Amtrak's California Zephyr train operates from Chicago, Illinois to Emeryville, California, and is, in my opinion, the most scenic Amtrak train ride currently operating. In this post, I'll share photos and highlights from my journeys onboard the Amtrak California Zephyr train. At the end of the post, I'll offer a few tips that will help you plan for the best possible train ride.
The Great Hall of Union Station, Chicago, Illinois.
The California Zephyr route departs Chicago's Union Station and travels through the suburbs of Chicago before crossing the Mississippi River and entering Iowa. After a trek through the farmlands of Iowa, the California Zephyr crosses the Missouri River before arriving at Omaha Nebraska. The California Zephyr train will cross the state of Nebraska overnight and arrive in Denver, Colorado the following morning. While the spectacular scenic views start West of Denver, traveling through the farmlands and over 2 great rivers seems like a fitting start to a great American train ride adventure.
Farmlands of Illinois as seen from Amtrak's California Zephyr Train.
Following the departure of Denver, Colorado, the California Zephyr route climbs into the Rocky Mountains. Seeing the Rocky Mountains by Rail is nothing short of spectacular. While enjoying the scenery, keep your eye out for animals, I've seen a variety of wildlife from this train including deer, elk, red fox, bighorn sheep, and bald eagles. One of the highlights of this route is the 6 miles long Moffat Tunnel that cuts through the Continental Divide.
The California Zephyr travels through the spectacular Glenwood Canyon before making a stop at Grand Junction, Colorado. After departing Grand Junction, the train will enter the Ruby Canyon filled with Red Rocks and Cottonwood trees, this is one of my favorite parts of the journey.
As you cross into Utah, you'll see desert scenery as the sun sets over the horizon. The California Zephyr departs Salt Lake City, Utah around 11:30 PM and you'll sleep as you cross into Nevada and wake up before arriving in Reno, Nevada.
Moab, Utah scenery seen from Amtrak's California Zephyr train.
Departing Reno, Nevada the train will enter California and travel through the Sierra Nevada Range. In addition to the amazing scenery, this is also a historic line as it follows the original Transcontinental Railroad route that was built to link the United States in 1869.
The California Zephyr makes a stop at Sacramento, California before heading for its final destination of Emeryville, California which is just across the bay from San Francisco, California.
Amtrak Station in Sacramento, California.
Here are a few tips for you to consider when riding Amtrak's California Zephyr train.
- Emeryville, California is across the bay from San Francisco. The California Zephyr also stops at Richmond, California where you can board a BART (Bay Area Regional Transportation) commuter train that will take you directly into the city of San Francisco without any transfers. If you are traveling with lots of luggage, this may not be a practical idea, but it has worked for me in my travels a few times.
- Sacramento, California offers connections to Amtrak's Coast Starlight and San Joaquin corridor trains. Sacramento is also home to the wonderful California State Railroad Museum.
- Grand Junction, Colorado is a great stop if you would like to rent a car and visit Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, and Durango Colorado with the world-famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
- Denver, Colorado can be a good place to begin and end your California Zephyr trip as the most spectacular scenery is West of Denver. There is a convenient rail connection from Denver Union Station to the Denver International Airport.
-I've ridden the California Zephyr in both directions and if I had to make a choice I would ride westbound from Chicago to Emeryville. This way, you are sure to see the Rocky Mountains in full light.
- Emeryville, California is across the bay from San Francisco. The California Zephyr also stops at Richmond, California where you can board a BART (Bay Area Regional Transportation) commuter train that will take you directly into the city of San Francisco without any transfers. If you are traveling with lots of luggage, this may not be a practical idea, but it has worked for me in my travels a few times.
- Sacramento, California offers connections to Amtrak's Coast Starlight and San Joaquin corridor trains. Sacramento is also home to the wonderful California State Railroad Museum.
- Grand Junction, Colorado is a great stop if you would like to rent a car and visit Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, and Durango Colorado with the world-famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
- Denver, Colorado can be a good place to begin and end your California Zephyr trip as the most spectacular scenery is West of Denver. There is a convenient rail connection from Denver Union Station to the Denver International Airport.
-I've ridden the California Zephyr in both directions and if I had to make a choice I would ride westbound from Chicago to Emeryville. This way, you are sure to see the Rocky Mountains in full light.
So there's a quick whirlwind tour of Amtrak's California Zephyr route. Do you have further questions about riding the California Zephyr Amtrak train? Leave a comment below and I'll be happy to reply, I'm here to help you plan the best railroad vacations!
