Help with itinerary please.

[freshair]

Hi all,

I'm an international student in the U.S., graduating this summer and want to reward myself with an epic train trip before going back home.

Where i am, it's best to fly in and out of Portland, OR or Bay Area, but i could also consider Seattle. I have one month to do this, late July - late August.

I have come up with 2 itineraries:

Flight: arrive in Bay Area

Train: Coast Starlight Bay Area - LA: stop to visit friends

Train: Southwest Chief LA - Lamy, NM: stay a few days to explore

Flight: Albuquerque - Denver: stay a few days

Train: Cali Zephyr + Coast Starlight Denver - Seattle: stay a few days

Train: Empire Builder Seattle - Glacier park: camp

Train: Glacier park - Portland

Flight: out of Portland

The other itinerary is quite similar, but starts with the Glacier portion first: Portland - Glacier Park - Seattle - LA - Lamy - Albuquerque - Denver - Bay Area.

I really appreciate any comments, or suggestions for alternate route. And general tips of course. I love riding trains and have no problem with long rides (have ridden a few +40hr trains in India). My goal is to hit the most scenic segments and do some camping, hiking in between, and be as economical as possible. Right now all the train tickets would cost at least +$550. The 15-day pass would be a saver, but i'd prefer not to have to rush through the whole thing.

 

[NETrainfan]

Just a comment about Lamy and Santa Fe. We have explored Santa Fe and it is one of our favorite small cities. There is a van which meets the train and takes people to Santa Fe and arranges a return trip. Santa Fe itself is a walking city- plenty to see and do. Any questions about Santa Fe- be glad to answer.

 

[CHamilton]

I think you will enjoy whichever itinerary you choose. Both variations sound very pleasant. Just make sure to make your reservations ASAP. All of those trains are quite popular, especially in the summer, and many dates may already be sold out. Check amsnag.net to see what dates are available, and how much it will cost.

 

[freshair]

@NETrainfan: good to know about Lamy and Santa Fe, thank you. I haven't done much research on what to do, but i've been wanting to visit New Mexico for a long time.

@CHamilton: amsnag sounds like an useful tool, unfortunately the link doesn't work?

 

[J-1 3235]

@NETrainfan: good to know about Lamy and Santa Fe, thank you. I haven't done much research on what to do, but i've been wanting to visit New Mexico for a long time.

@CHamilton: amsnag sounds like an useful tool, unfortunately the link doesn't work?

Try:Amsnag

 

[George Harris]

Flight: Albuquerque - Denver: stay a few days

might want to consider bus if time is no object. A quick check shows Greyhound having three per day, fare about $50 to $60. Seven hours. Unfortunately two are at night and the other afternoon out of Albuquerque with a late evening arrival in Denver.