visit national parks by train

Take Amtrak to these 10 incredible US national parks

Apr 4, 2022 • 12 min read

The Pacific Surfliner travels along the coastline in Del Mar, California © Amtrak

More than a century ago, when the first US national parks were formed, most visitors didn't arrive by car or in RVs, but on trains. Automobiles were still prohibitively expensive, and there were no interstate highways then – most existing thoroughfares would have made for a rough road trip anyways.

While cars have eventually become king, there's magic and grandeur in arriving at a national park the old-fashioned way, ensconced in a railway car. No matter what kind of scenery you’re craving, from snow-capped mountains to raging rivers, there are several Amtrak train route options to choose from.

If you want to take an Amtrak train journey to a national park in 2022, here are 10 routes to consider. 

Ask LP: How can I explore the US by Amtrak?

Get to Yellowstone National Park on the California Zephyr

Route: Chicago to San Francisco

Is there an Amtrak route through Yellowstone National Park ? If you've ever wondered if you can get to this incredible park by rail, we have great news — you can take the California Zephyr , which goes from Chicago to San Francisco , and vice versa, to get to Yellowstone National Park. While onboard, you’ll see everything from farmland and barns that look like they’re out of a movie to mountainous terrain. If you’re looking for geysers, in addition to the renowned Old Faithful , you’ll have your choice of about 500. In fact, Yellowstone is home to approximately half of the world’s geysers. You’ll also find plenty of thermal hot springs, not to mention an endless variety of wildlife, from elk to grizzly and black bears to the nation’s oldest herd of bison.

Getting to the park:  You can take the Blue Line from Salt Lake City Central train station to the Salt Lake City airport, where you can pick up the Salt Lake Express north to West Yellowstone. Alternatively, take the Blue Line north to another city on the Salt Lake Express route, like gorgeous Ogden, Utah, before transferring and heading on to the park.

I'm a Yellowstone guide — here's what you need to know if you plan on visiting in 2022

Reach Glacier National Park on the Empire Builder

Route: Chicago to Portland/Seattle

The Empire Builder will provide you with authentic scenery of the American West while heading through the northern United States – it follows several parts of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail from the early 1800s, as well as takes you into Montana’s Big Sky country . No matter where you climb aboard the Empire Builder, you’ll want to get off at Montana’s East Glacier station, which is on the periphery of Glacier National Park . Once there, you can explore an endless number of hiking trails — more than 700 miles’ worth — as well as more than 130 lakes, all while taking in the glacier-carved valleys.

Getting to the park: The East Side Shuttle goes from the Glacier Park Lodge to St Mary Village, where you can catch the National Park Service Shuttle on the Going-to-the-Sun Road . Or you may want to join a historic Red Bus Tour to make your way around the park and its famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. Fun fact: Several of the buses are restored originals from the 1930s.

These Glacier National Park hikes will make you want to get your backpack

Reach Crater Lake National Park aboard the Coast Starlight

Route: Los Angeles to Seattle

When you take the Coast Starlight north from Los Angeles toward Seattle , not only will you see picture-perfect coastal views and snow-capped mountains, but it’ll also take you to Crater Lake National Park . If you’re looking for an authentic Pacific Northwest experience, you’ll find it here. On more than 183,000 acres, there’s plenty to explore: you can camp, hike or chase waterfalls. Or, you can just admire the deep turquoise Crater Lake itself, which was formed from a collapsed volcano and is the deepest lake in the US at 1949ft and one of the deepest in the world.

Getting to the park: Get off the train at the Klamath Falls stop, amidst the Cascade Mountains of southern Oregon. Then there is a shuttle bus connection to take you to the park.

A complete guide to Crater Lake National Park (including whether you can swim)

Visit Olympic National Park via the Empire Builder or Coast Starlight

Route:  Empire Builder (Chicago to Portland/Seattle) or Coast Starlight (Los Angeles to Seattle)

As far as getting to Olympic National Park , it depends on what train route you prefer — land or ocean views — and where you’ll be coming from. The Empire Builder will take you into the heart of the American West whereas the Coast Starlight will take you north from Los Angeles toward Seattle . At the park itself, which is almost a million acres, there’s a surplus of nature to take in, from the sky-high trees of Hoh Rain Forest to Hurricane Ridge — hiking or skiing, anyone? — to Lake Crescent , the perfect place to hike, then camp for a night (or two). Of course, don’t forget to check out Mt. Olympus , a must for climbers.

Getting to the park:  From Seattle's King Street train station, you can take the Dungeness Bus Line to Sequim or Port Angeles, where you’ll find the Clallam Transit System ’s bus line that goes to several popular Olympic National Park destinations along the northern part of Hwy 101.

The best hikes in Olympic National Park offer sea stacks, waterfalls and ancient petroglyphs

Travel to Yosemite National Park on the  San Joaquins

Route:  Bakersfield to Sacramento/Oakland

The Amtrak train you need to get to Yosemite National Park is the San Joaquins , which connects the San Francisco area , Sacramento , Fresno and Bakersfield. And if you’re like me and can’t get enough Amtrak, you can first take another train route, like the Coast Starlight, before connecting to the San Joaquins. From the train, you’ll see all kinds of scenery, from fruit and nut trees in the early spring to orchards, vineyards and perhaps some of the Sierra Nevada itself, depending on the visibility. As you do so, you can sip on a regional wine or craft beer.

In no time, you’ll reach Yosemite. While the park may be known for its larger-than-life rock formations, including Half Dome , El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks, it’s also home to a countless number of waterfalls. At 2425ft, Yosemite Falls is one of the most renowned, as well as one of the world’s tallest. Between looking up at the waterfalls to looking down at the Merced River, no matter which way you look, there’s something incredible to see.

Getting to the park: Whether you get on the route in a place like Sacramento, Oakland or Emeryville, you’ll get off at the Merced, CA, station, and then transfer to an Amtrak bus via the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS). This will take you to Yosemite’s Arch Rock Entrance. Another option is getting off the train at Fresno and taking a YARTS bus to the South Entrance of the park . When you buy your Amtrak ticket to Yosemite, the shuttle bus and park admission are included. It’ll be such an efficient process that you won’t miss not having driven, waiting in long lines for parking, then trying to find a parking spot.

11 of the most stunning waterfalls to see at Yosemite National Park and how to see them

Get to Grand Canyon National Park on the Southwest Chief 

Route: Chicago to Los Angeles 

The Southwest Chief , which goes from Chicago to Los Angeles, and vice versa, will take you past a variety of landscapes, from nostalgic farmland to the Mighty Mississippi. Depending on the season, you could see leaves changing color or snow sprinkling the trees. But you’re about to behold an even bigger sight — the 277-mile long, 18-mile wide Grand Canyon National Park . Once there, the only problem will be deciding what to see. If you want expansive canyon views, as well as one of the Colorado River , Lipan Point is a favorite among many visitors. Or you can check out the renowned Desert View Watchtower . Standing at 70ft, it’s on the canyon’s South Rim and an ideal place to take in the larger-than-life ambience.

Getting to the park: In Arizona , get off at the Flagstaff Station and catch the Groome Shuttle bus. That will take you to Williams, where the Grand Canyon Railway will take you to the South Rim.

11 Amtrak routes with the most breathtaking views

Reach Rocky Mountain National Park on the California Zephyr

Amtrak’s California Zephyr runs from Chicago to San Francisco (or from San Francisco to Chicago) and makes for a good way to get to Rocky Mountain National Park . But first, while aboard the train, you’ll see incredible scenery, from Midwest plains and charming small towns, with even smaller train depots, to the mountain peaks of the Sierra Nevada — depending on which way you’re traveling from. Off the train, you’ll then have your pick of what to see and do at the Rockies, from camping and skiing to mountain biking and hiking — in case you’re curious, there are more than 300 miles’ worth of trails. You can also see how many types of wildlife you can spot, including bighorn sheep, deer and elk, as well as a countless number of birds.

Getting to the park: When you get off the train at Denver’s Union Station , you can catch the Estes Park Shuttle to the little mountain town at the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. From there,  Rocky Mountain visitor shuttles go to famous sites such as Bear Lake.

How to conquer the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park

Reach Channel Islands National Park aboard the Pacific Surfliner

Route: San Diego to San Luis Obispo

The Pacific Surfliner is the perfect train route to take if you’re looking for a scenic journey along the coast — you’ll see palm trees swaying in the breeze one moment and surfers braving the waves the next. Plus, the train will pass plenty of idyllic small towns and vineyards, too, depending on where you get abroad. If you’re a cyclist or surfer, you can even bring your bike or surfboard along, then use them on the periphery of Channel Islands National Park — bikes are not allowed on the islands themselves. Since the park is made up of islands, many visitors spend time in and on the water, whale watching, kayaking in sea caves or snorkeling around the area — or both.

Getting to the park: You can depart the train in Ventura or Oxnard to reach the Channel Islands. Then, to get to the islands themselves, you’ll take a boat through Island Packers .

How to spend a perfect weekend in San Diego

Visit Harpers Ferry National Park on the Capitol Limited

Route: Chicago to Washington, DC

The Capitol Limited will take you from Chicago to Washington, DC, where you’ll pass various landmarks, such as the Potomac Valley and the Allegheny Mountains. You can also bring along your bike , which could come in handy once you reach the streets of Harpers Ferry National Park . Once there, where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet, you’ll find a charming community with rich history. You may recall that Harpers Ferry is where John Brown’s 1859 raid on the First Federal Arsenal took place. Whether you want to check out exhibits and museums, hiking trails or water activities — such as fishing, kayaking or swimming — there’s a wide array of things to do. Or, you can explore one of the battlefields that has been preserved.

Getting to the park: Get off at the Harpers Ferry station in West Virginia – you'll be less than a ten-minute walk from the park information center and John Brown's Fort .

Top 12 parks in Chicago

Reach Jean Lafitte National Park on Amtrak's Sunset Limited

Route: Los Angeles to New Orleans

If you’re a fan of desert scenery straight out of a painting, you’ll find it on the Sunset Limited , which goes from Los Angeles to New Orleans . First, you’ll see plenty of California mountains along this southernmost Amtrak route as you head East. As you slide into the south, it's hard not to feel the vibe whether it’s a deep purple and orange sunset or a person on horseback you spy outside the window.  

Once at Jean Lafitte National Park , which is just 17 miles from New Orleans, you’ll find Louisiana’s wetlands, with all the swamp, bayous and alligators you can handle. Plus, you’ll spot animals, reptiles and amphibians you may not usually see, including nine-banded armadillos, tree frogs and water snakes. And if you’re into birdwatching , this is the place: be on the lookout for over 200 species of birds, everything from herons to painted buntings to barred owls.

Getting to the park:  From the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal, taking a taxi or using a rideshare service is the easiest way to get to the park , depending on what section(s) of it you’d like to visit – it should be a 20-30 minute drive.

Can I get to Zion National Park on an Amtrak train? 

Unfortunately, there is no direct route on an Amtrak train through Zion National Park . The closest Amtrak station is on the Southwest Chief route which stops in Flagstaff, Arizona. From there, the drive is about four hours. 

Making waves: the American Southwest’s best river trips

Does Amtrak go to Sequoia National Park?

No, there is no Amtrak that connects to Sequoia National Park . The closest Amtrak stations are in Hanford, California (about an hour drive away) and Fresno (about 1:30 drive away). 

You may also like: 10 of the world's most amazing train journeys The best one-day itineraries for 5 US national parks Europe’s top 10 scenic train journeys for 2022

This article was first published July 2020 and updated April 2022

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How to Take a Train to All the Best National Parks

Visit 13 of America’s best-loved national parks on this cross-country national-park train loop

Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

The Great American Road Trip may promise national parks galore, but driving’s not the only way to visit America’s best idea. Numerous Amtrak stations lie within two hours—or closer—of the country’s top national park getaways. Some stops offer hiker shuttles, other visits require rental cars, and parks like Glacier and Gateway Arch let you stroll from the platform to the park entrance.

To inspire your train-to-park getaways, we pored over Amtrak routes, stations, schedules, and logistics. The result? This—the ultimate Amtrak-to-national-park loop, because there’s no better way to see the country than on a long train ride. The cross-country itinerary (and back again), which starts at about $1,200 total for train tickets (coach fare, as of October 2021), includes 13 national parks, ten days of train travel, and specific instructions for getting from platform to park at each stop. If you have time to do it all at once, it’s the trip of a lifetime. Or pick off one park at a time; they’re all worthy.

Stop 1: Olympic National Park | Port Angeles Gateway Transit Center

From station to park: under one hour.

Visit the snowy, sawtooth ridges and old-growth rainforests of Olympic National Park via Amtrak’s Thruway bus, which takes ticketed travelers three and a half hours from the Seattle Amtrak station up to Port Angeles, Washington, the gateway to some of the Pacific Northwest’s wildest landscapes.

Grab the Clallam Transit System’s bus route 14 ($1.50) from the Gateway Transit Center to one of Olympic National Park’s most popular destinations, Lake Crescent. The 40-minute bus ride leads to East Beach, just steps from the Lake Crescent Lodge and the trailhead up the steep switchbacks of the Mount Storm King Trail .

For a more flexible visit, grab a rental car from Enterprise or Avis (around $100 per day) in Port Angeles. Both are a few blocks from the station; from there, it’s around 20 miles up to the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, the starting point for traversing numerous scenic Klahhane Ridge trails .

Stop 2: Crater Lake National Park | Klamath Falls Station

Cobalt-blue Crater Lake is the next stop on your national-park train loop. You have two transport options from the closest station, Klamath Falls, roughly 45 miles from the Crater Lake National Park Village Visitor Center. The seasonal Crater Lake Trolley ($40 roundtrip; includes park entrance fee) holds 25 people and runs two-hour tours through the park from July to September (it’s been closed for the past two seasons due to COVID-19 and does not have a reopening date listed).

For off-season visits, go the rental-car route. Enterprise is one mile south of the Klamath Falls Station, and the Rim Village Visitor Center is another hour to the north. From the visitor center, you can join popular hikes like the 3.5-mile Garfield Peak Trail , or grab a bite or room at Crater Lake Lodge .

