TRIP REPORT - Amtrak California Zephyr, Chicago to San Francisco
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- Опубликовано: 8 июл 2024
- I have a few Amtrak long distance trains under my belt now. And I have to say, this was by far the most impressive yet. The scenery on this route is absolutely outstanding. If you want to see what the experience is like before you drop a few hundred on a sleeping accommodation or commit to spending 51 hours on a train, hopefully this video helps :)
To my loyal viewers, thanks so much for your continued support. This is the most ambitious trip I've taken on for the sake of RUclips, and without the warm reception you give me on every video and the extra income, these trips just couldn't happen.
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I took this train several times and all other west-bound Amtrak trains from Chicago. Always travelled in Coach, carried lots of snacks and a travel-size electric kettle to make coffee and all my on-train creative meals. I prefer coach because it gives me greater flexibility of switching to both sides as scenery demands, socialize better and LOT cheaper. Love Amtrak!
I Come from a long line of railroaders, myself included in between hitches in the military. An old conductor told me that if I ever had the opportunity to traverse the Feather River Canyon in California to not pass it up. Well, some years later after receiving orders for Vietnam with a airplane flight scheduled from Norton Air Force Base, CA for October 30th, 1968, I killed several birds with one stone by leaving early, taking the Burlington's California Zephyr to Oroville, CA where my mother picked me up and I spent time with her prior to departing the US. Prior to reaching Oroville and shortly after the sun came up, we did traverse the Feather River Canyon and believe me I would have loved to have worked that Southern Pacific line making the daily run between Oakland and Salt Lake City. The entire trip which began in Omaha in the evening, arrived in the Colorado Foothills with sunup, spent much of the day going through the Mountains to the western slope of the Rockies and as I said, arriving in the Sierras with the sun coming up. A magnificent trip, beautiful scenery, hard-working helpful staff and well worth the cost. Would do it again in a minute were I not disabled.
I just moved to Quincy, CA. Right in the heart of the Feather River area. There's no place more beautiful in the US.
5 Years later, and many train videos, and this guy is still the best with these videos.
Jacob, I just want to say how much I enjoyed the trip with you. I went from California to Newport News, Va. and then back to California (Greenville, S.C. to New Orleans and New Orleans back to L.A.) I bought a Roommate trip. I was already in my eighties and people could not get over that I was traveling alone. I met so many great friends along the way and we enjoyed dining together.
Roberta Gabor Hi Roberta! I’m nearing seventy and look forward to a train trip some day “soon”. I’m glad you’re enjoying your travels alone!
I love this trip and have been lucky enough to do 4-5 times, thanks for sharing!
Phenomenal! Great job with the documentary and the narration. I watched the video on mute for the most part, just following the written updates, until I got to the Colorado River...Love every bit of it, but my favorite parts of all --- the backward shots, crossing the mighty Mississippi, the big ten curve, all of Colorado, the sunset on day 2, the sunrise on day three, Glenwood Canyon, and Donner Pass (1:00:15 - 1:00:28). My only negative comment (not of your documentary) was that the traffic in California is ridiculous. I'd have to buy a chopper. It was more torture for me watching the bus trip from Emeryville Bus Terminal to the San Francisco Bay Bridge than the entire train journey of 51 hours. Unbelievable, but true. Again, Kudus! Great job...I wouldn't have done it any other way.
Thank you for including sleep, shower, meals, delays, and even dusty windows to your excellent video. It lets us weigh good with better and BETTER wins out on this trip through the Rockies. Thanks for sharing your travel time and taking time to tell us how it all works. EMPOWERED to do it myself now!
Excellent video, really enjoyed it, felt like I was on the train! I'd have the bed in place permanently. I'd be happy spending my journey with my feet up watching the scenery go by!
Here's a pro tip: You are doing this for the scenery. Around the end of June, the days are longest and you get to see much more. There is also stunning beauty when the Rockies are snowbound, but the days are shortest at the end of December. In February, there's still plenty of snow, but you get more daylight to see it. This is a wonderful way to spend a couple of days seeing the majesty that is the American west.
Here's a pro tip, dont travel by train unless you're rich, have unlimited time and have no cleanliness standards.
