Experience America by Rail on These Scenic Routes
Train travel is one of the oldest forms of transportation, but with cruise ships, non-stop flights, and modern highways, trains have taken a back seat when people consider travel options.
These ten gorgeous railway routes may change your mind about booking your next flight and inspire you to see the country like never before.
1. Rockies to Red Rocks
This route runs from Glenwood Springs, Colorado, to Moab, Utah (and the reverse), offering breathtaking views of the American West. You can even start or end in Salt Lake City or Las Vegas.
You’ll pass vast canyons, inspiring deserts, natural archways, and enchanting hoodoos along your route.
This Rocky Mountaineer rail route is filled with highlights best seen by train, including Ruby Canyon, Mount Garfield and crossing the Continental Divide.
2. Coast Starlight
This journey takes you from Los Angeles, California, to Seattle, Washington, passing through Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Portland. You can take this route North or South.
Often called one of the most spectacular train routes, the Coast Starlight links the most significant cities on the West Coast.
The views out your window are phenomenal. The dramatic snow-covered peaks of the Cascade Range and Mount Shasta, lush forests, fertile valleys, and long stretches of the Pacific Ocean shoreline provide a stunning backdrop for your journey.
3. The Grand Canyon Railway
Since 1901 this historic train has been helping travelers experience the wonder of the Grand Canyon. This route departs daily from Williams, Arizona and takes you to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
This train route is western-themed with music, cowboys, and vintage train cars. You can also extend your trip by staying at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel.
4. The Empire Builder
Follow the steps of the pioneers on this epic route from Chicago, Illinois, to Portland, Oregon, passing through various landscapes, including Glacier National Park.
You’ll ride alongside the Lewis and Clark Trail, see the Mississippi River, Minneapolis and St. Paul. You’ll cross the North Dakota plains and continue over the historic Gassman Coulee Trestle.
On through Montana and into Spokane, you can continue to Seattle or head down the Columbia River Gorge toward Portland.
5. The Alaska Denali Star
This world-famous route runs from Anchorage to Fairbanks, Alaska, offering stunning views of Alaska’s wilderness.
For five decades before a road connected Alaska’s two largest cities, they were linked solely by rail. Today that 350-mile trip is known as Denali Star, the Alaska Railroad’s flagship route.
Major stops on this historic route between Anchorage and Fairbanks include Talkeetna and Denali National Park.
6. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Departing from Bryson City, North Carolina, this train offers scenic views of the Nantahala River and Fontana Lake, Smoky Mountain National Park, and the Nantahala National Forest.
Families can choose from diesel fuel trains or steam locomotives. I highly recommend this route during the fall for stunning fall foliage.
7. Conway Scenic Railroad Mountaineer
This New Hampshire route is a boutique heritage railway offering a route through the Mount Washington Valley and Crawford Notch.
Other route options include a snow train and a WWII replica steam train.
8. California Zephyr
Cross through the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range as you traverse from Chicago to San Francisco.
The Zephyr runs between Chicago and San Francisco, coursing through the plains of Nebraska to Denver, across the Rockies to Salt Lake City, and then through Reno and Sacramento into Emeryville/San Francisco
9. Napa Valley Wine Train
A unique blend of heritage railway travel with wine tasting and fine dining in the Napa Valley.
Choose between experiences ranging from morning to evening, to a few days, and even some holiday train rides.
10.Southwest Chief
Traveling between Chicago and Los Angeles, this route takes you through a variety of American landscapes including mountains, valleys, and deserts.
This route traverses the legendary landscapes of the American West, where natural beauty captivates at every turn. From the majestic Mississippi River to diverse states, witness a panorama of wheat fields, traditional ranches, historic sites, and vibrant desert scenes.
