15 National Parks You Can Explore via Amtrak
Picture this: you’re gliding through the heart of America, the soft hum of the train beneath you, and a front-row seat to landscapes that shift from towering peaks to sprawling deserts and misty forests.
What if your next great adventure didn’t start at an airport or behind the wheel—but on the rails?
Amtrak opens the door to 15 breathtaking national parks, where nature’s most spectacular wonders are just a train ride away.
No traffic, no rush—just pure, uninterrupted scenery unfolding beyond your window.
Let the rhythm of the tracks set the pace as you journey through canyons, over rivers, and past untouched wilderness. The adventure isn’t just at the destination—it’s in the journey itself.
1. Yosemite National Park
Granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls together? What a paradise for adventurers! Or should I say – welcome to Yosemite.
Start your journey at Tunnel View, offering breathtaking sights of El Capitan and Half Dome. Wander through serene meadows, tackle challenging trails, or simply soak in the park’s natural splendor.
As the sun dips, the park transforms into a canvas of golden hues, casting a magical spell that’s truly unforgettable.
Ready to reconnect with nature? Yosemite awaits with open arms and timeless beauty.
2. Grand Canyon National Park
Unleash your wanderlust at the Grand Canyon. This place is truly a testament to nature’s artistic prowess.
The view of the South Rim and the endless, breathtaking vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see will definitely leave you breathless.
Curious to experience the canyon’s true scale?
When the sun rises, the canyon ignites in fiery shades of orange and gold. In that moment, time stands still, the world fades, and all that’s left is you and the sheer wonder before you.
3. Glacier National Park
Towering peaks, pristine lakes, and untamed wildlife make this backcountry paradise feel truly wild.
The Highline Trail offers a thrilling hike with stunning views you won’t soon forget. Just imagine the chill of alpine air as you trek past wildflowers and glacial streams. Perfect!
Each step unveils the park’s rugged charm, from jagged peaks to azure lakes.
If you love spotting wildlife, get ready—you’re in for a treat. You will see mountain goats and maybe even a bear. Here, every moment is an adventure!
4. Rocky Mountain National Park
Prepare to be swept off your feet in Rocky Mountain National Park! Here, peaks pierce the sky and valleys cradle tranquility.
Trail Ridge Road is magnificent. This is the place where every turn opens up a view more breathtaking than the last. As you climb higher, the air gets cooler, the wilderness stretches wider, and the world feels a little bigger.
It’s definitely a treat for explorers and dreamers.Towering peaks, rolling meadows, endless skies create a scene straight out of a postcard – what more could you ask for?
Plus, you might spot elk grazing nearby or eagles soaring overhead.
5. Zion National Park
Imagine this: You step into the otherworldly beauty of Zion National Park, where colossal red rock cliffs rise like ancient guardians over valleys.
The adventure begins the moment you set foot in The Narrows—wading through a river that has spent millennia carving its way through towering canyon walls.
The water is cool against your skin, the sandstone walls glow under the shifting sunlight, and for a moment, it feels like you’ve stepped into a dream carved by nature itself.
Zion is a sanctuary for the soul.
It’s a place where every path leads to discovery, inviting you to explore the depths of this natural masterpiece.
6. Yellowstone National Park
Some places whisper; Yellowstone roars.
One moment, you’re standing on solid ground, and the next, steam hisses from beneath your feet, geysers explode into the sky, and boiling hot springs shimmer in neon blues and fiery oranges. This isn’t just nature—it’s the Earth flexing its muscles.
Are you a fan of geysers? Then this is the perfect location for you. Just wait until Old Faithful erupts and see why they call it a timeless spectacle that draws travelers worldwide.
Yellowstone is a reminder of the planet’s vibrant life. At this place adventure awaits around every corner, ready to ignite your spirit of exploration!
7. Arches National Park
Imagine stepping into a world where the laws of physics seem optional. Giant rock formations curve, balance, and stretch into impossible shapes, standing frozen in time.
With over 2,000 natural arches, yes, you read that right, this is the place that defies the ordinary. Achilles National Park is an outdoor museum—except the artist is wind, water, and millions of years of patience.
The best way to see this place? At sunrise, when the desert glows like fire. Just hike to Delicate Arch, the most famous rock formation in the park, and watch as the first light of day sets it ablaze in shades of red and gold.
After this, try to catch a glimpse of the Fiery Furnace, a maze of narrow sandstone canyons where every turn reveals something wilder than the last. You won’t regret it.
8. Bryce Canyon National Park
If Mars had forests, they would look like Bryce Canyon. But instead of trees, this landscape is filled with thousands of towering rock spires called hoodoos.
