Coast Starlight
This is Amtrak’s most scenic route as voted by seasoned train travelers. The Coast Starlight runs from LA to Seattle along the Pacific Ocean. Expect the train to run right next to the ocean, providing you with one of the most breath taking scenes ever. It runs right through the spectacular Cascade Mountains, stopping in Oakland, Eugene and Portland along the way.
California Zephyr
Taking the classic route east, the California Zephyr runs from the Pacific to the Great Lakes. California Zephyr runs on the tracks laid by the first transcontinental railway, from San Francisco and Sacramento to Reno and Salt Lake City. Here it goes in to the Rockies, Denver and Omaha all the way to Iowa and Chicago.
Narrow Gauge Railroad at Durango and Silverton
This is perfect for those with a taste for adventure. The Narrow Gauge Railroad features rails just three feet apart on a 45 mile long railway. It climbs from 6512 feet above sea level at Durango to 9305 feet at Silverton. The route provides passengers with unparallel views at 14,000 foot peaks. Imagine, being pulled by a 1920s steam engine at a laid-back 18 miles per hour, while you rest in a 1880s passenger car. All this while you will be traveling in tracks originally made to carry gold and silver ore.
–mark anderson
