I am giving a moment of respect for the workers who sacrificed their lives to build railway tracks on such dangerous conditions like the Rocky Mountains about 100+ years ago.
A nation is built on the blood and dreams of their ancestors, even my own tiny New Zealand is no different with convicts and foreign laborers as well as everyday citizens often blasting, slashing and dredging their way through cliffs, forests and mountains alike manually for infrastructure works with dozens if not hundreds of men losing their lives for it.
We appreciate your videos of our trains!! I have worked at the maintenance facility in Beech Grove Indiana for 25 years!! Our facility is huge,with some of the most talented train mechanics in the world!! Really enjoyed you guys showcasing what we work on every day!! Thanks for the video!!
As airplane travel becomes even more unbearable (unruly passengers, squeezing ourselves into smaller and smaller seats), and remote work becoming more common, train travel in The United States could see a resurgence. I hope so!!! I love traveling by train. So relaxing and comfortable. There’s room to spread out and the view is more interesting than the view from an airplane. I am crossing my fingers that Americans will support a more robust train system in this country.
Building high speed rail system would be good since I can't put out days to travel to SF from my Chicago home. Guess the car makers and airline companies will try everything to stop it.
I took this train when I was a kid leaving from Chicago with a final destination of Albuquerque. One of the best trips of my life. My mom and I didn't have a sleeper car so we had to sleep in the chairs both nights. Totally worth it. Some day I want to relive the experience with my wife and kids.
I told my husband I wanted to take the Amtrak Crescent from Wilmington, DE to New Orleans. As a kid, I took the train with my family every summer until high school to visit my family in Lafayette.
Good job, my Uncle and I took this adventure together last September for his 75th Birthday. He lived in KY and I live in So Cal. We met in Chicago seeing each other for the first time in 33 years. Then we flew together back to S Cal, and unfortunately he died before making back home to KY, completely unexpected. So glad we took this wonderful adventure together!
My condolences to you🙏🏽. Sounds as if he was happy in his last days💙🤍🙏🏽 That says so much 💙🤍🙏🏽 I often dream of people at train stations right before they pages on....so your story really hits 💙🤍🙏🏽 Remember him always 💙🤍🙏🏽
As a young child I rode this route when it was operated by the private companies before Amtrak was a thing. One thing I remember was the difference in the dining. It looks like the food now is pre-packaged and heated before serving. Back in the past, the food was prepared fresh, and everything looked much better than what I saw in the video. It was really amazing back then. I wish everyone could experience train travel as it was back in its heyday. You would love it!
@Badgermoon Have to admit, I am jealous of you for having experienced that era in rail travel. Also, you may enjoy visiting a KZclip channel called Periscope Films; they specialize in uploading videos from the 1940s - 1970s and there are several wonderful old rail travelogues from that era, among many others.
@Badgermoon I agree. Amtrak is comparable to airline food, but neither of them can hold a candle to the back-in-the-day streamliners. I was only born in 1989, so no personal experience, but back when train travel was commonplace instead of a novelty, railroads used very good food and food service as marketing to distinguish themselves. -The New York Central's advertisements informed the discriminating diner that the best restaurant in Manhattan left town every evening on the Twentieth Century Limited for Chicago -The Great Northern would serve Montana trout caught that day on its flagship the Empire Builder -The Northern Pacific's famous Big Baked Potato was literally the size of adult's lower arm. These are just the ones I can think of off the top of my head, but look up images of the railroad menus from that era and you'll get an idea. Also, every railroad who was anybody at all would (of course) use their own unique china (which is now very collectible).
@Mike Wrasman I haven't tried the Amtrak food, but I suspect it isn't any better than the food served on airplanes. From the video I think I would rather take my chances on the airlines. I am not talking about the peanuts served on short domestic flights, rather what is served on long haul flights. I have no trouble flying a couple hours without a meal. On the trans-pac flights I have flown on it is long enough that you do want a meal and they do a decent job of feeding you from my experience. It isn't haute cuisine but it is a decent meal considering the limiting circumstances of serving a meal on an airplane. None of it can compare to the food service that was offered on the trains back when they were run by private rail companies.
