Amtrak is a great way to explore the American West from the Rocky Mountains to the California Coast to the Pacific Northwest.

In the shadows of volcanic peaks, modern european-style tilt trains make there way between the glistening cities of the Pacific Northwest. Four daily round-trips between Portland and Seattle are augmented by complementary services to Eugene, OR, Bellingham, WA and Vancouver, BC. Scenic highlights include Mount St. Helens, the Columbia River Gorge and Puget Sound. Services and amenities: reserved Coach and Business Classes; Lounge/Bistro car, Dining Car (Vancouver evening train only), self-stow bicycle transport.

Seasoned travelers recognize this two-night transcontinental odyssey as America's most beautiful rail journey. Trains run daily between Chicago and San Francisco Bay via Omaha, Denver, Salt Lake and Reno. Scenic highlights include the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevadas. Services and amenities: reserved Coach and Superliner Sleeper Classes, Sightseer Lounge/Cafe Car and Dining Car, First Class Metropolitan Lounge in Chicago and Washington; Trails & Rails interpretive program.

One of Amtrak's busiest commuter lines, Capitol Corridor trains string together Bay Area cities and the State Capital. Trains run frequently, seven days a week. Services and amenities: unreserved Coach Class, Cafe Car, Quiet Car, WiFi/internet (selected trains), power outlets, self-stow bicycle transport, multi-ride tickets.

Each day, Amtrak's premier tour train encapsulates the West Coast experience. A singular sensation, its overnight itinerary ranges from Hollywood to redwood forests to Seattle's Space Needle. Onboard extras like floor-to-ceiling windows for all and wine tastings in First Class are unique. Scenic highlights include Puget Sound, the Cascade Mountains and Big Sur (California Coast). Services and amenities: reserved Coach and Superliner Sleeper Classes, First Class Pacific Parlour Car (library, games and wine tastings), Sightseer Lounge/Cafe Car and Dining Car; digEplayer personal audio/video players available; First Class Metropolitan Lounge in Portland; Trails & Rails interpretive program.

The rugged grandeur of the America's Western wilderness unfolds daily along a route that clings closely to the Lewis and Clark Trail. The Wisconsin Dells and Glacier National Park are major stops on the two-night journey. Scenic highlights include the Mississippi River, Rocky Mountains, Columbia River Gorge and the Cascade Mountains. Services and amenities: reserved Coach and Superliner Sleeper Classes, Sightseer Lounge/Cafe Car and Dining Cars; digEplayer personal audio/video players available; Trails & Rails interpretive program; First Class Metropolitan Lounge in Chicago and Portland.

Amtrak's second busiest corridor connects Southern California's two biggest cities with frequent seven-day service. Destinations along the seaside line include Anaheim (selected trains continue up the Central Coast. Services and amenities: unreserved Coach and reserved Business Class, Cafe Car, bicycle and surfboard transport, free Rail2Rail transfer to Metrolink and Coaster trains, multi-ride passes.

Multiple daily trains track through the San Joaquin and Central Valleys with Coach transfer at Martinez for Six Flags Marine World; at Merced for Yosemite National Park; at Bakersfield for Las Vegas, Palm Springs and LA. Services and amenities: reserved Coach Class, Cafe Car, self-stow bicycle transport.

America's majesty is revealed in this epic adventure spread across two nights and half a continent. Daily trains parallel the Santa Fe Trail and Route 66 along much of the eight state route. Lying along the Chief's path are "The Indian Capital," Gallup, Santa Fe (via Lamay) and the Grand Canyon (via Flagstaff or Williams). Scenic highlights include the Chicago skyline, Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, Apache Canyon and Raton Pass. Services and amenities: reserved Coach and Superliner Sleeper Classes, Sightseer Lounge/Cafe Car and Dining Car; First Class Metropolitan Lounge in Chicago; Trails & Rails interpretive program.

Note: service between Orlando and New Orleans is currently suspended. Three weekly round-trips roll across the continent along Amtrak's southern-most route. The two-night sweep between Florida and LA hooks up with New Orleans, Houston, San Antonio, Tucson, Maricopa -- gateway to Phoenix and Scotsdale -- and Palm Springs. Scenic highlights include the Gulf Coast, Rio Grande and the Mexican frontier, and the Southwestern desert. Services and amenities: reserved Coach and Superliner Sleeper Classes, Sightseer Lounge/Cafe Car and Dining Car; Trails & Rails interpretive program.