22 votes

Colorado Amtrak journey in winter gives serious Skyrim vibes

We took the Amtrak Zephyr route across the West. As usual, seats were comfortable. I had done this once before, but not in the Winter. The route between Salt Lake and Denver winds through some extremely remote canyons with no roads. The canyons are narrow and the scenery is spectacular. My mountain climbing days are behind me and this was the next best thing. I recommend the experience but don't expect gourmet food. We brought our own except for one meal in the dining car and that was about the right proportion for us.

5 comments

  1. cfabbro
    (edited )
    Link
    Since I was curious about the scenery you described, I did some hunting and found this YouTube video: 4K - A trip through Glenwood Canyon, Colorado aboard Amtrak's California Zephyr Beautiful,...

    Since I was curious about the scenery you described, I did some hunting and found this YouTube video:
    4K - A trip through Glenwood Canyon, Colorado aboard Amtrak's California Zephyr

    Beautiful, especially once they get into the canyons at the 8 minute mark.

    6 votes
  2. balooga
    Link
    I wasn't familiar with the Zephyr until I watched Safiya Nygaard's latest video about it just yesterday. She focuses more on the train accommodations than the scenery passing by, but the parts she...

    I wasn't familiar with the Zephyr until I watched Safiya Nygaard's latest video about it just yesterday. She focuses more on the train accommodations than the scenery passing by, but the parts she does show look beautiful.

    She mentions at one point that some people ride this route every year as a vacation in itself, which I can see the charm in. I don't have a lot of experience with trains myself but with the right mindset it could be a fun getaway.

    4 votes
  3. ahatlikethat
    Link
    If you find yourself back in Colorado the Cumbres and Toltec scenic railroad is a beautiful ride in an old-fashioned train through the mountains at the border of New Mexico and Colorado

    If you find yourself back in Colorado the Cumbres and Toltec scenic railroad is a beautiful ride in an old-fashioned train through the mountains at the border of New Mexico and Colorado

    3 votes
  4. [2]
    prairir001
    Link
    The zephyr is a train I've wanted to go on for a while. What would you say are other standout moments? I'm a transit enthusiast but never been on a long train ride.

    The zephyr is a train I've wanted to go on for a while. What would you say are other standout moments?

    I'm a transit enthusiast but never been on a long train ride.

    2 votes
    1. boxer_dogs_dance
      Link Parent
      The high Sierra's, past Roseville to Reno were beautiful. The great plains are not scenic in the least. We slept across Nevada

      The high Sierra's, past Roseville to Reno were beautiful.

      The great plains are not scenic in the least. We slept across Nevada

      2 votes