Marleen Brooks I watch FOX, NEWSMAX and OANN. Is there a problem with that? Oh, I also ready Project Veritas and on occasion Info Wars...and War Room with Steve Bannon. Do you have a problem with that?
I noticed that one of the Iowa farms viewable in the distance had a Honda Accord clearly in need of washing parked in front. Ruined what would have otherwise been a delightful journey.
We took Amtrak from Chicago to New Orleans. Loved the experience; the bedroom is the way to go. We tipped our porter once we reached our destination; he deserved it and we felt was the right thing to do. Especially in these times where travel can be challenging for both the travelers and the people whose job it is to serve them.
I want to do this Zephyr trip from ORD to SFO with my fiance. Any advise? A sleeper car for only 2 people? What to pack, pillows, blankets, what does Amtrack provide and what don't they? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. \
My son and I were on this trip with you! You can clearly see us in the observation car several times during the trip through the Rockies (we are in the window reflection at 16:40). It was such a fantastic adventure and we enjoyed meeting you. Going to take the same route with my daughter soon and I'm super stoked to show her the gorgeous views as well.
You have a gift for showing us the beauty of rail travel while being real about the pros and cons. If you have never been I recommend the Chama and Durango scenic rail trips. Different from Amtrak but so beautiful.
I took this train as a kid from Emeryville to Penn Station NYC to move across the country. Still one of the most extraordinary experiences of my life - and this video reminded me of the food and lodging in the early 2000s. Not much has changed on the inside!
You remember which train you took from Chicago to NYC? Would probably have been the Lake Shore Limited through upstate New York, but possibly other routes connecting in DC or Pittsburgh.
@Andreas Proteus traveling 300 miles an hour defeats the whole purpose of this trip lol. He’s not there cause he’s he needs to get somewhere right away
This brings back great memories!! I traveled to California on the CZ years ago to visit my brother. On my return trip, there was a snow storm and we ended up stopping for 12+ hours while waiting for snow to be cleared from the tracks -apparently the first attempt failed due to faulty equipment, so a replacement had to be retrieved. Some of the passengers were so irate and rude, but the conductor and crew remained professional and calm the entire time - reassuring we would be updated as new information came in. Everyone, no matter their riding status, was checked on and taken care of. Unfortunately, not the greatest time for some, but I had a blast - met some interesting people! Thank you for posting♥️
This was a great video. I love to travel by train but wish it wasn't so expensive. I love the scenery and the banter between you and your friends. How wonderful to have that relaxing time together.
Thanks Jeb! I've lived in Chicago all of my life and was not aware of the Zephyr. Amazing views and great info on this video. Thank you for the vicarious exploration and educating us on this form of transportation. Great job!
Agree with the comment about Amtrak doing better on communications. Seems to me they could benefit by reviewers like you. I keep trying to consider Amtrak whenever I travel, but it always seems like figuring out their schedules and routes (assuming they go anywhere near my intended destination to begin with) is like doing a Rubik’s Cube. And the cost… As much as I’d like to go by train, I always seem to have to find more practical alternatives.
This video has inspired me to plan the vacation of a lifetime - traveling across the country by train! Thank you so much for these breathtaking videos!! 🙏
Speaking as an Australian who lived in California for over four years, I was in awe of the geography/topography and variation of landscapes across the United States. My conclusion, and I think what you’ve demonstrated in this vlog Jeb, is that the very nature of American culture/character is so influenced by the majesty and wonder of the land itself. Great to see your passion shine through in this enjoyable vlog. I hope one day I can travel the section as suggested to Denver. Cheers👍
I took this train with my wife, from Denver to Las Vegas, when we travelled across the USA after she became pregnant and we knew that the opportunity to travel would soon be limited. Professional staff, beautiful scenery and also had really decent fellow passengers. Still a better experience than most long distance trains here in Australia.
It was January when we took the Zephyr to Denver. One of the most impressive sights along the way was seeing the bald eagles on the frozen Mississippi while traveling from Illinois to Iowa.
