Trip to YellowStone National Park, Day 1 Train

Two months ago i.e. in the beginning of May-2010, I had the least idea that we will be going to YellowStone National Park. I had decided to take time-off to spend some time with my kids while they had their summer vacation. During the same time a colleague had visited Yellowstone NP and had described the natural wonders. I was struck by an idea to go on a trip to Yellowstone.There was not much time to plan, and with 2 kids under 10, I had to keep the trip flexible.

I started reading about this grand place, books and internet were my resources. I also made kids aware of what they should expect on this trip, enjoy nature's beauty and wonders. Wyoming is a gem with world's most beautiful wonderland as well as a historical past. We decided to cover all this in 7 days minus 1 day of train travel, however we were so mesmerized by the wonders that we had to leave the history for another visit. Yellowstone NP is truly a Natural Science Wonderland where chemistry, microbiology, geology have worked together to create a marvellous view.

Yellowstone NP is located in the Northwest of Wyoming. 90% of Yellowstone NP is in Wyoming and rest of it in Montana and Idaho. Yellowstone NP is part of the Rocky Mountains along which runs the continental divide. Yellowstone NP was formed as a result of volcanic eruptions millions of years ago.

I have divided these posts by day, since there was so much we enjoyed each day we were at the National Park.

Day 1(Train): It had long been my husband's wish to travel by train within US, but due to our fast-paced lives, it never came true. On this trip we decided to take things at our own pace and we wanted to enjoy nature. We had to choose between driving and taking the train, both would take almost the same time, however at the end of first one we would be dead tired! So we decided to take the train.



We took Capitol Corridor from San Jose to Emeryville and then boarded California Zephyr from Emeryville to Salt Lake City, Utah. I had booked the family room, so the kids could get some "space". The train travels from California to Nevada during the day time and the crosses in to Utah during the night. During the daytime we could see the striking summer time features of Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe, Truckee river. The view is superb!



In the family room we got 3 window seats to view the panorama, however the view from the dining car was amazing! We arrived at the destination early next morning at 4:00 a.m. MST.



I would recommend train ride only one way, since it would be boring and time consuming if taken both ways. The sleeping cars include free meals and first preference for dining. A little expensive, however worth a try.