Exploring the USA by Rail - Wabi Sabi Wonder Travel
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California Zephyr Scenic train route

Exploring the USA by Rail

Have you explored Amtrak’s scenic train routes lately?

Exploring America by rail in the summer is an adventure like no other, combining breathtaking views and a unique way to journey across the country. Whether you’re a solo traveler seeking solitude and scenery (or just don’t want to drive long distances on your own), or a family looking for a memorable getaway, Amtrak’s scenic train routes offer something special for everyone.

Coast Starlight

  • Route: Runs from Seattle, Washington to Los Angeles, California
  • Highlights: This route offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, lush forests, and mountain ranges including the Cascade Range and the Santa Lucia Range. The journeyAmtrak Coast Starlight Scenic Route passes through major cities like Portland and San Francisco, as well as the beautiful Willamette Valley and parts of California’s scenic coastline.
  • Notable Details: The Coast Starlight is known for its Pacific Parlour Car, which is exclusive to sleeper service passengers and offers a special dining and wine-tasting experience.  I enjoyed sitting near a family on this route one year.  The kids were thrilled with the Pacific Ocean views and the chance to see lush forests and mountain ranges up close. We made a fun game of spotting different wildlife and taking family photos in the Pacific Parlour Car.

California Zephyr

  • Route: Travels from Chicago, Illinois to Emeryville, California
  • Highlights: Considered one of the most beautiful train trips in all of North America, this route traverses the plains of Nebraska to Denver, climbs through the Rockies and the Sierra Nevadas (offering views that are unavailable from any highway), and passes by noteworthy sights such as Donner Lake, the Colorado River, and Moffat Tunnel. As someone who loves getting lost in the vastness of nature, riding the California Zephyr from Chicago to Emeryville was a revelation. The plains of Nebraska give way to the towering Rockies, where I spent hours in the observation car, just soaking in the landscapes that stretched out endlessly.California Zephyr Scenic train route
  • Notable Details: The Zephyr features the “sightseer lounge” observation cars with floor-to-ceiling windows that allow passengers to soak in the panoramic views. The route is also historically significant, following trails that were once used by pioneers.  INSIDER TIP: when reserving your seat/sleeper, aim for a car that faces south as you travel—this is where you’ll get the best views.

Empire Builder
Amtrak Empire Builder Scenic Train Route

  • Route: Runs from Chicago to either Seattle or Portland
  • Highlights: This route offers a majestic backdrop of big sky country, the Northern Plains, and breathtaking sights such as Glacier National Park, the Cascade Mountains, and the Columbia River Gorge. Both solo travelers and families will find the Empire Builder route from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest mesmerizing. For me, traveling alone allowed me to connect with other like-minded adventurers, especially while gazing out at the big sky country of Montana.
  • Notable Details: Summer is a fantastic time to ride the Empire Builder, as the long days allow for extended views of the rugged landscape, especially through Montana and the Pacific Northwest.
  • Southwest Chief
  • Route: Travels roundtrip from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon, Arizona
  • Highlights: This route offers a unique combination of urban and natural landscapes, starting from the bustling city of Los Angeles to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon.
  • Notable Details: Travelers can enjoy the diverse scenery of the American Southwest, including deserts, mountains, and the iconic Grand Canyon. The route includes a stop at Williams, Arizona, where passengers can disembark for a guided tour of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Adirondack

  • Route: Travels from New York City to Montreal, Quebec
  • Highlights: Known for its scenic views of the Hudson River Valley, Lake Champlain, and the Adirondack Mountains. During the summer, the lush greenery and expansive bodies of water make for picturesque landscapes.
  • Notable Details: The Adirondack is often cited for its spectacular fall foliage, but the lush summers offer vibrant green views that are equally stunning. It’s an international route, so passengers should be prepared for border crossing requirements—pack your passport!

Sunset Limited

  • Route: Runs from New Orleans, Louisiana to Los Angeles, California
  • Highlights: As America’s southernmost route, the Sunset Limited offers unique views of the bayous in Louisiana, the deserts of the Southwest, and Southern California landscapes.
  • Notable Details: If you’re curious of what the fence looks like between Mexico and the US, the train passes along it for several miles as you pass through Texas.  This route runs three times a week and connects with the Texas Eagle train, providing more travel flexibility.  This is a three-day trip.  I highly recommend a sleeper car.  INSIDER TIP: Don’t miss getting a burrito from the “burrito lady” at the El Paso fresh air break.  Delicious!