Great video. Just like we experienced it in May 2010. We jumped on in Chicago Union and off at Reno and took the railfanning further into the Sierra's, direction Oroville, following the former Western Pacific track (the Zephyr took this route from 1949 until it became Amtrak) and the Western Pacific RR Museum in Portola is a great visit too. Would love to do the trip again.
This is one of those videos you can watch countless times and still not get bored. It has the right mixture of impressive views of the landscape, technical, geographical as well as historical backgrounds, professionalism concerning the editing, and personal touch of the charismatic author. It sort of gives you the feeling of being part of this trip. On my many years on youtube this type of roadtrip video can only be rivaled by cgp greys tesla roadtrip through the lonliest road of america. I would actually pay money to see the author do another one of those videos on a different route anywhere in the world. Keep up the good work and greetings from Germany!
I really enjoy your videos. Overnight rail travel is one of my favourite things … watching the scenery change at a leisurely pace really gives you a feel for a country. I’m from the uk and next year we’re planning on taking this very same train journey. Thanks for your videos keen them coming! 😀😀
Several years my wheelchair-bound wife and I took the Zephyr from Chicago to Emeryville. We had a handicap sleeper room and it was GREAT! The attendants were all very accommodating and the food was good. When we got into the Rockys and moved through Donner Pass, an historian got on board and narrated the journey, it was wonderful.
@Wendy Warrior the food was very good when we went but that was several years ago. I agree with you that from the video it didn't look as good as what I remember. It probably has changed since then.
Jeb, Thank you! Loved it! We did this about 10 to 11 years ago. Everything you said about this trip was true. If you really want to see America and all its beauty, Amtrak is the way to do it. One of the best vacations that we and my wife ever had. We went from Sacramento to Delaware (round trip) during the summer months. Oh, and yes, we got the “mooning” also. We were told at the time that Amtrak takes you places in which the only way you can get there is by foot, horseback, or by train.
I traveled on this train sometime back. They have started preparing fresh food now as opposed to freeze-heated like in the video. So, fresher quality and wider range of options.
As an Iowan, I love hearing someone mention how beautiful the state can be and also mentioning some points of interest. It really makes me miss living there. Also as an Iowan, I can't help but smile and chuckle to see you slept through Nebraska.
I always tip at the end. You are tipping for the service and service is some times exceptional 20% and other times awful 10-12% but I, normally, tip 15-20% if everything goes well. I have never done this but will do it now. Thanks, Jen. You’re always so uplifting with your quips about the places you are encountering. I would love to know how much a ticket costs. Loving this. Ive been all around the world by plane, never by train. Will have to think about traveling US by train. Europe does it, beautifully. Why shouldn’t Americans do it, too
As someone who was a Maintenance of Way Engineer for 6 years, it’s interesting and refreshing to see the railroad from a non-Railroader point of view. I loved my job and I’m very happy to have been part of the men and women who help keep the country running. Thank you for this journey.
Of late I've been trying to channel the admonition that "Happy is a mode of travel, not a destination" (or so) Good On Ya, not only for being part of something so beautiful, but for knowing enough to enjoy it while ye may ! B-)
Wow, Jeb! It’s incredible! I rode this train, Zephyr….. 9 years ago already (2013, to be specific)! From the Windy City to the Nicest City of America! Really majestic experience! Miss America a lot! Thank you so much for your beautiful video!
I smiled when I came across your comment, well that's wonderful but how are you doing and where are you from?, Please don't mind me asking you how are you doing but I know that's not bad question, will be happy to receive your reply, thanks.
I've taken this trip 2 times between Sacramento and Denver, and 1 time between Chicago and Sacramento. My Dad picked me up on one of my trips to Denver and his comment on his experience summed up train travel for me. "I've picked up dozens of people at the airport, and been in hundreds as a traveler and everyone at airports looks tired and unhappy. Everyone getting off the train is smiling and having fun."
I took the zephyr from Chicago to Reno 2005. It was my first time traveling alone and on a train. I was starting a totally new chapter in my life. If you have the opportunity, do it!
