(CNN) — Click-clack sounds. Steam whistles. Conductors in sporty overalls. What’s not to love about train travel?
In a world of instant gratification, welcoming a slower travel experience can be a nice change of pace.
Whether it’s a day trip or a long-distance ride, you’ll instantly feel the nostalgia of one of these amazing North American rail journeys.
Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railway
With evergreen forests, towering canyons, and jagged peaks, visiting the Rocky Mountains is no brainer.
Making the trip in a coal-fired steam engine is even better.
Not to mention, you’ll travel to remote places in Colorado and New Mexico that cars can’t access on the 64-mile route.
The top speed is 20 km/h, so wildflowers and steep canyons won’t blur.
The train departs daily from Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado. The best part is this: there is no cell service along the way. You have no choice but to relax. Tickets start at $115 for adults.
Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway
The highest railway in the northern hemisphere.
The Broadmoor
There’s a good reason Katharine Lee Bates wrote “America the Beautiful” atop Colorado’s Pikes Peak: It’s absolutely stunning up there at 14,115 feet above sea level.
We’re talking snow-capped cliffs, alpine vistas, and the Garden of the Gods, a collection of Suessical-like rock formations.
It is the highest railway in the northern hemisphere and one of two cog railways in the country. At the top, it’s worth calling the visitor center to try their high-altitude donuts (a robotic machine produces 700 an hour).
Grand Canyon Railroad and Hotel
Grand Canyon Railway offers a slice of American history.
Ji Rui
Not ready to trek from shore to shore or paddle the mighty Colorado River?
Since 1901, travelers (including Theodore Roosevelt, Clark Gable, and Bill Gates) have taken the Grand Canyon Railroad to take in dreamy views of Grand Canyon National Park.
Even the train stations are themselves National Historic Landmarks.
A hop-on board in Williams, Arizona ends a few hours later in the historic village of South Rim, with plenty of time to explore the canyon.
It’s especially great for families with young children thanks to the lively musicians and cowboy characters. A stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel elevates the nostalgia. Tickets start at $67 for adults.
Via Rail Canada
The Canadian’s domed car improves the view.
By Rail
Passing the Canadian Shield, prairies and Rocky Mountains, keep an eye out for grizzly bears, mountain goats, bison and coyotes on this popular Canadian route that takes passengers from Toronto to Vancouver.
The chefs change the menu daily and tasting Canadian beer and wine makes the trip even more enjoyable.
During the 4-night trip, choose from domed lounge cars or art deco dining cars. The starting price for a sleeping car is C$1,111 ($875).
From the Rocky Mountaineer to the Red Rocks
This Rocky Mountaineer route is full of mountain vistas, desert cliffs and rock formations.
rocky mountaineer
The two-day luxury trip takes passengers through a series of steep and rugged rock-walled canyons.
The drive between Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and Moab, Utah, is filled with mountain vistas, desert cliffs, and rock formations.
You may or may not see wildlife like deer, pronghorns and eagles. But one thing is certain: the gourmet cuisine served by the executive chefs is as exquisite as the view.
Tickets start at $1,375.
Denali Star Train
The Denali Star Train is one of the best ways to experience the majestic landscapes of Alaska.
Stewart L Sterling
On a clear day, you’ll spot the star of the show: Denali, North America’s highest peak, reason enough to make the trip.
GoldStar service is definitely worth it thanks to the glass domed windows.
Besides the national park, other pit stops include Wasilla, Talkeetna, and Fairbanks.
Once in Denali, you can visit the sled dogs, take a ranger-guided hike, or sign up for an airplane tour (if you’re lucky, you’ll spot moose and bears). Tickets start at $259 for adults.
Waterfalls
Amtrak’s Cascades train travels from Vancouver to Oregon.
Amtrak
Glacial bays and tropical forests. Check. Waterfalls and volcanoes. Check.
Watch seaplanes land on Coal Harbor in Vancouver. In Seattle, stop by the Experience Music Project Museum.
In Tacoma, witness the work of glassblowers at the Glass Museum.
And when you get to Portland, head to the world’s largest bookstore. Prices vary throughout the year.
starry coast
The 35-hour train journey between Los Angeles and Seattle is filled with breathtaking scenery.
Amtrak
Along the way, you’ll see Santa Barbara, the San Francisco Bay, Sacramento, and Portland.
At the San Luis Obispo stop, it’s worth hiring a local sommelier and driver to take you to a winery; after all, there are 30 to choose from.
In Chico, California, sample craft beers. And don’t forget to have your camera ready when you arrive at Crater Lake, where you travel through the Cascades at 5,000 feet above sea level.
Other photo ops include Mount Shasta, Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainier and long stretches of the Pacific. Ticket prices vary throughout the year.
Californian Zephyr
Amtrak’s California Zephyr takes travelers on an epic journey from California to Chicago.
Amtrak
From the Truckee, California stop, hike through the Tahoe National Forest.
In Salt Lake City, Utah, make time for bobsledding at Olympic Park. Prices vary according to travel dates.
Sarah Sekula covers stories of travel, fitness, and amazing people, and her assignments have taken her to all seven continents. Follow her @sarahsomewhere adventures.
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