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What parts of the California Zephyr Route are the most scenic? I'm especially interested in the day between Salt Lake and Denver (I'm planning on traveling eastbound) but I'm also interested on the first day from Emeryville to Reno. Between which stations is there the most scenery? Any help would be appreciated
RHerndon Member # 3072
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Trip into Reno (Truckee area) is not bad. Reno isn't so hot but you can see Sparks from there! You won't miss much heading into SLC so traveling at night isn't so bad. When the sun rises (around Provo) more scenery is on the way as you experience a lot of switchbacks through the mountains of Utah. More desert but some interesting formations on the way to Grand Junction. From there you will see a lot of the Colorado River, Glenwood Canyon after Glenwood Springs and some beautiful mountains as you cross the Rockies into Denver. Prairies from there on.
Have a fun trip!
------------------ Tige
sutton Member # 1612
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I enjoyed it all, except the night parts, of course Fortunately, it goes through the dullest places, including Nebraska, at night. I loved going into Denver. Through the mountains, it was great. Have fun!
RRRICH Member # 1418
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J.P. - when will you be making this trip? Remember that the line between SLC and Denver will be closed for several weeks this spring during the Moffatt Tunnel repairs -- see another string on this forum for the weeks that the CZ will be rerouted through Wyoming.
hurleyjp13 Member # 2167
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Yes, I have heard about the Moffat Tunnel and the reroute. For that reason and for others, I probably won't be doing this trip until late summer, maybe August. Thanks for all for your replies. It really helps.
[This message has been edited by hurleyjp13 (edited 03-21-2004).]
dutchamtrakfan Member # 3000
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as a european from a very populated country it was very relaxing to see the deserts of nevada and other wide open spaces along other amtrak-routes. So it depends also on what you are used to. In general from Provo to Denver is beautiful to everyones taste
posted
Scenery from Sacramento to Reno (over the Sierra Nevada Range) and Denver to Helper/Grand Junction (Rocky Mountains/Colorado River) is the best scenery in my opinion. Hopefully your train won't be too late coming in to Denver - as it's a pretty neat ride descending out of the mountains. At least in late summer you will get sunlight until 8 p.m. or so. This will help for the eastbound trip. I have done westbound (even November once!) and eastbound on the CA Zephyr and have never been disappointed. Thankfully my train wasn't too late in either direction.
coachclass Member # 2382
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Even in the dark, the descent out of the Rocky Mts. into Denver is spectacular! As you look down onto the lights of Denver, they sway back and forth as the train rounds the curves and they get closer and closer as if you were landing in an airplane. A great trip! -Coachclass www.geocities.com/coachseats
posted 
Fortunately, it goes through the dullest places, including Nebraska, at night. I loved going into Denver. Through the mountains, it was great.