Train from Port Angeles: 16 hours; one transfer

Stop 3: Yosemite National Park | Merced Station

From station to park: two hours.

Reach Yosemite National Park’s plunging waterfalls, soaring sequoias, and awe-striking Half Dome via Amtrak’s Merced Station in central California. From the station, take the YARTS Highway 140 Bus up to the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center and the Yosemite Valley Lodge, where you can reach trailheads to Yosemite Falls, Mirror Lake, and the Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point. If you purchase tickets to Yosemite through Amtrak (an additional $20), the YARTS bus fare is included.

Like at Crater Lake and Olympic National Parks, you can also rent a car via Budget or Enterprise in Merced. Both facilities are a 30-minute walk from the station; it’s another two hours driving from here to reach the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center.

Train from Klamath Falls: 12 hours, 35 minutes; two transfers

Stop 4: Channel Islands National Park | Ventura Station

From station to park: 10 minutes, plus one- to three-hour ferry.

Further down the national-park-packed West Coast is a string of five unspoiled and biodiverse islands known as the “Galapagos of North America.” To access Channel Islands National Park , take Amtrak to Ventura Station, just beyond Santa Barbara, then grab an Uber or taxi for the five-mile trip over to Ventura Harbor dock, where NPS-licensed concessionaire Island Packers Cruises’ vessels depart (trips start at $60). The Channel Islands ferry ride is anywhere from one to three hours, depending on your island of choice. Expect craggy coastal scenery and potential whale sightings along the way.

For the quickest day-trip option, head to Santa Cruz, the largest of the Channel Islands. Its 16 hiking trails, including the two-mile Cavern Point Loop from Scorpion Beach, where Island Packer Cruises lets passengers off, showcase a dazzling palette of Pacific coast scenery.

Train from Merced: six hours; one transfer

Stop 5: Saguaro National Park | Tucson Station

From station to park: under 30 minutes.

Make your way inland, from Ventura to San Diego, then San Diego toward Amtrak’s Tucson station, for a quintessentially southwest U.S. stop: Saguaro National Park . Giant saguaros dot this rugged desert expanse, with some cacti standing up to 45 feet tall. The park is split into two, with one section east of the city, and one west. This, plus lack of public transit, means rental cars are the easiest way to get around. Enterprise is just over one mile north of the Tucson station; ZipCar is also available throughout the city.

Eastern Saguaro National Park’s Rincon Mountain Visitor Center and the western side’s Red Hills Visitor Center are each 15 miles from the station. Both portions of the park offer their own sky-high-cacti beauty, but for a truly immersive and humbling experience, admire the scenery and soaring saguaros on the 17-mile Douglas Spring Trail in Saguaro National Park East.

Train from Ventura *: Ventura to San Diego (5 hours, 21 minutes; direct), San Diego to Tucson: 16 hours, 35 minutes; one transfer

*(Note: Amtrak does not offer a straight route from Ventura to Tucson; you must book each leg separately)

Stop 6: Big Bend National Park | Alpine Station

From station to park: one hour.

Next stop along the southern U.S. border: the stark desert, deep canyons, and glittering night skies at Big Bend National Park . Alpine Station in western Texas is the closest Big Bend train stop. Rent a car through local agency Alpine Auto Rental ; when scheduled in advance, they’ll deliver vehicles to the Amtrak station.

It’s a surreal and remote one-hour drive from Alpine down into the heart of Big Bend National Park, where hikes like the dramatic five-mile Lost Mine Trail lead to views across the Chisos Mountains and beyond.

Train from Tucson: 10 hours, 20 minutes; direct

Stop 7: Hot Springs National Park | Little Rock Union Station

Continue eastbound for a serene dip or forested stroll at Hot Springs National Park , accessible via Arkansas’ Little Rock Union Station. The park’s 26 miles of hiking trails and namesake hot springs are a one-hour drive from the Amtrak stop at Union Station.

Rental cars are ideal for getting from points A to B and beyond, whether that’s a stroll along the three-mile Hot Springs Mountain Trail or a soak at the century-old Buckstaff Bathhouse . Enterprise is a one-mile walk from the Little Rock Union Station.

Train from Alpine: 26 hours, 46 minutes; direct

Stop 8: Gateway Arch National Park | St. Louis Gateway Station

From station to park: 10 minutes.

Enjoy a warm Midwest welcome as you enter St. Louis, Missouri, where Gateway Arch National Park awaits just minutes from Gateway Station. This is one of the country’s smallest national parks—a superlative that promises seamless car-free navigation. From the centrally located Gateway Station, stroll 30 minutes to hit the park by foot. Or, for a quicker trip, ride the St. Louis Metro ($1) ten minutes from the nearby Civic Center, to the Lacledes Landing Metrolink Station, next to the park.

Once you’ve reached Gateway Arch National Park, catch the tram to the top of the 63-story arch, visit the onsite museum, or board a Gateway Arch Riverboat , which offers a leisurely Mississippi River paddleboat tour.

Train from Little Rock: 7 hours, 45 minutes; direct

Stop 9: Shenandoah National Park | Charlottesville Amtrak Train Station

From station to park: 30 minutes.

Head further east to enjoy the undulating forests and rocky peaks of Shenandoah National Park , accessible from the Charlottesville, Virginia, Amtrak station. Shenandoah’s signature attraction, the 105-mile Skyline Drive that follows the park’s portion of the Appalachian Trail, is most easily enjoyed by car. Enterprise is two miles from the Charlottesville train station; use rideshare or Charlottesville Area Transit Bus Route 10 ($1.50 for 24 hours) to get there.

Beyond Skyline Drive, trails abound near the park’s southern terminus (closest to Charlottesville), including the ten-mile Riprap Trail circuit hike, which features sweeping mountain vistas with brief portions along the famed AT .

Train from St. Louis: 34 hours; two transfers

Stop 10: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Charleston Station

En route from Charlottesville to Charleston, West Virginia, Amtrak weaves right through New River Gorge National Park and Preserve . The park alone has three Amtrak stops: Hinton, Thurmond, and Prince. Each stop is a few blocks from the New River. Prince in particular is close to top park attractions like the dramatic Thomas Burford Pugh Memorial Bridge, one mile away from the train platform.

But public transportation and ride-share options are scarce near these in-park train stops. A rental car is the most seamless way to fully enjoy the expansive 70,000-acre New River Gorge National Park —whether you’re whitewater rafting or hiking through deep canyons. To go the rental-car route, take the train just north of the park to Charleston’s Amtrak station, where Enterprise is a one-mile walk from the tracks.

Train from Charlottesville: 6 hours, 30 minutes; direct

Stop 11: Acadia National Park | Brunswick Station

From station to park: 2.5 hours.

Isolation is one of Acadia National Park’s main allures, but Amtrak gets within arm’s reach of this remote coastal-Maine beauty. Take the train up the east coast to Brunswick, Maine, then grab a rental car at Enterprise, a 1.5-mile walk, or a quick Uber ride, from the station.

At this point, it’s still a two-and-a-half hour drive to reach Acadia, but with 125 miles of hiking trails, including the four-mile Ocean Path along craggy cliffs and Maine’s pristine coastline, this park is well worth the drive. For trips from late June to early October, you can stow the car at your accommodation; the fare-free Island Explorer Shuttle Bus links neighboring hotels, inns, and campgrounds with Acadia’s main attractions.)

Train from Charleston: 29 hours; two transfers

Stop 12: Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Cleveland Station

Head back west-bound to explore the winding gorges and forest-fringed waterfalls in northeast Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley National Park , just outside of Cleveland. Rent a car to easily access Cuyahoga Valley’s top attractions; Hertz is a one-mile walk from the station, and the park is 30 minutes driving to the south.

See Cuyahoga Valley by foot, with hiking trails like the two-mile Ledges Trail , which twists beneath towering sandstone cliffs. Or, grab yet another train, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad , to see the entirety of the park, from bald-eagle nesting sites to the crooked Cuyahoga River.

Train from Brunswick: 20 hours; one or two transfers (depending on the route)

Stop 13: Glacier National Park | East Glacier, West Glacier, or Whitefish Stations

To close the cross-country train loop, continue westward toward the sky-high peaks and teal lakes of Glacier National Park . The park has three Amtrak-station options. East Glacier Station, used from April to October, is the closest option. It’s walking distance from East Glacier Park Village, Glacier National Park Lodge, and the Mount Henry and Autumn Creek East trailheads.

West Glacier Station, open year-round at the southern end of Going to the Sun Road, is two miles south of the Apgar Visitor Center, with Lake McDonald just beyond that. Xanterra’s summer West Side hiker shuttle provides transportation between West Glacier Station and Lake McDonald Lodge and the Village Inn in Apgar; seats must be booked in advance (fares from $6 to $14, depending on route).

Whitefish, Montana, located just east of Glacier, is your best option for a rental car, ideal for full flexibility when exploring the park, or if you’re visiting in the off season. The closest Enterprise is a ten-mile drive south; take an Uber or taxi to get here. You can also book your own transportation through companies like Arrow Shuttle , which offers transit from Whitefish to Glacier National Park and other area attractions ($120 from Whitefish to West Glacier).

Train from Cleveland: A 40-hour, one-transfer ride completes this Amtrak-to-national-park adventure (although to fully close the loop, it’s another 20 hour, one-transfer train ride from Glacier National Park to Port Angeles’ Gateway Transit Center.) If you’re ready for a splurge after weeks of NPS adventuring, upgrade to a private sleeper car ($900 for up to two adults), with two beds, shower and restroom facilities, and complimentary onboard meals.

• Acadia National Park
• Big Bend National Park
• Glacier National Park
• National Parks
• Olympic National Park
• Public Lands
• Yosemite National Park

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Experience the parks by train.

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Whether traveling by train along the west coast of the United States or to historic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty in New York City, Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park in Atlanta or cultural attractions such as Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Amtrak passengers can connect to public lands and engage in a better understanding of the need to preserve and protect these special natural and cultural resources. We encourage you to download the The NPS App to help plan your visit on Amtrak, to more than 400 National Park Service areas.

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Last updated: June 14, 2023

America's National Parks by Train: Rocky Mountains, Arches & Zion

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You have up to 60 days to get a full refund

Feel good about putting a tour on the calendar today: Enroll in AutoPay or pay in full when you book, and if you change your mind,  you’ll get your money back .†

Explore some of the United States' most awe-inspiring landscapes.

Towering mountains, otherworldly rock formations, ancient petroglyphs, and scenic train rides await on this journey through the American West. Begin your exploration in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park, where you'll walk along scenic trails and spot wildlife up close. Then, travel by train over rugged mountain terrain to Utah, where you'll explore the dramatic natural landscapes and Native American history of Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, and Zion national parks. Round out your tour with an overnight in bright, bustling Las Vegas.

Your tour package includes

• 9 nights in handpicked hotels
• 9 breakfasts
• 2 dinners with beer or wine
• 1 beer tasting

Included highlights

• Craft beer tasting
• Rocky Mountain National Park
• A ride on the Rocky Mountaineer
• Continental Divide crossing
• Moab Petroglyphs

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Day-by-day itinerary

Welcome to Colorado! Transfer to your hotel in the Rocky Mountain National Park region. Then, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner and beer tasting at a local brewery.

Set out to explore the wonders of Rocky Mountain National Park.

• Drive along the Trail Ridge Road, which soars to 12,000 feet in elevation  (weather-dependent).
• Stop to take photos and several short trail walks.
• Look out for wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, moose, and bears.
• Enjoy free time in the college city of Boulder, known for its culinary scene, breweries, and vibrant downtown.

Spend a full free day exploring the Rocky Mountain National Park region, or add an excursion.

Top of the Rockies: Pikes Peak Cog Railway

From $115 per person

This morning, board the Rocky Mountaineer train at Denver’s Union Station for a scenic ride through the Rockies to Glenwood Springs.

• Admire canyons, towering mountain peaks, and reservoirs on your day-long journey.
• Cross over the Continental Divide as you pass through Moffat Tunnel.
• Enjoy an included lunch aboard the train.

Please note: Learn more about the benefits of upgrading to SilverLeaf Plus on the Rocky Mountaineer in our FAQ.

Continue your scenic journey on the Rocky Mountaineer.

• Make your way to Utah, crossing through desert canyons, basins, plateaus, and mesas of western Colorado and Utah.
• Spot Mt. Garfield, a dramatic natural formation within the Book Cliffs mountain range, from the train.

Arrive in Moab, then enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant before heading out on a sightseeing tour.

• Explore some of Moab’s beautiful rock art and petroglyphs, which date back as far as 3500 B.C.
• Learn about the history of regional Native American tribes from your local guide.

Enjoy a free evening in Moab or add an excursion.

Red Rocks Sunset Hummer Safari

From $165 per person

This morning, gaze at the red rock sculptures carved by nature as you explore Arches National Park, home to more than 2,000 arches, spires, domes, pinnacles, and fins.

Please note: The order of activities may vary based on season.

Enjoy a free afternoon in Moab or add an excursion.

Colorado River Raft Trip

From $119 per person

Make your way through scenic southwestern Utah to tour Bryce Canyon National Park by bus and on foot.

• Take in up-close views of the distinctive pink limestone and sandstone formations.
• See the awe-inspiring arches, bridges, and pinnacles known as hoodoos.

Then, continue on to your hotel near Zion National Park and enjoy a free evening.

Take a tour of Zion National Park, which is located at the intersection of the Great Basin, the Colorado Plateaus, and the Mojave Desert.

• View the yellow- and orange-hued rocks during an open-air tram ride.
• Hear commentary on the surrounding landscape from a local guide.

Stop in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada’s first state park, before continuing on to Las Vegas to celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner.

Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or continue on to Grand Canyon National Park.

Depart from Las Vegas and make your way to the Hoover Dam, an iconic American landmark that separates the states of Nevada and Arizona. Meet up with a local guide for a tour and learn about the dam’s fascinating construction and history.

Continue on to Grand Canyon National Park and get settled at your hotel.

Set out to explore the Grand Canyon, one of the most-visited national parks in the U.S.

