America's railways offer some of the most spectacular views of the country's diverse landscapes. From crossing the Rocky Mountains to hugging Pacific coastlines, these train routes combine comfort with breathtaking scenery that can't be experienced any other way.
In an era of rushing from place to place, train travel offers something increasingly rare: the chance to slow down and truly see America's magnificent landscapes unfold before your eyes. These rail journeys traverse mountains, deserts, coastlines, and forests, all while you relax in comfort without the stress of driving or the limitations of flying high above it all.
From historic routes that helped build the nation to modern scenic railways designed specifically for sightseeing, America's most beautiful train journeys showcase the country's natural splendor in a way no other mode of transportation can match. Here are twelve of the most spectacular train routes that prove the journey can be just as remarkable as the destination.
California Zephyr
Often called America's most beautiful train journey, the California Zephyr runs daily between Chicago and San Francisco, covering 2,438 miles of America's most stunning landscapes. The route passes through the plains of Nebraska, the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, the desert of Utah, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains before reaching the San Francisco Bay.
The most spectacular segment comes as the train climbs through Colorado's Rocky Mountains, where passengers witness breathtaking views through the train's observation cars with floor-to-ceiling windows. The route follows the Colorado River for over 200 miles through canyons inaccessible by road.
Highlight: The segment between Denver and Grand Junction, Colorado, featuring stunning views of red rock formations and the dramatic Gore and Glenwood Canyons.
Coast Starlight
Running between Seattle and Los Angeles, the Coast Starlight lives up to its name by offering spectacular views of the Pacific coastline. This 35-hour journey covers 1,377 miles, taking passengers through Washington, Oregon, and California while showcasing diverse landscapes from evergreen forests to sandy beaches.
The train hugs the shoreline for significant portions of the journey, offering views you simply can't get from highways. Passengers particularly enjoy the stretch along California's Central Coast between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara, where the tracks run right along the edge of the Pacific Ocean.
Highlight: The segment between San Luis Obispo and Ventura, where the train runs directly alongside the Pacific Ocean with unobstructed views of beaches, cliffs, and crashing waves.
Empire Builder
Following much of the route charted by Lewis and Clark, the Empire Builder connects Chicago with Seattle/Portland, passing through Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. This 2,200-mile journey showcases the northern tier of America, from the Mississippi River Valley to the mountains of Glacier National Park and the Columbia River Gorge.
The most spectacular scenery comes as the train passes through Glacier National Park in Montana, where passengers can see snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and pristine alpine lakes. The observation car becomes particularly crowded during this segment, as travelers jostle for the best views of this protected wilderness.
Highlight: The passage through Montana's Glacier National Park, where the train skirts the southern boundary of the park offering views of dramatic mountain peaks and valleys.
Grand Canyon Railway
Unlike the cross-country Amtrak routes, the Grand Canyon Railway offers a more focused experience, running 65 miles between Williams, Arizona, and the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The journey takes passengers through the high desert, prairie, and pine forests before arriving just steps from the canyon's edge.
The 2-hour and 15-minute trip each way includes narration about the history and geology of the area. The train itself adds to the experience, with vintage cars dating from the 1930s to the 1950s and entertainers performing western music and cowboy acts during the journey.
Highlight: The arrival at the Grand Canyon South Rim, where passengers can step off the train and immediately experience one of the world's most awe-inspiring natural wonders.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Operating continuously since 1882, this historic narrow-gauge railroad connects the mining towns of Durango and Silverton in southwestern Colorado. The 45-mile route follows the Animas River through the breathtaking San Juan Mountains, using the same coal-fired, steam-powered locomotives that have been in service for over a century.
The train climbs from Durango at 6,512 feet to Silverton at 9,305 feet, navigating tight curves and steep grades while offering spectacular views of rugged mountain terrain. The open-air gondola cars are particularly popular in summer, allowing passengers to feel the mountain air and take unobstructed photographs.
Highlight: The High Line section, where the train clings to a narrow shelf cut into a sheer cliff face hundreds of feet above the Animas River.
Alaska Railroad
The Alaska Railroad offers several routes through America's last frontier, but the Denali Star route between Anchorage and Fairbanks is considered the flagship journey. This 12-hour, 356-mile trip takes passengers through the heart of Alaska, offering views of pristine wilderness, massive glaciers, and abundant wildlife including moose, bears, and eagles.
The train passes through Denali National Park, home to North America's tallest peak, with special dome cars that provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The railroad is unique in that it serves communities with no road access, truly showcasing the remote nature of Alaska.
Highlight: The crossing of Hurricane Gulch on a 914-foot bridge suspended 296 feet above the creek below, with Denali (formerly Mt. McKinley) visible in the distance on clear days.
The Adirondack
Running between New York City and Montreal, The Adirondack takes passengers on a 10-hour journey through the scenic Hudson Valley and along the shores of Lake Champlain. The 381-mile route showcases the natural beauty of upstate New York and the Adirondack Mountains, particularly spectacular during fall foliage season.
After departing Manhattan, the train hugs the eastern shore of the Hudson River for over 140 miles, passing historic towns, elegant estates, and the dramatic Hudson Highlands. Further north, passengers enjoy views of the Adirondack Mountains and Lake Champlain before crossing into Canada.