Ex-Amtrak Engineer here, I have run the Empire builder and the Coast Starlight thru the Cascades, was unique experience for me. Both trains had two P-42's on the head end also. Lots of good power.
I’m so envious. In Britain we have a stream and a hill and a few trees but loads of concrete. There’s not much wilderness here. It can get a little like being hemmed in. For some reason we don’t seem to have massive skies like you do. I’m not criticising my country. For what we are we be punched a staggeringly long way above our weight. Now we’re being conned into right wing thinking. Boris Johnson is like trumps pet poodle.
@Queen Lioness best way "to see the Ark"? Drop some acid and imagine whatever comes to mind. More accurate and real than this "Ark". (Better colour too)
Amazing video! It was this video with some great background music that finally pushed me into writing my first railroad novel that takes place on the CZ route between Denver and Grand Junction. It’s called “The Great Departure: A Railroad Novella.” My hubby and I took this train on our honeymoon back in 2016.
Great video on the "Zephyr". I worked this train for many years as a Train Attendant, Lead Service Attendant (Bar & Diner), and finally as Chief-OBS. It as great to see the scenery again! You did a great job!!!
The wife and I took the Denali Star trip last month and will be doing the Zephyr later this year. Curious to know which one has the more spectacular scenery in your opinion.f I'll say the Zephyr has a pretty high bar to meet.
You are a bit mistakened my friend. The Surfliner is a short haul route from San Diego to San Luis Obispo. The Coast Starlight is the long distance train that runs from LA to Seattle. Both are very pretty though. The surfliner is just a few yards from the beach at several points.
Thank you Jeb for an incredible chronicle of this trip! I am taking my first solo vacation of my entire life (55 years old) and I chose this trip. You have prepared me well for my adventure! I have subscribed. Amazing video!
Repent to Jesus Christ! “For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed-a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”” Romans 1:17 NIV D
Jeb, you’ve posted another fantastic vlog that I enjoyed so much, start to finish. It was so well done with your excellent descriptions, observations and tips along the way! I just found a new bucket list item so my wife and I are going to book the Zephyr from Chicago to Emeryville very soon!! Thanks for sharing your trip with us!
Because of this video I booked this adventure last year and traveled this route in January 2022. The rail journey ended on my birthday in the bay area where I stayed for several more days. Next year, The Empire Builder! Thank you for the content!
Loved our handful of trips on the Zephyr with a roomette with my daughter's. Is we've done 3 or 4 trips. The delays are awful most of the times. The food was surprisingly good... great experience. Man, heading West once you hit Denver, it goes like straight up And is extremely impressive/beautiful
I took the train from Denver to Glenwood Springs a few years ago, r/t, and that route IS pretty spectacular. The downside; the return train was 4 hours late! So, I missed my flight back to L.A. and had to stay another (unplanned) night in Denver. Glenwood Springs is famous for its large mineral pools from natural hot springs. A wonderful, relaxing experience.
Being an Aussie from Perth, West. Aust. I found this video a breath of fresh air. I enjoyed the journey, scenery and commentary. I'm tempted to do similar with hours of video of Bali, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Shenzhen China and Macau.
I just found your channel and have been enjoying your videos. This one is my favorite one as of now!! I love that your friends joined you on this trip! I wish we could see them more often in your travels.
Watched from the UK... This made me miss America so very much all over again! What a beautiful Country you have over the big pond... What a beautiful journey.
I smiled when I came across your comment, well that's wonderful but how are you doing and where are you from?, Please don't mind me asking, hope all is well
Took The Zephyr from Emeryville to Denver, and back, with my youngest daughter when she was 4. It was quite an adventure and the first time see saw big mountains and touched snow! That was 20 years ago so now she's 24 and we both really appreciate those memories and that trip. Thanks Amtrak!
@Stefanie Medina It was a great adventure. We had regular seats and enjoyed being around regular people. We were offered a discounted price room after boarding by the conductor but we kept it cheap and simple. The glass top car shows movies at night and offers great views during daytime so we spent quite a bit of time there. We met some interesting people and saw a lot of beautiful countryside while making memories that we'll never forget on that ride
Great video... Always wanted to travel by train... Such impressive scenery. You had great company along the way too. Awesome narration and final draft!
