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
- Arches National ParkSight
- Crystal GeyserSight
- Labyrinth CanyonSight
- 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
- Grand Canyon RailwayPlaceWilliams, United Statesdeparts from Williams, Arizona
- Amtrak AdirondackPlaceNew York City, United Statesruns from New York City to Montreal
- Moynihan Train HallSightNew York City, United Statesstarting point for Amtrak Adirondack
- Hudson RiverSightAlbany, United Statesfollowed by Amtrak Adirondack
- Lake ChamplainSightPort 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
- Sierra NevadaSightReno, United Stateshalf-day trek on Amtrak California Zephyr
- Ewa TrainPlaceHonolulu, United Statestwo-hour round-trip train ride west of Honolulu
- Truckee RiverParkReno, United States
- Mississippi RiverSightMinneapolis, United States
- Mt. HoodSightPortland, United States
- Ponderosa Pine forestsSightWilliams, United States
- Sonoran DesertSightWilliams, United States
- Donner LakeSightTruckee, United States