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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(69 reviews)
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...
(512 reviews)From soaring peaks to deep gorges and iconic sites, including the Garden of the Gods, relish untamed Colorado on this remarkable rail vacation featuring six heritage trains. Delve into the Colorado Rockies' mining history on the Georgetown Loop Railroad and the Leadville Railroad, and skirt the San Juan Mountains on the Durango & Silverton Narrow...
(319 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...
(220 reviews)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...
(126 reviews)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. Visit...
(93 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...
(23 reviews)Experience the Northern Lights like never before on this independent trip into Alaska's backcountry to Borealis Basecamp. Set just outside of Fairbanks, this unique hotel immerses you in the spirit of Alaska with fantastic excursions, including dog sledding, and presents the Aurora Borealis from the comfort of private fiberglass igloos. ...
(16 reviews)This 10-day rail-cruise adventure combines some of the most breathtaking scenery on the west coast by land and sea with a relaxed and well-paced itinerary to meet every lifestyle. The Coast Starlight links Los Angeles to Seattle, the Gateway to Alaska. Widely regarded as one of the most spectacular U.S. train routes, you will travel more than...
(74 reviews)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...
(20 reviews)By day and night, immerse yourself in the wonders of an Alaskan winter. With its far-north location, this state is one of the best places in North America to see the Aurora Borealis, and this journey features plenty of opportunities to do just that. Venture into the state's remote interior aboard the Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train,...
(28 reviews)Beginning in Los Angeles, board Amtrak's Southwest Chief for the overnight journey to Flagstaff, Arizona, where you will catch the historic Grand Canyon Railway for the ride to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. This 4-day rail vacation includes travel aboard two iconic trains, hotel accommodations in Flagstaff and Grand Canyon National Park,...
(47 reviews)Embrace winter's natural beauty and Alaska's frontier spirit on this week-long journey featuring Fairbanks and Anchorage. In Fairbanks, spend your days exploring independently and your nights chasing the Northern Lights at Chena Hot Springs Resort and a backcountry yurt. Then, traverse 350 miles of the remote, untouched Alaskan interior to...
May 22, 2026 · By Ian Holt
Aboard Canyon Spirit’s new three-day route from Salt Lake City to Denver, Great Rail Journeys writer Ian discovers the Southwest’s beauty in relaxed luxury.
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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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Jul 24, 2025 · By Kira Whitaker
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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May 15, 2025 · By Great Rail Journeys
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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