@@Groovy_Bruce ask ur mum
Jeff Dur what are you 8?
Very good tips, thanks!
@@jeffdur1330 Aaaand here you are commenting?
I had the same experience at union station in the summer of 2018! My big brother couldn’t guide me all the way through the rest of the terminal and make sure I get on the right train so I was pretty nervous being it my first time. I was barely unable to hear this woman at the ticket desk through her mic. I asked her to repeat herself a couple times like scared little panzy. Definitely wasn’t coming from an agitated place on my end. So I just walked away because she refused to talk to me anymore.
.. eventually after managing to get onto the cab I thought was mine basically first, I realized in a bit that I lost my spot for one of those recliner type seats but lost my spot apparently because no one would help guide me.
They definitely don’t make directions clear where to go essentially anywhere if you’re experiencing it for the first time. Felt a little disappointed but tried to chill out in the lounge for most of my way back from DC to CLE. I hope their services improve sooner than later 😕
So awesome thank you for taking everyone along 😎👍🏻 I rode the California Zephyr it was awesome to go to California with my mom 30 years ago my mom recently passed in the past 6 months this video took me away back to that wonderful train ride I had with my mom memories that make me weep with pain and heartache missing my mom to laughing at some of the things we seen and talked about on the train ❤️we were in coach and a lot goes on in coach 😳🤫🤣 thank you for taking me back the scenery was beautiful especially around Colorado mountains ❤️❤️I had to add I love the music you used in this video as well really beautiful soft just so awesome thank you God Bless ❤️❤️
I moved from California to the east coast almost a year ago. Seeing this makes me miss my home. 😂❤️
Great video. Everyone heads to the airport and jumps on a plane. Most people never see 99% of the scenery. I worked for an airline, even have a general aviation pilots license, but my true love is, and always, will be railroads and seeing the world from the ground level!
I enjoy watching your video very much being a fellow St Louis in I enjoy your commentary and you're a very nice person you always keep everything on the positive side and I like that thanks again for the great video and God bless
I’ve always preferred seeing the world from an aerial view, but that’s only because I like how everything seems so small from above 1000 feet. I’ve always loved how during landing the airport goes from a tiny speck to this huge place with over 100 airplanes.
Is your pfp the tunnel on the million dollar road?
One more, the guy who took this video did an outstanding job. Thumbs up! Good camera work.
ecept after complaining about the dirty window, He was at a break stop where he coulf have done a quick wipe at his window himself. just sayin'
@@fraslavko1 the dirt is on the outside
I love this! People say they dont like the bumpy ride...I love it! The rhythmic movement...idk...i would sleep like a baby!!!
I did the Zephyr in 2012. It was was March, and we passed the mountains with snow everwhere, amazing. Your video captures the journey that I experienced perfectly.
Living in Wales, a country that's only 170 miles north to south, it's hard to comprehend the distances involved in a journey like this, but it's something I would love to experience. The variety of scenery is stunning. Great video too.
Ah, a fellow welsh person supporting american rail :D
Griff MJ Had the pleasure of visiting Cardiff Wales in the early 1970’s & remember my train from London & going through a Mountain tunnel that was very impressive. Our UK relatives do have a hard time with relating our distances though.
As they say, 100 miles to Americans is 100 years to the UK.
You’re welcome anytime 🏴🇺🇸
Thankyou for your well done videos. I’m a train buff and will always be. Thoroughly enjoyed the narrative.
My favorite video of yours. Incredible how the music in the beginning set the stage for the rest of the trip. This has convinced me to take this ride one day. Thanks so much for sharing!
I know I'm late to this since this was a year ago you posted but I wanted to say thank you for filming your adventure. Some of us can't travel and its nice to watch what you have done, to sit back and relax and take in what you saw. Excellently done!
Wow I’m thinking of doing this for a solo trip. This has confirmed it for me. The scenery looks so amazing.
I have watched many videos on this particular trip. This is the best. Calm , relaxing and well paced. Thanks for sharing.
i daydream sittin on a train with a cup of coffee just enjoying the sights and sounds of train traveling... someday..
