Amtrak California Zephyr 3 Days on the Most Scenic Route In America!
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- Опубліковано 28 лип 2022
- Join us as we embark on an epic journey on the California Zephyr Chicago to Emeryville. We purchased sleeper car accommodations of a first class Amtrak roomette and we enjoyed the views along the way. We cross the Continental Divide, Moffat Tunnel as well as the Mississippi River and Donner Pass just to name a few. We hope you enjoy the journey along with us as we had a wonderful Amtrak vacation. Join us soon for more Amtrak travel.
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I just arrived in Emeryville yesterday via the California Zephyr!!! It was my very first Amtrak experience and I traveled coach taking the railpass. I have never been on a cross country journey before and it was as spectacular as you say! I have never been to mountains nor deserts and I was pleasantly surprised by how glorious the desert was!!! I wouldn't want to hike in the desert, but traveling through was a sight to behold! I LOVED Utah and Nevada! The rock formations are beyond words. When we went passed for Colorado to Utah and the mountains turned to desert, we actually hit a rainstorm in the not so far distance, lightening and everything! It was at sunset, and it produced a most dreamy double rainbow. I never dreamed my first time through the desert I would see rainbows, sunsets and dust devils all within minutes! while the Seirra Nevadas and the Rocky mountains were definately my favorites, I truly underestimated how beautiful the high desert is!!!
Your comment make me happy. I am right now in the point to decide to make this trip from San Francisco to Chicago. I am just wondering if the delays are as bad as some days? I can’t pay a room or roommette .. I am also scare for the long tunnel they say it is 9 miles. How was that experience. It is bad? Thanks for any other info!💕
@@eddaborjas9408 Travel time through the tunnel is under 10 minutes. I'm old enough that I'd not want to sleep 2 nights in coach seat; I'd try to find a travel buddy to split the cost of a roomette.
Summer weather is much more interesting than the calm October weather I had when I did that same trip!
@@raygunsforronnie847 If you don't want to play the exorbitant rate of a roomette, then split up the trip like I did. After one night onboard, get off in Denver, stay in a hotel and do some sightseeing. Then get back on the train the next day (or two) and do one more overnight on the train until you get to Chicago. You can do it.
What a relaxing video. it was like I was there, thanks for taking us for the ride!!
Me too Lori. 😊
Enjoy your videos as they help recall my many trips. I’ve always wondered why Amtrak doesn’t add another lounge car for their scenic routes! Just seems like the right thing to do.
I agree with you. I’ve done the Zephyr many times and it would seem that a second observation car would be appropriate. I’ve asked a couple of crew members about this and I’ve been told it is due to lack of equipment, or the ability of the engines to manage the extra pull that another car would add before adding more engine capacity.
It would be nice if you also caption the places/scenery that the train passes … they’re beautiful!
They could do a Q code to do that.
My daughter and I took this route on our way home from a round trip. We took it in October 2018 and also snowing. Such fun and absolutely stunning!
I enjoy watching from Singapore. I haven't traveled anywhere for seven years and watching your videos is the next best thing. Hopefully one day I can take a trip like one of yours. Don't see it happening anytime soon.
This truly was the most Breathtaking Amazing Amtrak California Zephyr Ride I have ever taken.... Back in 2017.... More amazing cause we got to see the eclipse that year
Oh San Francisco was awesome too🙂
We are scheduled to take this trip in September. We were originally scheduled just when the pandemic shut everything down. Thanks for all of the helpful inormation.
HI, While watching you cross the Mississippi River, a thought came to me. I would love to see you do a Mississippi River cruise together. I think you would love it.
As a train traveler since I was a kid, my dad worked for the railroad; I will say I was interested to see your videos. You guys are so informative and impressive. Loved the video explaining the different styles of travel cars. I actually haven't been on Amtrak for a while and you guys make me want to travel again. Thanks for your great videos !!
The Zephyr goes right by our favorite fishing spot on the Colorado River as it rolls through Gore Canyon near Kremmling, CO and the Moffat Tunnel! 👍🚂🙂
I really love watching your videos and the scenery is well done. May I make a suggestion? While you background music is nice it gets old when the entire video has the same music over and over. Especially on these longer videos it would be good to have two or three different background songs and switch it up occasionally.
Don't know that we would every travel by train as the space it tight and we are larger and much older so it's cool to see what the routes are like.
This is my next planned trip.😊
I have put this trip on my bucket list! I'm hoping to have my sister go with me. Plan on going within the next 2 years......that seems so long!!!! I'm going to take this trip because of your videos! I nver knew about it and now I can't wait to ride the california zepher!!!
I took this train before to California I love rideing it
Thanks for the preview. Will travel next month!
