Wyoming, the majestic mountainous state of the USA, is renowned not only for the magnificent Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks but also for its pristine beauty and breathtaking mountainous rail routes. If you are seeking a unique, leisurely, and poetic travel experience, train travel through Wyoming’s mountains is an adventure not to be missed. Join “Travel the World” as we explore the exciting aspects and plan an unforgettable train journey through this stunning landscape.
Train travel offers a distinct exploration style compared to driving or flying. Instead of rushing from point A to point B, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in exquisite natural scenery, enjoy comfort and relaxation on vintage rail cars, and discover charming small towns along with historical tales along the tracks. The mountainous region of Wyoming, with its diverse terrain and magnificent landscapes, is one of the most ideal destinations for train journeys.
Why Choose Train Travel in Wyoming’s Mountains?
Wyoming boasts rare, rugged beauty with towering Rocky Mountains, vast prairies, and deep gorges. Train travel will open a completely new door for you to fully admire this beauty from the large windows of the rail car.
1. Admire Spectacular Natural Scenery:
Imagine sitting comfortably in a train carriage, sipping on a hot cup of coffee, and watching the stunning mountain views pass by. Green pine forests, meandering rivers, steep rock faces, and snow-capped peaks create a vivid and enchanting natural picture. Trains navigate through areas that are often inaccessible by car, offering you unique and impressive perspectives on Wyoming’s mountainous region.
Mountainous landscape of Wyoming
2. Experience Leisurely and Relaxing Travel:
Unlike the hustle and bustle of urban life, train travel offers a slow and relaxed rhythm. You need not worry about driving, finding your way, or traffic jams. Instead, you can entirely unwind, read a book, chat with friends, or simply gaze at the scenery and enjoy the peace. This is an excellent opportunity to temporarily set aside stress and pressures of life, connect with nature, and rejuvenate.
3. Explore Quaint Towns and Historical Heritage:
The train journey through Wyoming’s mountains is not just a scenic trip; it’s a cultural and historical exploration. Along the rail tracks, you’ll have the chance to stop at quaint little towns that preserve the marks of the Wild West era. Explore local history museums, unique architectural works, and learn about the lives of the local residents.
4. Savor Local Cuisine:
Cuisine is an indispensable part of any travel journey. On the train, you will have the chance to enjoy delicious dishes prepared from fresh local ingredients. Additionally, when stopping at the towns, don’t forget to visit local restaurants and eateries to discover Wyoming specialties like bison meat, pinto bean soup, or cowboy apple pie.
Stunning Rail Routes in Wyoming’s Mountains
Wyoming has several rail routes ranging from classic tourist rail lines to modern passenger trains. Below are some recommendations for beautiful rail routes you can choose for your journey:
1. Denali Star Railroad’s Grand Canyon Railway:
Despite the name, the Denali Star Railroad does not actually pass through the Grand Canyon but is a renowned rail line in Alaska. However, if you want to experience a luxurious and upscale train journey with excellent service and majestic natural scenery, the Denali Star is a great consideration. You can start your trip from Anchorage or Fairbanks and enjoy luxury amenities onboard including dome observation cars, fine dining, and comfortable sleeping quarters.
2. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad’s Scenic Loop:
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a historic rail line built in the late 19th century to serve the silver mining industry in the San Juan Mountains. Today, it has become a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors with its classic steam train rides and stunning natural scenery. The Scenic Loop takes you through deep gorges, dense pine forests, and pristine glacial rivers.
3. Amtrak Empire Builder Route:
If you want to explore Wyoming as part of a longer journey through the American West, the Amtrak Empire Builder route is a fantastic choice. This route connects Chicago with Seattle and Portland, passing through multiple states and regions, including Wyoming’s mountains. Along the Empire Builder route, you’ll have the opportunity to view varied landscapes of the West, from vast prairies to magnificent mountain ranges.
4. Union Pacific’s Wyoming Eagle Railroad:
Union Pacific is one of the largest railroad companies in the USA, and their Wyoming Eagle route is an important freight route passing through Wyoming. While not a dedicated tourist line, the Wyoming Eagle offers stunning natural scenes of Wyoming’s mountain region. If you want a truly authentic train experience with fewer tourists, the Wyoming Eagle might be an interesting option. However, be aware that freight routes have unpredictable schedules and fewer amenities compared to tourist trains.
Suggested Itinerary for a Wyoming Mountain Train Trip
Here is a suggested itinerary for a complete and memorable train travel experience through Wyoming’s mountains:
Day 1: Arrive in Denver and explore the city
Begin your journey by arriving in Denver, the capital of Colorado, and a major city near Wyoming. Spend time exploring Denver’s famous attractions such as the Denver Art Museum, Denver Botanic Gardens, and the historic Larimer Square.
Day 2: Train travel from Denver to Cheyenne, Wyoming
Start your actual train journey by boarding in Denver and heading to Cheyenne, the capital of Wyoming. This trip takes about 2-3 hours and leads you through expansive plains gradually moving into mountainous areas.
Day 3: Explore Cheyenne and Cheyenne Depot Museum
Spend a day exploring Cheyenne, a quaint city rich in historical and cultural heritage. Don’t miss the Cheyenne Depot Museum, where you can learn about the region’s railroad history and admire vintage locomotives.
Day 4: Continue train journey to Laramie and explore University of Wyoming
Continue your train journey to Laramie, a lively college town with plenty of charming cafes and restaurants. Visit the University of Wyoming to explore its beautiful campus and the University of Wyoming Art Museum.
Day 5: Train travel to Rawlins and explore Wyoming State Museum
Head by train to Rawlins, a small town nestled in Wyoming’s mountainous region. Visit the Wyoming State Museum to learn about the state’s natural and cultural history.
Day 6: Explore Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests
Rent a car and spend a day exploring Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, a pristine area with beautiful mountains, lakes, and forests. You can hike, fish, kayak, or simply relax and enjoy nature.
Day 7: Return to Denver by train and conclude journey
Conclude your train journey by returning to Denver from Rawlins. From Denver, you can continue exploring the American West or fly home.
Tips for Train Travel in Wyoming’s Mountains
For a smooth and complete train travel experience in Wyoming’s mountains, consider the following helpful tips:
1. Book train tickets in advance:
Train tickets, especially on popular tourist rail lines, often sell out quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. Therefore, make sure to book your train tickets as early as possible to secure a seat and get the best prices.
2. Choose suitable seating:
If you want the best views, choose window seats on the right side of the train (direction of travel). If you’re traveling in a group, reserve seats near each other to easily chat and socialize.
3. Bring necessary personal items:
While traveling by train, bring essential personal items such as medications, toiletries, books, magazines, or entertainment devices to pass the time on long stretches.
4. Prepare appropriate clothing:
Weather in Wyoming’s mountains can change unexpectedly, especially in summer. Prepare clothing suitable for various weather conditions, including warm jackets, raincoats, hats, gloves, and comfortable walking shoes.
5. Learn about local cultures and customs:
Before heading to Wyoming, learn about local cultures and customs to better immerse yourself into the community and avoid unwanted situations.
6. Enjoy the journey:
Train travel is a unique and memorable experience. Enjoy every moment of your journey, from breathtaking natural views to interesting encounters with fellow travelers.
Conclusion
Train travel through Wyoming’s mountains is a remarkable journey for those who love nature, history, and culture. With magnificent landscapes, quaint towns, and unique experiences, this trip will surely leave an unforgettable imprint in your heart. Plan your train adventure today and explore the pristine and enchanting beauty of Wyoming’s mountainous region!