Amtrak has more than 30 routes across the US and Canada, winding up through the forest, along the coast, and around the mountain. There are no two routes the same, but there is one path that can enter everything.
California Zephyr is often considered the crown of the amtrak system, and soon to see why. Run from Emeryville, California, all the way to Chicago, Illinois, California Zephyr, and its unique featuresis one of the longest routes in the amtrak system.
With the word California in the name, it is not surprising that many people think this California stretch is riding the most beautiful iconic on the way. Just 24 hours from my own experience of this classic amtrak experience, I can say confidently that the best view of California Zephyr is not in California at all.
This is where I find the best views of California Zephyr, and what makes this quiet train is so magical for me.
The stretching of this stranded soil is the most beautiful part of the travel of California Zephyr
What is the stunning of the amazing California coast and upset Sierra Nevadas? Apparently, the answer is several states. California Zephyr walked west to the east (and vice versa), spending a lot of time in the desert after leaving the mountain.
After two states of shrub brushes and antelope snatching areas, it is a Colorado that dramatically revives a new life into Zephyr’s view. The real turning point is the Glenwood Springs station, located at the Glenwood Canyon entrance.
Following the lazy turn of the Colorado River, Glenwood Canyon offers amazing contrast between white rapids on blue water and deep red stones on both sides.
If the natural beauty of the canyon is not enough, the river itself is full of kayaks and kasiers that make the way downstream, waving their paddles with victory as the train rolls slowly. As a cheesy because it sounds, there is something beautiful about the time of interaction. At that time, two groups of people, one on the water and one on the train, sharing in a miracle celebration around them, and the opportunity to enjoy it.
Colorado stopped in California Zephyr
|
Number of stops: |
5 |
|
Break Breaks: |
Glenwood Springs, Denver, Fort Morgan, Fraser-Winter Park |
|
Quick stop: |
Granby |
|
Significant features: |
Glenwood Canyon, Hanging Lake Trailhead, Gorge Upper and Lower, Colorado River, Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer |
Canyon’s view dominates the whole journey between Glenwood Springs and Granby, Colorado. The transition of red stone into a more mixed stone -mix, steep and more serrated. The Lazy Wiggles of the River Churn faster, making it for a larger rapid.
Riders are not the only ones who enjoy this part of California Zephyr Trail. Deer and Bighorn sheep -Seconds like this Canyon stretch, adding another layer to this incredible trip.
How to get the best views in California Zephyr
Fortunately, the best views in California Zephyr can be seen from almost every window on the train. However, there are several ways to maximize the “ooh aah” factor. The train embraces the Canyon’s side and the ravine, so those who want a broader view will be strategic.
If traveling west to east, California Zephyr embraces the Glenwood Canyon Cliff on the right, so the best view of the river and canyon can be seen from the left of the train. Thankfully, I have a room on the left and can stare at my personal window on the perfect rock and scenery.
Asking if the room is worth the price tag? For those who don’t want to worry about playing music chairs for the best sights in the observation room, getting a personal window through the room is probably the best way to enjoy a relaxing sightseeing experience.
For those who have a room on the right, or just find different ways to see the landscape, the observation car cannot be defeated. Captain chairs and desks with bench seats are provided for individuals and groups, and large windows -extends to the ceiling.
Seating in the observation car can be difficult to get, especially on the right side, so take advantage of the stretching break at Glenwood Springs to sneak in the main chair.
Observation cars are open to all passengers on California Zephyr, so the conductor asks visitors to keep their time in the car for less than an hour, to give everyone the opportunity to enjoy the scenery.
About half the journey, the river turns the side, and the view suddenly moves to the right. Thankfully, the gap opens a bit, so even if you can’t turn into the observation car, you will be able to enjoy the view easier than in the Glenwood Canyon.
California Zephyr is, in the middle of it, the experience, so putting an effort to enjoy the scenery from the best point of view is a great way to take advantage of the ticket.
Colorado, not California, inspired the current Zephyr passage
If you Compare the historic California route of Zephyr with the presentYou may see a decline in dramatic efficiency. The original track is about functionality, getting people from point A to point B. Although Amtrak has never been about high-speed travel, it at least limits the diversion in the early days.
It all changed when the engineer stared at Glenwood Canyon, Colorado. According to our conductor, the Colorado River and its Jeram, paired with red sandstone, inspired those who put new tracks to take a new approach. Instead of focusing on the shortest path, they decided they wanted to find the most beautiful.
This new approach is very clear in Colorado, where the decision to follow the river and the canyon means a lot of extra difference and turn. It actually takes almost an hour to travel by Amtrak between Glenwood Springs and Granby than to drive, highlighting the true goal of California Zephyr: It’s all about traveling.
In my small room, without Wi-Fi and continuous information to distract me, I find it is Colorado, not California, the best capture the beauty and travel message by Amtrak.