• Join your Tour Director for a walk along the South Rim.
• Walk through a ponderosa pine forest and admire panoramic views of the sandstone landscape from a plateau at the end of the trail.

Enjoy free time to hike other trails, explore the various museums and shops along the rim, or add an excursion.

Grand Canyon Helicopter Ride

From $259 per person

Explore the Southwest landscapes of Arizona as you make your way toward Phoenix.

• Visit Sedona, a city known for its festive art scene, and enjoy free time to shop, eat, and explore its many galleries.
• Make photo stops at the majestic rock formations surrounding Sedona, including Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte.
• Stop at Montezuma Castle National Monument to view cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans, an ancient culture with ties to the Hopi and Yavapai tribe.

Celebrate your trip with your group at tonight’s farewell dinner.

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Book for just $99 down

That’s all it takes to secure your spot on tour with AutoPay. Then, pay for your trip in interest-free, monthly installments.†

Overall rating 4.8 out of 5

5 out of 5 stars

This tour covers 3 states, 4 National Parks, 1 State Park. Lots of great optional activities. Full days packed with lots to experience. The National parks are this country's best treasure. Each park is unique and special because it offers a diverse opportunity in scenery and wildlife. Much to cover ...

The America's National Parks by Train tour was a wonderful experience. The beauty of Bryce, Arches, Zion, and Rocky Mountain National Parks is beyond description. The tour director, Nancy, was great in every way. She made sure everyone was comfortable; she was very knowledgeable about the places ...

Traveler photos

Hotels, flights & FAQ

This relaxing hotel is located in Longmont within the Rocky Mountains National Park area. Guests enjoy the indoor pool, fitness center, and bicycle re...

This peaceful hotel is located in downtown Glenwood Springs. Guests enjoy the indoor pool, stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, and fitness center. ...

This unique hotel is located just minutes away from Arches National Park in Moab. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, fitness center, and on-site restauran...

This rustic, lodge-style hotel is located in Springdale, Utah next to Zion National Park. Guests enjoy a fitness center, pool, and laundry facilities....

This massive hotel is located right off of the Las Vegas Strip. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, multiple restaurants, and convenient location. Nearby y...

This comfortable hotel is located just 15 minutes from the Grand Canyon National Park entrance. Guests enjoy the indoor swimming pool, a full breakfas...

This comfortable hotel is located in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant. Nearby you’ll fi...

• Round-trip flight for your tour
• Airport transfers at your destination
• A great price locked in today
• 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
• Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
• Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
• Find out more about flights
• Travelers will enjoy a two-day ride aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train from Denver, Colorado to Moab, Utah. SilverLeaf service is included as part of your tour package, but you can choose to upgrade to SilverLeaf Plus service for an additional cost. This upgrade must be purchased at least 90 days prior to departure.
• SilverLeaf Plus includes all the benefits of the exceptional SilverLeaf Service, plus exclusive access to the newly renovated lounge car. Featuring signature cocktails, the lounge car offers additional space indoors to relax and soak in the scenery as it passes you by, as well as a small outdoor viewing area.
• Passengers in SilverLeaf Plus enjoy an elevated dining experience with an additional course during select meals, and premium alcoholic beverages.
• Tips for porterage, meals, and other services provided aboard the Rocky Mountaineer are included in the tour price. Travelers are responsible for tipping Tour Directors, bus drivers, and local guides at the end of their tour.
• U.S. citizens need valid government-issued identification for air travel within the United States. If you plan to use a state-issued ID or driver’s license on or after May 7, 2025, it will need to meet Real ID requirements. Real ID compliant versions of these IDs will have either a yellow or black star, white star inside a yellow or black circle, or a white star inside a bear in the top righthand corner. Please visit dhs.gov for more information.
• In order to enter the United States, Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
• If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
• You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code RAM.
• You will walk for at least 2 hours daily across mostly flat terrain, including paved trails and dirt paths, with some hills. Some activities will take place at high altitudes.
• Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
• You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.
• Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
• If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
• Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Denver, Colorado and depart from Las Vegas, Nevada (or Phoenix, Arizona on the tour extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
• Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
• A two-day ride on the Rocky Mountaineer train from Denver, Colorado to Moab, Utah is included in the price of your tour.
• All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
• Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
• Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
• Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
• Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
• We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
• A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
• You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
• Be sure to check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and personal travel requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov .
• Please be aware that you will be traveling to altitudes as high as 14,000 feet above sea level. These high altitudes can sometimes cause breathing difficulties for travelers who have heart problems or respiratory ailments. If you suffer from any of these conditions, please speak to your doctor regarding any potential health risks.
• During the summer months, take proper care with sun exposure and heat.
• If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
• If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
• The western region of the United States is known for barbecue, especially in the plains and mountain states like Colorado where the cowboy tradition lives on. Try a bison burger or a steak for a true local dining experience.
• The cuisine of the American southwest combines influences from Spanish colonial settlers, Mexican staples, and Native American tradition. Expect dishes spiced with chile peppers, like enchiladas, tacos, and chili con carne.
• All of North America operates on 110-120 volts and uses Type A or B plugs with two flat pins or two flat pins and one round pin, respectively.
• The majority of the hotels on this tour will have air conditioning.
• Some of the hotels on this tour will provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances, but these amenities cannot be guaranteed for hotels in more remote locations.
• Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
• There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
• Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
• Colorado, Utah, and Nevada (plus Arizona on the tour extension) are on Mountain Time (MT), which is two hours behind Eastern Time (ET).
• When it’s noon in New York City, it’s 10am on tour.
• You will use the U.S. dollar on this tour.
• We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
• You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
• Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your purchases for fraudulent charges.
• Many banks and businesses now primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
• At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in USD.
• We recommend tipping $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and $3USD per person per day for your driver.
• Tips for porterage, meals, and other services provided aboard the Rocky Mountaineer are included in the tour price.
• If applicable, we also recommend $2USD per local guide.
• Tips can only be paid in cash.
• Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on your tour.
• Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
• Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
• Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.

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6 Beautiful National Parks You Can Explore Via Amtrak

Don't feel like driving to that beautiful national park? Take the train instead.

Just like exploring America's bounty of national parks, train travel is romantic — so why not combine the two for your next trip? Consider this a PSA: Amtrak serves more than 500 destinations, many of them within or near national parks, and you can even bring your bike, fishing gear, or camping equipment on board if you plan to adventure into the parks.

Traveling by Amtrak, you can even book a private room in a sleeper car, which provides the comfort of a place to lay your head on a long route — seats convert into beds when you finally grow tired of the free Wi-Fi and scenic views out your window. All aboard for these six amazing Amtrak routes that you can take to national parks.

1. Grand Canyon National Park

When it comes to family vacations and national parks, it doesn't get much more iconic than Grand Canyon National Park . Get to America's most famous natural wonder by train aboard Amtrak's Southwest Chief , which runs between Chicago and Los Angeles, passing through eight states (and cities like Kansas City, Las Vegas, Albuquerque, and more) along the way. Out your window, you'll get a taste of why the American West is so often described as "majestic" — expect sprawling mountain ranges, deserts, and canyons lining the route.

Disembark in Flagstaff to take a two-hour shuttle to Grand Canyon Village, then hop on the national park shuttle and head to the Grand Canyon Railway for an added dose of Wild West entertainment (and another scenic train ride). Alternatively, you can spend the night in Flagstaff and book a tour that will take you from your hotel to all the park highlights.

2. Biscayne National Park and Everglades National Park

Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure

Miami may not be the first location that comes to mind when planning a national park trip, but did you know it's the only city in the United States with two national parks on its borders? Hop aboard Amtrak's Silver Service/Palmetto line and you can explore both Biscayne National Park , of which 95% is underwater, and the Everglades National Park, which spans 1.5 million acres of swampy wetlands and untamed wilderness across the southern tip of Florida — a diverse and delicate ecosystem vital to the state's environmental health. The route stretches all the way down the east coast of the United States, from New York City to the sunny beaches of Miami, stopping in hot spots like Savannah, Charleston, and Washington, D.C., along the way.

You'll need one boat to explore the swampy landscape of the Everglades and another to make it over the bay to Biscayne National Park. From Miami, you can arrange  a day trip to the Everglades  or a  leisurely cruise  along Biscayne Bay.

Another bonus of the Silver Service/Palmetto route: If you hop off in Columbia, you're only a half-hour drive or the awe-inspiring old-growth forests of Congaree National Park, the only national park in South Carolina. Check out Palmetto Outdoor for shuttle service and kayaking tours.

Disembark in Washington, D.C., and you're an hour and a half from the waterfalls and wetlands of Shenandoah National Park, beloved in the fall for its impressive leaf-peeping opportunities. Full day tours are available with pick-ups in the capital if you prefer not to rent a car. You can also reach Shenandoah National Park on Amtrak's Crescent train between New York and New Orleans by hopping off in Charlottesville, only 30 miles away.

3. Crater Lake National Park

Amtrak's Coast Starlight runs the length of the West Coast, connecting Seattle and Los Angeles, and is easily one of its most beautiful routes.

You can stop in cities like Portland, San Francisco, and Santa Barbara along the way, but the true highlight is Crater Lake National Park , home to the deepest lake in the United States. The epitome of Pacific Northwest beauty, Crater Lake National Park has it all: You can hike a dormant volcano, camp, drive the Scenic Rim , and wander old-growth forests. To reach Crater Lake National Park via Amtrak, disembark at the Klamath Falls stop. There is no bus or service between Klamath Falls and the park, so you will need to hire a car to travel the rest of the way to the park 60 miles north.

4. Cuyahoga Valley National Park

For a national park adventure packed with hills, dense forests, and plenty of places to hike and kayak, plan a trip to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the only national park in Ohio . If you board the Lake Shore Limited line and hop off in Cleveland, you're only a half-hour drive from the park. Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited route connects New York and Chicago — a 19-hour trip that rumbles along the breathtaking Great Lakes shoreline and through the scenic Finger Lakes region.

5. Hot Springs National Park

Dreaming of a visit to the "American Spa"? Hop aboard the Texas Eagle , which links Chicago to San Antonio (and beyond, all the way to Los Angeles). Ride to Malvern, Arkansas, where you can disembark and take a quick half-hour drive over to Hot Springs National Park. Aboard the Texas Eagle, you can expect to cross the Mississippi River, take in the beautiful Ozarks, and venture deep into the Texas countryside. Whether you float in the relaxing natural pools or tackle the Sunset Trail, there are many ways to enjoy the Hot Springs National Park.

6. Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park contains some of the most striking scenery in the nation, and Amtrak makes it easy to get there, thanks to its Empire Builder line, which stretches from Chicago to Portland and Seattle. Along the route, you'll track the Lewis and Clark trail, cross the plains of North Dakota, and pass through Montana's Big Sky Country, but Glacier National Park still stands out above the rest — it's the "Crown of the Continent," after all.

Park highlights include glacially carved peaks and lakes, stunning views, six National Historic Landmarks, and more than 700 miles of hiking trails. In other words, there's a lot to choose from, but make sure to hit Going-to-the-Sun Road and the gorgeous Hidden Lake.

To reach Glacier National Park on Amtrak's Empire Builder route, you have a few options. The West Glacier stop is located at the western gateway to Glacier National Park, the East Glacier Park station can be found at the eastern entrance, and the Essex stop is located within the confines of the park.

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The Unique Way To Save Gas Exploring The National Parks This Summer

• Activities and Interests
• National Parks
• News and Tips
• Travel News
• Types of Travel
• United States National Parks

If you want to visit a national park this summer but you’re concerned about rising gas prices and traffic, Amtrak Vacations might just have the solution you need.

Amtrak Vacations provides passenger railroad service to national parks so you can relax and take in the scenery with family or friends. Plus, all of the national park itineraries may be customized to suit your preferences — including origin city, trip length, and even budget.

“Lose yourself in the exquisite beauty and wonder of North America’s treasured national parks,” Amtrak Vacations explains . “You could spend a lifetime exploring these beautiful landscapes and still discover something new to appreciate each time.”

Here’s how the trips are possible. Amtrak Vacations’ trains travel along a 21,000-mile rail system that stretches across 46 states to more than 500 different destinations, many of which are some of the most-famous national parks in the U.S.

“When you travel aboard Amtrak’s iconic train routes such as the Empire Builder, California Zephyr, Coast Starlight, and Southwest Chief to visit these natural wonders, you’ll sweep through scenery that’s sure to astound you,” Amtrak Vacations explains . “Desert landscapes, awe-inspiring mountain ranges, surreal sunsets and sunrises, lush forests, vast plains, and states and cities you probably would never see except by train are just a handful of the views you’ll get to enjoy while onboard en route to your destination. Regardless of where you choose to begin and end these popular national park rail journeys, you can expect to create memories you’ll talk about for years to come!”

Here’s a quick look at some of Amtrak Vacations’ most-popular national park rail journeys.

Glacier National Park Express

Glacier national park.

Glacier National Park , which the National Park Service (NPS) calls the “Crown of the Continent,” is known for its rugged mountains, spectacular lakes, deep forests, and more than 700 miles of trails.

“This is a 10-day rail journey on the Empire Builder route that you don’t want to miss!” Amtrak Vacations explains. “If you choose to visit Glacier National Park from Chicago , your train will traverse major portions of the Lewis and Clark Trail and follow in the footsteps of early pioneers. You’ll also have the opportunity to take in incredible views of untouched wilderness along the way before eventually reaching Seattle.”

You can learn more about the Glacier National Park Express here . 

Grand National Parks Of The Southwest – Bryce, And Zion To The Grand Canyon

Arches, canyonlands, capitol reef, bryce canyon, zion, and grand canyon national parks.

“If you’ve been imagining what it would be like to experience some of the most beautiful, untamed landscapes of the American Southwest, this 9-day, 8-night roundtrip rail journey from Chicago is a perfect adventure!” Amtrak Vacations explains. 

Along the way, you’ll be able to take in Arches National Park , Canyonlands National Park , Capitol Reef National Park , Bryce Canyon National Park , Zion National Park , Lake Powell, and even Grand Canyon National Park .

