5 Epic Views from the Train
One of the main reasons our customers take a train vacation is for those epic and unprecedented views – views that can’t be accessed any other way than by riding the rails. While it’s tough to play favorites, the following 5 views from the train are consistently ranked among the best. Get your camera ready, here we go!
1. LEWIS AND CLARK TRAIL ON THE EMPIRE BUILDER
Photo courtesy of Justin Franz, Flathead Beach via AP
History and nature buffs alike speak glowingly about the unprecedented views from Amtrak’s Empire Builder. Riders are treated to lush forest scenery, rushing rivers and miles of green, much in the same pristine state as originally experienced by explorers Lewis and Clark on their famous expedition journeying through the Pacific Northwest.
Train Vacations Featuring the Empire Builder:
Glacier National Park Discovery
Empire Builder Rail Experience
2. CANYON VIEWS ON THE SOUTHWEST CHIEF AND THE GRAND CANYON RAILWAY
Photo courtesy of The Grand Canyon Railway
Roll into Williams, AZ on the Southwest Chief and then venture straight into the heart of the Grand Canyon on the Grand Canyon Railway, and experience some truly epic views along the way. As the train winds its way from Williams, Arizona to the Canyon’s majestic Southern Rim, you’ll get to glimpse directly into the deep inner gorge of the Colorado River, all the while surrounded by colorful prairies and ancient pines.
Train Vacations Featuring the Grand Canyon Railway:
3. RUGGED COASTLINE VIEWS ON THE COAST STARLIGHT
Photo courtesy of Amtrak
If you were any closer to the water you’d be swimming! Amtrak’s Coast Starlight, curving the coast from Los Angeles to Seattle, offers the kind of sweeping views seen in the movies. Miles of rugged Pacific coastline, crashing waves and rolling hills meet you on the ride through California. As the train makes its way up the coast and into Oregon and Washington, the terrain becomes even more dramatic, with waterfalls, lush forests and the Cascade Mountains offering a true bucket-list scenic ride.
Train Vacations featuring the Coast Starlight:
4. ROLLING PLAINS ON THE CALIFORNIA ZEPHYR
Photo courtesy of Amtrak
The best views of America’s heartland can be found outside your window on Amtrak’s California Zephyr as it rolls from Chicago west to San Francisco. The historic line takes you through Gold Rush country and mining ghost towns and across the Continental Divide. Don’t be surprised if you spot an American eagle out the window as you ride by the impressive Colorado River.
Train Vacations Featuring the California Zephyr:
Grand Tetons and Yellowstone Rail Journey
California Zephyr Rail Experience
5. CANADIAN ROCKIES VIEWS ON THE CANADIAN
Photo courtesy of VIA Rail
Glide past the snowy peaks of the majestic Canadian Rockies, taking in idyllic scenes of green prairies, rugged lake country and impressive wildlife. This iconic route, on VIA Rail’s Canadian line, traverses the country from Vancouver to Toronto, and offers perhaps the most pristine natural views in North America, as many areas aren’t accessible by any other mode of transportation.
Train Vacations Featuring The Canadian:
Canadian Rockies Discovery Eastbound
Ultimate Canada and Rockies Westbound
» Register for our upcoming webinar to learn more about Amtrak Vacations scenic rail journeys!
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