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Lakes & Mountains in the USA

Lakes and Mountains Holidays

Some of the best rail vacation destinations in America include the country's scenic lakes and mountains. From Cadillac Mountain in Maine to Lake Tahoe in the west, these sights weave a picturesque backdrop for a rail vacation. Consider a Colorado rail adventure featuring visits to the state's best mountain towns. Stand in awe of North America's highest mountain peak, Denali, on an Alaska rail tour. And there are few better ways to admire the changing seasons than from mountain overlooks, whether it is New Hampshire's Mt. Washington with views of six states and Canada or the Smoky Mountains.

Lake vacations also inspire some great rail itineraries in the USA. From Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park and the Midwest's Great Lakes to Lake Champlain and Lake Winnipesaukee in New England, still waters and tranquil settings set the tone for a relaxing getaway.

31 results matching: Lakes and Mountains

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Durango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton Train
New Season Savings
4.6 stars(416 reviews)
Escorted
2026MayJunJulAugSepOct
2027MayJunJulAugSepOct
Escorted

Journey through the untamed beauty of Colorado on this 8-day Rocky Mountain expedition. We discover expanses of landscape hidden from modern traffic aboard six scenic railways: Georgetown Loop Railroad Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Royal Gorge Route Railroad...

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New Season Savings
8 days from
$3,595 pp $3,295 pp
per person
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Denali National Park bearsDenali National Park bearsDenali National Park bearsDenali National Park bearsDenali National Park bears
New Season Savings
4.5 stars(266 reviews)
Escorted
2026MayJunJulAugSep
2027MayJunJulAugSep
Escorted

Nine unforgettable days take you deep into Alaska's wild beauty on this expertly guided adventure. Your journey begins in Fairbanks, where a riverboat cruise introduces you to the region's scenic waterways, and a visit to Trail Breaker Kennel lets you experience the thrill of dog sledding. From Fairbanks, board the legendary Alaska...

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New Season Savings
9 days from
$5,495 pp $4,995 pp
per person
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Mount RushmoreMount RushmoreMount RushmoreMount RushmoreMount Rushmore
New Season Savings
4.5 stars(159 reviews)
Escorted
2026MayJunJulAugSep
2027MayJunJulAugSep
Escorted

The Old West's rugged frontier towns and renowned national historic sites are hallmarks of this 11-day escorted tour. We begin our journey across America's Western frontier by joining modern technology with nostalgic travel methods, riding Amtrak's California Zephyr from Chicago to Provo, Utah. The route takes us across the Rocky Mountains...

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New Season Savings
11 days from
$5,495 pp $4,995 pp
per person
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Bryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce Canyon
New Season Savings
4.6 stars(183 reviews)
Escorted
2026AprMayJunJulSepOct
2027AprMayJunSepOct
Escorted

Discover the natural wonders and rugged wilderness of the Southwest on this scenic rail tour through Canyon Country. This tour has it all: amazing national parks, classic train journeys, and spectacular sightseeing and excursions. Your adventure begins in Chicago with a classic rail journey aboard the legendary California Zephyr to Grand...

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New Season Savings
10 days from
$4,395 pp $3,995 pp
per person
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Glacier National ParkGlacier National ParkGlacier National ParkGlacier National ParkGlacier National Park
New Season Savings
4.5 stars(289 reviews)
Escorted
2026JunJulAug
2027JunJulAugSep
Escorted

Discover five of America's beloved national parks on this rail tour to America's West. Start your tour with a classic overnight rail adventure aboard the Empire Builder, following the pioneer route into Big Sky Country. Here, we visit the first national park of the itinerary, Glacier National Park, surrounded by glorious natural spectacles.

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New Season Savings
13 days from
$6,495 pp $5,995 pp
per person
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Glacier Parks Lakes and WildflowersGlacier Parks Lakes and WildflowersGlacier Parks Lakes and WildflowersGlacier Parks Lakes and WildflowersGlacier Parks Lakes and Wildflowers
New Season Savings
Independent
2026JunJulAugSep
Independent

Your two-night stay is in the heart of the unspoiled natural attractions and stunning beauty Glacier National Park. Wondrous displays of nature, historic lodges, and sightseeing through the forests and valleys of this complex ecosystem are highlights of your stay before returning by train to Chicago.

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New Season Savings
5 days from
$1,495 pp $1,395 pp
per person
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St Mary Lake In Glacier ParkSt Mary Lake In Glacier ParkSt Mary Lake In Glacier ParkSt Mary Lake In Glacier ParkSt Mary Lake In Glacier Park
New Season Savings
4.3 stars(20 reviews)
Independent
2026JulAugSep
Independent

Your 7-day round-trip itinerary from Seattle includes travel aboard Amtrak's scenic Empire Builder, accommodations in historic lodges and visits to breathtaking natural attractions including the famed Going-to-the-Sun Road on board the Red Jammer buses.