“Featuring dazzling views everywhere you look, you could spend a lifetime exploring these regions and still discover something new and exciting each time,” according to Amtrak Vacations. “Gorgeous year-round, this is your opportunity to experience what millions of other travelers from around the world travel to see each year.”

You can learn more about the Grand National Parks of the Southwest – Bryce, and Zion to the Grand Canyon vacation here . 

Rails To The Grand Canyon

Grand canyon national park.

“Traveling on-board the Southwest Chief and the Grand Canyon Railway to one of the seven wonders of the natural world is certainly a bucket list experience like no other,” Amtrak Vacations explains. “Known as ‘the most spectacular gorge in the world,’ the Grand Canyon is one of those places that stays with you long after you return home from vacation.”

This 5-day adventure begins and ends in Los Angeles .

You can learn more about the Rails to the Grand Canyon vacation here . 

Grand Tetons And Yellowstone Rail Journey

Grand teton national park and yellowstone national park.

The seven-day journey begins in Chicago and ends in Salt Lake City onboard Amtrak Vacations’ California Zephyr.

“Travel through the wide-open landscape of the ‘Heartland of America’ by rail before reaching Salt Lake City. Continue on to Jackson Hole for an exploration of Grand Teton National Park and its spectacular wildlife,” Amtrak Vacations explains. “From there, the journey north continues to Yellowstone National Park, where you can take in the amazing scenery that has made this destination a must-see for decades.”

You can learn more about the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone Rail Journey vacation here . 

The Rocky Mountains To Arches & Canyonlands

Rocky mountain, arches, and canyonlands national parks.

This 5-day trip aboard the California Zephyr, which ends in Moab , begins in Denver with a chance to explore the city before traveling to Rocky Mountain National Park .

“Then board Amtrak’s California Zephyr for a scenic ride from Denver to Grand Junction, Colorado, your base for exploring the red-orange sandstone and desert blue skies of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. It’s no surprise the U.S. Postal Service chose to depict Arches on one of its commemorative Park Service centennial stamps,” Amtrak Vacations continues. “The thousands of sandstone arches at Arches National Park are a must-see, and Canyonlands National Park provides a wealth of scenery — from vast mesas to soaring rock columns, and even examples of Native American cave painting.”

You can learn more about the Rocky Mountains to Arches and Canyonlands vacation here . 

The Californian

Yosemite national park.

This 9-day journey begins with an “entertaining day of sightseeing in San Francisco before touring the award-winning wineries of Napa and Sonoma Valleys,” Amtrak Vacations notes. “Spend a full day exploring the iconic Yosemite National Park . Get to know Los Angeles on a narrated tour and learn why so many stars call this fabulous city home. And, last, but certainly not least, explore the scenic coastal landscape of San Diego .”

You can learn more about the Californian vacation here . 

Shenandoah And Great Smoky Mountains National Parks Roundtrip From Washington, D.C.

Shenandoah and great smoky mountains national parks.

This 7-day trip begins with opportunities to explore Washington, D.C , and visit the national monuments.

“Then, in your included car rental, you’ll head to Shenandoah National Park and enjoy a scenic ride along the Skyline Drive through the park,” Amtrak Vacations explains. “Next up is the most visited U.S. national park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park , where a sightseeing tour will take you to the most spectacular overlooks, through the valleys, and more. Finally, at your leisure, you’ll make your way back to Washington for a final night stay.”

You can learn more about the Shenandoah and Great Smoky National Parks Roundtrip from New York City vacation here . 

Portland & Acadia National Park Getaway

Acadia national park.

This 5-day journey allows passengers to “discover the best of Maine ,” Amtrak Vacations explains.

“ Portland , Maine’s largest city, is a bustling seaport town filled with art galleries, boutiques, historic sites, and museums. Known for its many lighthouses, your all-encompassing harbor cruise tour will take you to see some of the most picturesque ones,” Amtrak Vacations notes. “Then hop in your included rental car and continue up the coast of Maine to Mount Desert Island, home to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park . This treasure on the coast of Maine is painted with rocky beaches, woodlands, and glacier-polished peaks including the ever-impressive Cadillac Mountain — the highest point on the East Coast.”

You can learn more about the Portland & Acadia National Park Getaway vacation here .

Learn More So Planning Is Easy

If you’re thinking about visiting a national park by train, you can learn more about all of Amtrak Vacations’ national park rail vacations here .

If you want to visit a national park by rail but can’t decide which one to visit, Amtrak Vacations also has a planning guide, called the National Parks by Rail map. You can download the map, which explains different trip options as well as what you’ll see along the way, here .

Be sure to also visit our national parks content, including 10 Unique Rustic Campsites Near U.S. National Parks . And while you’re thinking about trains, be sure to visit our rail content, including:

• Historic New Mexico Train Ride Promises Unique Adventures For Travelers
• Luxury Train Line Now Operating On One Of The Most Beautiful Routes In The U.S.
• Orient Express Returning To Italy In 2023 With New Luxury Trains, Hotel

Jim Fulcher has been a writer and editor his entire career. In addition to writing, he also enjoys traveling--particularly in an RV. Over the course of numerous trips, Jim has driven an RV through West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming. His favorite national park is Yellowstone, which he has visited three times.

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America's National Parks with Rocky Mountaineer

• Chicago >
• Santa Fe >
• Grand Canyon >
• Flagstaff >

Begin your adventure by exploring Denver and venture out to the picture-perfect Rocky Mountain National Park. Travel on the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer from Denver to Moab - your base for exploring Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Sit back and relax on the train with everchanging scenery including snowcapped mountains, canyons, and wildlife. Once you arrive in Moab, the thousands of sandstone arches at Arches National Park are a must see, and Canyonlands National Park provides a wealth of scenery, from vast mesas to soaring rock columns, and even examples of Native American cave painting. Continue west traveling on Amtrak’s California Zephyr route to Salt Lake City. Venture to Yellowstone National Park and take in all the beauty of this geological treasure from its geysers to its hot springs and more.

Reservations: 1-800-268-7252

For pricing and availability from your Amtrak Station:

Highlights:

• Sightseeing tour of Rocky Mountain National Park
• Sightseeing tour of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
• Sightseeing tour of Yellowstone National Park

PACKAGE ALSO INCLUDES:

• Rocky Mountaineer from Denver to Moab in SilverLeaf class
• One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Green River to Salt Lake City on California Zephyr®
• One-way transfer from Moab to Green River
• Roundtrip transfers from Salt Lake City to West Yellowstone
• 10 nights’ hotel accommodations
• 3 meals (2 breakfasts, 1 lunch)

Call us to customize this vacation!

Other Packages Available:

Disclaimer:

Package prices are per person, double occupancy, tax included. Prices do not include rail from your hometown. Please call for pricing. Package prices are subject to change without notice, and all reservations are based upon availability at the time of booking. Amtrak travel is for Coach accommodations unless otherwise noted. Upgrades to Roomette or Bedroom accommodations on board Amtrak are available. Call for pricing. Other restrictions may apply. Activities referenced in the itinerary during free time are for suggested purposes only and are not included. Seasonal activity (if applicable): During the off-season, some tours may not be available. In this case, a similar tour will be substituted. Passports (if applicable): Passports are required when crossing the Canadian border. Amtrak and Amtrak Vacations are registered service marks of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.

DAY 1              YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS IN DENVER

Welcome to the Denver, also known as the “Mile High City.” This scenic metropolis is located 5,280 feet above sea level and offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. After you check into your hotel, you’ll have lots of free time to start exploring all Denver has to offer. There is much to see and do, like Red Rocks Park, the Denver Art Museum, Denver Zoo and more. (Overnight in Denver)

DAY 2              DENVER

Experience the majestic splendor of the Rockies on an exhilarating full-day tour of Rocky Mountain National Park. This gorgeous site, often celebrated for its abundance of animals and spectacular views of the Rockies, is one of the most beautiful national parks in the world, so don't forget your camera! On your return journey, you'll get a chance to enjoy several photo opportunities and a break for refreshments. (Overnight in Denver)

DAY 3              ROCKY MOUNTAINEER FROM DENVER TO GLENWOOD SPRINGS

Today travel to Denver Union Station and board the famous Rocky Mountaineer itself. Settle into the luxurious accommodations and relax onboard soaking in the spectacular scenery as you travel through the snowcapped Rocky Mountains making your way to Glenwood Springs. (Overnight in Glenwood Springs) B, L

DAY 4              ROCKY MOUNTAINEER FROM GLENWOOD SPRINGS TO MOAB

Depart Glenwood Springs this morning and enjoy the passing mountain scenery as you enjoy breakfast onboard. Pass through Ruby Canyon and take in the stunning red rock formations along the cliffs. Arrive in Moab around noon with an afternoon to being exploring this quaint downtown nestled between Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. (Overnight in Moab) B

DAY 5              ARCHES AND CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARKS

Today you’ll have a full-day tour of two spectacular national parks: Arches and Canyonlands. Arches National Park is a geological treasure featuring 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the world-famous Delicate Arch. The park’s rich colors, textures, and landforms highlight the extraordinary balanced rocks, fins, and pinnacles. Canyonlands National Park offers a stunning landscape filled with countless canyons, mesas, and buttes, carved by the mighty Green and Colorado rivers. Experience the park from the astounding Island in the Sky, a scenic drive that follows the rim of the mesa and offers amazing views. (Overnight in Moab)

DAY 6              MOAB Enjoy a free day exploring Moab! Take a stroll through downtown or if you feel adventurous enjoy a hike through the red rocks or explore a local park. (Overnight in Moab)

DAY 7              SALT LAKE CITY Your transfer will take you from your hotel to the Amtrak station where you will board your train to Salt Lake City. When you arrive, check into your hotel and settle in for the night. (Overnight in Salt Lake City)

DAY 8              YELLOWSTONE Today, your included transfer service that will take you to West Yellowstone. Yellowstone is widely held to be the first national park in the world and is home to the most impressive geothermal features in North America. The sights here are simply stunning and will not disappoint. After you arrive in the early evening, you can settle into your hotel for a good night's sleep. You have a full day of sightseeing ahead of you tomorrow! (Overnight in West Yellowstone)

DAY 9              YELLOWSTONE America's first national park is yours to explore today! Your tour picks you up for a journey through Yellowstone. Along the way, your guide will provide some amazing insights into the park, its history, and of course, its abundant wildlife. Famous spots such as Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, Hayden Valley, and Yellowstone Lake are all part of the experience. There is no place on earth like Yellowstone National Park. (Overnight in West Yellowstone)

DAY 10                        SALT LAKE CITY

Today, you'll take your included transfer from West Yellowstone back to Salt Lake City. Spend the evening exploring the city and enjoying your final night of vacation! (Overnight in Salt Lake City)

DAY 11             YOUR JOURNEY ENDS IN SALT LAKE CITY

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9 Best Train Rides for Exploring National Parks

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Even in the age of air and automobile travel, many people still prefer to travel by rail. One of the best aspects of train travel is that you can sit back, relax, and watch some of the country's most beautiful scenery roll past right outside your window. Trains are a particularly attractive way to travel in more rural areas, and they are an ideal option for getting to and going through America's best national parks and natural areas.

Here are nine trips that combine train travel with sightseeing in national parks and scenic locations.

California Zephyr and Yosemite National Park

Ricky Batista / Getty Images

Regional services can certainly put people in touch with the kind of scenery that makes train travel special, but for true aficionados, a real rail adventure involves cross-country travel.

Because it passes through the Plains, the Rockies, rural Utah, and the Sierras, the Zephyr, which makes the 2,400-mile east-west trip three times per week, is a good train for sightseeing. Plus, Zephyr riders can easily get to Yosemite from the Bay Area.

Once inside the park, visitors can take a totally different kind of journey: a four-mile steam train trip on the Sugar Pine Railroad. This route was formerly used to haul lumberjack-chopped logs down the mountain.

Coast Starlight and the Pacific Northwest

Loco Steve / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Amtrak's Coast Starlight runs three days a week between the Pacific Northwest and Southern California. It runs along the Cascade Range, the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest, and California's Central Coast. It also passes through some of the West Coast’s biggest cities: Seattle, Portland, Sacramento, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles.

Trails and Rails, a partnership between Amtrak and the U.S. National Park Service, has guides on select routes, including the Coast Starlight. These local guides provide onboard programs about national, state, and local parks. Travelers who want to get off the Starlight in San Francisco can get to Bay Area sites like Muir Woods National Monument with relative ease.

Ethan Allen Express and Green Mountain National Forest

Denis Tangney Jr. / Getty Images

The Ethan Allen Express is an Amtrak train that travels daily between New York City and Rutland, Vermont. The 241-mile journey takes just over five hours one way. The route passes through the Catskill Mountain region, the Adirondacks, and the Green Mountains, so there is plenty of scenery beside the rails.

During the winter, skiers use the Ethan Allen to get to Killington, Vermont, one of the best ski destinations in the Eastern U.S. During the summer, nature-seekers can use the train to get from New York City to upstate destinations like Albany and Lake George. The scenery starts right outside of New York City as the train enters the heart of the Hudson River Valley.

Alaska Coastal Classic and Kenai Fjords National Park

Ken Wiedemann / Getty Images

The Alaska Coastal Classic, which travels between Anchorage and Seward, is considered the most scenic train ride in the 49th state. During the 114-mile trip, the train passes the Cook Inlet and goes through the Kenai Mountains. Both the Kenai Fjords National Park and Chugach National Forest are accessible from Seward.

The train has two cabin classes, a viewing "dome" car, and dining and lounge areas. There are guides aboard to provide insights into the wild scenery that the train passes. Much of Alaska is still roadless wilderness, so trains like the Alaska Coastal Classic are the only way to see the landscapes without having to fly.

Grand Canyon Railway and the South Rim

Ingus Kruklitis / Getty Images

The Grand Canyon Railway has been in operation for more than a century. The Train, as it is sometimes called, took its first passengers to the South Rim in 1901 . It replaced stagecoaches as the main mode of transportation for canyon visitors and started a travel boom. The firm that built the rail line, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, helped to develop the South Rim of the Canyon for tourism.

