Tourist Train Rides | Southwest USA

Linking busy 4th Ave to the University of Arizona Campus and the Arizona Historical Society, this weekend trolley passes numerous shops and restaurants along the way. Highlights include day passes and reduced fare on Sundays. Trains operate year-round. Selected features: gift shop.

The old "Verde Mix" follows Arizona's "Wilderness Route" past Indian ruins, rare wildlife and rugged'canyon landscapes. Highlights include seasonal night trains, winter eagle watch (Jan-Mar) and hotel/resort packages. Trains operate year-round. Selected features: holiday/event excursions, train charters, gift shop, snack bar, online ticketing.

The GCRR runs through pine forests, desert plains and small canyons en route to Grand Canyon Depot and the South Rim. Highlights include hotel, RV park, Pet Resort, overnight packages, Amtrak combos and special tours. Trains operate year-round. Selected features: holiday/event excursions, train charters, gift shop, restaurant, online ticketing, wheelchair access.

Along an aerial cable exceeding 2½ mi/4 km in length, the "world's longest aerial tramway" flies dazzled visitors to the summit of Sandia Peak, rising some 2 mi/3 km into the sky. Highlights include skiing in winter and mountain biking in summer. Tram operates year-round. Selected features: restaurant.

Passenger cars trail working freight trains on high desert crossings to the Old West outpost of Lamy. Shorter runs go as far as Galisteo Basin. Highlights include High Ball and BBQ trains, and dome car seating. Trains operate year-round. Selected features: rail museum, holiday/event excursions, train charters, gift shop, snack bar, online ticketing.

From its meticulously recreated rail-yard, trains roll along a remnant stretch of "The Katy" line -- the historic K-T railway that once sprawled between Kansas and Texas. Highlights include replica station and out buildings; restored locomotives and rolling stock. Trains operate seasonally; museum open year-round. Selected features: rail museum, holiday/event excursions, train charters.

Return trips through the Texas Hill Country run from Cedar Park to Burnet (Bertram in summer); autumn excursions from Austin tour the rolling Blackland Prairie. Highlights include Twilight Flyer evening excursions. Trains operate year-round. Selected features: holiday/event excursions, train charters, gift shop, snack bar.

The "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." Highlights include train robbery reenactments and birthday party packages. Trains operate year-round (except Jan/Feb). Selected features: holiday/event excursions, train charters, online ticketing.

In the heart of eastern Texas's piney wood country, the R.E. Lee departs its 19c depot and heads down by the Bayou for a lazy 5 mi/8 km run. Highlights include Ghost Trains. Trains operate seasonally. Selected features: holiday/event excursions.

From its quaint circa 1913 depot, steam engines and diesel locomotives take turns hauling restored rolling stock along the museum's own trackway. Highlights include a G-gauge garden railroad and road vehicle collection. Trains operate year-round. Selected features: rail museum, holiday/event excursions, train charters.

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 Trolley-Dine-Around parties and car barn tours. Trains operate year-round. Selected features: train charters, gift shop.

Two steam trains pass one another midway along the 25-mi/39-km parkland route linking Rusk and Palestine State Parks. Both depots are close to camping and picnic areas. Highlights include free rides for kids (Jun-Sep). Trains operate year-round (except Jan/Feb). Selected features: holiday/event excursions, train charters, snack bar, wheelchair access.