I definitely want to do this trip at some point. I've only traveled the Northeast Corridor here in the States, which is fine, but not like this. There are great views, but it's certainly more utilitarian. Most of my great "scenic" train experience has been in Europe, between Florence & Rome, between Venice & Geneva, between Lyon & Barcelona, and pretty much everywhere we went in Switzerland. The Zephyr is THE US train trip I want to take.
An excellent video of a trip I have enjoyed several times. It truly is spectacular. I also highly recommend the Coast Starlight from Seattle to LA. In Canada, the Canadian gets most of the acclaim; it deserves it, but the Ocean from Montreal to Halifax is also excellent.
Hi, I am from Bangladesh. Inspired by your video, I took this train and travelled for 52 hours from Chicago to San Francisco (and created memories of a lifetime). Thank You!
I'm recently retired and you made this video so fascinating. I am planning a trip like this for next year. I really enjoyed this tour. Thank you guys!!
Tips. Consider lenght of trip/time, most ar comfortable 48hr max. Like he mentioned. And the roomettes meet the need of two people just fine. Open seating has lots of leng room and recline far enough to sleep in.
What a great video - thanks! The scenery was amazing, and my heart gave a little lurch as you went through my former winter stomping grounds at Truckee and over Donner Lake. I lived in the Bay Area, so I always drove to Tahoe, so it was fun to see the lake from the other side where the freeway is. I’ve always wanted to check out this train, and especially the view from that spot, so thank you for making it happen! I hope you had a good time in SF, too! Home sweet home.
Thanks for the video. I'm watching it again, because I've booked the Zephyr (round trip from Michigan) for this fall. I enjoy your commentary. By the way, re: the combination toilet and shower, I believe that in the RV world, this is called a "wet bath" and is common in smaller RVs.
I always suggest to anyone who likes trains that they should take the California Zephyr. We took it in 2009 when my daughter’s family had just moved to Palo Alto. It was only 45 minutes late which, considering the length of the trip, is almost on time. We got a room Etta & we’re sorry that we hadn’t gotten a bedroom.
Good morning, Jeb: My husband and I enjoy your travel blogs when you go AMTRAK. I'm taking him on his first train ride to Boston next year around Thanksgiving Time of 2023. We got a bedroom with our own bathroom!! We both enjoy your blogs so much! LOVE THE BLOOPERS!! We sure appreciate your blogs!! With Love and Sunshine, Rob and Ted Martin-Brookes,, San Diego, California!!
Thank you for this fantastic video! The California Zephyr is truly an amazing train ride. In the Bloopers section at the end, you mention Grand Mesa. The specific area you are pointing to is actually the Roan Plateau. You did travel right below it though while going through DeBeque Canyon. If you get off the train in Grand Junction and look directly east you will see the Grand Mesa at the east end of the valley. We live in Colorado and have done Denver to Glenwood Springs via Amtrak several times, and at the end of March will be taking our kids to Grand Junction and back via the train. Can't wait for the adventure. Thanks again for awesome video. I have watched it 3 times now.
I smiled when I came across your comment, well that's wonderful but how are you doing and where are you from?, Please don't mind me asking you how are you doing but I know that's not bad question, will be happy to receive your reply, thanks.
Did a roundtrip MN to PA (Philly) via Chicago and DC in 2012 for a relative's wedding. Loved it! Our breakfast waitress helped me choose the right moment for a photo of Cumberland, MD while we ate. Really tempted to do the Denver-Salt Lake section someday.
This was GREAT! I went on the American Orient Express from Seattle to Salt Lake. Taking the National Park tour. It was amazing! I love train travel. Thx
Well done Jeb, very well done. My wife and I just booked this trip for the end of April so it was great to see what the weather and vistas were like at that time of year. Oh and guess which train car we’re in. 531. How ironic.
Awesome! Gracious! A taste to my eyes! Greetings from Shanghai, from a Colombian who loves traveling! I really loved the editing and the music and your enthusiasm!
