Forget the road trip—these national parks are best visited by train
Driving to and through the most popular U.S. national parks can be a hassle—from parking to long lines at the entrance gates. For many parks, train travel may be the stress-free answer for parkgoers who don't want to drive. Locomotives can move hundreds of people along a rail bed less than 5 feet wide, which can drastically reduce traffic woes. Riders can enter these parks without a coveted vehicle reservation while enjoying vistas often inaccessible by road.
Beyond logistics, there's an enduring romance to riding the rails, and while Amtrak may not be a perfect option, riding the national train system has far more fans than many realize. In 2024, a historic 32.8 million people rode Amtrak. While many are commuters, others appreciate the ability to haul up to 125 pounds of luggage per person for free, eat meals in a dining car, sip a coffee in the observation lounge, and avoid arguing about who is driving.
"It's the rejection of hustle culture," says Sojourner White, train travel expert and educator, "You can relax and take a digital detox."
Parkgoers can now slow it down and see "America's Best Idea" with a ride on the rails to these popular parks.
(A practical guide to riding the rails in the US, from train passes to delays.) Glacier National Park, Montana Spring is a perfect time to see fields of wildflowers in bloom as far as the eye can see at Glacier National Park, Mont. Photograph by Ben Horton, Nat Geo Image Collection
Encompassing the Rocky Mountains of northern Montana, Glacier National Park protects some of the nation's most dramatic alpine terrain, including crenulated peaks, deep valleys, rare inland temperate rainforests, and the namesake glaciers. Over three million annual visitors come to the "Crown of the Continent" to travel the stunning Going-to-the-Sun Road, a less than 50-mile stretch over the Continental Divide that is only passable from late June to October. The park introduced a highly competitive vehicle reservation program in 2021, alleviating debilitating congestion while leaving several disappointed without options.
Trains have brought tourists to Glacier National Park since 1892, with the Great Northern Railway playing a significant role in the park's designation in 1910. Today's train riders have a loophole: via shuttle, they can enter without a vehicle reservation.
Getting there and around: The Empire Builder, Amtrak's daily route traveling between Chicago and Seattle, makes several stops. The complimentary lodge van connects to the park's East Side Shuttle and St. Mary Visitor Center from East Glacier Park Station. A similar shuttle system connects guests at the West Glacier Park Station to the Apgar Visitor Center. Glacier's free shuttles take hikers and sightseers from the center along Going-to-the-Sun road, the only east-west traverse in the park. Tour companies, like Red Bus Tours and Sun Tours, will also pick up visitors.
(See America's parks with the Indigenous peoples who first called them home.) Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona A mule train ascends South Kaibab Trail in Grand Canyon National Park. Photograph by Eric Kruszewski, Nat Geo Image Collection
Grand Canyon National Park, a gaping geological time capsule, spans over 1.2 million acres and features miles of rugged trails, river rafting, and surprisingly diverse climates. Despite its vastness, most of the nearly 5 million annual visitors funnel through a single entrance on the South Rim. The park has avoided timed entry reservations, yet those stuck in two-hour waits at the gates crave another solution. The answer arrives with a fanfare of train whistles in the park's village: the Grand Canyon Railway.
The staged robbery at the train's start in Williams, Ariz., adds a bit of whimsy, but this traverse is no gimmick—the route has connected visitors to the canyon since 1901. Those aboard this 65-mile railway roll through high desert ravines and stands of ponderosa pines before the engine pulls up near the South Rim.
Getting there and around: Amtrak's Southwest Chief stops at Williams on daily runs between Los Angeles and Chicago. Travelers can also make the 45-minute drive to Williams from Flagstaff, skipping the entrance lines they'd hit if they drove straight to the Grand Canyon. Once in the Grand Canyon, the park's shuttles provide access to the trailheads and vistas along the rim's 7-mile circuit.
(How to take amazing photos of the Grand Canyon.) Yosemite National Park, California This photo captures an incredible view of Starlink satellites streaking over Bridalveil Fall and Cathedral Rock in Yosemite National Park. Photograph by Babak Tafreshi, Nat Geo Image Collection
Any route into Yosemite National Park climbs up through the Sierra Nevada foothills before reaching the landscapes that inspired Ansel Adams' photography and conservation. Yet as the anticipation rises along with elevation, so does the traffic, with hours of waiting after the parking lots fill early on summer mornings. Cut the headaches, as Yosemite offers one of the most exceptional park shuttle services in the country, accessible via a combination of rail and bus tickets. Even though the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) bus can't avoid the wait at the gate, dedicated bus-only lanes within the park cut out the standing traffic. You will be gazing up at El Capitan or camping in Tuolumne Meadows with far less stress.