The current Grand Canyon Railway train features six cabin classes, including an observation dome and a luxury parlor. Though the train started the tourism rush to the Grand Canyon , it is now helping to temper the traffic at the famous landmark. This is because a number of people take the train instead of driving to the South Rim. The train runs round trip once per day, with passengers given several hours after the morning ride to explore the canyon before they return to Williams, Arizona, in the late afternoon.

South Shore Line and Indiana Dunes National Park

Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

The South Shore Line, a commuter train line that runs between Chicago and South Bend, Indiana, is a great way to get to Indiana Dunes National Park. The 15,000-acre park became the nation's 61st national park in 2019. It has everything from shoreline and beaches along Lake Michigan to hiking trails through forests, wetlands, and prairies.

The South Shore Line has four stops throughout the national park. One station — Dune Park Station — allows passengers to bring bicycles on the train.

Alaska Denali Star and Denali National Park

Len Turner / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

The Denali Star travels through rural Alaska between Anchorage and Fairbanks. The journey takes 12 hours and includes a stop at Denali National Park . Like its sister train, the Coastal Classic, the Star travels through Alaskan landscapes that are usually only seen from the windows of a bush plane.

Another Alaska train, the McKinley Explorer, features domed cars that offer 360-degree views of the surroundings. The Explorer does not make the entire trip between Anchorage and Fairbanks like the Denali Star. Instead, it only travels as far as Denali National Park. It is popular among cruisers and is actually operated by Holland America and Princess Cruises.

Durango and Silverton Railroad and the Colorado Rockies

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The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is certainly not one of the longest or fastest of America's scenic train trips, but it just might be the most breathtaking. The trip on this historic narrow-gauge railway starts in Durango, Colorado, at 6,500 feet above sea level. Over the 45-mile line, the early-20th-century steam engine climbs almost 3,000 feet to the town of Silverton.

The Durango and Silverton inches along at less than 20 miles per hour. The slow speed just means there is more time to take in the scenery of some of the tallest mountains in the Colorado Rockies and the trees of the Rio Grande National Forest.

Empire Builder and Glacier National Park

Hal Bergman / Getty Images

In addition to making its way to Glacier National Park, the Empire Builder train follows a portion of Lewis and Clark’s route in North Dakota and Montana. On the journey from Chicago, riders can spot a variety of terrain, from expansive plains to stunning mountain ranges.

The overnight trip runs three days a week. The station in Whitefish, Montana, is less than 30 miles from the park. After departing Montana, Empire Builder continues on to Portland, Oregon, or Seattle.

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Matador Original Series

The 7 Most Scenic Amtrak Routes Through National Parks

A merican trains are not the fastest in the world . They also severely lack the network of tracks necessary for people to ditch their cars or forego flying to rely on them entirely for their domestic travel needs.

But Amtrak has one big flex over the likes of Japan’s Shinkansen or France’s TGV: It crosses — slowly, for our viewing pleasure — some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world.

Map of all Amtrak Routes

Photo: Amtrak

Amtrak trains travel near or through 21 sites managed by the National Park Service , including some of the most visited national parks in the nation. Some Amtrak train routes even have stations within national parks, so visitors can hop off and easily enjoy America’s stunning wilderness without the need to drive.

Below are six epic Amtrak routes you can take to visit some of the best national parks in the country. Not only do you not need a car, but you won’t have to fight the crowds for scenic views since you’ll have them from the comfort of your window seat. Of course, it’s not just national park sites that Amtrak routes go by — you can even travel cross-country on the train system, complete with sleeping berths and surprisingly good food .

Glacier National Park, MT

• Route : The Empire Builder
• Starting/ending cities : Chicago, IL; Seattle, WA
• Distance : 2,200 miles
• Fastest possible travel time : 46 hours

Hop on the Empire Builder from Chicago, St. Paul/Minneapolis, Spokane, Portland, or Seattle , and get yourself a comfortable window seat (or sit in the first-come, first-seated Sightseer Lounge and stare out of the floor-to-ceiling windows if available). The train crosses the northern part of the state of Montana, including the wild and mountainous landscape of Glacier National Park .

But this Amtrak route doesn’t just pass close to the national park — it stops inside the national park’s East Glacier Park train station. That station happens to be just 209 steps from the beautiful Glacier Park Lodge, so you can step off the train and be relaxing by the lodge’s rustic log pillars and oversized fireplaces in a matter of minutes. While the park is open all year long, this is one of the seasonal Amtrak routes, stopping in the park only from mid-April to mid-October.

Harpers Ferry Historical National Park, WV, and Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH

Photo: Jon Bilous /Shutterstock

• Route : The Capitol Limited
• Starting/ending cities : Washington, DC; Chicago, IL
• Distance : 764 miles
• Fastest possible travel time : 18 hours

The Capitol Limited Amtrak route runs from the nation’s capital to Chicago and departs six days per week. The train stops at the Harpers Ferry station in West Virginia, a depot inside the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park near the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers. The train crosses over the famous B&O Bridge from Maryland into West Virginia over the rushing waters of the Potomac River and offers beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Stop at the Harpers Ferry train station to take a guided tour of the historic town, or lace up your hiking boots and explore the 20 miles of trails within the park (including some across Civil War battlefields). Roughly 70 percent of the park is forested, so you won’t have any trouble finding peace and tranquility in nature if that’s what you’re looking for.

Photo: Zack Frank /Shutterstock

At roughly the halfway point for travelers headed east is Cleveland, where passengers hoping to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park should disembark. The park is just 20 miles from Cleveland and offers more than 100 miles of hiking trails past waterfalls, wildlife habitats, and deeply wooded areas that will make travelers forget they’re so close to a major city. If you don’t have a car, a rideshare should still cost you no more than $25 or so each way.

Saguaro National Park, AZ

Photo: Lucky-photographer /Shutterstock

• Route : The Sunset Limited
• Starting/ending cities : New Orleans, LA; Los Angeles, CA
• Distance : 1,995 miles

There is, unfortunately, no train station within Saguaro National Park for an easy hop-off. But the Sunset Limited Amtrak route will take you through the beautiful Arizona park.

From your window seat (or while hanging in the Sightseer Lounge), you’ll get to see the impressive cacti and the colors and landscapes of the desert that make the park so special. If just seeing the view isn’t enough, get off at the Tucson station, about 15 miles from the park entrance. There are often park guides onboard who offer narration and insight on the views you’ll see along the way.

This Amtrak trip also gets travelers in somewhat close proximity to Big Bend National Park , about 115 miles away from the route’s Alpine, TX, stop. The route runs three times a week, so it’s easy to plan a few days around Arizona while you wait for the return ride to come back through.

Colorado National Monument, CO; Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, UT

Photo: Jacob Boomsma /Shutterstock

• Route : The California Zephyr
• Starting/ending cities : Chicago, IL; Emerson, CA (San Francisco area)
• Distance : 2,438 miles
• Fastest possible travel time : 51 hours

The California Zephyr is certainly one of the most scenic Amtrak routes in the US — or at least it is according to Amtrak.

On the 51-hour journey, the train travels through some of the most beautiful areas in the American West. Immediately after Denver, CO, passengers are treated to views of Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests on their left, especially around the Fraser-Winter Park depot and the Granby train station. In eastern Utah, the terrain is all gorgeous sandstone and desert before ascending into mountains closer to Salt Lake City. From Salt Lake, it’s a flat ride before twisting into the mountains of the Sierra Nevada, traveling through the historical railway tunnels blasting through sheer rock near Lake Tahoe.

Photo: Don Mammoser /Shutterstock

Travelers who want to stretch their legs and visit Colorado National Monument should hop off at the Grand Junction stop, which is only 14 minutes from the entrance. The NPS-managed area is packed with trailheads and lookout points. The Devil’s Kitchen trail is especially cool and quite close to the entrance.

Because this route is so long, however, Colorado National Monument isn’t the only National Park Service-managed site you could see. End your Amtrak trip at Green River, Utah, and you’ll be just 40 minutes from Arches and Canyonlands national parks, or step off in Provo to explore Timpanogos Cave National Monument (20 miles away). And exiting in Truckee, California, will put you in the heart of Tahoe National Forest (and within walking distance of hotels and restaurants).

Indiana Dunes National Park

Photo: Wildnerdpix /Shutterstock

• Route : Michigan Services
• Starting/ending cities : Chicago, IL; Pontiac, MI
• Distance : 304 miles
• Fastest possible travel time : 6 hours, 30 mins

It may be one of the shorter “distance” Amtrak routes, but the short-and-sweet journey through the Midwest offers heavy doses of natural beauty along the way. If you’re headed east, sit on the left side of the train and keep your eyes peeled for stunning views of Indiana Dunes National Park soon after departure.

Indiana Dunes National Park was designated as a park in February 2019. If you want to visit the park, hop off the train at Michigan City — you’re just a couple of miles away from the entrance and the famous 126-foot-tall sand dune known as Mount Baldy. This is a great national park to visit in summer as it has excellent beaches, but the park offers year-round activities, including several historical landmarks (and more than 60 historic buildings), 50 miles of hiking trails, nearly 40 miles of biking trails, and a robust calendar of more than 400 guided tours and talks with park rangers throughout the year.

Yosemite and King’s Canyon and Sequoia national parks, California

Photo: Stephen Moehle /Shutterstock

• Route : San Joaquins
• Starting/ending cities : Oakland or Sacramento, CA; Bakersfield, CA
• Distance : 315 miles
• Fastest possible travel time : 6 hours

If you’ve been anxious to check some of California’s central national parks off your park bucket list, jump aboard the San Joaquins Amtrak route, running from northern California to Bakersfield (north of LA).

Plan to make a few stops on this route. Going north to south, you’ll first want to get off in Merced, the closest stop to the western entrances of Yosemite National Park . From the Merced station, take the Amtrak connecter bus into the park, which both gets you there without a car and helps you avoid the infamous lines and crowds that can fill the Yosemite Valley on summer days. Once you’re in the park, there’s a bus system throughout the valley, so you won’t need a car to move between trailheads or sites.

Travelers’ next stop should be Hanford, near Sequoia and King’s Canyon National Parks (which back to each other and are treated as one unit)., Take the Amtrak bus to the gateway town of Visalia, where you can jump on the Sequoia Shuttle for $20 (running May through mid-Sept). The $20 pass also gets you unlimited shuttle service within the park.

Grand Canyon National Park

Photo: Amanda Mohler /Shutterstock

• Route : Southwest Chief
• Starting/ending cities : Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA
• Distance : 2,265 miles
• Fastest possible travel time : 40 hours

Perhaps no national park in the US is more associated with train travel than Grand Canyon. In the late 1800s, dozens of train tracks and routes sprang up near the park to carry ore from Arizona mines to places where it could be refined and shipped. However, these rail lines could also carry people, and were the only way for travelers to get to the Grand Canyon, then one of the most remote places in the west.

Today, the Grand Canyon is still accessible via train if you take the Southwest Chief Amtrak route. The closest stop to the national park is Flagstaff, from which point you have plenty of options for getting into the park (including a direct Amtrak shuttle ).

But the most fun route into the park — especially if you’re leaning into the train travel theme — is to take the Amtrak shuttle to the town of Williams (a roughly 30-minute ride) and ride the Grand Canyon Railway (not affiliated with Amtrak) into the park. The Railway runs on the same 1901 route and offers day trips that leave guests about three hours at the Grand Canyon South Rim. The railway also sells overnight packages that including lodging within the park in case you want a few days in the Grand Canyon (perhaps to attempt the rim-to-rim hike ).

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Explore These National Parks' Epic Sights With A Scenic Train Ride

What could be better than seeing some of America's most iconic national park landscapes via a picturesque train ride?

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Sightseeing saguaro national park, a midwestern trek through indiana dunes, three cali parks, one scenic route, the awe-inspiring american west.

There’s something special about traveling by train—sightseeing without distraction while comfortably ensconced in a window seat overlooking the outside world as it passes by in all its scenic glory. And undoubtedly one of the best reasons for train travel is the ability to vicariously visit places that would otherwise be off-limits: and this includes views of some of America’s most picturesque national parks.

While the following national parks are all easily accessible (and the list of destinations continues to grow ), these Amtrak train routes allow visitors to gain a unique perspective they might otherwise miss by treading the more touristy, mapped-out routes. The best part is, there are plenty of options for visitors to quench their sense of adventure; whether it's staying on board and watching the scenery fly by, or disembarking for some seriously epic adventures in some of the country’s most stunning national park settings.

Scoping the country’s largest cacti is just one reason to visit the sprawling Sonoran Desert vistas of Saguaro National Park .

Consisting of two distinct districts separated by the city of Tucson, the picturesque park is also home to a number of picture-perfect, diverse landscapes that host a number of scenic trails visitors can experience on foot, by car, by bike, or even on horseback.

And while there are a number of ways to experience this stunning AZ gem, a train ride through the desert may be one of the best—and The Sunset Limited definitely delivers.

• The Train: The Sunset Limited
• Start To Finish: New Orleans, LA to Los Angeles, CA
• Total Distance: About 1,995 miles
• Saguaro Route Options: Sit back and enjoy Saguaro’s sights from the comfort of a window seat; then disembark in Tucson before heading about 15 miles to the park’s entrance for a day of recreation. Alternatively, travelers can stay on board and scope out the nearby TX gem Big Bend National Park—all without leaving their seats.

Amtrak’s Michigan Services route may be one of its shortest, but the meandering journey undoubtedly winds its way through some of the Midwest’s most distinctive natural landscapes: namely, the sweeping sands found in Indiana Dunes National Park.

Home to a number of historic landmarks as well as a plethora of both hiking and biking trails (in addition to the famous towering dune dubbed Mount Baldy ), this Lake Michigan-bordering parkland is open year-round to visitors looking to explore.

• The Train: Michigan Services
• Start To Finish: Chicago, IL to Pontiac, MI
• Total Distance: About 304 miles
• Indiana Dunes Route Options: Once the train departs Chicago, riders should keep their eyes peeled for some of the Midwest’s most distinctive natural landscapes, including the stunning Indiana Dunes. Those that want to visit the park and explore need only depart at the Michigan City station, just a short distance away from the entrance.