Maple Leaf

  • Route: Runs from New York City to Niagara Falls
  • Highlights: Go international onboard the Maple Leaf from New York City to Canada’s equally urban metropolis, Toronto. Along the way, you’ll travel through the beautiful Hudson River Valley, New York’s wine country, and the incredible gorges of the Finger Lakes region near the dramatic spectacle of Niagara Falls, where the Maple Leaf crosses the US/Canadian border.Amtrak Maple Leaf Scenic Route
  • Notable Details: There are stops in cities like Albany where passengers can briefly disembark and explore.  While the Maple Leaf is not a hop-on, hop-off service, the USA Rail Pass can be used for a more flexible itinerary.  As this train includes a border crossing, pack your passport and be prepared for a wait as everyone goes through an immigration screening.

Planning Tips
When planning a summer trip on Amtrak’s scenic train routes:

  • Book Early: Summer is a popular time for train travel, especially on scenic routes, so it’s advisable to book tickets well in advance.
  • Check for Special Offers: Amtrak often has deals, especially for sleeper cars, which can provide a more comfortable journey for long routes.
  • Prepare for Varied Conditions: Even if traveling in the summer, temperatures can vary widely along these routes (onboard and during breaks outside), so packing layers is recommended.
  • Pack a plug adaptor with multiple USB ports if you have more than one device to keep charged.

Amtrak routes offer comfortable and spacious seating, onboard dining options, and the chance to relax and enjoy the journey without the stress of driving. Many routes also provide observation cars for panoramic views of the passing landscapes.

As for the views along each route, they vary greatly, from urban cityscapes to serene natural settings. Travelers can witness the changing geography of the United States, historical landmarks, and wildlife.

Regarding stops for exploration, many Amtrak routes have scheduled stops in cities and towns where passengers can disembark. Some stops are brief, while others may be longer, allowing for short excursions. However, it’s important to check the specific timetable for each route to plan accordingly.

Lastly, while Amtrak does not typically operate hop-on, hop-off services, they do offer the USA Rail Pass, which provides the flexibility to create a personalized itinerary with multiple stops across the country. This pass allows travelers to explore various destinations at their own pace within the 30-day validity period.  It’s a great buy if you are looking to spend a bit of time exploring along the train route.

Key Features of the USA Rail Pass:

  1. Flexibility: The USA Rail Pass allows for 10 rides (segments) within a 30-day period. This flexibility makes it ideal for travelers looking to explore multiple destinations on a single trip without the need for separate ticket purchases for each leg of their journey. NOTE: Once purchased, you must start using the pass within 120 days. After the first segment is traveled, the 30-day period begins.  You can book and modify your trip itinerary after purchasing the pass, and you’ll receive an electronic ticket for each segment.
  2. Cost-Effectiveness: The pass is priced to offer savings compared to purchasing individual tickets for each segment. This can be particularly economical for long-distance journeys and multiple city tours. The regular price for the USA Rail Pass is $499, but it has been offered at promotional rates as low as $299. The Rail Pass covers standard (coach) class travel. If you wish to upgrade to business class or sleeper accommodations, additional fees apply.
  3. Hop-On, Hop-Off Capability: While the pass does allow for multiple segments, each time you get on and off a train counts as one use of a segment. Therefore, you can create a hop-on, hop-off itinerary, but you need to plan carefully to maximize the use of your 10 segments within 30 days.
  4. Advance Planning Required: To use the USA Rail Pass, reservations are required for each leg of your trip. It’s important to book your seats in advance, especially during peak travel times, as some trains might be fully booked. You can make these reservations online, through the Amtrak app, or at station ticket counters.
  5. Wide Network: The pass is valid on all routes serviced by Amtrak, except for the Acela Express and Auto Train. This includes access to more than 500 destinations, offering a wide range of possibilities for planning your travel itinerary.

Planning a Hop-On, Hop-Off Itinerary:

Here are some tips for how to effectively use the USA Rail Pass for a hop-on, hop-off experience:

  • Plan Your Route: Decide on the key cities or destinations you wish to visit. Check Amtrak’s routes to ensure they connect your chosen spots.
  • Segment Usage: Map out how you will use each of the 10 segments. Remember, each board (hop-on) and alight (hop-off) counts as one segment.
  • Book in Advance: Once your itinerary is set, book all segments of your journey. This is crucial to ensure you have a reserved seat for each part of your trip.
  • Accommodation and Stops: Plan where you will stay during stops and how long you will spend in each location. This will help you determine the best way to use your pass segments.

The USA Rail Pass offers a fantastic way to see a large portion of the United States at a reasonable price, with the flexibility to explore cities along the way. Just be mindful of the number of segments and the necessity to make reservations in advance.

For more detailed information on specific Amtrak scenic train routes, costs, and stops, you can visit Amtrak’s official website.

Happy travels!