Condé Nast TravelerSep 17, 2026
11 Scenic Train Rides in the US Worth Booking for the Views Alone
From Amtrak routes along California’s coast to the wild beauty of the Alaska Railroad, the best way to see the vast natural beauty of the US is by train.
23 things in this story
- Sierra NevadaSighthalf-day trek on Amtrak California Zephyr
- Truckee RiverPark
- Elsewhere
- Rocky MountainsArts centreDenver, United Statessnaked through by Amtrak California Zephyr
- Grand Canyon National ParkSightGrand Canyon Village, United Statesdestination for Grand Canyon Railway
- Amtrak Coast StarlightPlaceSeattle, United Statestravels from Seattle to Los Angeles over 35 hours
- Amtrak Empire BuilderPlaceChicago, United Statestravels from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest
- Mississippi RiverSightMinneapolis, United StatesIt is the second-longest river in the U.S.
- Grand Canyon RailwayPlaceWilliams, United Statesdeparts from Williams, Arizona
- Sonoran DesertSightWilliams, United StatesIt has an area of 260,000 square kilometers (100,000 sq mi).
- Amtrak AdirondackPlaceNew York City, United Statesruns from New York City to Montreal
- Moynihan Train HallAttractionNew York City, United Statesstarting point for Amtrak Adirondack
- Hudson RiverTrailAlbany, United Statesfollowed by Amtrak Adirondack
- Lake ChamplainPlace of worshipPort Henry, United Statesseen on Amtrak Adirondack route
- Bulwagga BeachSightPort Henry, United Statesnear Port Henry station stop
- Amtrak California ZephyrPlaceChicago, United Stateswestern portion runs through Colorado, Utah, Nevada, California
- Colorado's Western SlopeSightGrand Junction, United Statesphotogenic canyons seen on Amtrak California Zephyr
- Donner LakeSightTruckee, United StatesA moraine serves as a natural dam for the lake.
- Arches National ParkSightGreen River, United StatesThe park is adjacent to the Colorado River, 4 mi (6 km) north of Moab, Utah.
- Ewa TrainPlaceHonolulu, United Statestwo-hour round-trip train ride west of Honolulu
- Mt. HoodSightPortland, United States
- Ponderosa Pine forestsSightWilliams, United States
- Crystal GeyserSightGreen River, United States
- Labyrinth CanyonSightGreen River, United States
