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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.
Sightseeing Saguaro National Park
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.
A Midwestern Trek Through Indiana Dunes
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.
Three Cali Parks, One Scenic Route
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.
The Awe-Inspiring American West
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
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.