Getting there and around: Amtrak's San Joaquins routes from San Francisco, Sacramento, or Los Angeles drop rail passengers in Merced, California. From there, catch a reserved spot on the YARTS bus line. The train ticket includes bus and park entry.
(10 places to stay while you're at Yosemite National Park.) New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia Parkgoers may consider a fall train trip to witness the bursts of fall colors found along the banks of the New River Gorge in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, W. Va. Photograph by Daniel Wilson, Alamy
Designated in 2020, West Virginia's national park is one of the nation's newest additions. Yet, just 300 miles from Washington D.C., New River Gorge National Park has seen a surge of visitors at a rate even higher than the park system's. With hiking, rock climbing, and river rafting opportunities ranging from mild to wild, the New River Gorge is known for a jolt of approachable yet adrenaline-fueled adventure in the eastern United States. The park's ties to the railway run deep; still-active stations like Thurmond were booming communities during the area's coal mining days.
Today, Amtrak riders get a view no one else does. "There is no road that goes all the way through the gorge," says Eve West, the park's Chief of Interpretation and Education. "You'll get a great view of the New River Gorge Bridge and feel what it was like to live down in these smaller villages that are still visible from the train."
Getting there and around: Amtrak's Cardinal runs between Washington D.C. and Chicago three times a week. Stops in the park include the small towns of Thurmond, Hinton, and Prince. Local whitewater outfitters run previously scheduled shuttle pickups.
(The essential guide to visiting West Virginia.) Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio Goose Beaver Marsh is one of Cuyahoga Valley National Park's most popular destinations for birdwatching and spotting wildlife like turtles, beavers, and northern cardinals. Photograph by Prisma/Heeb Christian, Alamy
While Cuyahoga Valley National Park may not be as recognizable as some of its older park peers, this greenway sandwiched between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, is quietly becoming one of the most popular in the country. It's a day-trippers' delight with waterfalls shielded by dense forests, pock-marked sandstone outcrops, and placid wetlands that feel hours away from the adjacent metropolis.
The Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail is the park's backbone along the Cuyahoga River. No longer a transportation system for goods, hikers, and bikers enjoy the juxtaposition of historic river locks and industrial mill remnants within the revitalized forest. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR) transports riders in vintage railcars from the 1940s to the 1960s along the path, allowing recreationists to take a scenic ride on the non-profit railway to their trailheads.
Getting there and around: Amtrak's Floridian stops daily in Cleveland on the route between Miami and Chicago. Once in Cleveland, the CVSR has eight stations through the park and allows bikes.
(It was a toxic wasteland. Now it's a national park.) Denali National Park, Alaska Caribou graze amongst the fall foliage on a ridge in Denali National Park, Ala. Photograph by Barrett Hedges, Nat Geo Image Collection
The state-run Alaska Railroad connects Anchorage to North America's highest peak, Denali National Park, in less than a day's ride from Anchorage. Domed observation cars leave no angle ignored as the train hurtles through the protected wilderness towards Fairbanks, Alaska.
Denali restricts vehicles from the park's 90-mile single road year-round, protecting the subarctic wilderness. The park's shuttles are the most reliable way to journey into the backcountry, stopping for a hike or offering a chance to see the often-hidden mountain. For those who prefer to take their chances spotting Denali by air, the train stops in Talkeetna, where small planes offer quick tours, weather permitting.
Getting there and around: The Alaska Railroad runs most routes, including the Denali Star, daily from May through September. For a bonus park, travel south from Anchorage on the Coastal Classic to the port of Seward. From there, catch the wildlife-spotting day cruise to Kenai Fjords National Park, one of the continent's largest ice fields.
(Go with Nat Geo: Alaska: Denali to Kenai Fjords Expedition.) Rebecca Toy is a Kansas City-based writer who covers travel, history, and culture. Find her on Instagram.
