If you are tired of airports, jetlag, border crossings, and passport controls – then it’s time to take a train journey. We would like to give you some inspiration for your next trip with one of the most interesting train journeys in the world.
Start — Chicago; End — San Francisco
The California Zephyr is 3924 km long and takes 51 hours to complete.
The California Zephyr is a passenger train, that runs between Chicago and the San Francisco Bay Area, via Omaha, Denver, Salt Lake City, and Reno. This is one of the longest train routes in the world and, according to experienced travelers, one of the most scenic.
Well, you can’t argue with that! Among the main attractions are: the Rocky Mountains, the Sierra Nevada, the Moffat Tunnel, Colorado Mountains, Byers, and Glenwood Canyons, Winter Park, the Truckee and Mississippi Rivers, Donner Lake, San Pablo Bay, and Carquinez Strait. The route is quite colorful and rightfully ranks among top experiences in the U.S.
Observation cars, called sightseer lounges is an amazing way to see the country on long-distance trains. Panoramic windows provide a view from both sides of the car through domed floor-to-ceiling windows. Seats in the sightseer lounges are open to all passengers without extra charge. Get there early to take a seat. There will be many people willing to enjoy the view.
If you start your journey in New York with The Lake Shore Limited, change the train at Chicago and continue on the California Zephyr, you will cross the country from coast to coast, from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean.
Popular stops on the California Zephyr route:
- Sacramento
- Reno
- Provo
- Salt Lake City
- Denver
- Omaha
- Chicago
Let us dwell a bit on less obvious stops, but the most interesting ones to visit in winter. In the Colorado Rocky Mountains, the Fraser/Winter Park stop is must-do if you plan to ski or enjoy one of the many other winter activities. Free shuttle service at the Amtrak station will take you to downtown Winter Park, Winter Park Resort, and Granby. Mountain biking and hiking are top activities here in summer. But in winter, this place is much more popular because of the special atmosphere. Winter Park hosts all-year-round themed events. The city is also famous among beer lovers, thanks to the large number of breweries, which sometimes it’s hard to get past.
The second mandatory point on the route is Glenwood Springs. This resort city is known for the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool on the planet in the first place. The pool is 100 meters long and the water temperature is 34°C. Just next to it is another pool – “Jetted Spa”, which is smaller but with hotter water. Plus, it’s equipped with seats and a whirlpool. That is the ideal place where to relax after a few days of outdoor activities in the mountains, isn’t it?
Among the tourists is also popular another geothermal attraction – Vapor Caves. This rare natural phenomenon is one of few places in the world that offer therapeutic mineral steam naturally. Hot springs water flows through the cave floors, creating a geothermal steam bath.
Thrill-seekers have something to look forward to as Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park with looping roller coasters. A variety of winter sports won’t let you be bored as well. If the mood is more for a romantic walk, go hiking to Hanging Lake near the Glenwood Canyon.
Truckee, California, is the closest station to Lake Tahoe. If you would like to visit the most famous lake in the USA – it will be your next stop.
Fifteen world-class ski resorts are open on the lake during the winter. The diversity of tracks can satisfy any desire! Whether you are an accomplished freeride fan or a complete beginner. There are many music festivals to enjoy year-round. Casino resorts in the secluded mountainous terrains of South Lake Tahoe are barely downgrading from the popularity of Las Vegas.
Few tips for those who have never traveled by train:
- Book your tickets in advance to get cheaper rates and discounts.
- Pack snacks and water with you.
- Bring wet wipes. And don’t forget about hand sanitizer!
- If your train journey is really long, reserve a sleeper.
- Dress up comfortably. Bring a blanket or hoodie as it may be cool on a train because of the air-conditioner.
- There are outlets to charge your phone at each modern Amtrak car, but a power bank can always come in handy
- Arrive early (perfectly 30-45 minutes before departure) to find your platform without stressing yourself out due to lack of time.
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