It is truly fascinating to me how erosion has sculpted each one into a unique, twisted shape. It literally turned his park into one of the strangest, most mesmerizing places on Earth.
Sunrise is when Bryce goes full fire mode. The first rays of daylight ignite the canyon in brilliant oranges and pinks, as if the whole landscape has been set ablaze.
Then, imagine hiking down into the maze. You have to see that this place isn’t just a park. It’s a portal to a landscape so surreal, trust me.
9. Acadia National Park
Where else can you stand on a mountain, gaze at the endless Atlantic, and feel the ocean breeze all at once? Acadia is where land, sea, and sky collide in the most breathtaking way!
The place that rises above it all is the Cadillac Mountain. It offers unmatched views of sunrise painting the world in gold.
The trails will lead you past crystal-clear lakes, through mossy woodlands, and straight to panoramic lookouts that make you feel on top of the world.
Out on the water, kayaks cut through the stillness of serene bays. You will also see seabirds that glide overhead. The salty air, the hum of the ocean, the raw beauty of it all—Acadia is truly special.
10. Shenandoah National Park
Some places shout their beauty from the rooftops—Shenandoah simply whispers. Picture rolling green hills stretching into the distance, their peaks fading into mist, like you just woke up from a dream.
The thick air will also make you breathe a little deeper and move a little slower. Here, nature doesn’t rush—and neither should you.
Wander trails where waterfalls tumble over mossy rocks, and the only sounds are the rustling leaves and birdsong overhead. This is a perfect place to unplug, reset, and remember what stillness feels like.
No skyscrapers, no noise—just endless horizons and the kind of peace you didn’t realize you needed.
11. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
There’s a reason they call them the Smokies.
At sunrise, thick silver mist curls through the valleys, swallowing the peaks in a soft, ghostly haze. It’s a sight so otherworldly, you half expect some forgotten legend to step out of the fog.
But don’t be fooled—this park is full of life. Black bears roam the forests, elk graze in open meadows, and fireflies put on a show in the summer that looks like something out of a fairytale.
The waterfalls? Everywhere. The hiking trails? Endless. Whether you’re climbing up to Clingmans Dome for a view above the clouds or just wandering through the woods, the Smokies never run out of ways to surprise you.
If you want a place that feels like stepping into a storybook, this is it.
12. Olympic National Park
Can’t decide between mountains, rainforests, or the ocean? Olympic says, “Why not all three?“ This park is a wild mix of landscapes, and every turn feels like stepping into a whole new world.
Make sure to look at the Hoh Rainforest! Then, focus at the Hurricane Ridge, where snow-capped peaks stretch as far as you can see.
Just when you think it can’t get any better, you reach the rugged Pacific coastline, where waves crash against massive sea stacks, and tide pools hide tiny worlds waiting to be explored.
It’s three parks in one—and every bit of it is unforgettable.
13. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Most people don’t think of Ohio when they picture national parks, but Cuyahoga Valley is proof that they should.
This place is a mix of rolling hills, lush forests, and winding rivers that make you forget the city is just a short drive away.
The Towpath Trail follows the old Ohio & Erie Canal, leading you past waterfalls, quiet ponds, and historic landmarks.
It’s perfect for biking, hiking, or just taking a slow, scenic walk. Brandywine Falls is a must-see—cascading 65 feet over sandstone. It’s the kind of spot that makes you pull out your camera without even thinking.
It’s not the biggest or flashiest park, but that’s what makes it special!
14. Everglades National Park
Experience the wild heart of the Everglades, a unique ecosystem teeming with life.
Alligators and vibrant birdlife while gliding through on an airboat? Yes, please! The Everglades is a tapestry of flora and fauna.
If you are not afraid of exploring this untamed beauty, or even just looking for an adventure, then you should definitely visit this place while seeing it on the trails.
This unique ecosystem is home to rare wildlife, and what makes it special is that elusive Florida panther and gentle manatees drift here through the warm waters.
15. Cascades National Park
Not a fan of crowds? North Cascades is your kind of park. It is rugged, remote, and absolutely jaw-dropping.
Snow-capped peaks, glacier-fed lakes that shine in unreal shades of blue, and trails that lead you into pure wilderness are the reasons you should visit this place.
Another cool place to visit here is the Cascade Pass, where switchbacks take you up to one of the best views in the entire park.
Or just take a boat across Ross Lake, where the water is so clear and blue, it doesn’t even look real. The best thing about this? You’ll have plenty of space to admire all of this.
If you’re looking for a park that feels like a true adventure, far away from the usual crowds, this is it.