest option, it offers unforgettable adventures.

Travel from Yellowstone to Salt Lake City

• 🚌 The journey begins with a 7.5-hour bus ride on the Salt Lake Express from West Yellowstone, Montana, to Salt Lake City, Utah.
• 🏨 A hotel stay in Salt Lake City was necessary due to a significant train delay, allowing for rest and showers before the overnight train.
• 🚆 The Amtrak California Zephyr, traveling from Chicago, was delayed by about an hour upon arrival in Salt Lake City.

The Amtrak California Zephyr Experience

• 🛏️ The travelers slept in an Amtrak bedroom with bunk beds, experiencing the advantages and disadvantages of the top and bottom bunks.
• 🏞️ The route offered stunning views, including the Truckee River and Donner Lake, as the train traversed Nevada and entered California.
• 🤝 The Sightseer Lounge provided opportunities for passengers to interact and enjoy the scenery, with a mention of a fellow traveler met earlier in the trip.
• 🏙️ The train arrived in Emeryville, California, just outside San Francisco, on time after an 18-hour journey.

Transit to Yosemite National Park

• 🌉 A 30-minute Amtrak connector bus transported the travelers from Emeryville to San Francisco.
• 🚶‍♀️ San Francisco was explored for a day, emphasizing walking and experiencing the city's hills.
• 🚌 The next leg involved a bus back to Emeryville to catch the San Joaquins train to Merced.
• 🚆 The San Joaquins train, a partnership between Amtrak and the state of California, provided a comfortable ride with free snacks and drinks.
• ⏳ A tight connection in Merced for the YARTS bus to Yosemite was a concern due to a train delay.
• 🏞️ The YARTS bus journey to Yosemite National Park offered scenic views and the benefit of not having to pay an entrance fee when using public transit.

Exploring Yosemite National Park

• 🌲 Yosemite National Park is described as a spectacular landscape with immense granite cliffs and hiking trails.
• 🏨 Lodging at the Yosemite Valley Lodge required booking far in advance, influencing the entire trip's schedule.
• ✨ The natural beauty of Yosemite, including a waterfall flowing due to recent storms, was a highlight.
• 🚶‍♂️ The park's convenient shuttle system and paved trails made exploration easy and accessible, even without a strict plan.
• 🌍 Yosemite is recognized as a global treasure, attracting visitors from around the world.