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One of the best ways to see the grandeur of the United States is by rail travel. Whether it be across the country or just across a state, railways often offer truly majestic views, and many tracks are built to take in some of the most spectacular sights possible. While far more than these exist, here are just three that showcase just how gorgeous this country can be by rail.

The Coast Starlight travels the length of California, Oregon, and Washington, starting in Los Angeles and ending in Seattle. As implied by the name, for most of its route it follows the coastline, with the entirety of the Pacific Ocean stretching off to the west of the train. The train is designed to take in these sights, of course, with large windows in every car and an observation car offering even more spectacular views. Passengers can enjoy the sights of the west coast's mountains, redwood groves, and sandy beaches, as well as some stunning and unique sights like the Columbia River. In addition, many of the towns that the train passes through showcase classic examples of architecture. With a superb dining car, a daily wine-and-cheese tasting for sleeping car passengers, and far more, the Coast Starlight represents a way to see the whole of the West Coast in grand style.

Equally as grand is a trip by rail through Colorado, a trip that Theodore Roosevelt himself described as "the trip that bankrupts the English language". Many options exist, including a 12-day trip known as Colorado by Rail that seeks to highlight some of the more stunning locations in Colorado. The trip goes along the bed of the Royal Gorge, showcases the local aspen trees in Autumn, and, of course, displays the beauty of Colorado's deserts and mountains. One can even see the old dwellings of local Native Americans along the trip. For those seeking to see all Colorado has to offer, there may be no better choice.

The last trip offers a view even more spectacular than the Royal Gorge - and this time, from the top, not the bottom. Taking Amtrak's Southwest Chief first through various sites that are scenic all on their own, a tourist can then transfer to the historic Grand Canyon Railway. The trip itself is a marvel, with all the trains reconstructed to match their original designs and with passengers being entertained with staged train robbings, music, and historical stories about the Canyon itself. The trip culminates with the spectacular view of the Grand Canyon itself, as the train's journey ends at its south rim. Passengers can see the Canyon in all its glory and majesty.