Awesome video. Brings back memories. My wife, at the time, and I took a cross county round trip on Amtrak from Baltimore to Seattle for a cruise leaving Vancouver back in 1996. We had a roomette the entire trip. On the way to Seattle, there was an issue with the train's engineer, I believe and we had to wait in Portland for a replacement. By the time we arrived in Seattle, we had missed our transfer to Vancouver. So Amtrak paid for a taxi to drive us to our Hotel in Vancouver that evening. After the cruise, we returned to Seattle and boarded the train home. We arrived in Denver and the train coming from California that we were to hook onto (with the dining cars) was delayed due to a freight train derailment. So we spent the night on the train in downtown Denver, free to explore the City. We departed the next day for Chicago. Upon arrival in Chicago (a day late), we had missed the train that we were to take to DC. Amtrak transported everyone by bus to a hotel in Chicago and provided the accommodations, cab fare for the return to the station the next day, any funds for food, on our own. Leaving Chicago the next day, we were traveling through rural Ohio during the middle of the night when a car drove through the gate and into the side of the train as we were traveling. When a train traveling at a decent speed applies its emergency brakes in the middle of the night, it wakes you up! I never did hear if anyone was injured in the vehicle, but we did have the bumper lodged in the side of the train. We finally made it home to Baltimore and knowing now to expect the unexpected when traveling by train in the future. Amtrak also provided us with a free trip of our choice in addition. But we never had the opportunity to use prior to expiration. I loved every minute of our journey and seeing this beautiful country by rail and your videos bring back so many good memories. I would love to do another cross country rail journey again. Thanks for sharing.
I enjoyed two long-distance trips (Empire Builder - Chicago to Seattle, & California Zephyr - San Fran to Chicago) back in 2014. The train was clean, comfortable, staff terrific, and the food more than. Trips to do again and again to show you how the railway stitched the country together.
So you had a pleasant not so pleasant journey cross country by rail huh? Glad you’d safely arrived to your destination. Those complementary entities that Amtrak offered you SHOULD NEVER expires, it’s not our fault there’s train trouble.
Wow! You had adventures within adventures, for sure!
Sounds like a typical amtrak trip. Although these days they dont compensate you like that.
Jim Norton sounds like a National Lampoons movie “Amtrak Adventure”
Thank you for taking the time to produce this video for all to see. Much appreciated.
I've always liked trains - when I was a child I took the train to to Florida - it was 🙂 seeing this makes me want to consider doing it again, after all I am 70 + now and perhaps seeing the world from another perspective is promising - SO thanks for sharing with others. Enjoy your trip!
a few years ago, i did what's called the mini circle via Amtrak. The Californa Zephyr, The Coast Starlight and the Empire Builder back to Chicago. Of the three, each had magnificent vistas. What you are calling the dorm room, also sometimes, if available, offers a roomette when folks decide to upgrade after the train leaves the station. Usually, there is a baggage car as well either just behind the locomotives or at the very end of the train.
On my train, the sleepers were at the end, I was in the last car, with the coach cars in front. It was very quiet and my car attendant (as on the two other trains) was very good at her job. We had the opportunity to have a couple of chats and she told me, as well as being of service to the folks in the bedrooms and roomettes, one of their primary goals was to secure the cars and the belongings of the people in her car. In other words, she was a guardian as well as a service person and information center.
She always made sure all the bathrooms were spotless and fully stocked, coffee was hot and ready early in the morning, and water replenished during the turndown service, or anytime it was requested.
I've traveled a great deal, and the service I've received on Amtrak was always very good. The best perhaps was on the Empire Builder, which was extraordinarily fine and doggedly devoted to the guests aboard. I was amazed. There were little candies treats, juice, water, and even little bottles of sparking wine as part of the service.
That being said, California Zephyr was very good indeed and the mountains were breathtaking.
I only wish the United States would invest in the rail infrastructure for passenger trains. The locomotives are capable of speeds far beyond 100mph, but the tracks are of such low quality, there are doing well to hit 80...and that is an unnecessary disgrace to the industry.
