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Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad named Best Scenic Train Ride
Best Scenic Train Ride (2020)
Sometimes the journey is just as important as the destination. Such is the case for passengers who step aboard these 10 American trains — voted by our readers as the best in North America.
The top 10 winners in the category Best Scenic Train Ride are as follows:
- White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
- The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway
- Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
- Strasburg Rail Road
- Wilmington & Western Railroad
- Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
- Roaring Camp Railroads
- Cass Scenic Railroad
- Colebrookdale Railroad
- Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Photo courtesy of White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
No. 10:
The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad was built during the Yukon Gold Rush in 1898. Today the real treasures aboard this narrow gauge railroad — an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark — are the glaciers, gorges, mountains, waterfalls, tunnels and bridges on display as the vintage train climbs almost 3000 feet in just 20 miles.
Photo courtesy of The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway
No. 9:
The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs recently acquired the historic Pikes Peak Cog Railway, and guests will enjoy new trains, new tracks and a new depot starting in 2021. This classic journey takes passengers to the top of Pikes Peak, traveling along Ruxton Creek, past Minnehaha and through Deer Park along the way.
Photo courtesy of Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
No. 8:
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is one of the best ways to explore Cuyahoga Valley National Park located in Northeast Ohio. The train travels north-south between Independence and Akron, with stops for both pedestrian and bike passengers. In addition to scenic rides through the park, the train also hosts evening excursions (Ales on Rails, Cocktails on Rails or Grape Escapes) as well as a Murder Mystery Train.
Photo courtesy of Strasburg Rail Road
No. 7:
Founded in 1832, the historic Strasburg Rail Road didn’t become a tourist railroad until 1958. Today, passengers continue to board the train for a chance to soak up the views of Pennsylvania’s scenic Lancaster County.
Photo courtesy of Wilmington & Western Railroad
No. 6:
The Wilmington & Western route was laid in the 1870s, and today, the same track hosts one of the most popular tourist railroads on the East Coast. Excursion through Delaware’s Red Clay Valley depart from Greenbank and travel through Faulkland, Wooddale, Ashland, Yorklyn and Hockessin.
Photo courtesy of Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
No. 5:
The historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad once hauled silver and gold along the stretch of track laid during the late 19th centuries between the two towns. Today, visitors hop aboard for the 7-hour roundtrip journey from Durango through some of Colorado's most impressive scenery with a chance to stop and explore the historic mining town.
Photo courtesy of Roaring Camp Railroads
No. 4:
Roaring Camp offers two experiences aboard 19th century steam strains. The Redwood Forest Steam Train takes passengers on a 75-minute excursion through California’s towering redwood groves to the summit of Bear Mountain. Onboard narration explains the history of Roaring Camp and how the trains were used to haul logs. The Santa Cruz Beach Train travels from the mountains through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Photo courtesy of Walter Scriptunas II / Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
No. 3:
Tucked into the scenic mountains of West Virginia lies the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, where visitors can take a step back in time aboard a steam-driven locomotive once used to haul lumber. Trips depart from the town of Cass and take visitors to Whittaker Station (2 hours round trip) or all the way to Bald Knob (4.5 hours round trip).
Photo courtesy of Colebrookdale Railroad
No. 2:
Passengers riding the Colebrookdale Railroad board a restored century-old railcar for a two-hour journey into Pennsylvania’s Secret Valley. An open car offers near 360-degree views of the passing scenery, while the first-class parlor car, called Storm King, offers drinks and snacks to the sounds of piano music.
Photo courtesy of Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
No. 1:
One of the most authentic steam-operated railroads in existence, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad runs for 64 miles between Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado, passing through the San Juan Mountains and the scenic Conejos Valley along the way. This moving National Historic Landmark represents one of New Mexico's most spectacular day trips.
A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.
Congratulations to all these winning train rides!
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Chez Chesak
‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor... Read More
‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com.
Chez Chesak
‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com.
Lydia Schrandt
Lydia, Senior Photo Editor and Readers' Choice... Read More
Lydia, Senior Photo Editor and Readers' Choice Production Manager for USA TODAY 10Best, has traveled to more than 40 countries in Europe, Asia and North and South America, and has lived in Albuquerque, Galveston, Austin, Thailand, Korea, China, Ecuador, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Spain and now Houston. When she's not at her computer in a cafe, she's out photographing the city, writing fiction or cheering on Barça.
Lydia Schrandt
Lydia, Senior Photo Editor and Readers' Choice Production Manager for USA TODAY 10Best, has traveled to more than 40 countries in Europe, Asia and North and South America, and has lived in Albuquerque, Galveston, Austin, Thailand, Korea, China, Ecuador, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Spain and now Houston. When she's not at her computer in a cafe, she's out photographing the city, writing fiction or cheering on Barça.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