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New Season Savings
7 days from
$1,995 pp $1,895 pp
per person
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Empire Builder to Glacier National ParkEmpire Builder to Glacier National ParkEmpire Builder to Glacier National ParkEmpire Builder to Glacier National ParkEmpire Builder to Glacier National Park
New Tour
New Season Savings
4.0 stars(34 reviews)
Independent
2026JulAugSep
Independent

Travel from Chicago or Seattle aboard Amtrak's Empire Builder and relax in comfort as the glorious scenery passes by. Your Glacier National Park 7-day adventure includes two nights onboard Amtrak's Empire Builder as well as two nights each in Glacier Park Lodge and St. Mary Lodge. This well-planned itinerary lets you enjoy the best of...

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New Season Savings
7 days from
$2,095 pp $1,895 pp
per person
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Empire Builder Between Chicago and SeattleEmpire Builder Between Chicago and SeattleEmpire Builder Between Chicago and SeattleEmpire Builder Between Chicago and SeattleEmpire Builder Between Chicago and Seattle
4.2 stars(33 reviews)
Independent
2026JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent

If it is the experience of a lifetime you seek, look no further than a scenic tour through the country aboard the legendary tracks of the Empire Builder. Totaling over 2,200 miles in length, this journey shows us glimpses of seven of the northern-most states and the beautiful Pacific Coast. The expedition begins in the heart of the Midwest -...

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5 days from
$895 pp
per person
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Mount DenaliMount DenaliMount DenaliMount DenaliMount Denali
New Season Savings
4.6 stars(53 reviews)
Independent
2026MayJunJulAugSep
Independent

Embark on an 11-day tour featuring some of Alaska's most revered railroads. Discover the natural beauty of Prince William Sound during a cruise and travel aboard the Glacier Discovery train from Whittier to Anchorage, before marveling at scenic Turnagain Arm as the Coastal Classic takes you to Kenai Fjords National Park and Seward. Ride...

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New Season Savings
11 days from
$5,395 pp $4,895 pp
per person
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Old Faithful, YellowstoneOld Faithful, YellowstoneOld Faithful, YellowstoneOld Faithful, YellowstoneOld Faithful, Yellowstone
New Season Savings
4.7 stars(126 reviews)
Escorted
2026JunJulAugSep
Escorted

Set your sights on amazing scenes of America's West with visits to six national parks on this unforgettable rail tour. The journey begins on Amtrak's Empire Builder, aboard which beautiful vistas of the Northern Prairies create the serene backdrop for the start of our trip. Our first visit is to Whitefish, where Glacier National Park's...

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New Season Savings
12 days from
$5,795 pp $5,295 pp
per person
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Wolfeboro, New HampshireWolfeboro, New HampshireWolfeboro, New HampshireWolfeboro, New HampshireWolfeboro, New Hampshire
New Season Savings
4.4 stars(119 reviews)
Escorted
2026SepOct
Escorted

The vibrant hues of autumn color the backdrop for this tour to some of New England's most historic and picturesque sites. This round-trip from Boston delves into popular East Coast locations like coastal Kennebunkport and Portland in Maine, Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, and Newport in Rhode Island. Delight in excursions aboard two of...

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New Season Savings
7 days from
$3,595 pp $3,295 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Lakes and Mountains tours
America's Treasures & Natural Wonders
18 Oct 2025
John McCarty
5 stars
“We loved our trip and really did see natural wonders! Our guide was helpful from the very beginning. He was knowledgeable, fun, and always available. All accommodations were great and we so enjoyed not having to worry about travel details. We would travel with Vacations by Rail again.
Collected by Trustpilot
Colorado Rail Experience
17 Oct 2025
Val Easterday
5 stars
“We had a fun time. Enough on our own as we needed. Kathy Reager was great.
Collected by Trustpilot
Empire Builder Experience - Chicago to Seattle
16 Oct 2025
Mae Corwin
5 stars
“Wow! Loved our trip on the Empire Builder and will definitely do another trip with vacations by rail.
Collected by Trustpilot
America's Great National Parks
23 Sep 2025
Mary Cross
5 stars
“Our guide, Sherry Moon, made our trip amazing! She had so much info to go with all of our breathtaking stops. We saw so many things. They really packed a lot in for 13 days!
Collected by Trustpilot
Alaska the Greatland
08 Nov 2025
Chris Haskin
4 stars
“There should have been more time at Denali to go further into the park.
Collected by Trustpilot
Great Parks of the Southwest featuring the Grand Canyon
23 Oct 2025
JONI TRUMP
4 stars
“The trip was terrific. We managed to hit all 5 National Parks in Utah plus the Grand Canyon. Since I traveled with Vacations by Rail out West prior I decided to skip the overnight train from Chicago to Denver and met the train in Denver. I did enjoy...
Collected by Trustpilot
New England Autumn Rails & Sails
18 Oct 2025
Dawn
4 stars
“Fun group of folks to travel with. Loved the sites. Didn’t realize would be on coach bus so much.
Collected by Trustpilot
Mt. Rushmore, the Badlands, & Yellowstone
28 Sep 2025
Robert Tiscione
4 stars
“The Rail portion of the trip fell short of expectations. There were no food accommodations for most coach passengers after the sleepers and roomettes were fed. The balance of the trip on the coach, along with our tour director Marlin, was top shelf - that portion deserved 5 stars
Collected by Trustpilot
Iconic Alaska: Glaciers, Fjords & Denali by Rail
17 Sep 2025
JOHN ELLIOTT
4 stars
“Almost too busy
Collected by Trustpilot
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