For many Americans, summer vacation involves a trip to a beach, theme park, or major city. But experienced travelers know the most memorable vacations are those that happen at a slower pace, away from the crowds.
Train Travel
That’s one reason why train travel, which was once thought to be dead, has seen a resurgence. Amtrak achieved a record 34.5 million passenger trips in the last fiscal year.
In addition to added comfort and a slower pace, train travel allows people to see the country from a new perspective. Below are a few U.S. train trips that feel designed for summer travel. One long-haul journey through the Pacific Northwest has been included. Also, short stints to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon are available.
Canyon Spirit
Canyon Spirit, formerly the Rocky Mountaineer, connects Moab and Denver. This two-day rail journey runs from the “Rockies to red rocks.” Trip highlights include the section through the Glenwood Canyon, which is carved by the Colorado River, and access to Arches National Park.
Onboard the Canyon Spirit, there are dedicated hosts, regionally inspired dining, and spacious seating in glass-domed viewing cars. Nights are spent in hotels along the track. For a longer trip, you can book the three-day Salt Lake City-to-Denver route. While those looking for added luxury can add on the premier upgrade for access to the lounge car, premium beverages, and gourmet snacks.
The Coastal Classic route, operated by Alaska Railroad, is one of the most beautiful train trips in the country. The daily journey connects Anchorage and Seward via Turnagain Arm before dipping into the backcountry wilderness of the Kenai Peninsula. During the 4.5-hour trip, train travelers get the chance to see glaciers and waterfalls.
Upon arrival in Seward, travelers have seven hours to explore the area considered to be the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Afterwards, the train makes the return trip to Anchorage. The Coastal Classic train runs daily from mid-May to mid-September.
Grand Canyon Railway
A visit to the Grand Canyon is on most travelers’ wish lists but imagine arriving at the canyon via a vintage locomotive. The Grand Canyon Railway runs daily between the town of Williams, Arizona, and the South Rim inside Grand Canyon National Park. Passengers can spend over three hours checking out the view and exploring the canyon before hopping back on the train for the return trip to Williams.
The Grand Canyon journey takes around two hours and 15 minutes each way.
Pacific Surfliner
There’s a reason you’ve likely heard of Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner. For much of the scenic journey, it runs along the California coastline. Specifically connecting San Diego and San Luis Obispo, with stops in oceanfront destinations like Santa Barbara.
The train journey itself is breathtaking, winding along the Southern California coastline, offering mesmerizing views of the Pacific Ocean.
There are multiple Surfliner departures daily, with the full route taking around nine hours. Plus, Amtrak has added more trains between San Diego and Los Angeles for the World Cup, making the Surfliner especially great for summer travel this year.
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a National Historic Landmark that lives up to the hype. It runs between two Colorado mountain towns—Durango and Silverton—and through some of the state’s most scenic terrain.
There are up to three train departures a day, with the traditional route running for 3.5 hours from Durango to Silverton. Before the train returns to Durango, travelers have the chance to spend a couple hours in the historic mining town of Silverton.
The Cascades train is over 10 hours in total, connecting some of the most beautiful corners of the Pacific Northwest. The route leads from Eugene, Oregon, through Washington to Vancouver, British Columbia. Scenic highlights include a journey across the Columbia River Gorge and views of Mount Saint Helens. (Don’t forget your passport if traveling to Vancouver.)
In addition to the scenery, the Cascades route is worth your time if you’re curious about Amtrak’s new Airo trains. The new trains will begin running on the Cascades route this summer. Amtrak is offering new levels of physical comfort and a more consistent travel experience. Also, you can experience updated features, and contemporary food services that today’s travelers expect.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is another heritage, narrow-gauge railroad (like Durango & Silverton above). It is considered among the best-preserved steam railroads in the U.S. The train runs along the New Mexico-Colorado border between Chama, New Mexico, and Antonito, Colorado. The scenic journey zigzags along the river canyon and over a 137-foot trestle.
The round-trip Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad includes one way on the train and one way on a motorcoach. It runs six days a week, from late May to late October.
Source: travelandleisure.com©
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