Find a train ride in the Southwest USA…
The Southwest is home to America’s oldest tourist railroad. While early tourists of the late 19th century often relied on rail to reach their destinations, it was the 1901 completion of the Santa Fe Railroad’s branch line to the Grand Canyon that unleashed America’s first boom in tourism. The line reached the South Rim a year ahead of the first automobile and more than a decade before the Arizona Territory joined the union.
These days, scenic train rides can be found from the canyon lands of Arizona to the piney wood hills of Texas.
Visitors are almost always surprised to learn that Arizona is home to not one but two canyon railroads! Unlike its more famous sibling, Arizona’s other canyon rail attraction doesn’t stop at the edge; the Verde Canyon Railroad cuts across the rugged canyon floor. The scenic train ride is widely known for its annual winter Eagle Watch which gives riders an opportunity to view nesting and high-flying activities.
A few hundred miles to the east, America’s longest narrow gauge line, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, zigzags along the Colorado – New Mexico border, tackling the country’s highest rail pass along the way.
A string of regional rail attractions in the Lone Star State draw trainspotters and families from far and wide. In the Dallas Fort Worth area, McKinney Avenue Transit Authority’s M-Line Trolley has been a hit since it’s heritage line brought streetcars back to Dallas streets after a three-decade hiatus. The nearby Grapevine Railroad makes regular runs between its namesake town and Fort Worth’s famous stockyards.
Rail aficionados may find it a bit surprising to learn that San Antonio, Texas — the state’s last major city to be connected by rail — is home to the Southwest’s biggest train museum. The Texas Transportation Museum’s vast collection of historic locomotives and rolling stock includes the Longhorn & Western Railroad demonstration line.
Find a train ride in the Southwest USA…
Find a train ride in the Southwest USA…
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Verde Canyon Railroad
Clarkdale, Arizona
Accessible only by rail, Arizona’s “Wilderness Route” passes Indian ruins and rare wildlife as it follows a riparian corridor through the bottomlands of the rugged, red-walled canyon. Trestle crossings and the sudden fade-to-black of a curved tunnel break up the former copper mine run. Highlights include caboose rides, open-air cars, Locomotive Ride-Along experience, train museum, and winter eagle watch (Jan-May). Trains operate year-round. Telephone: +1 (800) 582-7245.
Grand Canyon Railway
Williams, Arizona
Since 1901, the GCRwy has taken visitors to the edge of one of the world’s natural wonders: the South Rim in Grand Canyon National Park. The scenic train ride itself reveals views of high desert, scrub prairie, and pine woods. Onboard, cowboy characters and western musicians vie for attention. Day trip offers six classes of service ranging from vintage Pullman to luxury Dome and Parlor. Highlights include pre-boarding cowboy show, and hotel packages. Telephone: +1 (800) 843-8724.
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Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Chama, New Mexico & Antonito, Colorado
Passing through long tunnels and crossing tall trestles, steam engine train passengers roll along America’s longest narrow gauge railway as it crisscrosses the Colorado – New Mexico border. The route’s high point is Cumbres Pass — at 10015 ft (3050 m), the highest rail pass in the USA. Highlights include first-class Parlor Car, complementary lunch buffet, and train museum. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (888) 286-2737.
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Heritage Express Trolley
Canadian County Historical Museum
El Reno, Oklahoma
The Sooner State’s only trolley trundles along a 1.5 mi (2.5 km) route around the citys lively downtown. Trains operate year-round (except Mondays and Tuesdays). Telephone: +1 (405) 262-5121.
Oklahoma Railway Museum
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
From its meticulously recreated rail-yard, trains roll along a remnant stretch of “The Katy” line — the historic M-K-T Railroad that once sprawled between Kansas and Texas. Highlights include At-the-Throttle engineer experience, replica station and out buildings; restored locomotives and rolling stock. Trains operate seasonally; train museum open year-round. Telephone: +1 (405) 424-8222.
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Austin Steam Train
Austin, Texas
Through rugged hills, plains and valleys, the half-day Hill County Flyer heads to historic Burnet where an extended halt leaves plenty of time for lunch, a gun fight reenactment, and shopping. The shorter Bertram Flyer makes popular trips to its namesake town. Highlights include adults-only lounge car. Trains operate year-round. Tickets: +1 (512) 477-8468.
Grapevine Vintage Railroad
Grapevine (Fort Worth), Texas
The half-day “Cotton Belt Route” to Fort Worth Stockyards features high trestle crossings and great skyline views. The connecting “Trinity River Route” takes a scenic turn through “Cow Town.” A shorter Cotton Belt Route excursion is ideal for families with kids or when time is limited. Highlights include open-air coaches, train robbery reenactments and birthday party packages. Trains operate year-round (except Jan/Feb). Telephone: +1 (817) 410-3185.
Historic Jefferson Railway
Jefferson, Texas
In the heart of eastern Texas’s piney wood country, the narrow-gauge steam engine train departs its 19c depot and heads down by the Big Cypress Bayou for a lazy 5 mi (8 km) run. Highlights include stop at Diamond Don Gator Pit for alligator feeding. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (866) 398-2038.
McKinney Avenue Transit Trolley
Dallas, Texas
Heritage streetcars ramble through the Big D’s dynamic Uptown district hooking up with galleries, cafes, performance venues and DART light rail at Cityplace station. Trolleys are free and run daily. Highlights include Book-a-Trolley charters. Trains operate year-round. Telephone: +1 (214) 855-0006.
Texas Transportation Museum
San Antonio, Texas
From its recreated rail yard, complete with historic station, the museum’s Longhorn & Western Railroad takes folks on a short excursion up and down its demonstration line. Highlights include exhibits of vintage rail equipment and road vehicles. Trains operate weekends, year-round. Telephone: +1 (210) 490-3554.
Texas State Railroad
Rusk & Palestine, Texas
The Official State Railroad of Texas takes passengers on a scenic train ride, up and down the Piney Woods Route between the quaint East Texas towns of Palestine and Rusk. Steam engine trains depart Palestine (except Rusk, diesel only late August to October). Highlights include Dome and open-air cars; locomotive cab and caboose rides; Champagne toast on selected runs; Engine-Ride-Along experience. Trains operate year-round (except Jan/Feb). Telephone: +1 (855) 632-7729.
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