Train travel is an opportunity to witness the breathtaking scenery of the United States unfold from your window, transcending its function as a mere means of conveyance. Passengers are engrossed in a dynamic panorama that highlights the nation’s natural marvels as the train traverses a variety of terrains, including mountainous regions and coastal mountains. We cordially invite you to partake in this investigation of the most aesthetically pleasing train journeys in the United States. These journeys provide an unparalleled vantage point to witness the awe-inspiring landscapes that cover the nation.
Most Beautiful Train Trips You Can Take In The United States
1. Rockies to the Red Rocks
Denver, CO to Moab, UT
Rocky Mountaineer’s ‘Rockies to the Red Rocks’ is the company’s inaugural offering in the United States. It involves a two-day journey from Denver to Moab, traversing the picturesque southwest region and the Rocky Mountains en route. Optimal, indeed? Passengers can observe the train’s awe-inspiring surroundings through the train’s glass dome. We are referring to the unobstructed vistas of some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United States. The season will commence from August through October of 2024.
2. Coast Starlight
Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, WA
Opt for a train journey rather than the traditional left-coast road excursion. What benefits exist? There are no mistakes or conflicts, and significantly more opportunities for photographs. Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Sacramento, Portland, and more are among the highlights of the Coast Starlight’s 1,377-mile duration. Explore the “sightseer lounge car” and the dining car, which feature floor-to-ceiling, panoramic windows, throughout the 36-hour journey.
3. The Grand Canyon Railway
Williams, AZ, to the Grand Canyon, AZ
While you may have already visited the Grand Canyon, have you ever had the opportunity to explore Grand Canyon country via train? Arriving at the awe-inspiring South Rim in two hours and fifteen minutes, The Grand Canyon Railway travels through pine forests and prairies from Williams, Arizona, while passengers observe pronghorn and bald eagles. Certain historic Grand Canyon Railway cars feature glass-dome ceilings that provide unobstructed views. Each car has a unique and intriguing past.
4. The Empire Builder
Chicago, IL to Portland, OR
One word adequately characterizes this expedition: epic. Significantly resembling Lewis and Clark’s original expedition, the Empire Builder travels daily between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest. It traverses a critical checklist of essential destinations from the metropolitan (St. Cloud and Minneapolis) to the untamed (Glacier National Park and big-sky country) regions. After viewing enough landscapes by moonlight, the journey lasts 46 hours; therefore, you should reserve at least a roomette with convertible seats into beds to spread out completely.
5. The Alaska Denali Star
Anchorage, AK to Fairbanks, AK
The state’s rugged, picturesque wilderness is showcased along this 350-mile stretch through the center of Alaska. This is the Alaska Railroad’s signature journey for a reason: it passes through Denali National Park and encounters caribou and bears, birch forests, and flowing rivers. Additionally, it offers breathtaking views of Mount McKinley. Obtain an open-air viewing vehicle, with nothing but the wilderness in the way, and admire the breathtaking vistas from a GoldStar upgrade, if possible.
6. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Bryson City, NC
Despite its diminutive size, BBQ establishments, a soda fountain, and a brewery are just a few of the local attractions that Bryson City, the starting point for this rail journey, has to offer. The four-and-a-half-hour Nantahala Gorge excursion, which winds through the forested Nantahala River and bridges Fontana Lake, highlights the numerous itineraries that begin and end at this location. A full-time foliage spectacle awaits those who appreciate such beauty.
7. The Mount Washington Cog Railway
Bretton Woods, NH
Unlike the Little Engine That Could, this historic train ascends Mount Washington daily and drops its commuters off at the Northeast’s tallest point (6,288 feet). Situated on a sturdy miniature train, the Cog resembles a gondola, providing an elevated experience reminiscent of a functioning museum (1852-era track). On a clear day, enjoy expansive vistas from the summit, which encompasses Canada and the Atlantic.
8. The Napa Valley Wine Train
Napa Valley, CA
The breathtaking vistas and verdant hills adorned with vine-covered stalks along this California Wine Country route are enough to induce intoxication. With the wines that will accompany your onboard multicourse meal—lunch and dinner are both available—however, you’ll have a little assistance. The mobile restaurant comprises antique Pullman railcars adorned with brass fittings and mahogany panels. Therefore, feel free to comprehend everything; ultimately, you are not operating a vehicle.
9. The Hawaiian Railway Society
Oahu, HI
A 90-minute journey across Oahu in an aging sugar-cane transporter operating at a rapid 15 miles per hour provides a decidedly tropical train experience. Anecdotes of abandoned sisal plantations and ghost villages adorn the ride’s seldom-seen Hawaii counterpart. Reserve a seat in the opulent parlor car from the turn of the 20th century, which was once owned by the founder of Oahu Railway & Land Co., Mr. Dillingham, by coordinating your journey for the second Sunday of every month. Nonetheless, it is important to mention that train travel now necessitates reservations.
10. Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad
Durango, CO to Silverton, CO
A Narrow Gauge Railroad excursion is an opportunity to take photographs and a complete immersion into the untamed western frontier of one of the most picturesque states. Since 1882, when it was entrusted with mining silver and gold from the San Juan Mountains, the train has been operating between Durango and Silverton. It meanders between 14,000-foot peaks along the Animas River for 45.4 miles, traversing it in both directions five times en route and passing by abandoned mining camps and stagecoach trails.
Thanks for visiting our site hope you like it ..
