There’s no shortage of stunning places to explore across the U.S., whether you’re traveling by road or hopping on a train. But a few Amtrak routes capture the country’s natural beauty better than the rest.

Two long-distance journeys in particular—often praised as the most scenic train rides in America—stand out: the mighty Empire Builder and the iconic California Zephyr .

Both routes are undeniably spectacular, but which one is the better choice during the winter months? Spanning thousands of miles through some of the nation’s most picturesque landscapes, each offers its own unique charm. The question is: which should you choose?

From national parks to sweeping vistas to memorable stops along the way, we’ll compare these two incredible routes to help you find the perfect option fo

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