The California Zephyr (Amtrak.com) is a train journey that crosses a large portion of the width of the United States. From Chicago to Emeryville in California, the journey takes in seven states, crosses almost 2,500 miles and takes just over 51 hours to complete. The route passes through Colorado's canyons and via the Rocky Mountains, crosses the desert in Utah and Nevada, and takes in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and California's lowlands. At Ruby Canyon, eagles have been seen riding the train's thermals. The journey incorporates an element of the historical too, as this would have been the journey made by pioneers to settle in the American West.
The Alaska Railroad (alaskarailroad.com) is the train journey to see some of the most vast, uninhabited landscapes in the world. The route from Anchorage to Seward is 114 miles long and takes four and a half hours. The best thing about the Alaska Railroad is that you pass through regions of Alaska not accessible by car. The journey passes through a stunning backdrop of glaciers, a river gorge and the Cook Inlet. You may also spot wildlife including Beluga whales, moose and bald eagles.
One of the most notorious natural features in the United States, the mile deep Grand Canyon is visited by 5 million visitors a year. Traveling to the canyon via the Grand Canyon Railway (thetrain.com) helps to build the anticipation of the site of outstanding natural beauty that lies ahead. The route passes through some vast Arizona plains and takes in the incredible sights of the San Francisco Peaks and the Coconino Canyon. Visitors can then explore the view of the Grand Canyon on arrival before catching a return train four hours later. The total trip, including the stop, lasts approximately eight hours.
The Ethan Allen Express (amtrak.com) is one of the East Coast's most scenic train journeys. Traversing more then 200 miles north from New York City to Rutland in Vermont, the trip takes five and a half hours and noteworthy sights include the Catskills and the Green Mountains. During the winter, the scenery is especially beautiful with the snow and winter wonderland surroundings.
The Cass Scenic Railroad (cassrailroad.com) is a traditional train line that is as much about the train as the West Virginia scenery. Powered by steam, the line used to carry timber up the Appalachian Mountains. From the town of Cass, the train climbs 11 miles up the mountainside to Bald Knob, which sits at 4,842 feet. This is the third highest point in West Virginia and enjoys far-reaching views of the state.
