Have the wildfires in Colorado and Utah had any impact on the Amtrak California Zephyr route and scenery along the route? In other words, is there any reason not to book a California Zephyr trip for July or August?
Thanks,
Bill
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The Utah leg is done in the dark so it looks about the same either way
The fire is just to the South of the tracks so far the tracks seem to be unaffected. I live about 40 miles North of the fires, sky is smelly and brown (vs just plain old smoggy and brown)
Chris:
Thanks for the response and am I correct in assuming you are just commenting on the conditions during the Utah portion of the trip?
Bill
Yes sorry about that, that was in regards to Utah, not sure how CO is doing. Best part of that trip for me is the Sierra Nevada's and they hit at during the day
The fire in Boulder Co is within a couple miles of the former D&RGW moffat line
If I recall correctly it's turned into a proper firestorm near the City and I cannot tell you much more than that because I don't know. I have one family member there and no one knows anything.
The rail line in question heads west out of Denver into the foothills just south of Boulder. The boulder fire is just north of the rail line. The big fire is 60 plus miles north of Denver near Ft Collins CO. The recent Waldo Canyon fire is 60 miles south of Denver near Colorado Springs near Pikes Peak and the Cog Railway.
Today I was quite surprised to see the Zephyr heading north towards Ogden UT out of Salt Lake, it usually heads southeast. So there mush be some track closure somewhere in CO or eastern UT
Chris:
Here’s a news article confirming what you saw: http://www.railpage.com.au/f-p1721238.htm
Due to the fire damage already reported and the likelihood of possible additional fire damage along the route my wife and I have decided to wait until next year to ride the California Zephyr.
Thanks much to you and others for all of the responses.
Bill