Unfortunately the few remaining freight railroads own all of the tracks outside the northeast corridor. The freight railroads spend enough as it is to keep the signals and tracks sustained at up to 79 mph. They do not want to spend more, nor does the government. But Amtrak does run trains over 100 mph on the northeast corridor...
Good point the narrator makes “To me less clutter makes space less claustrophobic...” or words to that effect. I like that finding it a very apt reminder.
The climb/descent into the foothills of the Rockies was a highlight as the train wound its way through the big ten grade....Fabulous!!!
rode the california zepher last yr. had the time of my life!!!
I took the same train 5 years ago. Fascinating, nice roomette, hot clean showers and bathrooms, great attendants. I loved it...round trip!
I loved traveling on the Zephyr. Made several trips in the 60’s when I was in the Navy stationed aboard ship’s stationed in CA.
VIdeos like this give me an incredible wanderlust. I feel like I'm stuck where I live. Hopefully I can experience that train one day.
save 50 bucks a week. took me over 2yrs with half my income tax to save 4500. had a roomeete on cal zep. worth every penny. going to do it again next yr.
I do it every year. It's amazing. I also have reviews on my channel. All great things.
@@niaswanderlustadventures Can anyone hear me?
@@niaswanderlustadventures What's your favorite community?
@@kennypalermo9071 what do you mean, "can anyone hear me"?🤔
Took the Zephyr east from Emeryville to Chicago (Train #6), and it was a great scenic experience. Our dining car Maitre D was a gentlemen named 'Stefan'. He was fabulous to say the least. He made you want to come to the diner because of his enthusiasm to serve you. You could see that he thoroughly enjoyed is work. Kudos to you Stefan..Great job.
Nice to hear positive things about food service on the rails.
I moved from California to the east coast almost a year ago. Seeing this makes me miss my home. 😂❤️
I love it when the crews take time to talk about areas,it is clear he knows the areas
I had no idea Amtrak rides could be so beautiful. I live on the east coast where they suck. I should go west and check this out.
Michael Hurley Yeah they do suck over here
On the Hudson line there is some senerey
This was great ride. Did a stopover in Denver to split it up LY.
Go west was a refrain by Horace Greelly over 100 years ago and it still applies in 2020. The west is wonderful and the east is unspectacular, ugly and crime ridden. That is why I live out west.
My wife and I did the reverse of this trip. It was a memorable ride! No problems. Very nice.
Jacob, I loved every second of this trip report. Pure brilliance, the filming was just wonderful and the scenery - one word WOW!!
So did I. I felt like I was traveling with you.
"...it's really not cheap". I've just started using roomettes, partly because as I've aged, I don't sleep well in the coach seats but mostly because I added up the expense to drive to the same location. When I figure 10 hours driving, the required motel room, ($80-100), 2 meals a day in sit down cafes and my fuel (not full vehicle expense), I found 3 times in a row, that the dollars are nearly identical!! I'm travelling solo, so that's part of it too. Basically, I don't call the roomette price, pricey anymore!! Go Amtrak!!!!!
I know he's showing things from a roomette. If you take the Zephyr through the mountains, try to get a seat in the observation lounge car. It's often full, but people keep moving so seats come open.
The roomette is the most relaxing way to travel. When you fly you are put though rude airport security and you are treated like a terrorist. The plane is uncomfortable. Driving is a pain in the butt. With a few exceptions, Amtrak's workers are great.
with amtrak, it depends on when you buy your tickets.
True. if you're thinking of going by train and are *flexible* you can google amsnag to try to find a good rate. Amtrak often is expensive but the convenience is so worth it to me.
@@baritonebynight When your tail bone does begin to ache with some pain, get up and walk the train more than once if necessary... The train is still moving forward getting you closer to your destination. That is not the case with driving, and the airlines won't allow you stand long enough... Much depends on the price of the Amtrak fares, usually the earlier you book the cheaper the price, and how nice the hotel is... Flying maybe cheaper, but getting there quicker usually means on a long distance train trip more nights in a hotel, not less...
In two weeks I am doing the Zephyr starting out from Emeryville back to Chicago. Looking forward to it like crazy.
Your train videos have inspired me to do some traveling via railway...awesome video!
Colorado is the most scenic of the AMTRAK route.