My family and I are taking the California Zephyr from Denver next week. Can't wait! I've been watching your videos for all of the tips and tricks. Thanks so much for sharing your expertise!
Have fun!
Hi to you two! Love your videos. Started watching a couple years ago when Covid ground everything to a halt. Your videos are informative, fun, and refreshing! Keep riding!
You two are just the cutest couple ever! You really compliment each other. I’ve watched every video and always look forward to new videos.
Thank you so much!!
What a unique view of the snow coating all the trees...just beautiful!
Hi guys, I returned from my Nyc-Miami Amtrak ride. It was 33.5 hours. I was exhausted when I got home, but had a great time. Very cold in coach.
I love this trip so much. My ex-husband and I took the California Zephyr 3 times out west and just loved it! Wish I could go again someday…
What a wonderful video and fantastic trip!!
It is so funny though because the video out the window, with the snow all about, would lead one to believe that you had filmed this in a Sepia mode, when in actuality it was filmed normally.
It makes think that I am watching a train travel movie from a long ago past when the steam trains were still the king of power for the rails.
I truly love this video!
Thank you both so much for sharing this part of your lives with us.
That chocolate torte looks so good!
I enjoyed visiting Ottumwa several years ago for genealogy research, such a neat place. We lived near Glenwood Springs and worked in town for years, just across the river from the train station. If you ever decide to spend the night there, be sure to go to not just the hot springs, but ask about the hot caves. They have lots of places to sit or lie down, and the warm moist air is so lovely!
Just returned home from an (8)train 28 day trip! Fantastic!!!!! Included the Zepher. All roomettes except the Cascade. Food on the western trains is for the most part real good. Even the”homemade stew” on the (12)hr late Zepher from Denver to SF. Lots of recently new hire train attendants/ dining crew. Most all trains were sold out-- added cars would sell too-- if they were only available.
I traveled on this wonderful trip this past June, in a sleeper car. It was fabulous. The views are beyond description, the service and the food were good, and the carrot cake it better than the chocolate torte. We were with another couple and I spent a great deal of time in the observation car playing maj jong with a friend. We kept forgetting whose turn it was and which hand we were playing as we were constantly being distracted by the scenery. Seeing this in summer allowed us lots of daylight though this ride in cold weather and snow would be beautiful but lots of dark night. Hmmm. I would do this trip again but might consider arranging to leave the train before California and see some of this gorgeous country. Thanks for all your inspiration.
Watching from my hotel in Zurich. Short vacation so unfortunately I can’t do any long train rides like Glacier Express, but have taken the trains (so far) to Geneva (Geneve) and Lucerne (Luzern). Tomorrow my plan is to go to Lauterbrunnen.
The trains in Switzerland are incredibly efficient.
Amtrak needs to bring back the dome car.
That would be awesome
Truckee CA my hometown for over 25 years!
Just awesome!
I’m taking this July 4th from Chicago to Davis for my 50th birthday. Can’t wait!!
You are the best!!! And I love the background music (Fish by Jinchenz Zhang -- it is the epitome of a train moving through the countryside. You nailed it.)
Love your videos and the music you add compliments the video so well!
This is by far my favorite video so far. I love all the long shots out the window. I really felt like I was traveling with you. Really makes me long to do this trip myself. Thank You.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I remember that snow storm in May. My family lives in Colorado and we saw pictures and were hearing stories from my family and friends.
Wonderful!!! Thanks for sharing and taking us along!!!
I am surprised!😮 It is my understanding that it doesn't start snowing in the Colorado Rockies until August! So seeing a snowfall in May was a real treat! (The hubby should have brought better footwear.😁)
Love watching your videos, i plan to go on the California Zephyr hopefully May 2023, thanks for giving your reviews and showing the scenery it makes me more determined to do it.
I love your background music!! It is soothing! I am homebound and I feel like you two have become close friends! I have ridden several of the trains when I was younger, happy memories!! Thanks
Beautiful! Love these videos. Thanks for posting!
I love your videos! Thank for your tips! Im planning to do this ride sooner than later, it will be my first ride on Amtrax...😊
Watching this takes us back ! We boarded the Zephyr in Chicago on 26th May. We had been planning a trip from Scotland to see my sister in California and happened upon one of your UA-cam vids so flew into Chicago instead of LAX. Your tips and advice played a crucial part in our wonderful journey not least ‘Don’t book anything in San Francisco for the evening you arrive’. We made it in to Emeryville about 11.30pm. One of our memories is the stack of Kentucky Fried Chicken boxes on the platform in Reno - They had virtually run out of food so this was our extra dinner on day 3. We also had a north facing room but the scenery was good enough for us ! Thank you
Beautiful scenery in the USA
Your videos always raise my spirits. Thank you!