RELATED: 10 Of The Best Night Train Journeys Around The World

One of the best reasons to take a scenic train ride is the ability to scope out multiple locations via one easy route—and the San Joaquins Amtrak train certainly fits the bill.

Though it's a relatively short CA route, one of many scenic West Coast rides , what makes this option so special is the opportunity to cross off not one or two but three parks off any National Park must-see list.

And while multiple stops are necessary to check all the boxes, the experience is definitely worth it to see some of Cali’s most stunning parklands.

• The Train: San Joaquins
• Start To Finish: Oakland or Sacramento, CA to Bakersfield, CA
• Total Distance: About 315 miles
• Three National Parks Route: Travel south and depart at the Merced stop, close to the western entrances of Yosemite National Park—here, the area’s connector bus makes it easy to inside the park in a snap. The next stop is Hanford, where guests can embark on an Amtrak bus to make their way to both Sequoia and King’s Canyon National Park.

RELATED: 10 Essentials To Pack For An Amtrak Train Trip

Undoubtedly one of North America’s most iconic (and scenic) train routes is the California Zephyr—beginning in Chicago, this picturesque journey takes travelers into the heart of the west.

Think dramatic mountain landscapes interspersed with sweeping plains; rugged rock formations and forested peaks: all can be seen on this one-of-a-kind trek through some of the country’s most dynamic settings.

However, it may be the route’s National Park, Monument, and Forest settings that steal the show; namely the Colorado National Monument, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Tahoe National Forest, all easily accessible via stops along the way.

• The Train: California Zephyr
• Start To Finish: Chicago, IL to Emerson, CA
• Total Distance: About 2,438 miles
• Parks, Forests, And Monuments: Guests will be glued to their window seats as the train wends its way through such iconic sights as the Roosevelt National Forest and the High Sierras. Staying onboard makes for some easy, comfortable viewing; however those wishing to explore will want to depart in Grand Junction for a visit to the Colorado National Monument. End the short(ish) journey in Green River, just a short way from both Arches and Canyonlands; or stay the course to Truckee to catch Tahoe National Forest—the sky’s the limit with this marvelously meandering route

RELATED: 10 National Parks That Offer The Best Overnight Trips

Amtrak train routes have the distinction of traversing through some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes around—including the diverse scenery and sweeping vistas that make up some of America’s most iconic national parks.

With plenty of optional stops and chances for adventure, the above routes offer travelers a glimpse into beautiful stretches of unspoiled wilderness stretching as far as the eye can see; along with the chance to depart, explore, and plot their own itineraries through some of the country’s most awe-inspiring and memorable national parks.

PRESENTED BY TRAVELODGE BY WYNDHAM

Everything you need to know about Everglades National Park

Plan your trip to the southern tip of Florida to visit the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States.

Why you should go to Everglades National Park

Sprawling between South Florida’s Lake Okeechobee and the Gulf of Mexico, the Everglades is one of the world’s largest tropical wetlands. About 20 percent of the region is protected within the confines of Everglades National Park , the third largest national park after Death Valley and Yellowstone in the lower 48 states. While the park’s main purpose is preserving wilderness, Everglades also provides plenty of scope for outdoor adventure.

Although technically a wetland , perhaps it’s best to think of the Everglades as the nation’s slowest, widest river—a constant stream of freshwater roughly 60 miles wide, moving at a speed of around 2.5 miles per day as it makes its way south to Florida Bay. The Seminole people called the region Okeechobee (“river of grass”). And while a large part of the Everglades is covered in razor-sharp sawgrass, the region also encompasses mangroves , tropical hardwood hammocks (island forests), pine and cypress forests, freshwater prairie, and various marine and estuarine habitats.

(This ambitious new trail will someday connect South Florida’s two national parks.)

“A visitor with an untrained eye—especially one used to the dramatic vistas of some western national parks—might arrive at Everglades National Park and think ‘What's the big deal?’” says Eve Samples, executive director of Friends of the Everglades. “It's a park that requires you to really train your eye and be mindful and be present. When you do that, you can experience some really incredible and subtle nature.”

Where to find the best views in the park

With elevation ranging between sea level and eight feet, it’s not easy to snatch a lofty view of the park anywhere other than the 70-foot-high Shark Valley Observation Tower . Opened in 1984, the futuristic spiral renders views of up to 20 miles across the Everglades.

Fourteen miles west of Coe Visitor Center along the Main Park Road, the Pa-Hay-Okee boardwalk and elevated shade shelter provides another wide view across the river of grass.

One of the best coastal views is from the second-floor breezeway of the Guy Bradley Visitor Center in Flamingo.

Where to find the park’s best trails

Located near Coe Visitor Center, the Gumbo Limbo Trail (0.4 mile) and Anhinga Trail (0.8 mile) meander through Royal Palm hammock, while the 22-mile Long Pine Key Trails   penetrate the park’s largest stand of native pines.

Dead flat and paved, the 15-mile Shark Valley Trail varies between sawgrass marsh and tropical hardwood hammocks. Despite the name, there aren’t any sharks, just snoozing gators to step around (at a safe distance, of course).

Where to spot wildlife

Flamingo village is surprisingly good for wildlife. Osprey hatch and raise their young on nesting towers beside the marina, while manatees and American crocodile are sometimes spotted in the bay and nearby mangrove channels.

Alligators   routinely emerge from the swamp and sun themselves on or beside the Shark Valley Trail . It’s also a primo bird habitat for creepy-looking wood storks, gorgeous roseate spoonbills, and anhinga “snakebirds.”

Other places to watch gators and birdlife are the Anhinga Trail and Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk   in Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park adjacent to the national park.

(Go on a wildlife odyssey through the Everglades and Key West.)

How to visit the park like a Nat Geo Explorer

National Geographic Young Explorer and conservation biologist Gabriela Tejeda has guided visitors along the park’s Florida Bay coast in boats, kayaks, and on paddleboards.

Her favorite way to explore inland areas is "slough slogging." It entails hiking in knee-to-waist-high water through sawgrass to reach secluded hardwood hammocks   or cypress domes —flora and fauna rich arboreal islands in the sawgrass.

When viewed from above, the domes form a rough circle around a pond. “What I didn’t know the first time I explored a dome,” Tejeda recalls, “is that the water in the middle is an ‘alligator hole’—a place where they hang out in the winter when the rest of the Everglades is drying out.”

“[The cypress domes] are unlike anything I had ever seen,” Tejeda continues. “I like to equate them to a fairy tale—a little fairy dome where you just feel like there’s going to be something magical flying around.” No fairy sightings so far. “But I always see owls and alligators and snakes.”

She highly recommends joining a ranger-led slough slog to Double Dome or other cypress domes along the Main Park Road.

Notable activities and excursions

Driving:   The Main Park Road runs through a variety of Everglades ecosystems—freshwater prairie, cypress forest, mangrove, and coastal marsh — on a 38-mile journey between the Coe Visitor Center and Flamingo . Along the way are sideroads to the Royal Palm trails, Historic Nike Missile Site , the   Mahogany Hammock boardwalk trail, and West Lake Boardwalk .

Tours:   Shark Valley offers two-hour narrated tram tours that stop at the Shark Valley Observation Tower. January through April, rangers lead Full Moon/New Moon Bike Rides and other activities.

Narrated boat tours depart from Flamingo and Everglades City . The latter is also homebase for private outfitters offering airboat tours, including Everglades City Airboat Tours. History buffs should visit the town’s small but interesting Museum of the Everglades .

Paddling:   Flamingo and Everglades City bookend the Everglades’ ultimate kayak/canoe experience —the Wilderness Waterway —a 99-mile meander through mangroves and marshes with raised platform “chickee hut” campsites along the way. Everglades City is also the starting point for self-guided paddles along the Turner River Canoe Trails .

Best things to do for families

Bikes & boats:   If keeping kids active is your mission, rent bikes and dodge snoozing alligators along the Shark Valley Tram Trail or explore Florida Bay and the mangroves by boat. Flamingo Adventures   offers canoe and kayak rentals in two-hour increments, as well as full-day pontoon boat rentals.

Tours:   Hop aboard a narrated boat tour of Florida Bay (from Flamingo Marina) or the Ten Thousand Islands (from Port Everglades); or feel the wind in your face during an adrenaline-pumping airboat ride from outfitters around the periphery of the park.

Junior Rangers:   Offered in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole, the park’s Junior Ranger Booklet features hands-on and self-guided activities including a scavenger hunt to spot wild animals that call the park home.

The park also participates in the Every Kid Outdoors program that provides vouchers for fourth graders and their families in the U.S. to visit the Everglades (and other national parks) free of charge for an entire year.

Where to stay

Hotels: Destroyed by a hurricane in 2005, Flaming Lodge is open again with new waterview rooms. Outside the park, the closest hotels are in Homestead and Doral (on the eastern edge of the park) and Everglades City, Marco Island, and Naples (beyond the western edge).

Houseboats: Modern, six-person, 42-foot houseboats at Flamingo Marina are equipped with a bathroom (and with shower), an indoor galley, outside grill, air conditioning, bedding, and fish-cutting tables.

Camping: Long Pine Key Campground is open November 1 to April 30. Flamingo Campground is open year-round. Both feature bath houses, dump stations, and potable water. Reservations highly recommended. For camping with the comforts of home, Winter Glamping Tents are available November-April in Flamingo.

Wilderness camping is allowed on certain ground or beach sites or “chickees” (elevated camping platforms). Most sites are accessible only by water and all require wilderness permits. Reservations at Recreation.gov .

Here’s what else you need to know

Access: Although the entire coast is open to exploration via watercraft, land-bound visitors have three options for entering the park: Everglades Homestead in the east, Shark Valley in the north, and Gulf Coast in the northwest.

When to visit:   The dry season (December to March) is when most ranger programs and park concessions are available. This is also the best time to see wading birds and other wildlife. The wet season (April to November) is hot, humid, buggy, and has fewer park services.

“Many people prefer the winter for the terrific weather,” says ranger Allyson Gantt. “But each season offers something special. The shoulder seasons of fall and spring are less busy and may offer more solitude. Summer is especially great for boating and other water activities.”

Closures: A multi-year construction project to raise the level of the Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) often features delays. Shark Valley parking is often full by 10 a.m. Check out the latest road, trail, and parking lot conditions, plus weather and prescribed burning alerts at the park’s   conditions page.  

Fishing: Unless you’re under 16 or a Florida resident 65 or older, a state fishing license is required. Anglers casting south of Nine Mile Pond need a saltwater fishing license; from Nine Mile Pond northwards, a freshwater fishing license is mandatory.

Swimming: Swimming and snorkeling are forbidden anywhere inside the park.

Remote control aircraft: Drones, model airplanes, and similar unmanned aircraft are not allowed in the park.

Read before you go:   Originally published in 1947, the definitive Everglades book remains The Everglades: River of Grass ,   by Florida writer and conservationist Marjory Stoneman Douglas.

Are pets allowed?  

Because of the park’s wildlife-rich environment—and the potential threat that it poses to both pets and wild animals—pets and service animals are only allowed in parking lots, on boats, and in the campgrounds and picnic areas at Flamingo and Long Pine Key.

How accessible is Everglades?

Among the accessible sites and services are seven trails, all four visitors centers, two developed campgrounds and one backcountry campsite, narrated boat tours, and the Shark Valley Tram Tour. Visitor information via TDD is available at (305) 242-7740.

Related Topics

• NATIONAL PARKS
• BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING

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US National Forests & Recreation Areas To Visit When The National Parks Are Too Crowded

As a travel writer and influencer who’s spent nearly a decade visiting 59 of the current 63 major US national parks solo, I would never advocate for anyone not to visit a national park . That being said, with park visitation only increasing year over year and the busy spring and summer months coming in hot (literally, figuratively), they aren’t always the best choice if your outdoor goals are to find some solitude and a parking space.

If that’s your angle, National Forests and Recreation Areas are the play. Managed by the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, or the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, hundreds of options exist outside the designated “National Parks”. And while I claim some expertise on National Parks, it would be very presumptuous for me – or almost anyone – to say which are “the best” when there are so many stunning natural landscapes and outdoor opportunities.

Still, in my experience some of these wild spaces stand above the others. Transparently, some will still be crowded at certain times of the year or on specific trails, but overall, the vibe should be slightly more chill than your favorite big-name parks. Here are my suggestions:

Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest – Colorado

[and indian peaks wilderness – colorado].

Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest is one of the most visited national forests in the country, but with over 1.5 million acres across five districts, it shouldn’t feel cramped. My personal favorite spot – Indian Peak Wilderness Area – is located primarily within the forest, with 73,391 acres, over 50 lakes, and 28 trails covering 133 miles; although there are some popular spots here, it’s still not too hard to find solitude.

Where to hike:

The Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest has hundreds of miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. I love the popular Lake Isabelle Trail , Blue Lakes via Mitchell Lake Trails in Indian Peaks Wilderness/Brainard Lake Recreation Area, and Herman Gulch Trail , and St. Mary’s Glacier in the National Forest.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area — Georgia

The West is, of course, full of outdoor recreation opportunities, but don’t sleep on the East or South when making your spring and summer travel plans. During my last trip to Atlanta, I was pleasantly surprised by the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in Georgia – a series of sites along a 48-mile stretch of the river. The Chattahoochee River is one of Georgia’s premier trout streams, with fishing, boating, and rafting opportunities. The area is also popular for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing over its 7,000 acres of land and river.

With 66 miles of hiking trails, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is a great option to escape the city. Try East Palisades Tail and Bamboo Forest , Gold Branch Trail , or Bowman’s Island Trail .

Coconino National Forest – Arizona

Coconino National Forest in Northern Arizona is one of the most stunning and diverse areas I’ve ever visited. At 1.85 million acres, it is one of the most extensive national forests in the lower 48 states. It includes areas around Flagstaff, including Humphreys Peak, Arizona’s highest point at 12,633 feet, and the iconic red rocks of Sedona .

