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National parks
Insider knowledge for over 50 years

Our Recommended National Park Vacations

Alaska Railroad
4.5 stars(151 reviews)
Escorted
2026Sep
2027MayJunJulAug
9 days from
$5,399 pp
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Durango & Silverton Train
4.6 stars(239 reviews)
Escorted
2026AugSepOct
2027MayJunJulAugSepOct
8 days from
$3,699 pp
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Old Faithful, Yellowstone
4.7 stars(46 reviews)
Escorted
2026Sep
2027JunJulAugSep
12 days from
$6,199 pp
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Glacier National Park
Escorted
2026Aug
2027JunJulAugSep
7 days from
$3,899 pp
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Snowbird Tram
4.7 stars(46 reviews)
Escorted
2027MayJunAugSepOct
7 days from
$6,199 pp
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Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
4.6 stars(67 reviews)
Escorted
2026SepOct
2027SepOct
9 days from
$4,599 pp
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Smoky Mountain National Park
4.6 stars(21 reviews)
Escorted
2026Oct
2027MaySepOct
9 days from
$3,999 pp
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America's National Parks Tours & Travel

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; today, the United States is home to 63 national parks, each showcasing spectacular treasures. Great Rail Journeys offers nearly 50 vacations by rail packages that highlight these fantastic destinations, allowing you to visit one or more national parks on a well-connected route.

A visit to Yellowstone brings fumaroles, geysers and sparkling lakes, whereas in Yosemite, towering ancient trees paint a lush scene against stoic mountains. Arches National Park brings soaring sandstone arches and colorful rock formations, while Grand Canyon National Park offers breathtaking vistas of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. See the tallest mountain in the United States, Denali, in Alaska's Denali National Park, or the sprawling scenes from Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. Whether traveling by train on one of our escorted tours, embarking on a rail-drive expedition, or joining a cruise vacation, each itinerary reveals America's many natural wonders.

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The Beauty of America's National Parks

Learn more about the national parks that are located in the US and plan a trip of adventure.

Glacier National Park

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.

Denali National Park

This Alaskan National Park boasts plenty of outdoor activites throughout the year from dog sledding to hiking to river rafting.

Arches National Park

Sandstone arches and burnished red rocks across 119 square miles make Arches the Southwest's most beautiful and popular national park.

Grand Canyon National Park

The largest canyon in the world with UNESCO World Heritage Site distinction, located in Arizona and stretching over 277 miles.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone became the first national park in 1872 after rumors spread of a place where boiling water erupts from the ground.

Yosemite National Park

Known for its iconic waterfalls, Yosemite National Park is located in California and offers a variety of activities from fishing to horseback riding.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Located in Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park covers almost 36,000 acres of land and is known for its rock formations called "hoodoos."

Zion National Park

This magical location in Utah inhabits diverse plant and wildlife, and offers breathtaking views of canyons, woodlands, and natural arches. 

Explore the National Parks on a vacation by rail

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Join thousands of travelers who have trusted us to plan unforgettable vacations by rail around the world.

36 results matching: National Parks

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Albuquerque Balloon FiestaAlbuquerque Balloon FiestaAlbuquerque Balloon FiestaAlbuquerque Balloon FiestaAlbuquerque Balloon Fiesta
4.6 stars(67 reviews)
Escorted
2026SepOct
2027SepOct
Escorted

Discover the beauty of the Southwest in autumn on this memorable vacation featuring national parks, historic rail journeys and the world-famous International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque. Travel on the iconic California Zephyr to Grand Junction and view the breathtaking landscapes of Arches and Mesa Verde National Parks, before riding the...

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9 days from
$4,599 pp
per person
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Grand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand Canyon
Cabin Upgrade
Independent
2026AugSepOctNovDec
2027JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent

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...

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6 days from
$1,195 pp
per person
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Mt Washington Cog Railway Mt Washington Cog Railway Mt Washington Cog Railway Mt Washington Cog Railway Mt Washington Cog Railway
Last 50 Spaces for 2026
4.2 stars(64 reviews)
Escorted
2026SepOct
2027SepOct
Escorted

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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10 days from
$3,999 pp
per person
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Alaska RailroadAlaska RailroadAlaska RailroadAlaska RailroadAlaska Railroad
4.5 stars(151 reviews)
Escorted
2026Sep
2027MayJunJulAug
Escorted

Nine unforgettable days showcase the Last Frontier's wild beauty on this expertly guided vacation. Uncover Fairbanks on a riverboat trip and meet sledding dogs, then ride Alaska Railroad's legendary Denali Star. Marvel at North America's tallest mountain and its incredible wildlife in Denali National Park and Talkeetna, before continuing...

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9 days from
$5,399 pp
per person
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Denali National Park wildlifeDenali National Park wildlifeDenali National Park wildlifeDenali National Park wildlifeDenali National Park wildlife
Independent
2027MayJunJulAugSep
Independent

Uncover scenic landscapes and quintessential sights of Alaska on this seven-day independent journey featuring the Denali Star. Travel from Anchorage to Talkeetna, where a jetboat takes you along the Talkeetna and Susitna Rivers, and then embark on a tundra wilderness tour in Denali National Park, with an expert guide revealing the best...