Did about the same trip with my parents back in 02'. It was the Great California Train Adventure with Holiday Vacations out of Wisconsin. We left from Union Station in Chicago. We got off the train in Reno then we continued the tour by tour bus along Cal. Hwy 101, stopping at various cities for a night or two and flew back to Chicago from Los Angeles. Was a wonderful trip.
Thank you for posting this video. I found it spellbinding - amazing scenery with a real "you are there" feel to it. Really looking forward to taking this trip myself someday.
I'm a docent at the California State Railroad Museum (CSRM) in their Amtrak Ambassador program. In the pre-Covid days, docents from the CSRM would board east bound trains in Sacramento and narrate about the building of the Central Pacific (western) portion of the Transcontinental Railroad. We would depart in Reno and then the next day, board the west bound train in Reno, and narrate about sights and westward expansion from 1840 through about 1880. You had to be in the Lounge Car to hear the narration. As a note, at about 1:00:02 in your video, you are looking out the right or north side of the train. The square object on the mountain side is the end of the original CP line as it emerged from the original summit tunnel. The summit tunnel is over 1200 feet long and was blasted through solid granite by Chinese workers using mostly hand drills and black powder. The work was so slow that first the tunnel was worked from each end. When that was not fast enough, they bored a center shaft, and worked the tunnel from four faces. Hopefully we will be able to return to work after Covid is tamed. Started in 1863, the Transcontinental Railroad was completed at Promontory, Utah on May 10, 1869.
I actually live in southeast Missouri and will be moving to Cali for a new job. I have to go to Sacramento for the training and was thinking about taking the train. Your video has made my mind up, Totally taking Amtrak. Thanks for the awesome video
just moved from NE Missouri/Illinois border to Cali four years ago. You're going to LOVE it.
I enjoy your videos but your travel videos are my favorite. I really like how they are filmed. Your cinematography skills are pretty impressive. I hope that you can travel on more Amtrak trains in the future.
You got to be kidding. 'Skills impressive?".
My father worked with the Erie Lackawanna for 45 years, and my uncle was the first mate on an E/L tugboat. The last time I was on a passenger train was in the late 1950s. My father had a railroad pass, and every Sunday, we would drive to the Hoboken Passenger Terminal and take the train to Suffern, N.Y., and back. We rode in the old “Stillwell” coaches with the thatched seats and no air conditioning. But we were able to open the window and look 👀 out. The train backed into the station, and my dad and I always walked up to the front and saw the engine. It always was a black and yellow RS (Road Switcher) Alco. thank you 🧑🎤 🏁 👩💼👩🎓
Nice report. A few points... For those not as adventurous as we, all you have to do is ring for the attendant who will makeup or stow the bed for you when you wish by your schedule, or on call. And I usually take the upper mattress set and put it atop the lower one. Two blankets, 4 pillows and a comfy ride!
Two people in a Roomette can be quite comfortable. Just takes a little thought. And if you are Very Good Friends...
Remember, additional people in sleepers get the 3 meals a day at no extra charge since you only pay for the room once.
Also, my kit for Amtrak sleepers ALWAYS includes a couple of rubber doorstops for those annoying squeaks and rattles (the doors are prone to this), a roll of duct tape - can block off the cold air register or the window vents when they won't close - it will also muffle the sound of the speaker if it is set for All Hands volume. At least a 3 foot power strip for wall warts, a can of Lysol (or your favorite) spray, a light jacket or sweater and a comfy pair of sneakers. And of course, a jug of your favorite snakebite medicine. You can indulge in your room, but it is frowned upon to imbibe in the coaches, the sightseer lounge or the diner. However, if you are cool, and DISCREET...
I also bring my 2meter Amateur transciever which doubles as a scanner. I listen to the train crews and learn interesting things the crew won't tell you.
And most important - ALWAYS remember to tip the dining car staff (at each meal, I do 1,2,3 B,L,D unless service is bad or very good, and remember your Sleeping Car Attendant - at least $10 a day as you detrain. Remember, the SCA is on duty more or less 24/7 end to end. The SCA will usually offer you a wakeup call, and coffee/juice and even a newspaper in the morning, ice, coffee, water 'most any time, and will on request bring your meal from the diner if need be. I tip at least $10 a day.