For hikes in Sedona, don’t miss Fay Canyon , Little Horse Trail , and Cathedral Rock Trail . Near Flagstaff, check out Fatmans Loop Trail and Old Caves Crater Trail .

Gauley River National Recreation Area – West Virginia

If you want to get off the trails and experience a different kind of adventure, head to southern West Virginia and the Gauley River National Recreation Area . This paradise for whitewater rafting enthusiasts protects a 25-mile stretch of the Gauley River, renowned for its challenging rapids. Unlike many parks and recreation areas, most of the Gauley is—not unsurprisingly—unable to be accessed by road, but if you visit, you’ll want to get out on the water anyway.

Where to raft:

You’ll need a guide for these sometimes dangerous rapids – they’re legendary for a reason, but there are many outfitters in the area — I used River Expeditions . Adrenaline junkies will want to visit during “Gauley Season,” the six-weekend fall period when controlled water releases from the Summersville Dam upstream creates some of the best whitewater in the country. Summer is a great time for beginners when the river’s water level is lower.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area – Utah & Arizona

Whether you knew you did or not, you’ve undoubtedly seen Glen Canyon National Recreation Area photos on social media or framed at your dentist’s office. The vast area of Utah and Arizona encompasses over 1.25 million acres, including the famed Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell , the second-largest man-made lake in the United States. Popular for hiking, boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports, there is an adventure for everyone here.

The hike to Horseshoe Bend is short, at just 1.5 miles round trip, but you’ll want to see it for yourself. After that, hike Cathedral Wash Trail , The New Wave Trail, and Lee’s Ferry and Spencer Trail Lookout .

Golden Gate National Recreation Area – California

Golden Gate National Recreation Area is one of the system’s most famous national park sites, home of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. But the recreation area is more than just the area around the bridge – and one of my absolute favorite places to explore. The massive and diverse park claims over 82,000 acres across California’s San Francisco Bay Area — not just one continuous area but a collection of sites protecting everything from dramatic coastlines to historical landmarks. Explore Muir Woods, Marin Headlands, Stinson Beach, and even Alcatraz on your visit – they are all within the recreation area.

Lands End Trail is a classic, but I also love getting in some miles on Mori Point and Sweeney Ridge Loop Trail , Pirates Cove , and Tennessee Valley Golden Gate Loop .

Pisgah National Forest – North Carolina

North Carolina is an underrated gem for outdoor recreation – I especially love Pisgah National Forest . The forest encompasses over 500,000 acres of mountains, forests, and waterfalls in the southern Appalachian Mountains, including some of the highest mountains in the eastern United States, like Black Balsam Knob, at 6,214 feet. The diverse landscape is perfect for hiking, camping, fishing, biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and there are even opportunities for whitewater rafting on the French Broad River. Famous for its waterfalls – 250 at last count – the most fun is Sliding Rock, a popular summer spot where visitors can take a thrilling ride down the natural rock waterslide.

L ooking Glass Rock Trail is a popular choice for hiking, and be sure to also head out onto Graveyard Upper Falls Trail , Black Balsam Knob via Art Loeb Trail , and Max Patch Loop .

Shoshone National Forest — Wyoming

The Shoshone National Forest in Wyoming was established in 1891, making it the first federally protected national forest in the United States. The landscape is vast and rugged, with nearly 2.5 million acres of protected land, including the 13,804-foot summit of Gannett Peak, the highest point in Wyoming. With lush forests, towering mountains, sparkling alpine lakes, vast meadows, and over 1,300 miles of trails, this is an excellent option for outdoor enthusiasts to get out of the Grand Teton and Yellowstone crowds and into some remote solitude.

Popo Agie Falls Trail is a classic and accessible hike that is just 3.3 miles roundtrip. I’d also recommend Jade Lakes and Bridal Veil Falls .

White Mountain National Forest – New Hampshire & Maine

One of the most stunning spots I’ve found in the United States is White Mountain National Forest , within the White Mountains of New Hampshire and a small part of western Maine. Sprawling over 750,000 acres, it is the easternmost national forest in the US with some of the highest peaks in the area – like Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast at 6,288 feet. Visitors can hike, backpack along the famed Appalachian Trail, or take a scenic drive along the Kancamagus Highway. Fall is the high season here, so if you want more solitude, visit in Spring.

The White Mountains are known for hiking, with some of the best trails being Mount Willard , Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail Loop , and Welch-Dickey Loop Trail .

White River National Forest – Colorado

If you’ve ever taken a ski trip to Colorado, you were likely in White River National Forest , where twelve world-renowned ski resorts – Vail, Aspen, Breckenridge included – are within its boundaries. Located in the iconic Rocky Mountain Range, the over 2.3 million-acre National Forest is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and those who appreciate the majesty of the Rockies. One of the largest and most visited national forests in the United States, the forest is home to ten 14ers – peaks exceeding 14,000 feet in elevation – including the highest peak in Colorado, Mount Elbert. But with over a third of the forest’s acreage designated as wilderness, there are still plenty of opportunities for solitude here.

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What to Know Before Booking a National Park Trip This Summer

Additional routes in popular parks now require reservations, the annual pass gets a big change, Juneteenth is now a new free entrance day and more changes for 2024.

By Lauren Matison

In 2023, the seashores, lakeshores, battlefields, historic sites, monuments and more that make up the National Park Service had 325.5 million visits , an increase of 4 percent from the year before.

The National Park Service director, Charles F. Sams III, praised the surge of interest in “learning our shared American story throughout the hidden gems of the National Parks System.”

Expecting an even greater turnout in 2024, the Park Service and Recreation.gov , the booking platform for federal land reservations, have implemented new measures to streamline the park experience, manage overcrowding and safeguard the environment.

More parks are requiring reservations

To better avoid congested trails, packed parking lots and overflowing trash cans, additional parks are joining Rocky Mountain , Arches and Glacier National Parks this year in requiring day-use permits, timed entries and other reservations for travelers who wish to visit, particularly during peak hours, holidays and the parks’ high seasons. Yosemite National Park is reinstating a timed-entry system it instituted in 2020, but paused in 2022.

Many park enthusiasts expressed mixed feelings about the reservation policies, with some lamenting a lack of first-come, first-served campsites while others find comfort in knowing they have a confirmed booking. As nearly 75 percent of visitors each year descend on national parks from May to October (and often on weekends), park officials stand by the system.

“In some parks, the level of demand is exceeding the capacity for which infrastructure was designed or is outpacing the National Park Service’s ability to sustainably support visitation,” said Kathy Kupper, a public affairs specialist for the service. “This trend is resulting in the need to explore new strategies to protect natural and cultural resources and provide opportunities for safe and meaningful visitor experiences.”

It can be confusing.

New to implementing timed-entry reservations for vehicles is Mount Rainier National Park , in Washington, for its popular Paradise and Sunrise Corridors during certain times in the summer season. Reservations cost $2, are valid for one day and must be purchased along with the park ticket, but do not apply for visitors with wilderness permits or camping or lodge reservations. Similar vehicle reservations are now required for certain periods for viewing the sunrise at Haleakalā National Park in Maui, Hawaii , and driving the Cadillac Summit Road in Maine’s Acadia National Park .

Visitors wishing to hike Old Rag Mountain in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park must obtain a day-use ticket between March 1 and Nov. 30, and in Zion National Park, in Utah, hikers wishing to visit Angels Landing , the dramatic 1,488-foot-tall rock formation, also need to purchase a permit. Fees range from $1 to $6, in addition to the parks’ entrance fees.

As each destination is managed differently, check the park’s webpage for the type of reservation required. Although most bookings can be made through Recreation.gov, some sites, such as Muir Woods National Monument, use a different system.

New features on Recreation.gov

In 2023, Recreation.gov reported that more than 4 million camping reservations and 2 million timed-entry reservations were booked online, and 1.5 million permits were issued. Some 2.9 million new users signed up for the site. With its expanding user base, the booking platform has added 58 reservable national park locations — including 17 campgrounds — such as Central Avenue Walk-in Sites at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Bluff Hike In Camping in South Carolina’s Congaree National Park.

Recreation.gov has also improved an alerts feature, piloted in July 2023, that can notify users through email or mobile push notifications when a sold-out campsite becomes available. After Recreation.gov notifies you of availability, you must book the campsite yourself online — and quickly, as you’ll be shown how many other people (possibly hundreds) have received the same alert.

While its customer support center and mobile app are still only available in English, Recreation.gov recently introduced a Spanish language translation option. The Park Service partners with Latino Conservation Week , which hosts nationwide hikes and events on environmental education and in-park stewardship, and will celebrate its 10th year in September.

A limit to the annual America the Beautiful pass

The 2024 America the Beautiful pass no longer allows two owners. The annual interagency pass, which costs $80 and covers the entrance fees for more than 2,000 federal recreation sites (of which roughly 100 do not charge for admission year-round), is now marked by a single signature line on the back of the card. The pass owner must show I.D. and be present with any accompanying travelers wishing to access the park with the pass. (Annual passes issued in 2023 will still be valid until their expiration date.) The pass covers all passengers in a vehicle — up to four adults, and children under 16 are admitted free — or up to four cyclists riding together. Active military or veterans and people with permanent disabilities are eligible for a free lifetime pass; 4th grade students may receive a free annual pass; and senior citizens may purchase a $20 annual pass or pay $80 for a lifetime pass.

At the parks, more accessible features, E.V. chargers and new lodging

To better protect against global warming, the Park Service is putting more than $65 million from the Inflation Reduction Act and Great American Outdoors Act into climate mitigation and ecosystem restoration.

Using $15.9 million budgeted for zero-emission vehicle deployment, charging capacity and infrastructure, the Park Service is prioritizing a reduction in carbon emissions, said Mr. Sams, by installing new electric-vehicle charging stations and running electric buses.

An interactive online locator tool created in 2023 shows E.V. charging stations throughout 27 national parks and the type of chargers available. In addition to the tool, every national park page displays alerts on road closures, parking lot capacities, construction work and other incidents.

Mr. Sams also said the Park Service is investing $1.3 billion from the Great American Outdoors Act to improve accessibility features, ranging from a new A.D.A.-compliant visitor center at Morristown National Historic Park in New Jersey to new beach wheelchairs at Sleeping Bear Dunes , Channel Islands and Virgin Islands National Parks . Each destination’s website has an accessibility tab to help visitors plan their trip, and Recreation.gov now has a search filter on its homepage to make it easier to locate accessible accommodations.

New lodging options now available across the country include the Flamingo Lodge , which opened inside Everglades National Park last fall with 24 guest rooms built from repurposed shipping containers. In March, along the southeastern border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Cataloochee Ranch reopened with 11 renovated cabins and a new restaurant. This spring, the Clubhouse Hotel & Suites will welcome its first guests in Rapid City, S.D., the closest major town to Badlands National Park , and opening in May in Idaho is the Yellowstone Peaks Hotel , a 30-minute-drive from Yellowstone National Park. This fall, California-bound travelers planning a visit to General Sherman, the largest known tree on Earth, might book at AutoCamp Sequoia , just outside Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park .

Also in California: Those who don’t score a highly coveted (and contentious) spot at the newly reopened High Sierra Camps in Yosemite could book Wildhaven Yosemite in Mariposa, which offers more affordable rates, hiking trails and views of the Sierra Nevadas. Reservations for its first season are available beginning May 1.

Celebrating milestones and a new free entrance day

On the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, visitors can pay tribute to African American heritage at over 100 parks , including the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Washington, D.C., Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument , and the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail . This year also marks 100 years since Indigenous people were recognized as United States citizens. Although many parks have Indigenous programming , Mr. Sams, who is the first Native American to serve as N.P.S. director , suggested visiting Hopewell Cultural Historical Park in Ohio and Whitman Mission Historic National Historic Site in Washington, where he recently brought his daughter.

“In order to celebrate the diversity that makes our country great, we must share the complete story of America, which includes both the successes and challenges encountered on the way to form a more perfect union,” Mr. Sams said.

Juneteenth National Independence Day is the National Park Service’s newest free entrance day . Visitors can also take advantage of free admission on April 20, the first day of National Park Week; Aug. 4, the four-year anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act ; Sept. 28 on National Public Lands Day ; and Nov. 11 for Veterans Day .

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

An earlier version of this article misstated the location of the Flamingo Lodge. It is inside Everglades National Park, not outside the park.

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Saguaro National Park offers travelers an iconic slice of the Southwest

Get your camera ready for Saguaro National Park .

The park is home to the tallest cactus species in the country and a symbol of the Southwest, the saguaro, They’re particularly concentrated in the west district of the park, just outside Tuscon, Arizona.

“We like to call that one the Instagram side because you can literally go anywhere in the park, and there will be at least two or three dozen saguaros in the background of your photo,” said Cam Juárez, Community Engagement and Outreach coordinator and public information officer at the park.   

Here’s what else travelers will find at Saguaro, the latest national park in USA TODAY’s yearlong series .

Why is Saguaro National Park worth seeing?

“Saguaros are super special because they only exist in this part of the world the way they do,” said Juárez. “You can visit certain parts of Mexico, you can visit certain parts of central Arizona, but you’re never going to see them the way you see them here.”

They’re not the only scenic beauties in the biodiverse park. 

“Our peaks are in the neighborhood of around 9,000 feet,” Juárez said. Visitors can find aspen, pine and fir trees in its sky islands. “As you climb every few 100 feet down in elevation, you're experiencing different biomes all the way down to grasslands, to desert shrub, to basically just what you would imagine a desert to look like.”

Which side is better for Saguaro National Park?

The park is divided into east and west districts, which bookend Tucson. Tucson International is the closest airport.

“My favorite is the west district, just because I love seeing the saguaro. You're going to have 2 million, versus maybe a quarter million saguaros on the east side,” Juárez said. “But if you're a backcountry hiker and you want to hike long distances, the east district, Rincon Mountain District, is definitely better.” 

He noted the Arizona Trail , from the U.S.-Mexico border up to the Grand Canyon, goes right through the east district. 

Can I drive in Saguaro National Park?

Yes. There is a $25 vehicle entry fee for the park, which is cashless. 