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7 days from
$2,895 pp
per person
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Glacier National ParkGlacier National ParkGlacier National ParkGlacier National ParkGlacier National Park
4.6 stars(89 reviews)
Escorted
2026Aug
2027JunJulAugSep
Escorted

Discover five beloved national parks on this 13-day escorted tour through the West. Start with a classic overnight rail journey aboard the Empire Builder, following the pioneer route into Big Sky Country. Experience a float trip down a winding river, drive through Glacier National Park on an open-top Red Jammer bus and cruise across a sparkling...

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13 days from
$5,899 pp
per person
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Vineyards Landscape at Sunset in CaliforniaVineyards Landscape at Sunset in CaliforniaVineyards Landscape at Sunset in CaliforniaVineyards Landscape at Sunset in CaliforniaVineyards Landscape at Sunset in California
4.4 stars(43 reviews)
Escorted
2026Sep
2027MayJunJulAugSep
Escorted

Join an expert Tour Manager and local guides on this 9-day vacation beginning and ending in San Francisco. Embark on an unforgettable tour unveiling some of California's greatest offerings - including a spectacular day aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train and time to uncover the Golden State's premier nature spots. Marvel at the rugged...

9 days from
$4,399 pp
per person
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Trestle Bridge, Denali National ParkTrestle Bridge, Denali National ParkTrestle Bridge, Denali National ParkTrestle Bridge, Denali National ParkTrestle Bridge, Denali National Park
Independent
2027MayJunJulAug
Independent

By land and by sea, discover a land of untamed wilderness and awe-inspiring scenery in Alaska. Begin by boarding the elegant Holland America Ship in Vancouver, sailing north to reveal forested shores, glaciers and the quintessential towns of Alaska's Inside Passage. Uncover the charms of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, and then disembark in...

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13 days from
$3,504 pp
per person
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Northern Lights, AlaskaNorthern Lights, AlaskaNorthern Lights, AlaskaNorthern Lights, AlaskaNorthern Lights, Alaska
4.7 stars(67 reviews)
Escorted
2027FebMar
Escorted

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...

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7 days from
$3,399 pp
per person
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Yosemite Valley View SunsetYosemite Valley View SunsetYosemite Valley View SunsetYosemite Valley View SunsetYosemite Valley View Sunset
Independent
2026AugSepOct
Independent

The only thing more appealing than a train vacation through the Rocky and Sierra Mountains is one that includes a visit to the waterfalls and Giant Sequoia groves of Yosemite National Park. Your great western rail adventure begins in Chicago with a two-night stay in this Midwest metropolis, providing ample time to explore the highlights such...

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8 days from
$2,295 pp
per person
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Mount RushmoreMount RushmoreMount RushmoreMount RushmoreMount Rushmore
4.7 stars(70 reviews)
Escorted
2026Sep
2027MayJunJulAugSep
Escorted

Embark on an 11-day escorted tour of the Old West's rugged frontier towns, majestic landscapes and renowned national historic sites. Journey across America's Western frontier on Amtrak's legendary California Zephyr from Chicago to Provo, Utah. Cross the Rocky Mountains, discovering hidden landscapes where the region's beauty comes to life...

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11 days from
$5,499 pp
per person
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Old Faithful, YellowstoneOld Faithful, YellowstoneOld Faithful, YellowstoneOld Faithful, YellowstoneOld Faithful, Yellowstone
4.7 stars(46 reviews)
Escorted
2026Sep
2027JunJulAugSep
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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12 days from
$6,199 pp
per person
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Our customers love our National Parks tours
California’s Napa Valley, Redwoods & Yosemite
19/Jul
Max Rowland
5 stars
“My wife and I really enjoyed the vacation. Our tour guide, Linda, was fabulous.
Collected by Trustpilot
Mt. Rushmore, the Badlands, & Yellowstone
21/Jun
Vicki M. Ball
5 stars
“The best trip ever! Jammed pack full of bucket list items. So enjoyable!
Collected by Trustpilot
Alaska Northern Lights & Winter Nights – An Escorted Journey
11/Apr
Marcia
5 stars
“This was the truly the trip of a lifetime. It surpassed all my expectations. All of the accommodations, from the planned meals to the bus, were first class. Everyone should experience Alaska like this! (Not to mention, my grandson proposing to his girlfriend under the Northern Lights!)
Collected by Trustpilot
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta ft. California Zephyr
27 Oct 2025
Michael Mefferd Jr
5 stars
“This was our first vacation out west and we found it very enjoyable. The scenery was spectacular and the towns were interesting. I loved Santa Fe and would like to visit again. The tour manager, bus driver and all the people on the bus were very friendly. There were some...
Collected by Trustpilot
Fall Colors of New England, Quebec & Montreal
24 Oct 2025
Jessica Mcdonald
5 stars
“Great value for your money.The Tour Guide was great and so was Sara the bus driver.
Collected by Trustpilot
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
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
23/Jun
LYNN BALLENTINE
4 stars
“Thought Trip would be daily train trips , not 1/2 buses … lodging good , but transportation needed for meals not provided .. added own day trips for down time
Collected by Trustpilot

America's National Parks

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. Perfect for families, for seniors and for adventurers of all walks of life, national park vacations take many forms. 

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