Wowww amazing I want to take my daughter to this trip she is 17 and nothing I do is exciting for her anymore, but I know she'll love this.
you go mamma. my 2 kids got to do it in the 80's at 12 and 14 they were of the 'punk (rebellious ) nature, but they gasped several times! I heard it ! lol
Some may remember those stairs from the baby carriage scene from "The Untouchables"
starring Kevin Cosner, Sean Connery
Thank the old guy for mimicking the knocking of the lady's baby stroller too!
Is it that old movie about Eliot ness
trains sound like a whole adventure in and of itself! who needs a destination when you can just ride a train for a few days? thank you for making me realize i needed to add something to my bucket list!
Watched this both routes and had to watch 3 times.
Excellent!!!
Awesome video. My wife and I took this train eastbound when it traveled the previous route between Los Angeles and Chicago. It was an awesome trip then, and apparently still is. I've also traveled o the Southwest Chief, City of New Orleans, and other trains operated by Amtrak, including on the Northeast Corridor. Others may hate train ravel; but, I absolutely enjoy it. Keep up the great work.
One of the best travel doc’s I’ve watched on YT. Feel like I took the trip. Saved me $500🚂
Once again Jacob, I'll say this. This is the best Zepher vid out there. You got the money shot of the east portal of the Moffat. And the #6 passing the #5. Great job!
That sunset you caught at 56:21 was AMAZING.
This is a FANTASTIC journey. I have done it. Epic scenery. One of the great train journeys in the World. Go and do it !
Love your train videos! Please keep doing them. Your videos are what got me into traveling via Amtrak.
We're from Chicago. We spent this afternoon watching your video and really enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing your adventures!
As someone who has ridden the Cal Zephyr over 50 x's, I was extremely impressed by your steady video and exceptional color. Each time I hate seeing I-70 run through Glenwood Canyon. Of all places to put that damn highway... I remember when the train was Western Pacific out of SF to Ogden then Rio Grande to Denver then CBQ to Chicago... Again, thanks for a great trip...
Loved this video, especially Glenwood Canyon! Thank you for sharing your trip!
Wonderful video! So good to see that restoration continues on Chicago's Union Station. I took the Zephyr a year ago (sleeper) fron San Francisco to Chicago, the scenery was beautiful. Can't wait tto take another trip by rail, to me it's worth it.
Man, I've said for a couple of decades how nice it would be to take a train across the country in order to take in the scenery. This just really makes me want to make that trip happen! Really enjoyed your video!
I've done most of the long haul runs on amtrak and THIS is the next one on my list to ride. GREAT video.
I'm at 24:30 on the vid, so forgive if you mention this later! First, the sleeping car attendants will make up your berth for you. In short, sleeping car passengers aren't expected to do that. Secondly, important to note those who buy sleepers don't have to pay for meals in the dining car. On a long trip like this, that can save a significant amount of money!
Yeah, if you calculate it, a roomette can be cheaper than driving.
Thanks for the tip!
Roomette has advantage of sleeping in a bed, but it costs 4 times the coach. You can buy lot of meals with that amount. It is not worth if you're young and ok with sleeping on coach. Also, coach seat is very big, comfortable, push-backable and has leg rest with huge leg room.
@@wta1518 have you ever priced a trip? I doubt you will find any Amtrak routes cheaper than driving, eating and hotel.
@@MichaelLawrencem3 And.... You don't have your car when you arrive.
We are going on the California Zephyr after the coronavirus
Me too, only I wanna go when I feel that I don't need to wear a mask.
Me too
Thanks for filming the footage from this train trip, pretty cool. Hard to beat a train trip if you want to see it and enjoy without the hassle of driving yourself.
On a side note, I saw the sticker on the second engine that read "THE HEARTLAND FLYER'S BIG GAME TRAIN" - it seems Amtrak had not removed that yet. If you didn't already know, Amtrak's Heartland Flyer runs daily between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth's downtown station. On the way, it stops in Norman, a suburb of Oklahoma City. Norman's the home of the Sooners, and every year, the Sooners play against the Texas Longhorns in what is the classic "Red River Rivalry" football game of the Big 12.
