The USA is blessed with some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, and they should be visited at least once. While there are numerous ways to soak in the scenic beauty of these landscapes, nothing comes close to the experience offered by train rides. From luxurious trains featuring vista dome coaches to vintage steam locomotives taking you back in time, you can explore America’s mesmerizing scenic views through any train you like.
Let’s explore 12 scenic train rides in the USA that you cannot miss.
Cass Scenic Railroad
If you want to experience the thrill of riding a steam locomotive, you must visit the Cass Scenic Railroad to take the most scenic train rides of your lifetime. The trains on this railroad have open observation decks that let passengers soak in the splendid West Virginia scenery. You can take a train to the top for an incredible view of the Appalachians or take the Greenbrier Express to soak in the beauty of Cass town, the free-flowing Greenbrier River, etc.
Grand Canyon Railway
People desiring a splendid travel experience must book a ride on the Grand Canyon Railway. It runs between Williams in Arizona and the majestic Grand Canyon regularly. On this train ride, you can enjoy the constantly changing landscapes, from high desert to prairie to pine, and the mesmerizing views of the Grand Canyon. Besides a scenic view along the railway track, you can enjoy unlimited entertainment as the train features cowboy characters on vintage rail cars, western musicians, and more.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is perfect for families who love scenic excursions. Located in North Carolina’s Bryson City, it lets passengers see exotic landscapes and scenery that isn’t easy to get by in a car. These train rides will give you a stunning view of extraordinary trestles, historic structures, Nantahala National Forest, pristine mountain rivers, beautiful foliage, and a jaw-dropping view of the Grand Smoky Mountains National Park.
Coast Starlight
Get aboard a grand west coast adventure between Los Angeles and Seattle with the Coast Starlight train ride. It is considered one of North America’s most scenic train rides and takes you through history, adventure, and nature all in a single ride. The Klamath Falls in Oregon and San Luis Obispo in California are notable stops that let passengers indulge in the best of rustic castle charm, vineyards, beaches, outdoor adventures, etc., while on their journey.
White Pass and Yukon Route
If you desire a unique yet scenic train ride experience, you must take the White Pass Summit Excursion on the White Pass and Yukon Route. This railroad takes you on a narrow-gauge train excursion on vintage train cars. As you relax and soak in the scenery along the train journey, you’ll be greeted with mesmerizing views of glaciers, mountains, waterfalls, tunnels, historic sites, trestles, and much more.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
A Class III railroad running steam-powered and diesel-electric excursion trains, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is an all-time favorite of adventure and fun seekers. It organizes different excursions, so you can book the train that appeals the most to you. Every ride promises panoramic views of scenic beauty that can make you heap praises on nature. While the train excursions are available throughout the year, you can get jaw-dropping scenic views during the fall season.
Royal Gorge Route Railroad
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad promises to take passengers on a thrilling train ride journey surrounded by the majestic Royal Gorge and Colorado Rockies. The train combines the best of breathtaking scenery and world-class services within the train. If you want to combine great food with gorgeous scenery, book the first-class lunch train tickets. The Vista Dome is a better choice for enjoying spectacular views of the mighty Arkansas River and Royal Gorge.
Pacific Surfliner
The famous Pacific Surfliner train route is one of America’s most scenic and connects to 29 stations along a gorgeous 351-mile rail corridor. If you’re willing to explore the best of South California, nothing beats the offering of Pacific Surfliner trains. The southern end of the route brings you closer to world-class attractions in San Diego, while the northern end takes you straight to Disneyland Resort through Anaheim.
Napa Valley Wine Train
A Napa Valley Wine Train ride is all you need to relax and rejuvenate after a hectic work week. It will let you indulge in the beauty of the lush Napa landscape while serving you a convivial spirit and decadent cuisine. Passengers with a round-trip ticket enjoy a scenic journey from Downtown Napa to St. Helene and back. The train’s vintage aesthetics will make the journey even more worthwhile.
California Zephyr
California Zephyr is one of North America’s most beautiful train trips, and it runs between Chicago and San Francisco. This long-distance passenger train will show you the most scenic landscapes along the rail route. The heart of the Rockies, snow-capped Sierra Nevada, and the plains of Nebraska to Denver are some views that will keep you glued to the scenery. The main stops of this train are Chicago, Denver, Salt Lake, and San Francisco.
Conway Scenic Railroad
If you want to explore the scenic beauty of New Hampshire’s mountains, valleys, rivers, etc., you must take train rides on the Conway Scenic Railroad. This heritage railroad offers numerous excursions, so pick the one that offers the desired experience. The Mountaineer excursion offers supremely scenic views of Crawford Notch, while the Sawyer River Excursion takes you on a serene and leisurely ride through the beautiful Mount Washington Valley.
Rocky Mountaineer
Rocky Mountaineer offers a luxurious train ride experience in America’s Southwest region. You can choose train ride excursions designed for 2, 4, 6, 7, and 8 days, depending on your preferences. Each excursion offers different scenic views from Denver to Moab that will leave you spellbound by their beauty. Even if you take the 2-day train excursion, you can see the majestic sights of Ruby Canyon, Mount Logan, and the Continental Divide.
