1 rocky mountaineeR The luxury train synonymous with Canada's Rocky Mountains now runs between Denver and Moab, in both directions (April to October). The 355-mile Rockies to Red Rocks two-day trip features canyons, rivers, valleys, prairie grasslands, red-sandstone cliffs and winelands. Guests overnight in Glenwood Springs, known for its natural mineral pools. 2 SUNSET LIMITED The scenery changes from Louisiana’s Bayou Country to south-western deserts and California mountains on this 48-hour Amtrak service from New Orleans to Los Angeles. The route takes in Houston, San Antonio, Tucson, Phoenix and Palm Springs. During peak season, National Park guides explain the landscape and natural heritage of each region. 3 california zephyr Operated by Amtrak, The Zephyr is a daily service that travels between Chicago and San Francisco. During the 51-and-a-half hour journey, guests travel through the plains of Nebraska to Denver, across the Rockies to Salt Lake City, and then through Reno and Sacramento and into Emeryville/San Francisco. Onboard accommodation options include a family room that can be booked for two adults and two children. The trains also have onboard dining options. 4 PIKES PEAK COG RAILWAY Built in 1891 and the world’s highest, longest and oldest cog railway, The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway reopened in May 2021 after a $100-million rebuild with new and refurbished trains, new track, a new depot and a new visitor centre at journey’s end atop 14,000-foot Pike Peak. Hear stories of historical points and significant people who shaped the region on the three-hour return trip, which runs year round. Guests have 45 minutes to savour the summit panoramas before returning, or they can hike or bike back down. 5 AURORA WINTER TRAIN Marvel at the majestic winter splendour of Alaska’s Denali National Park, towered over by its namesake peak – North America’s tallest mountain – and pristine backcountry on Alaska Railroad’s 12-hour, weekend service between Anchorage and Fairbanks (September to May). Some midweek services run in February and March. The flagship Denali Star Train operates the same route daily in spring and summer. 6 great smoky mountains railroad A historic train depot in Bryson City, North Carolina, is the departure point for various routes. Guests choose from a steam-powered experience onboard the official 'Steam of the Smokies' or an excursion powered by a diesel locomotive. Get a front-row view of Fontana Lake, the historic Fontana Trestle, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Nantahala National Forest, the Nantahala and Tuckasegee Rivers, historical structures, and stunning foliage. The four-and-a-halfhour Nantahala Gorge excursion is the scenery-serving star attraction. Pictured Main image: Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner, which travels from Santa Barbara to San Diego, INSET: Rocky Mountaineer 10 visitusa.org.uk SIX OF THE BEST Train journeys
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NjAzNTM3