Page 40 - AAA Magazine – AAA Ohio Auto Club – May 2019

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Take the California Zephyr from Chicago to Salt Lake City, just 90 minutes south of Golden Spike National Historical Park.
Continue heading north to explore West Yellowstone’s lower loop, where you’ll see Old Faithful Geyser, the Old Faithful Inn, Isa Lake on the Continental Divide and other landmarks.
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
Deep valleys, ancient forests and alpine scenery are only part of what makes Montana’s Glacier National Park so utterly incredible. It’s also home to more than 130 pristine lakes, five national historic landmarks and
more than one million acres that boast parts of two mountain ranges, more than 1,000 species of plants and hundreds of species of animals. There’s no better way to experience it than on Amtrak’s Empire Builder from Chicago. The Amtrak station in Glacier National Park
is located less than 300 steps away from Glacier Park Lodge, making it the most hassle-free way to travel.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
Rocky Mountain National Park includes a significant mountain range in western North America that stretches more than 3,000 miles from the northernmost part of British Columbia in western Canada to New Mexico. This popular destination is mainly known for hiking, mountain biking and skiing. Tectonic activity and erosion over
time by glaciers have sculpted the Rockies into dramatic peaks and valleys. With more than 300 miles of hiking trails, wildlife, and fun-filled days with starry nights, the Rockies offer an unparalleled mountain experience.
A guided tour is a great way to explore all the park’s must-see attractions. While the snowy mountains seem like the highlight of the park’s sights, 600-acre Grand Lake steals the show. Colorado’s biggest and deepest natural lake, Grand Lake stands firm at the headwaters of the Colorado River.
photo: iStock/ Justinreznick
Yellowstone National Park
Glacier National Park
Like the Empire Builder, the California Zephyr gets you close, as the station in Granby, Colorado, is less than 15 miles from the Kawuneeche Visitor Center, just beyond Grand Lake.
Amtrak offers a variety of plans and packages to build your perfect trip. You can create a package with tours of various cities and sites as well as hotel stays included, or work with your AAA Travel Agent to build your vacation, using Amtrak’s USA Rail Pass. The USA Rail Pass can be as short as 15 days with eight segments or as long as 45 days with 18 segments. And the fare for children ages 2-12 is 50 percent of an adult’s ticket when traveling with a full-fare paying adult. Amtrak also offers senior, military and group discounts. Speak with your Travel Agent to find the best deal for you. You’ll also want to look into various accommodations onboard your journey, which could vary depending on the route you choose.
Exploring our national parks by rail is an excellent alternative to traditional travel options, and Amtrak provides a personal adventure for travelers looking to check off these destinations from their bucket lists.
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Spenser F. Barnes is a freelance writer based in California.
photo: iStock/Dean_Fikar