Scaling the Swiss Alps on trains and trams, ranking road-trip friendly states and more

The Swiss Alps are one of Mother Nature's most impressive shows, even viewed from afar. Getting in among these craggy peaks _ some of which soar more than 13,000 feet into the sky _ is even more special. Alpenwild offers a 10-day/nine-night tour that scales those peaks compliments of Switzerland's amazing network of trains, trams, and funiculars. Among the classic lines ridden are the Gotthard Express, Bernina Express and Glacier Express whose cars allow panoramic views of the scenery. On the first day of the itinerary, riders are apt to be gasping aboard the Mount Pilatus Railway, the steepest cogwheel railway in the world, with a gradient of up to 48 percent. As the tour progresses, there will be exposure to the varied cultures of Switzerland reflecting their German, French and Italian neighbors. On a day's layover in Zermatt, you can ride the Gornergrat cogwheel train to 10,000 feet where you're at eye level with the famous Matterhorn. On the Glacier Express, a route that dates to the 1930s, the train crosses 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels. Another day the Jungfraujoch Cogwheel train claws its way to the top of 13,371-foot Jungfraujoch, which is the highest railway station in Europe. Cost of this adventure is $4,995 per person double, occupancy. Though it's totally sold out for this year, reservations are already being taken for 2019. Info: 801-226-9026, http://tinyurl.com/y8btmdww