Riding through the Rockies on June 10

Ahh!

Denver Union Station has almost completed it's rebuild into a rail station, Light Rail Station, Hotel, entertainment center  and bus station. The underground bus station had it's grand opening 2 weeks ago. Amtrak moved back in 4 weeks ago and the inside of the station should reopen in a month or so as a Hotel and entertainment center.

Thanks for posting and enjoy your trip.

Great shots, Bill.  Keep 'em coming and enjoy your trip!  

- Mike

Great photos.

 (or, even if you have!)

It's always worth it, enjoy!

After leaving the Denver yards and suburbs, the train begins its ascent of the front range. A series of switchback curves are made to gain elevation. Passengers get several chances to see the locomotive as the train goes around Big Ten and Little Ten curves. There was some MOW work going on just before the hopper car windbreak. The hoppers are filled with dirt and gravel and welded to the rails, forming a protection against strong winds. As elevation is gained, we got a nice view of downtown Denver in the distance, as well as a wind farm. All photos from our roomette window.

The Tunnel District is named because of 30 tunnels that are traversed in the next 27 minutes. They were originally constructed in 1904, and largely constructed by hand. AS the train curves back and forth, one gets great views of snow-capped mountains and also the Gross Reservoir. Water comes from South Boulder Creek, and from West of the Continental divide by means of a water tunnel!  The Moffat Tunnel, 6.2 miles of scenic blackness," was built from 1923-late 1927, and the first trains passed through in 1928.

Semi-commercial note: At the Grand Junction stop, I went into Dave's Depot Store and bought  "A Guidebook to Amtrak's California Zephyr: Denver to Salt Lake City," by Eva J. Hoffman. (Flashing Yellow Guidebooks.) I wished I had had it from the beginning, but it is helpful to me as I review my photos.

We passed a freight and got a wave on the roll-by, but the photo angle was not the best. Winter Park is right at the West Portal of the tunnel, but we were on the north side of the train and missed the ski area. Fraser was a short stop for a "fresh air" break. Along the Fraser river, we could still see whitecap mountains. It was neat to see the TV star from Cheers near Granby. The train approached the first canyon, Byers Canyon, and lots of views of the locomotive on the curves would follow.

In my younger days, my railroad buddies and I used to 'party' in the hoppers you show full of dirt for a wind block on big 10 curve!

The most partying we saw this trip was on the river. We got "full moons" and even a "full frontal" from various rafters. I guess it shook me up, because the photos were a little too blurry to put in this post. From Byers Canyon through the Kremmling area into Gore Canyon, the scenery was tremendous. This series ends up down past the State Bridge area.

Bill

Nice photo's. The Rockies provide some nice scenic backdrops. keep the photos coming

Steve

Yes, I guess it is a tradition to get flashed from the rafters in the summer! It's been going on for decades!

Glenwood Canyon is one of the most spectacular. High spires are the inspiration of the Vista-Dome. For many years, there was a monument to its development. The monument with car is now in the Colorado Railroad Museum. The Interstate was constructed through the canyon beginning in 1980, and was opened to traffic in 1992. At the West end of the Canyon is Glenwood Springs, a popular vacation destination with hot springs. The Zephyr made a "fresh air" stop, and I had a chance to get a photo at the head end. I did hop aboard the first open door when the whistled sounded as I was walking back to our sleeper.

Oh, lucky you!  I was born in Colorado and spent a lot of time there when young.  I don't get back there that much.

Leaving Glenwood Springs, I was struck by the green hills. We were now in Energy country," where coal and oil shale deposits were found. After DeBeque Canyon, the area is farming, with orchards and vineyards. At Grand Junction, I was pleasantly surprised to find two BNSF ES44C units idling in the yard. The 1906 D&RGW station is reportedly planned to be restored.

We had diner in the diner through Ruby Canyon. Erosional features such as cliffs, spires, sand blasted alcoves, and occasional side canyons made my wife become a photographer with her Ipad. Her photos were darn good,, too!  It was getting dark as we exited the canyon, so we retired to our roomette to read and rest. I was able to try a few sunsets from the roomette window. This completes the photos of the trip. Our son was at Provo to meet us. We were quite late, arriving Provo at 12:35 AM. Hope you enjoyed the trip!

thanks for posting your trip. The Colorado River has pretty good water it looks like.

Bill, This is A Fantastic Journey and the Pictures Are Awesome. This would be a Dream Come True Vacation. Thanks for the Pictures, and Keep Em coming...

Gorgeous!

Peter