Amtrak California Zephyr Crossing Donner Pass - September 2021

In September 2021, I spent a day chasing trains on Donner Pass. Donner Pass is a crossing across the Sierra Nevada Mountains between Sacramento and Reno and is near Lake Tahoe.
I was able to catch Amtrak's California Zephyr three times. The first was the westbound train arriving at the station in the small town of Colfax, Ca. The second was the eastbound train also arriving in Colfax. I also take a look at the small yard in Colfax between trains.
The final catch was at Summit as the train left a snowshed and then entered tunnel 41 that passes under Mount Judah. This is the highest point on the line.
**Check out my social media pages!**
• Facebook: / theroamingrailfan
• Twitter: / roamingrailfan
• Instagram: / the_roaming_railfan

[@frostfauna1783]

You manage some really cool shots of these trains and you do a good job explaining what's going on. Good little bits of info on the surroundings while waiting for the train, like you did with the damaged autoracks. Nicely done.

[@jjxtwo1]

Thanks for posting this. Back in the '60's & '70's my Grandpa used take me to the Summit to see the trains(plus lots of other places on this route). This brings back a lot of great memories!

[@rob4b]

Still clear up there, went through in November 1998 was at least 10 feet of snow then, great shots

[@RoamingRailfan]

This was filmed in September, heard there was snow 2 weeks later.

[@rob4b]

@@RoamingRailfan I know it says in your title you got there at the right time. I Hiked in November 2002 to experience the environment l the Donner Party went through in the 1840's , beautiful part of the world.

[@cheersgxp2466]

Different local same great video

[@andrewreynolds4949]

Nice! Interesting variety from the usual

[@avagd6293]

Roaming railfan you have did it again, making another outstanding video. Keep it up.

[@Brian_rock_railfan]

Awesome video 🚄🚄👍

[@MicrobyteAlan]

First thing I do is go full screen. Great video. Thanks

[@jacklandismcgowan1413]

Thanks …Great video👍👍👍

[@keonikaig9247]

GREAT video..... Thank you for your day.... !

[@AppalachiaRRlover]

Spiftacular!!!

[@TheDaf95xf]

Nice something a little different 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@toddstewart8137]

Is it common for Amtrak to run on concrete ties? I just assumed these heavier trains would run on timber ties.

[@RoamingRailfan]

It is common for Amtrak to be on concrete ties. Concrete ties provide for faster speeds and hold up better in the long run for heavy trains compared to wood ties.

[@toddstewart8137]

@@RoamingRailfan makes sense. Think you mentioned it is UP trackage so I guess they build and maintain this track. Thanks for responding and keep up the great content. Your #1 Canadian fan

[@gr3atdane]

Excuse my ignorance, but why does an 8 car train need to be pulled by two engines? Does the track have steep inclines?

[@RoamingRailfan]

It crosses over 2 mountain ranges on its journey with fairly steep grades plus the second locomotive provides redundancy and power to the cars should one of them brake down mid-trip