So every year, Amtrak runs the Heartland Flyer as the "Big Game Train" in October a few days before and after the Big Game. It's also known as the Red River Shootout and the Red River Classic among other colloquial names. Thought I'd put this there since that caught my attention, being a Sooner fan myself ;)
likely mentioned a hundred times before. All long distance sleeper berths can and will be put down & made up by the sleeper attendants. It is not required to make up or convert one's own room, although the passenger certainly can, if he likes.
OP - I'm new to your channel and I do like the video so far - i just couldn't help but notice that the first example given about the foldaway and berth operation was of the "on my own" variety - so I did have to chime in and say that it is indeed the attendant's job to do that for you.
They are generally good about giving flexibility as to when the passenger wants it done.
We just got back from this trip, went to Tenn via chicago for Thanksgiving. Had a roomette on the way from California to Chicago, but got a bedroom on the way home. Don't enjoy sleeping in coach for 2 nights. Found romette a bit small but had to go up and down stairs for the bathroom - we were on the lower level even - and with hubby's bad knee decided to get a room for the trip home. It comes with its own bathroom/shower. Still have bunkbeds but they seem bigger and roomier. The room is larger with one long "couch" and one chair. Enjoyed it very much. I've had occasion to take the Zephyr to Denver 10 times this year as we are moving to Colorado and I don't really like to fly. Found the food to be pleasant, and spent a lot of time in the observation car. I always take my own snacks but do use the cafe car and dining car. With a sleeper your meals are included. I have also driven from CA to Tenn and I can tell you, the train is much easier. I still had to drive from Chicago to Tenn, which is a good 8 hours, but better than 4 days of driving. I highly recommend doing the train at least once both ways. See America on the slow side. You'll meet interesting people on the train, some good, some so so, but all in all, wouldn't have changed a thing.
What's "crazy" about this trip? It's perhaps the most beautiful Amtrak route.It is scheduled perfectly for maximum scenery in daylight. The rooms are fine, the food excellent. I see complete sanity. "Crazy" is the last word I'd choose.
I took that trip in 2017 I was in SFC for the 4th of July I had a wonderful time I didn't see you get a video of the boaters mooning the train LOL they got us good due to the vacationers the river was packed. I really enjoyed it and going back via Amtrak when I can save some money it cost me all of 1300 dollars coming from Detroit the food was great and the ppl were so nice one of my best trips ever I'll never forget it
antonio blocker we saw those boat mooners as well! 😂😂😂😂🌙🌙🌙🌙.
WOW! I would have the worst case of whiplash on record from trying to not miss any of that beauty ! . Kevin
Yes indeed! It may be pretty expensive to travel the entire length of the Zephyr, but the mountains are worth the ticket!
21:35 Ottumwa, Iowa? thats where radar o'reilly from :)
firefox5926 change your name to Hawkeye LoL!
Pretty sad no service to major cities after 50 years of one train a day service. But Ottumwa has a train. For now.
Walter 'Radar' O'Reilly is from Ottumwa, Iowa. from the TV show M*A*S*H.
Ottumwa, Iowa is where Walter 'Radar' O'Reilly is from, on the TV show M*A*S*H.
Thank you for the detailed information and video/description of the cars, the facilities and the stops. It was very helpful in looking to plan a trip like this. The scenery is beautiful and you have a steady camera hand. Excellent shots and very helpful commentary.
One of the best domestic train adventures I've seen in a while. I've taken the coast starlight and some others. This scenery beats them all hands down. Can't wait to give it a go. Just awesome!!
Finally another trip report! Thank you 😂 it feels like it’s been years.
Let me revise my comment.... The best video I had seen out of Denver..... You did great work!
Amazing. Taking this trip in just over a month in a roomette. Can't wait.
My husband and I want to take this trip. Great video. Thank you!
Too bad that you went through most of Utah when it was dark. The scenery there is pretty spectacular especially between Helper and Salt Lake. Missed the salt flats too. Thanks for posting.