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Newsweek
2 days ago
- Newsweek
Amtrak Shares Plans for 'Extreme Heat' on US Trains
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Amtrak has unveiled a suite of operational and engineering strategies as summer approaches, which brings with it the potential for severe extreme heat events. Why It Matters Amtrak is the nation's leading high-speed rail operator, transporting more than 30 million passengers each year. It receives state and federal subsidies, much of which goes toward maintaining its busiest route, the Northeast Corridor. Amtrak's update comes as swathes of the U.S. are expected to experience dangerous heat this weekend, according to forecasters. Amtrak's "California Zephyr" passenger train departs Chicago Union Station on March 2, 2022. Amtrak's "California Zephyr" passenger train departs Chicago Union Station on March 2, 2022. Luke Sharrett/AFP via Getty Images What To Know The national passenger rail service outlined its approach in a fact sheet published ahead of summer 2025. According to the sheet, Amtrak enacts heat restrictions when ambient temperatures exceed 95 degrees Fahrenheit or when rail temperatures reach 128 degrees. These restrictions often require trains to reduce speed. Overhead power lines—called catenary wires—are especially susceptible to temperature swings. Amtrak trains operating on the Northeast and Keystone Corridors rely on this electrified catenary system, and heat-related tension can sometimes cause components to fail. Any resulting damage may lead to shutdowns until repairs are completed, Amtrak said. Bridge infrastructure is also affected. The company states that movable bridges, such as drawbridges, can cause delays for marine or other traffic when the structures are moved in high heat. Amtrak's response plan, should a train lose power or air conditioning, includes identifying passengers with special needs and ensuring access to water. Conductors may also open doors for airflow and request emergency support if needed. The firm added that train crews provide updates through announcements, text, email, and the Amtrak mobile app. What People Are Saying Amtrak's fact sheet said: "Our goal is to safeguard customers and employees to ensure our trains are moving with minimal delays. Amtrak takes a proactive approach to notify our customers of heat-related delays. Customers will receive direct notifications on their day of travel if their departure cities are within the heat advisory area." The National Weather Service Weather (NWS) Prediction Center said on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday: "Numerous daily record highs and warm lows are anticipated Sunday into early next week. This level of heat can be dangerous to anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration." What Happens Next Heat alerts covered 21 U.S. states on Thursday, with the NWS warning of "dangerously hot conditions" in certain areas. Extreme heat warnings, issued by the NWS when "a period of very hot temperatures, even by local standards, will occur," were in effect across parts of California, Nevada and Arizona. Triple-digit temperatures were forecast for parts of New Mexico and West Texas, and extreme heat watches were issued for a large swath of the Midwest.
National Geographic
2 days ago
- National Geographic
Forget the road trip—these national parks are best visited by train
Driving to and through the most popular U.S. national parks can be a hassle—from parking to long lines at the entrance gates. For many parks, train travel may be the stress-free answer for parkgoers who don't want to drive. Locomotives can move hundreds of people along a rail bed less than 5 feet wide, which can drastically reduce traffic woes. Riders can enter these parks without a coveted vehicle reservation while enjoying vistas often inaccessible by road. Beyond logistics, there's an enduring romance to riding the rails, and while Amtrak may not be a perfect option, riding the national train system has far more fans than many realize. In 2024, a historic 32.8 million people rode Amtrak. While many are commuters, others appreciate the ability to haul up to 125 pounds of luggage per person for free, eat meals in a dining car, sip a coffee in the observation lounge, and avoid arguing about who is driving. "It's the rejection of hustle culture," says Sojourner White, train travel expert and educator, "You can relax and take a digital detox." Parkgoers can now slow it down and see "America's Best Idea" with a ride on the rails to these popular parks. (A practical guide to riding the rails in the US, from train passes to delays.) Glacier National Park, Montana Spring is a perfect time to see fields of wildflowers in bloom as far as the eye can see at Glacier National Park, Mont. Photograph by Ben Horton, Nat Geo Image Collection Encompassing the Rocky Mountains of northern Montana, Glacier National Park protects some of the nation's most dramatic alpine terrain, including crenulated peaks, deep valleys, rare inland temperate rainforests, and the namesake glaciers. Over three million annual visitors come to the "Crown of the Continent" to travel the stunning Going-to-the-Sun Road, a less than 50-mile stretch over the Continental Divide that is only passable from late June to October. The park introduced a highly competitive vehicle reservation program in 2021, alleviating debilitating congestion while leaving several disappointed without options. Trains have brought tourists to Glacier National Park since 1892, with the Great Northern Railway playing a significant role in the park's designation in 1910. Today's train riders have a loophole: via shuttle, they can enter without a vehicle reservation. Getting there and around: The Empire Builder, Amtrak's daily route traveling between Chicago and Seattle, makes several stops. The complimentary lodge van connects to the park's East Side Shuttle and St. Mary Visitor Center from East Glacier Park Station. A similar shuttle system connects guests at the West Glacier Park Station to the Apgar Visitor Center. Glacier's free shuttles take hikers and sightseers from the center along Going-to-the-Sun road, the only east-west traverse in the park. Tour companies, like Red Bus Tours and Sun Tours, will also pick up visitors. (See America's parks with the Indigenous peoples who first called them home.) Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona A mule train ascends South Kaibab Trail in Grand Canyon National Park. Photograph by Eric Kruszewski, Nat Geo Image Collection Grand Canyon National Park, a gaping geological time capsule, spans over 1.2 million acres and features miles of rugged trails, river rafting, and surprisingly diverse climates. Despite its vastness, most of the nearly 5 million annual visitors funnel through a single entrance on the South Rim. The park has avoided timed entry reservations, yet those stuck in two-hour waits at the gates crave another solution. The answer arrives with a fanfare of train whistles in the park's village: the Grand Canyon Railway. The staged robbery at the train's start in Williams, Ariz., adds a bit of whimsy, but this traverse is no gimmick—the route has connected visitors to the canyon since 1901. Those aboard this 65-mile railway roll through high desert ravines and stands of ponderosa pines before the engine pulls up near the South Rim. Getting there and around: Amtrak's Southwest Chief stops at Williams on daily runs between Los Angeles and Chicago. Travelers can also make the 45-minute drive to Williams from Flagstaff, skipping the entrance lines they'd hit if they drove straight to the Grand Canyon. Once in the Grand Canyon, the park's shuttles provide access to the trailheads and vistas along the rim's 7-mile circuit. (How to take amazing photos of the Grand Canyon.) Yosemite National Park, California This photo captures an incredible view of Starlink satellites streaking over Bridalveil Fall and Cathedral Rock in Yosemite National Park. Photograph by Babak Tafreshi, Nat Geo Image Collection Any route into Yosemite National Park climbs up through the Sierra Nevada foothills before reaching the landscapes that inspired Ansel Adams' photography and conservation. Yet as the anticipation rises along with elevation, so does the traffic, with hours of waiting after the parking lots fill early on summer mornings. Cut the headaches, as Yosemite offers one of the most exceptional park shuttle services in the country, accessible via a combination of rail and bus tickets. Even though the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) bus can't avoid the wait at the gate, dedicated bus-only lanes within the park cut out the standing traffic. You will be gazing up at El Capitan or camping in Tuolumne Meadows with far less stress. Getting there and around: Amtrak's San Joaquins routes from San Francisco, Sacramento, or Los Angeles drop rail passengers in Merced, California. From there, catch a reserved spot on the YARTS bus line. The train ticket includes bus and park entry. (10 places to stay while you're at Yosemite National Park.) New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia Parkgoers may consider a fall train trip to witness the bursts of fall colors found along the banks of the New River Gorge in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, W. Va. Photograph by Daniel Wilson, Alamy Designated in 2020, West Virginia's national park is one of the nation's newest additions. Yet, just 300 miles from Washington D.C., New River Gorge National Park has seen a surge of visitors at a rate even higher than the park system's. With hiking, rock climbing, and river rafting opportunities ranging from mild to wild, the New River Gorge is known for a jolt of approachable yet adrenaline-fueled adventure in the eastern United States. The park's ties to the railway run deep; still-active stations like Thurmond were booming communities during the area's coal mining days. Today, Amtrak riders get a view no one else does. "There is no road that goes all the way through the gorge," says Eve West, the park's Chief of Interpretation and Education. "You'll get a great view of the New River Gorge Bridge and feel what it was like to live down in these smaller villages that are still visible from the train." Getting there and around: Amtrak's Cardinal runs between Washington D.C. and Chicago three times a week. Stops in the park include the small towns of Thurmond, Hinton, and Prince. Local whitewater outfitters run previously scheduled shuttle pickups. (The essential guide to visiting West Virginia.) Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio Goose Beaver Marsh is one of Cuyahoga Valley National Park's most popular destinations for birdwatching and spotting wildlife like turtles, beavers, and northern cardinals. Photograph by Prisma/Heeb Christian, Alamy While Cuyahoga Valley National Park may not be as recognizable as some of its older park peers, this greenway sandwiched between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, is quietly becoming one of the most popular in the country. It's a day-trippers' delight with waterfalls shielded by dense forests, pock-marked sandstone outcrops, and placid wetlands that feel hours away from the adjacent metropolis. The Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail is the park's backbone along the Cuyahoga River. No longer a transportation system for goods, hikers, and bikers enjoy the juxtaposition of historic river locks and industrial mill remnants within the revitalized forest. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR) transports riders in vintage railcars from the 1940s to the 1960s along the path, allowing recreationists to take a scenic ride on the non-profit railway to their trailheads. Getting there and around: Amtrak's Floridian stops daily in Cleveland on the route between Miami and Chicago. Once in Cleveland, the CVSR has eight stations through the park and allows bikes. (It was a toxic wasteland. Now it's a national park.) Denali National Park, Alaska Caribou graze amongst the fall foliage on a ridge in Denali National Park, Ala. Photograph by Barrett Hedges, Nat Geo Image Collection The state-run Alaska Railroad connects Anchorage to North America's highest peak, Denali National Park, in less than a day's ride from Anchorage. Domed observation cars leave no angle ignored as the train hurtles through the protected wilderness towards Fairbanks, Alaska. Denali restricts vehicles from the park's 90-mile single road year-round, protecting the subarctic wilderness. The park's shuttles are the most reliable way to journey into the backcountry, stopping for a hike or offering a chance to see the often-hidden mountain. For those who prefer to take their chances spotting Denali by air, the train stops in Talkeetna, where small planes offer quick tours, weather permitting. Getting there and around: The Alaska Railroad runs most routes, including the Denali Star, daily from May through September. For a bonus park, travel south from Anchorage on the Coastal Classic to the port of Seward. From there, catch the wildlife-spotting day cruise to Kenai Fjords National Park, one of the continent's largest ice fields. (Go with Nat Geo: Alaska: Denali to Kenai Fjords Expedition.) Rebecca Toy is a Kansas City-based writer who covers travel, history, and culture. Find her on Instagram.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
More roadwork and rail projects are getting underway in CT. Here's where and what to expect.
It's going to be a busy summer for the Connecticut Department of Transportation; with 667 planned road projects. Many of the projects are breaking ground this week, including a pavement project on Interstate 91 North and South ramps from Exit 45 through Exit 49 in East Windsor and Enfield. The work was set to start on Monday and will be taking place Mondays through Fridays from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. until October. Pavement preservation will be performed and will require temporary closures to the on- and off-ramps. According to the CT DOT, the project will include fine milling, pavement repairs, joint and crack filling and placement of new pavement and pavement markings. Only one on- and off-ramp will be closed at a time, the CT DOT said. There will be electronic message boards and detour signage that will direct motorists to another ramp. State and local police on site along with flaggers to guide motorists through the work zone. Drivers are asked to drive at a safe speed. CT DOT said the schedule could be modified if there are weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. There is also a traffic shift on Route 15 South in New Haven and Woodbridge that started on Tuesday. The CT DOT said the existing southbound traffic will be shifted toward the median and the pavement will be restriped accordingly. The work will allow for the reconstruction of the northern parapet of bridge No. 00770. This work is being done by NERI Construction, Inc. The Route 15 South roadwork will take place on Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. On Fridays, the work will be 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 11 a.m. On Saturdays the work will be 6 p.m. to 11 a.m., and Sunday will be from 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. On the rails, there are some train service adjustments planned for July 11-14 on the Hartford line. CT DOT said to expect schedule adjustments on the Hartford line due to Amtrak's Wood Interlocking project. The construction will begin that Friday night and last until Monday morning with full details released later this month. 'The track project consists of replacing track components which will lead to increased reliability, keeping the railroad in a state of good repair. Amtrak will also be upgrading the railroad bridge crossing over Capitol Avenue in Hartford,' according to the CT DOT. Customers are asked to visit or for the latest service information. There is also a public meeting planned regarding roundabout improvements at Route 4 and Route 63 in Goshen. The CT DOT will be conducting the in-person meeting on July 30 at the Goshen Center School Gymnasium with an open forum beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the formal presentation at 7 p.m. 'This project will upgrade the existing circular intersection to a modern roundabout to improve traffic operation and safety for all users,' said CT DOT principal engineer Scott Bushee in a statement. 'We encourage the public to attend this meeting to share their feedback with the CT DOT project team to incorporate into the design.' The construction would begin in fall of 2027 based on available funding, acquisition of rights of way and approval of permits. The CT DOT said 80% of the $5 million dollar project will be paid with federal funds and 20% paid in state funds. The public can submit comments and questions during the two-week public comment period following the meeting until Aug. 13 to DOTProject0054-0087@ or 860-594-2020.