Visitors can purchase passes online at Recreation.gov or at a park kiosk using a debit or credit card.

How long does it take to go through Saguaro National Park?

You could visit both sides of the park in one day but may be better off with two.

“If you only have one day, definitely take the Cactus Forest loop ,” Juárez recommended. Cactus Forest Drive is a scenic 8-mile roadway in the east district. The west district has a 5-mile Bajada Loop Drive.

What is the best time to visit Saguaro National Park?

Juárez called October and mid-November magical. That’s just before the park’s busiest time of year, which he said runs from after Thanksgiving through April.

“Two times a year, we see a lot of rainstorms,” he added. “We have our traditional summer monsoons, and we have our winter rains. As a bimodal desert, you're going to see different blossoms at different times of the year.”

He said monsoons amplify the park’s already magnificent sunsets.

“The different colors of red and yellows and golds, coupled with purple skies, it's just everything that you see on postcards,” he said. “It just comes alive.”

What does the saguaro mean to Native Americans?

“The Tohono O’odham have a very special relationship with the park. Their whole culture revolves around the saguaro cactus, or as they call it, the Ha:san ,” Juárez said. Tribal members may harvest the fruit for traditional uses with a special permit through the Interior Department and National Park Service. “The fruit is harvested as part of their traditional medicine, their traditional foods. A lot of ceremonial wines come from that.”

He said other tribes tied to the land include Pascua Yaqui Tribe and Gila River Indian Community .

What else should visitors know about Saguaro?

“I would love for people to know that Saguaro National Park is making a concerted effort to be conscientious of the fact that the representation matters,” Juárez said. “ Friends of Saguaro National Park , in conjunction with our team here, developed what's called the Next Generation Ranger program, and it's not just a paid internship. It's an opportunity for (interns) to gain experience and gain what's called the Public Land Corps credit opportunity, which will help us diversify not just race and ethnicity but also ability and gender …  so when you walk into Saguaro National Park, you're going to run into very knowledgeable, very experienced, diverse young people that are matching our country's identity.”

Nearly 45% of the Tucson population is of Hispanic or Latino heritage, according to the U.S. Census . Several park staffers speak Spanish, including Juárez. 

“It comes in handy because we're not just talking our friends to the south. We're talking all the way down to Central America and South America that are visiting national parks,” he said, adding that sometimes they’ll welcome visitors in Spanish. “You should see the look on people's faces. They're like, ‘Wow, you speak my language.’ I encourage all of my coworkers and staff people to make it a point to try to at least learn how to say welcome and hello in different languages.”

National parks for every body: How to make the outdoors more accessible

The park is also making a concerted effort to welcome guests of all abilities. Both districts offer a variety of accommodations, including accessible trails , braille and large-text versions of the park brochure, touchable exhibits, captioned programs and more.

“I definitely am an active voice, as a person with a physical disability, that says we can't just give folks a smidgen of what able-bodied individuals can get,” Juárez said. “We should make a very concerted effort to expand on everything we've done so far.”

8 Amtrak Cross-Country Trips To Travel Coast To Coast By Train

• Amtrak offers scenic train routes that allow travelers to explore the natural landscape without having to drive.
• Each Amtrak route offers a unique cross-country experience, with stops in iconic cities and national parks.
• Prices listed are for the train ticket only, additional fees and accommodations are required for stops at national parks and city destinations.

The US is one of the largest countries in the world by square acres, and every single inch is worth exploring. As a result, trying to see all the wonders of America can quickly get overwhelming, particularly if one is also trying to keep their eyes on the road.

Amtrak is one of the most popular ways for travelers to experience a US road trip vacation without having to take control of the wheel themselves. There are a number of scenic Amtrak train routes , perfect for those just looking to take in the natural landscape without having to drive or navigate. For those looking for a more extensive outing, booking one of Amtrak’s cross-country trains can be a great alternative to taking any of the incredible cross-country road trip routes in a personal vehicle.

Whether looking for a big-city adventure or hoping to jump between the best national parks in the US, these cross-country Amtrak train routes promise plenty of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and unexpected surprises for their passengers.

The prices listed with each entry are only for the train tickets themselves. Stops like national parks will include additional entrance fees. Additionally, overnights at city destinations will require travelers to book a hotel for their time there.

Related: Everything Confirmed So Far About Amtrak's New High-Speed Scenic Airo Routes

Great American Majestic Landscapes

6 stops: new york to san francisco.

Starting and ending at some of the most famous cities in the United States, the Great American Majestic Landscapes cross-country Amtrak trip is a trek through some of the most iconic regions of the country.

Starting in “The Big Apple” for two days before enjoying a day in the Amtrak, the first official stop on this cross-country rail trail is the Windy City of Chicago. The trip gives guests two days to hop on/hop off, enjoying a day’s walk in Chicago’s Botanic Garden , The Art Institute of Chicago , or any of the myriad of free things to do in Chicago .

Of course, Chicago is only the first of the adventures on this cross-country Amtrak route. Moving west, the train stops in Denver, Colorado. Amtrak allots a day for both the Mile-High city itself and nearby Rocky Mountain National Park.

Heading to the West Coast, Amtrak stops in San Francisco for a day before adding a scenic day in Sonoma and Napa Valley’s wine countries. After touring the vineyards and sampling the whites and reds, the Great American Majestic Landscapes cross-country Amtrak trail ends in beautiful coastal San Francisco.

About The Great American Majestic Landscapes Trip

• Cost: from $2,999/person
• Trip Time: 12 days
• Trip Outline: New York City, NY → Chicago, IL → Denver, CO → Denver, CO → Rocky Mountain National Park, CO → San Francisco, CA → Napa Valley, CA → San Francisco, CA

Grand Rail Experience

5 stops: los angeles to washington dc to los angeles.

With a country as scenic as the US, sometimes doing the cross-country trek once just isn’t enough. Fortunately, cross-country Amtrak routes like the Grand Rail Experience go from coast to coast not just once, but twice.

Starting in Southern California, the eastward part of this cross-country rail trail stays along the southern portion of the country, stopping in New Orleans, Louisiana for two days. This leaves ample time to enjoy the best restaurants in New Orleans , as well as the variety of museums and historical landmarks that can be found throughout this cultural hub.

Hopping back on the train for another overnight stay, the Grand Rail Experience moves north to the East Coast hub and US capital, Washington DC. There are a number of budget-friendly ways to enjoy Washington DC while stopping in this city, including going to the Smithsonian National Zoo and various national monuments, which is fortunate, as this is only the halfway point of this double cross-country adventure.

Heading back towards the West Coast, this cross-country Amtrak train ride takes two days in Chicago, Illinois before reaching the coast, this time in Seattle, Washington. Unique among even Amtrak trails, this route ends back where it began, with the final night being an overnight trek back to Los Angeles in California.

About The Grand Rail Experience

• Cost: from $3,049/person
• Trip Time: 14 days
• Trip Outline: Los Angeles, CA → New Orleans, LA → Washington DC → Chicago, IL → Seattle, WA → Los Angeles, CA

Related: 10 Scenic Train Trips To Take From Los Angeles

Grand National Parks Loop

9 stops: washington dc to san francisco to washington dc.

National parks are some of the most popular outdoor destinations in the US. When taking one of the many amazing US national park road trips isn’t an option, hopping on the cross-country Grand National Parks Loop may be the perfect solution.

There are several variations of the National Park loops, offering longer and shorter versions of the same basic route. Regardless of time, however, there is no doubt that this cross-country train ride is the trip of a lifetime.

Starting in Washington DC, travelers will visit Yellowstone National Park on their way to the West Coast, and Yosemite National Park and Grand Canyon National Park on their return to DC.

If time in three of the most scenic national parks in the country wasn’t enough, additional stops in Chicago, Illinois, Salt Lake City, Utah, San Francisco and Los Angeles, California, and Williams, Arizona, ensure that there will be plenty of time to enjoy both natural wonders and thriving big cities on this two-week trip.

About The Grand National Parks Loop

• Cost: from $5,199/person
• Trip Time: 15 days
• Trip Outline: Washington DC → Chicago, IL → Salt Lake City, UT → Yellowstone National Park → San Francisco, CA → Yosemite National Park → Los Angeles, CA → Grand Canyon National Park → Williams, AZ → Washington DC

Want a different take on this cross-country train ride? Amtrak offers a similar national park loop that starts in New York City and goes north instead of south, swapping Grand Canyon National Park for Glacier National Park. The Grand National Parks with Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Glacier National Park Roundtrip from New York City lasts 17 days and starts at $6,949 a person.

Scenic America By Rail

5 stops: new york to los angeles.

One of the reasons travelers are so drawn to Amtrak train excursions is the opportunity to let someone else take the wheel and simply enjoy the scenery. Cutting a diagonal path through the US, the cross-country Scenic America by Rail Amtrak trip takes full advantage of the natural beauty of the areas right along the tracks.

As beautiful as the sights are from the window, there are still enough stops on this cross-country Amtrak ride to enjoy some time on foot. Perhaps the biggest scenic standout of this train ride is Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona.

With two days to explore this internationally famous natural wonder, passengers can take advantage of various vista points, hop on one of the many beginner-friendly hiking trails in the Grand Canyon , or try their hand at one of the more intensive canyon hikes.

About The Scenic America By Rail Route

• Cost: from $3,549/person
• Trip Time: 13 days
• Trip Outline: New York City, NY → Chicago, IL → Williams, AZ → Grand Canyon National Park, AZ → Los Angeles, CA

West Coast To East Coast Rail Experience

4 stops: san francisco to washington dc.

Just because these scenic American trains are cross-country Amtrak train routes doesn’t mean there isn’t still time to explore the coastline itself. In fact, the simple West Coast to East Coast Rail experience is a cross-country train ride that recognizes the beauty of its starting point.

Starting in San Francisco, the first two days of this train ride don’t involve any overnight travel. Instead, hop-on/hop-off tours of San Francisco, Muir Woods, and Sausalito fill the agenda, giving plenty of time to stretch those legs before the longer train journeys begin.

Before heading for the East Coast, this train ride takes a sharp northward turn, heading for Seattle, a popular long-distance Amtrak hub. Here, travelers can walk the streets, visit museums, and take advantage of the many free things to do in Seattle before strapping in for a two-day Amtrak ride toward Chicago.

As a true cross-country train ride, this Amtrak route has one more overnight as it takes passengers from Chicago to Washington DC, where they can explore monuments, visit museums, and enjoy a night in one of the many unique boutique Washington DC hotels before making their way back home.

About The West Coast to East Coast Rail Experience

• Cost: from $1,799/person
• Trip Time: 10 days
• Trip Outline: San Francisco, CA → Seattle, WA → Chicago, IL → Washington DC

Coast To Coast: Southern Rails

4 stops: washington dc to los angeles.

When planning a driving route across the US, most travelers find themselves looking for the most direct way to get from point to point. One of the main advantages of opting for an Amtrak cross-country train ride instead is that passengers can opt for a more winding, scenic route to their destination, without having to worry about the map.

In the spirit of scenic detours, the Southern Rails cross-country Amtrak train ride heads from Washington DC to Los Angeles by way of the southern border. Dropping all the way down to New Orleans, travelers will have three full days to explore this colorful corner of the Deep South.

Having wandered one of the best American cities for museums , this Amtrak route sticks tight to the southern line, stopping in San Antonio, Texas for an additional three days. That means exploring the best local barbeque joints, strolling down the historic main streets, and relaxing in one of the oldest public parks in the US before heading back on the train for a scenic journey through red rock country on the way to Los Angeles.

About The Coast To Coast: Southern Rails Route

• Cost: from $2,949/person
• Trip Outline: Washington DC → New Orleans, LA → San Antonio, TX → Los Angeles, CA

Related: Los Angeles To New York City: How Much This 17-Day Train Journey Through The South Will Cost

America Coast To Coast

5 stops: los angeles to boston.

The West Coast and East Coast of the United States are two completely different experiences, both culturally and visually. For those who truly want to experience these two unique destinations in one trip, the America Coast to Coast cross-country Amtrak train ride spends plenty of time at both.

Starting in Los Angeles, California, this cross-country train ride spends a total of three days along the West Coast, both in LA and in San Francisco, before heading eastward. Traveling through the scenic Rocky Mountain and Midwest regions, this train ride takes a one-day stop in Chicago, Illinois before continuing on its coast-to-coast adventure.

Unlike many cross-country train rides, this Amtrak route does not stop in New York City. Instead, the journey simply stops for a day before continuing on to a second East Coast destination, Boston, Massachusetts. Here, on the last stop of the vacation, guests can wander some of the many beautiful streets in Boston , take in one-of-a-kind museums, and revel in the historical landmarks of this unique city.

About The America Coast To Coast Route

• Cost: from $2,799/person
• Trip Outline: Los Angeles, CA → San Francisco, CA → Chicago, IL → New York City, New York → Boston, Massachusetts

The All-American

6 stops: chicago, illinois loop to new york city and los angeles.

It can be hard to narrow down the biggest “can’t-miss” stops in a country as large as the United States, but Amtrak has managed to create the All-American tour, which runs through a number of the top tourist destinations in the US in one two-week escapade. While the All-American Amtrak route is a cross-country adventure, this train ride neither starts nor ends at the coast. Instead, this train route forms a loop around Chicago, Illinois, before moving east to New York City.

New York is just the first of the big-city stops on this cross-country train ride. From here, things move south to New Orleans, before finally turning west for the other coastline. After a night on the train, visitors arrive in Los Angeles, California. While there is no time saved to explore LA itself, the scenic train ride through the Southwestern states, full of cacti, red rock formations, and unusual wildlife, is sure to mesmerize even the most restless of guests.

Despite having visited both coasts at this point, the cross-country adventure is still going strong. Additional stops in San Francisco, Denver, and Rocky Mountain National Park round out the A-list itinerary before dropping passengers off back at the starting point in Chicago.

About The All-American Route

• Cost: from $4,299/person
• Trip Outline: Chicago, IL → New York City, NY → New Orleans, LA → Los Angeles, CA → San Francisco, CA → Denver, CO → Rocky Mountain National Park, CO → Chicago, IL