America's national parks were born of the idea to protect the country's natural wonders for all to enjoy. Embark on one of our curated itineraries through one or more of these national parks to experience these magnificient destinations.
Recommended Parks: Glacier, Denali, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite and more.
When should you travel to the National Parks? With such a vast landscape, that depends on your destination. While in the northern US the peak season is typically June to September, in the southern US peak is the spring and fall.
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The "Crown of the Continent" - located in Montana's Big Sky Country - was the 10th declared national park to conserve the beauty of the ice glaciers.
This Alaskan National Park boasts plenty of outdoor activites throughout the year from dog sledding to hiking to river rafting.
Sandstone arches and burnished red rocks across 119 square miles make Arches the Southwest's most beautiful and popular national park.
The largest canyon in the world with UNESCO World Heritage Site distinction, located in Arizona and stretching over 277 miles.
Yellowstone became the first national park in 1872 after rumors spread of a place where boiling water erupts from the ground.
Known for its iconic waterfalls, Yosemite National Park is located in California and offers a variety of activities from fishing to horseback riding.
Located in Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park covers almost 36,000 acres of land and is known for its rock formations called "hoodoos."
This magical location in Utah inhabits diverse plant and wildlife, and offers breathtaking views of canyons, woodlands, and natural arches.
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The Grand Canyon is one of the world's top natural attractions. Visit one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World on this exciting rail adventure. Beginning in Chicago, board Amtrak's Southwest Chief bound for Flagstaff, Arizona, the gateway to the Canyon. Upon arriving in Flagstaff, catch the historic Grand Canyon Railway for your journey to...
(82 reviews)Discover the beauty of the Southwest in autumn on this 9-day adventure featuring Arches and Mesa Verde National Parks, historic rail journeys, and the world-famous International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque. Your journey begins in Chicago, San Francisco, or along the California Zephyr route, with an overnight train to Grand Junction, Colorado.
(116 reviews)Venture into the heart of Alaska on this seven-day independent rail journey. Uncover scenic landscapes as the Denali Star rolls past a showcase of quintessential Alaskan sights, starting in vibrant Anchorage. Enjoy time in historic Talkeetna, enjoying a jetboat ride along the Talkeetna and Susitna rivers. Embark on a tundra wilderness tour of the...
(149 reviews)The vibrant hues of autumn guide the way on this seasonal journey through New England and Eastern Canada. Spend ten days marveling at the subtle distinctions between regions, discovering in each how the changing leaves are as unique as the destinations themselves. Soak up the history of Boston, the starting point of your fall foliage adventure,...
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Seek the magical aurora borealis on a sensational winter journey from Fairbanks to Anchorage, riding the amazing Aurora Winter Train in the shadow of Denali. An evening in the wilderness provides a great chance to catch the Northern Lights, while an exciting dog-sled ride through the snow-covered tundra and a curling lesson help uncover the...
(248 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...
(230 reviews)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 Railroad's...
(41 reviews)California is a land of possibilities, and this unforgettable tour displays some of its greatest offerings. Over eight days, soak up the modern and historic sides of San Francisco and travel into nature, where towering redwood trees surround us on the Redwood Forest Steam Train. We also admire the mountain and waterfall panoramas of Yosemite...
(70 reviews)From mountains to sandstone arches and all the varied terrain between, this week-long journey is a showcase of nature. Admire the craggy peaks of the Wasatch Mountains surrounding Salt Lake City before boarding Canyon Spirit, a train that combines luxury and adventure. Following its brand-new route, travel from Salt Lake City into the...
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.
(45 reviews)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 the...
(101 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,...
America's national parks were born of the idea to protect the country's natural wonders for all to enjoy. The country's first national park, Yellowstone, was established in 1872, and today, the United States is home to 63 national parks, each showcasing spectacular treasures. A visit to Yellowstone brings fumaroles, geysers, and sparkling lakes. At Yosemite in California, towering ancient trees paint a lush scene against stoic mountains. Arches National Park brings amazing sandstone arches and colorful rock formations, while Grand Canyon National Park offers breathtaking vistas of sweeping red canyon plunging deep into the earth. The tallest mountain in the United States, Mt. Denali, sits proudly amongst the vast landscape of Denali National Park. And this is just a sampling of the best national parks; each park brings its own splendor and vast expanses of land that are home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna.
For a unique vacation in the USA, visit one or more of these national parks by train. Some of the country's most popular parks, such as Glacier National Park and Grand Canyon National Park, are situated along iconic rail routes that offer daily service to these must-see destinations. Other parks, including Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Teton, and Arches, are easily accessible by bus, car or motorcoach.
Vacations By Rail offers nearly 50 vacation packages that highlight these fantastic destinations. Perfect for families, for seniors and for adventurers of all walks of life, national park vacations take many forms. Select from escorted tours that are guided by tour managers brimming with information about the railroads and parks that lie ahead, or embark on a rail-drive expedition that combines the romance of rail travel with a self-guided road trip. Select packages even include cruise segments that present protected lands and scenic waterways from a floating vantage point.
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