More Train Trips to Take

"What I find is that you can do almost anything or go almost anywhere, if you're not in a hurry."
Paul Theroux

In my last posting I wrote about the Grand Canyon Railway, which I think is one of the top fun train trips that one can take, at least in the western part of the US.  It is one I have taken several times and have booked for numerous clients, and everyone has always enjoyed it.

Looking out the back of the train
Train from Anchorage to Denali

But there are many more train trips that one can take, just for fun.  And there are trains in almost every state, plus Canada and Mexico.  In previous postings I wrote about a trip in Canada that one could take aboard The Rocky Mountaineer.  I would certainly put that trip on a list of top 10 ten train trips.  And when I wrote about Mexico recently, I mentioned the Copper Canyon Train, which would also make my list of top 10.  Both of these articles can be accessed through the archives section on the side column.  Another train trip that we took was in Alaska when we went from Anchorage to Denali National Park.  That was a very memorable train trip, with fantastic views.  You can read about that train trip if you go to the side column and look at the trips we have taken and read about our Alaska trip.

I would like to add to that list with a few others that I am familiar with, I haven’t necessarily been on these trains, but I know people who have gone on them, and they are all popular trips.  If you are a train enthusiast, they would certainly be worth studying up on, and maybe worth a trip to ride on them.

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

One of the most famous train trips in the USA is The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.    The train travels between Durango and Silverton, Colorado.  It dates back to 1882, when the tracks were completed and the train began hauling both freight and passengers.  The line was constructed to haul silver & gold ore from the San Juan Mountains, but passengers soon realized it was the view that was truly precious.

This historic train has been in continuous operation for 128 years, carrying passengers behind vintage steam locomotives.  Relive the sights and sounds of yesteryear for a spectacular journey on board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

In 45 miles, this narrow-gauge railway—with rails just three feet apart—climbs from Durango at 6,512 feet above sea level to Silverton at 9,305 feet. That 3,000-foot elevation gain, not to mention the views of 14,000-foot peaks out the windows, can make you catch your breath. On this historic line, the 1920s steam locomotive pulls 1880s-era passenger rail cars at a leisurely 18 miles per hour along tracks originally constructed to carry gold and silver ore.  For more information: http://www.durangotrain.com

Verde Canyon Railroad

Verde Canyon Railroad

"While the train and the experience of riding the rails are a big part of the attraction of the Verde Canyon Railroad, the tour itself is the star of the show. Each mile brings a different geologic and ecological scene." —Steven King, Tri-Valley Dispatch

Located just 25 miles from Sedona, Arizona, the Verde Canyon Railroad takes you from Clarkdale to Perkinsville, round-trip, at 12 mph.  Passengers enjoy this four-hour scenic train ride in first-class style aboard renovated passenger coaches and open-air viewing cars pulled by vintage locomotives. A ride on the historic Verde Canyon Railroad route from Clarkdale to the ghost ranch of Perkinsville and back is an unforgettable experience. The Verde Canyon is often called 'Arizona's other Grand Canyon' with spectacular canyon scenery on a train trip that offers visual feasts including seasonal spring flowers, fall foliage and hundreds of migratory birds, such as the majestic bald eagle. For more information:  www.verdecanyonrr.com

Skunk Train – Fort Bragg to Willits

The Skunk Train in Northern California is one of the most scenic railroads in North America.  Trips are offered from two stations located at opposite ends of the railroad line in Fort Bragg and Willits.

Skunk Train

The view from the restored rail cars is pretty much unchanged since its beginning in 1885.  Towering trees, deer drinking from the Noyo River, an isolated fisherman's cabin peeking from the forest. With occasional whistles as it chugs through tunnels, over bridges and past open meadows, the train follows the coastal "Redwood Route."   Built as a logging railroad, the Skunk line began that year as a logical vehicle for moving massive redwood logs to Mendocino Coast sawmills from the rugged back country. Steam passenger service was started in 1904, extended to the town of Willits in 1911.  Moving at a leisurely pace, the trains pull covered cars as well as open observation cars—perfect for capturing photographs of this truly exhilarating journey.

There are several options to choose from on the Skunk Train.  You can go all the way from Ft, Bragg to Willits, or the reverse, but you would need to spend the night in one of those towns. Northspur is the mid-point of the railroad and is located 21.3 miles east of Fort Bragg and 18.7 miles west of Willits. This is the turnaround point for every train. If you are on a one-way or overnighter you will be transfering trains here at Northspur. Most people take the train round-trip to Northspur and make it a day trip.   For more information: http://www.skunktrain.com/

Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

Yosemite Mtn. Sugar Pine Train

The Sugar Pine Railroad is an exciting 4 mile railroad excursion at the south gate to Yosemite Park.  The Sierra National Forest’s majestic woods provide the backdrop for this narrow gauge journey back in time.  They have 2 steam locomotives that they use.  And they have Jenny “Railcars” which are Ford Model A automobiles converted for rail use.  The Jenny Railcars each accommodate about 12 people, and are pulled by the steam locomotive.  They operate out of Fish Camp, CA from March to October.

For more information: http://www.ymsprr.com/index.html 

Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad

Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad

The Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad is the longest continuously operating steam train railroad in the Pacific Northwest.  Most of those running the train are volunteers.  Weekly excursions and tour trains depart beneath the snow white cap of Mount Rainier from the depot in Elbe, Washington.  Passengers are charmed as they pass through forest and meadow, next to clear mountain streams and over tall wooden trestles.  They do not run everyday, and there are some months when there are no trains running, but they do operate for special events, such as Easter (The Bunny Express) and Christmas (The Santa Express).  For more information:  http://www.mrsr.com/index.html 

Another fun train adventure would be some of the dinner trains that are available.  I will be writing about the Napa Valley in the near future, and will talk about the Napa Valley Dinner Train in that writing.  Also, when we were in the Pacific Northwest a few years ago, we took my mother on The Hood River Dinner Train for her birthday.  I was impressed with the food served onboard, and they did a mystery theatre play as well.  That was fun, guessing “who did it.”  https://www.mthoodrr.com/events/dinner-trains.htm

So, I have only touched on a few trains, and all of them in the western half of the continent.  There are certainly a lot more trains to choose from, if that is an interest of yours.  Trains can be a pleasant way to see an area, and taking one of the old steam trains for a short jog is like going back to the past.

For more information about trains throughout the USA, go to:  http://www.traintraveling.com/usa/tourist/usa_west.shtml