Taking Southwestern American Rail Tours
Amtrak runs three lines through the Southwest, including the California Zephyr that connects Chicago and San Francisco and the Sunset Limited that travels from Los Angeles to New Orleans via Tucson. Both trains make stops in Tucson and include some of the best scenery in the country. If you’re planning a trip to the Southwest, consider booking a train tour to explore all three cities. You may even be able to take a train tour without a car! Learn more at https://zobuz.com/why-take-the-train-to-grand-canyon/22777/.
Animas River
Whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, an Animas River train tour will give you a glimpse into western Colorado’s beautiful landscape. A trip on this scenic railroad will take you through the rugged canyon country of the Animas River and the surrounding San Juan National Forest. You’ll also get to see the iconic San Juan Mountains and the Weminuche Wilderness, which makes it a perfect place for hiking and backpacking.
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad follows the Animas River, one of the last free-flowing rivers in the western U.S. The Animas River begins in the San Juan Mountains and ends at its confluence with the San Juan River in New Mexico. Along the way, passengers can enjoy some of the most beautiful canyon scenery in the Rocky Mountains. During springtime, the Animas River rises four hundred cubic feet per second and reaches more than six thousand cubic feet per second during its peak runoff in June. By late summer, it mellows out and falls back to a more reasonable level.
Cripple Creek
One of the highlights of a trip to Cripple Creek, Colorado, is the steam train ride. With its 45-minute ride, the steam train glides past old mines and spectacular mountain scenery. It is a great photo opportunity. The train also stops for narrated history of the town. Tickets are available through the Cripple Creek and Railroad. Here, you can save money while taking a rail tour of the area.
Guests can enjoy an educational narration of the area’s past by board a train that travels through the town’s mining history. The train stops at special points of interest and impressive photo spots, like the Cripple Creek Mining District. Donkeys were once used to help miners transport gold and other valuable materials. Those with disabilities can also take advantage of handicap accommodations, which include wheelchair assistance. While on the train, donkeys have a long history in the region.
Flagstaff
If you are interested in taking a rail tour of the region, there are many routes to choose from. Flagstaff is an excellent starting point for rail tours of the southwest, which range in length from three to six days. The best time to visit is September. There are a variety of attractions and activities to enjoy in Flagstaff. Here are some highlights. Flagstaff is the gateway to the Grand Canyon. The city has numerous attractions, including the Lowell Observatory, which houses Pluto, a 200-acre botanic garden, and the Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, which is a 1904 arts and crafts style mansion.
Another great place to visit in Flagstaff is the Southwest Chief Amtrak station. This station is situated on one of the city’s main roads, and it has a souvenir shop with a train-themed selection. The Southwest Chief Amtrak line connects Chicago with Los Angeles, and it also links Flagstaff with Williams and the Grand Canyon Railway, which takes passengers to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. There is a station located in the city center, and it’s easy to board the train and explore the area.
Albuquerque
One of the most unique ways to experience the history of the New Mexico region is by taking a train tour through the city. You can ride aboard the New Mexico Railroad, which was founded in 1880. In addition, you can check out the Chaco Culture National Historical Park, which is only a three-hour drive from Albuquerque. The Great Houses were constructed by ancestral Puebloans and are aligned with astronomical events. They also served as a governmental and religious capital, and had trade routes throughout North America.
To reach Albuquerque, take the westbound Amtrak train. This train leaves from the Santa Fe Depot. You can also ride it from your hotel, as there is a prearranged shuttle service. The train will arrive in Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1.5 hours later. Along the way, you can pick up Navajo-style blankets and turquoise jewelry. While traveling west, you’ll pass the southwestern Arizonan flat desert and the Ponderosa surrounds of Flagstaff. The train stops in Santa Fe along the way, and you’ll have the chance to spend two nights in each city.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Among southwestern American rail tours, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenedic Railroad is a historic, 64-mile narrow-gauge train that travels through the rugged San Juan Mountains. Unlike other museums, this railroad has remained nearly unchanged since the last freight train departed from Chama, New Mexico, more than 50 years ago. You’ll see steam locomotives, vintage rail cars, and historic buildings along the way.
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a beautiful railroad in the heart of the rugged American West. Founded in 1880, the railroad has not changed much since its beginning. Today, it remains one of the most spectacular examples of mountain railroading from the steam era in North America. A tour of this railway’s rolling stock can last between half a day or a full day.
Grand Canyon Railway
Travelers can enjoy the majestic views of the Grand Canyon from the comfort of a luxury train and enjoy a delicious lunch. The Grand Canyon Railway offers a variety of train tours, including the famous South Rim train ride. The train travels through ponderosa pine forests and high desert terrain before arriving at the Grand Canyon at 11:45 a.m. The train has historic rolling stock including Pullman cars, dome coaches, and luxury parlor cars. Depending on your budget, you can opt for a standard coach or an exclusive parlor car with a rear platform where you can step out.
Families can bring their pets along on a train ride through the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon Railway offers an exclusive Pet Resort with 28 spacious rooms for canine travelers and 16 cat condos. For pet owners who have a dog, the Grand Canyon Railway offers a 15% discount off any class of train travel. In addition to pet owners, guests can take advantage of a 15% discount on Canyon Explorer packages when they book a stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and RV Park.