Hi from San Jose, CA. Needless to say, I've taken the California Zephyr numerous times. It is indeed one of Amtrak's most scenic routes. I've also driven the distance between home and Denver a few times too. That's lovely too.
Hope you enjoyed San Francisco.
LisaMarli lll.
hello LisaMarli. I plan on taking this line from San Francisco to Denver and back end of December. Do you have a recommendation of which side of the train has the more scenic view from a sleeper?
@@gglenn3099 SF to Chicago right side. Chicago back, left.
But if your room doesn't work out, there is always the lounge car.
@@LisaMarli thanks so much. I will keep that in mind definitely
Coast starlight is very scenic too.
I did this in 2019! Best trip ever! Earplugs help at night.
Great video, really enjoyed it. I travel long distance by Amtrak trains & also travel between San Diego, Los Angeles & Oxnard,CA when I’m home in the San Diego area. I alternate my visits between Los Angeles & Oxnard. It beat driving The I-5/U.S.101 parking lots, October 4-5,2012 I rode on the Texas Eagle from Chicago to Dallas to visit my youngest son who was living in Irving at that time, at 2 PM there was bumper to bumper traffic on the I-55 parking lot & it wasen’t even rush hour. Two weeks earlier I rode theCrescent from New Orleans to Wilmington,DE to go to my 40 year high school class reunion, there was heavy traffic into Washington,DC after morning rush hour at 10 AM on the I-395 (Shirley Parking lot) it makes more sense to travel by tra8; than it is to drive as many urban areas freeways & theinterstates are now parking lots. Air travel is to & from Honolulu & Manila for me-Trans Pacific.
You've got to try the Coast Starlight!
I traveled LA to Seattle this past Christmas! From the Palm trees 🌴 following the California coastline right on the water to snow-covered laden evergreens 🌲 nearly brushing the train in a holy hush! Prettiest train trip I ever took....and I’ve done all three long distant trains from Chicago to the coasts. YES! Try the Coast Starlight! ⭐️
I did. Sadly, the CS no longer has the Pacific Parlour cars no more.
Thanks very much for your video. Am Australian and plan to take the California Zephyr soon... hopefully ?. Thanks again for all the good info, including at the end where you showed us your 'budget' motel room. Looked orright to me.Also appreciate how you let the scenery go by without the person recording being in front of the camera unnecessarily , which unfortunately a lot of travelogues have, and also recording the conductor descriptions in your video, that was good. Thanks again.
We used to take the zephyr every year from Chicago to Colfax. We’d take the Wolverine from Jackson, MI to Chicago, then get on the Zephyr to visit my in laws. I miss the trip, but glad we moved to CA.
I took the Zephyr on its old route through Las Vegas to LA--a great trip--you see both the Rockies and the desert--Don't forget the long Moffatt tunnel and the beautiful Glenwood Canyon
Very well done. Thank you for sharing! I must do that trip again.
I remember riding this last year to Glenwood. It was a very beautiful and fun experience
Fantastic video, info and comments!
This was a absolutely beautiful trip. You capture it very good.
I really want to take the California Zephyr after seeing this incredible video! Great job, Jacob! I enjoyed every minute of it!
This is absolutely beautiful! I want so bad to take this route. Love your back ground music and it is the correct level not to be annoying.
My family took the overland, San Francisco to Nashville in 1954. This is so much nicer.
All I remember is playing on the floor under my moms seat and the rocking of the train!
I have to say this is one of the most thorough videos of travel we’ve seen. Great capture in all. Keep up the good work. Be safe on your journeys!
Thanks for sharing! I've always wanted to do a trip via Amtrak.
Cool trip, thanks for the vid. Many years ago I took the train from Denver to Las Vegas and back and loved it.
Great videos of the Amtrak journeys, thanks. I'm from Glasgow, Scotland and have been visiting the states since 1984, mainly flying and driving about apart from a couple of short train rides, but have always had a hankering for the longer journeys, this gives a great perspective of them 🏴🇺🇸
What a terrific trip. Thanks for sharing this awesome experience. I plan to put in my do list for sometime into the future. Thanks!!
I love trains always have, your trip was the best I've seen Thanks so much. It was awesome. Again Thanks