P.S. I love the music you use to accompany the great visuals.
I just love your videos! I am so excited when we get to ride on a Viewliner in October!
I wish you two would write a book! So much to learn and I cannot remember it all! ❤
So beautiful and relaxing
I would love to travel on Amtrak. For now I will live vicariously through you guys.
Thank for watching
The link to your usb hub is not there. I so desperately need one of those!!!
What a great video! The views, the music- so relaxing! Thanks for a wonderful trip! Next time I need a little getaway, I will watch this again! From Connecticut 😄
Love your vlogs. Even though it is snowing you get some beautiful views. Gives a different prospective to the same view.
Great video! Thanks!
Hloa y muchas gracias 🖑
Your videos helped me prepare for our trip. I am on the empire builder. We started in Spokane which is a horrible place. The ride this far has been wonderful. The service is amazing. When we get to Chicago we will get on Capitol limited to dc then take a train to ny which is home. We really are enjoying are trip and will most likely travel this way from now on, when we can. Thanks for the info. P.s. I didn’t get to have the little buster crab cake ( which I was looking forward to) but the coconut shrimp were pretty good too.
Why horrible in Spokane? We are coming west from Chicago and can pick Portland also.
@@Golfer5824 the area where the train station is is saturated with homeless, drug addicts, hookers, etc. I did not feel comfortable walking around there.
@@minervaramos1768 Thank you so much for that information. We will definitely avoid Spokane and will either use Seattle or Portland
@@minervaramos1768 a lot of stations are like that now. Unfortunately. 😢
Just boarded Portland. Wow.....all you see about drugs and homeless and trash is tragically true.
This is a repeat ?? Atleast I’m pretty sure it is because I watched one where he finally got that desert already??
I like Chicago but.... It is a bit hard to navigate at times. We enjoy soaking up the ambiance of it all. You have recomended the La Quinta hotel and that is a nice option to overnight stay. Riding the rails is a treat! Take a plane enjoy the pain. Ride the rail you may not fail. I made that slogan up. I apologize.
I just back from my first California Zephyr trip. I had a fantastic time! I decided to go based on watching several of your Zephyr videos. They were very helpful so Thank You! I got a room so it was expensive but I think it was worth it Unfortunately, my budget only allowed for one day of sightseeing in Chicago and San Francisco. I'd love to do this trip again. Thanks again!
I’m booked and ready to roll for my late September trip!
Great Job Travel Amtrak 🇺🇸 Detroit
Fantastic guys , cheers from Australia
I spent 7 days in Reno last month.
Zephyr was on time to Reno and the SCA was good. I walked to the Eldorado and checked in early. Chill casino and decent hotel. Smoking hotel room 😊.
I figured the return would not be as smooth and I was correct. An hour late into Reno and delayed in Glenwood Springs for 6. I'm thankful for the delay. I wandered around looking for someplace to buy a pint .
I took some great pictures and found an overpriced weed shop (NIRVANA).
It was 6 hours late getting into Chicago and we were bussed to the gawd awful Swiss Hotel. I'll book the Hyatt next time....
The service onboard was really good. The food was comparable to first class airline food, decent. The roomette (both ways) was absolutely filthy. The scenery was excellent (part of the reason I took the trip) and the casino was great. "Absolute and an IPA for breakfast"😅 and a Marlboro....
I was able to claw back a 500 dollar travel credit for the filth and delay.
Fun trip. I'm putting money back for a trip next year.
Things I would do differently? Not throw my wallet away for starters. Not take my laptop, I really didn't need it.
Fun
Yes, I can believe it! I have riden the Steam Train from Durango to Silverton and back, but NEVER go before June 5th. Late snow is very common in Colorado.
I really enjoy your video's! That torte looked so good, no wonder it took 2 yrs. for you to enjoy it, everyone else found out how good it was also.
Very cool!
❤❤❤
Thats smart with the food delivery.
About a decade ago, I had taken an Amtrak from Portland, Maine to Portland, Oregon. It took 82 hours and 20 minutes over 3 and a half days. Two 5 hour layovers in Boston and Chicago. Business seats from Portland, Maine to Chicago, Illinois. Bedroom from Chicago to Portland. We were supposed to leave Chicago Union Station at a quarter after four in the afternoon and we didn’t leave until five minutes before six in the evening due to a very heavy downpour. We arrived in Portland, Oregon at 12 noon instead of 10:30am.
Thanks for sharing!
I enjoyed your travel videos, beautiful footage. Well done video
Last month I was on the Zephyr and there was a flash flood in Utah wiping out a big section of track. We had to wait in Green River for a bus to take us 3 hours away to Salt Lake. It was a very uneventful way to end my journey.