Highlight: The Hudson River Valley in autumn, when the surrounding hillsides explode with red, orange, and gold foliage, perfectly framed by the river below.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Based in Bryson City, North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers several scenic routes through the beautiful landscapes of western North Carolina and the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The two main excursions are the Nantahala Gorge Excursion and the Tuckasegee River Excursion.
The Nantahala Gorge route is particularly scenic, following the Tennessee and Nantahala Rivers through lush forests and mountain terrain. The 4.5-hour round trip includes crossing Fontana Lake on a trestle bridge and traveling into the gorge where sunlight only reaches the floor of the canyon at midday-a feature that gave the gorge its Cherokee name meaning "land of the noonday sun."
Highlight: The passage through the Nantahala Gorge, where the train runs alongside whitewater rapids popular with rafters and kayakers.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is the highest and longest narrow gauge steam railroad in America. Operating between Chama, New Mexico, and Antonito, Colorado, this historic train travels 64 miles through remote landscapes inaccessible by highway, including the 10,015-foot Cumbres Pass.
The railroad was originally built in 1880 as part of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad's San Juan Extension. Today, it operates as a living museum, with authentic steam locomotives pulling vintage coaches through spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery including aspen forests, high desert, and steep mountain canyons.
Highlight: The journey across Cumbres Pass, the highest rail pass in the United States, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Rocky Mountaineer
While primarily known for its Canadian routes, the Rocky Mountaineer expanded into the United States in 2021 with its "Rockies to the Red Rocks" route between Denver, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. This two-day journey with an overnight hotel stay in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, showcases the diverse landscapes of the American Southwest.
Traveling only by daylight to maximize scenic viewing opportunities, the Rocky Mountaineer's glass-domed coaches offer panoramic views as the train passes through the Rocky Mountains, alongside the Colorado River, through canyons, and into the red rock country of Utah. The service includes gourmet meals served at your seat while you take in the passing landscapes.
Highlight: The transition from Colorado's mountain landscapes to Utah's dramatic red rock formations, showcasing how dramatically the American West changes over relatively short distances.
Cape Cod Central Railroad
The Cape Cod Central Railroad offers scenic excursions along the famous Massachusetts peninsula, providing views of salt marshes, cranberry bogs, dunes, and coastal scenery that can't be seen from the road. The railroad operates several different experiences, including dinner trains and narrated scenic trips.
The standard two-hour scenic journey takes passengers from Hyannis through the villages of West Barnstable and Sandwich, passing natural areas like the Great Salt Marsh. The train travels at a leisurely pace, allowing ample time to appreciate the quintessential New England coastal landscapes.
Highlight: Crossing the Cape Cod Canal on the vertical lift railroad bridge, offering panoramic views of this engineering marvel and the boats passing below.
Verde Canyon Railroad
Known as "Arizona's longest-running nature show," the Verde Canyon Railroad offers a four-hour, 20-mile round trip journey between Clarkdale and Perkinsville, Arizona. The route travels through the stunning Verde Canyon, accessible only by rail, showcasing the unique beauty of Arizona's high desert.
Passengers travel in vintage climate-controlled cars or open-air viewing cars as the train winds alongside the Verde River through an area rich in Native American history, wildlife, and geological wonders. The red rock formations and desert landscapes are particularly dramatic when illuminated by the late afternoon sun.
Highlight: Passing through a 680-foot curved tunnel built in 1911 and emerging to spectacular views of red rock formations contrasting with the green riparian area along the Verde River.
Frequently Asked Questions About 12 Most Breathtaking Train Routes Across America You Need to Experience
Which is considered the single most scenic train route in America?
The California Zephyr is often cited as America's most scenic train route, particularly the stretch through the Rocky Mountains between Denver and Grand Junction, Colorado. The route features dramatic canyons, the Colorado River, and mountain passes that are inaccessible by car.
Are these train routes operational year-round?
Most Amtrak routes like the California Zephyr, Coast Starlight, and Empire Builder operate year-round. However, some scenic railroads have seasonal schedules. The Durango & Silverton runs a limited winter schedule, while the Cumbres & Toltec typically operates from late May through mid-October due to mountain conditions.
Which train journey is best for viewing wildlife?
The Alaska Railroad's Denali Star route offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities, with chances to see moose, bears, wolves, eagles, and Dall sheep. The Empire Builder through Glacier National Park is another excellent choice for wildlife spotting, particularly mountain goats and bears.
Can I bring my own food and drinks on these trains?
Policies vary by railroad. Amtrak allows passengers to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages onboard. Most scenic railroads permit small snacks and water bottles, but many also offer food service or themed dining experiences that are part of the journey. Luxury trains like the Rocky Mountaineer include gourmet meals in their fare.
Which train route offers the best value for the scenery?
The Amtrak routes generally offer the best value for scenic views, with the California Zephyr and Coast Starlight providing days of spectacular scenery for relatively affordable coach fares. Among the specialty scenic railroads, the Verde Canyon Railroad offers a good balance of reasonable pricing for the quality and uniqueness of scenery you'll experience.
Is it worth upgrading to dome or observation cars?
For routes with spectacular scenery, upgrading to dome or observation cars is absolutely worth the additional cost. These cars feature larger windows (often wrapping up to the ceiling) and are specifically designed to maximize viewing opportunities. On Amtrak, the Sightseer Lounge cars are free to access for all passengers but can become crowded during scenic portions.
