Home to some of the country's most inspiring destinations, the western U.S. is a treasure trove awaiting discovery. Tours of America's West can take you across the frontier to Colorado to explore the rugged Rocky Mountains and the historic towns that dot their peaks. Ride heritage rail lines through the stunning landscape or continue to destinations such as Salt Lake City, the cowboy town of Jackson, and San Francisco with smooth connections to places like Muir Woods with its Giant Sequoia groves and Yosemite National Park, home to Yosemite Falls - the highest waterfall in North America - as well as Half Dome and El Capitan.
Other West Coast tours focus on America's beautiful national parks, where the grandeur of nature surrounds at every turn. Montana's Glacier National Park is home to glacier-carved mountains and one of the country's most famous roadways, Going-to-the-Sun Road. At Yellowstone National Park, an incredible variety of flora and fauna sit aside waterfalls and deep canyons. Yellowstone's true claim to fame, though, is its geothermal activity that presents in its hot springs and geysers. Your tour itinerary may take you to Mt. Rushmore, which showcases the visages of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, or to South Dakota's Badlands, where colorful rock formations highlight the dry terrain.
Some train tours to the Pacific Northwest feature Seattle, the crown jewel of the region. While this city is a destination in its own right, it is also ideally located as a launching point for Alaska cruise vacations and Western Canada rail tours. Whether you travel from the East Coast to the West Coast or focus your family vacation on the Wild West solely, there is no shortage of trip ideas to explore.
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(288 reviews)
The classic ambiance of an overnight rail journey meets the splendors of one of America's top natural attractions on this rail vacation to Arizona. Join Amtrak's Southwest Chief on its cross-country route from Chicago to Flagstaff, and then board the 120-year-old Grand Canyon Railway on its route to the Grand Canyon. Uncover iconic views and top...
(416 reviews)
Experience untamed Colorado on this escorted Rocky Mountain vacation, featuring nostalgic journeys on six of the state's most scenic heritage rail routes. Uncover stunning landscapes from the heights of Pikes Peak and the depths of Royal Gorge. Explore Colorado's fascinating history aboard the Georgetown Loop, the Leadville, Colorado &...
(289 reviews)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. Moving...
(126 reviews)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 glaciers,...
(188 reviews)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 Junction...
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.
(33 reviews)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 -...
Set out on an adventure into the vast and rugged landscapes of the northwestern United States on this week-long vacation. Crossing the country on Amtrak's Empire Builder, arrive in East Glacier for days spent amidst Montana's wild scenery, fresh mountain air and stunning destinations. Uncover the "Crown of the Continent" from multiple...
(14 reviews)Your adventure starts in Chicago or Seattle when you board Amtrak's Empire Builder headed for Glacier. Read a book, talk with fellow travelers or enjoy a drink in the bar car as you speed towards your vacation destination. During your Glacier Park stay be sure to take advantage of all the sights and activities available. Exploring the wilderness...
(159 reviews)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 and...
(28 reviews)En route daily between Seattle and Los Angeles, the Coast Starlight passes through Portland, Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area and Santa Barbara. The scenery along the Coast Starlight route is unsurpassed. The dramatic snow-covered peaks of the Cascade Range and Mount Shasta, lush forests, fertile valleys and long stretches of Pacific Ocean...
(15 reviews)Depart coastal Seattle for the 100+-year-old Glacier National Park aboard Amtrak's Empire Builder. Highlights of your two-day visit include an excursion along the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road and stunning views from Marias and Logan Passes.
Aug 13, 2025 · By Kira Whitaker
If your idea of a memorable trip includes nature’s beauty and majestic wildlife, look no further than Alaska, where wild adventures are easily accessible.
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Whether in America’s national parks, the Canadian Rockies or traveling from coast to coast, discover the top destinations to visit in North America in 2026.
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From the remote expanses of wild Alaska to the stunning islands and fjords of Scandinavia, here are our top destinations for Northern Lights tours in 2026.
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Spend the remaining months of the year ticking off your travel bucket list while traveling to top last-minute destinations for 2025 from the U.S. to Europe.
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