Beautiful!! I'm taking in September! I've been inspired by your great videos and tips.
did you go and how was it? were you solo-I am thinking about doing it solo. Or if any other females have recently done it solo in a roomette how was it?
@@sbeckas Unfortunately my trip was cancelled due to the train strike last September- bad timing on my part. Have rescheduled for this coming September.
24:10 I love seeing that Fraser Mercantile Company store again (Fraser, CO) ! It's in your previous videos.
Love this..and you guys..and how you treat each other. I have ridden the Zepher 4 times from Salt Lake to the Ohio Valley round trip
Thanks
I totally enjoy your informative channel…I’ll be traveling (First Time Virgin) on the Silver Meteor from Fayetteville NC to Moynihan NYC…in a roomette…November…Thank You for educating me…See You On The Rails…
Thanks for watching! Have a great trip!
So beautiful. You guys are so blessed. Glad you didn't get "camp eggs" 😋
Just subed! Keep up the amtrak I love it!
Just found your videos. What an enjoyable, relaxing journey!!! You do a great job!
Thanks so much! 😊
Very excited I booked my California zephyr trip for this October. Thank you so much for your videos they’ve been super insightful and helpful. This is the reason why I pulled the trigger and book my trip.
How was your trip? 😊
@@jaywatt8728 it was EXCELLENT!! I would do it over and over. I just stared out the window the whole time watching the amazing views. ❤❤ Amtrak needs to put money into upgrading the carts. They are like 40-50 yrs old. but the staff was great and I would give it a 9 out of 10. it’s not a 10 because they need to upgrade their accommodations.
Well done.🙂
I rode the Zephyr in late March & it was great. Mostly sunny with a little rain. I wish they were as strict about the observation car. A group from coach had staked out the car, stayed the night before & never left. It was disappointing! When the attendant came by, had got up, went to the lounge car & returned after he had gone. I was lucky, my roomette was on the scenic side! It was a very beautiful experience though!
Thanks for this amazing video for the CZ. This trip is on my Bucket list to take next October 2023. I am hoping to connect to the coastal starlight fir the trip to Las Angeles.
I took my first long distance train ride in 1947 at the age of 1. In September I will be taking the Zephyr for an out and back just because I can. It is the only western train that the wife and I did not get to take together before she passed. She will be with me though as I have some of her ashes. I hope that it is as beautiful as everyone says it is. I hope to meet you on the rails one day.
Amazing content!
Enjoy your trip
I took the Empire Builder when they were having serious fires in the NW. It was wild.
Thanks for the video. I’m coming close to booking my 1st train adventure.
Thank you for insightful tips and perspectives. I have flown over the America west dozens of times, but your videos have inspired me to book a western vacation by train. I'm going to travel coach going out, because I'm breaking the trip up. I have booked a roomette back on the California Zephyr. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Great to hear! Have fun!
really like your side trips===you are very enjoyable to watch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you!
Awesome vlog!
Love your videos, it's wonderful to get to travel with you. One thing, you said you were going to put the link for that outlet in the description but I can't seem to find it?
I love this music 🎼
Well guys, thanks to your amazing videos, I have booked two trips on this itinerary. One is just for myself on my birthday in April and my sister asked me, we go together for Christmas 🎄 then we booked both trips! I hope you could get something from Amtrak for the recommendation! 😘 Thanks!
Have fun! Sounds like a great time!
Fantastic video, thank you so much! You have inspired us, we will be taking this trip a year in September. I love the 🎶, what is the title of the track used first please?
that was one of the 3 bests train vlogs I have seen most of the others spend too much time showing their toilets and other carriages and forget to show the scenery yours was perfect the others were in AUSTRALIA called the GHAN FROM SYDNEY to DARWIN and from SYDNEY to Perth, each trim is about 3days
Have you guys got any plans to try The Canadian from Toronto to Vancouver? Would love to see you cover that journey!
16:46 Thinking about the next fresh air stop🥶
I frequently recommend your videos and webpage to folks asking what Amtrak is like. It would be helpful if you would include the time of year you are taking each trip. Thanks!
Burlington Iowa!! How cool... I was raised there... 💖💖💖
Awesome
Viagem agradável pela planície Americana topografia plana e pessoal de categoria da Amtrak
She sounds like she might’ve been an airline stewardess at one time🤔
Assistimos uma beleza de viagem 😂
We're doing this route next April. Seeing that y'all got snow May, I'm hoping g we'll get the same next April.
That'll be an awesome trip! We were surprised, but some locals told us it wasn't that abnormal, so you might get it!