I swear we take this country for granted sometimes, I’ve been to many places around the world, but nothing will ever come close to home. We may have our differences but when watching videos like this, it makes me realize just how close we are as well. I wish we could stop all this ridiculous in-fighting and come together as a country again🇺🇸💐
Wow! The scenery was magnificent. I’m sure it was so much better in person. My family and I would love to take the Zephyr. Unfortunately, our daughter is in a wheelchair. But thank you for being able to experience a great adventure with you. Travel safely.
We took the California zephyr from Chicago to Emeryville pre-covid. The meals were fantastic! I had the railroad french toast for breakfast and grilled salmon for dinner. Ice cream for dessert was hagen-dazs peanut butter and chocolate. The views are incredible. Non-stop scenery. Time slows down until the only where you're aware of its passing is when you set your watch for the different time zones. And when you're called for your next meal in the beautiful dining car. You hit all the spots on the button and express the same feelings about train travel that I always enjoyed having. Can't wait to go again. Also my companion on this trip was 6 ft 2 and 250 lb. But he had the courage to try taking a shower in our bedroom. He was very proud of the fact that he succeeded!
Very memory filled for me Jeb. In June 2013 my best buddy & I went via the AMTRAK's "Empire Builder" from Chicago to Portland, Oregon breaking our journey in St. Paul/Minneapolis and Whitefish Montana. The train divided at night in Spokane, Washington for Seattle and Portland. I used to ski in Winter Park, CO., and once went from Denver to Winter Park via the Sunday morning ski train which was relaxing and very scenic and avoided the heavy weekend traffic, but gave us a full day on the slopes as the Winter Park station is a few steps from the ski lifts. without fussing about with parking etc. All good memories. I have taken several other long-distance AMTRAK journeys too.
I am not from the USA, but have taken 17 vacation trips to the USA. My favourite trip was an Amtrak trip from Chicago to Seattle and back to Chicago. We stopped off in Whitefish Montana for 2 weeks of snow skiing (early January 2008). I want to go back to the USA and do more Amtrak travel. Love that you can stop off anywhere on route, and get on the next Amtrak train that passes.
@W S No, I had an Amtrack pass. It allowed me to get off the train and take a later train. If I remember correctly, the Amtrak pass allowed me to change trains 5 or 6 times, as long as I used the same route (same final destination)
I really enjoyed this video as this train trip is on my bucket list. Have you ever thought of coming here to Australia to take a ride on any of our epic train journeys? eg: The Ghan, The Indian Pacific, etc. Thanks. Best wishes from Australia 🇦🇺 ❤
Thank you so much for this interesting Train Adventure. Actually I prefer to travel by Train instead of taking a flight by Plane, with all of the hassles you have to go through and also put up with, I'll say NO thank you to that. You were so informative and entertaining I truly couldn't click away, and truthfully, I didn't want to! Thank You Kindly for your wonderful video, and I'm going to watch it again!!!!
Thanks for sharing this video. Am considering this route on my next trip and it's very informative, tells you a lot about Amtrak and how it all works! Safe Travels Jeb! x
Fun fact: Reno used to have an above-ground railway that would take you directly through downtown, but as the city grew it became too much of a hindrance to have trains running in the middle of the city. Like the rails would literally intersect the main roads at ground level, forcing people to wait for the trains to pass. So to bypass this problem, they dug a gigantic trench under the city and ran the trains through there. Not the best traveling experience but a lot more convenient for the people who lived/worked downtown. Source: Reno resident.
I was just thinking about the Reno station. I remember it being above ground too and yes having to wait for passenger or freight trains to pass thru an intersection was at times daunting. Just out of curiosity is Greyhound still in the same spot across from that fantasy hotel?
P.S. My mother used to take the California Zephyr from Naperville, IL to Reno, NV back in the 50's. She always talked about the "Vista Dome" back then, so it was great to finally see it in your video. Thank you!
As a Reno native, I can also add that the trains had to blow their horns at each intersection, through a downtown filled with hotels/casinos full of (trying to) sleeping tourists. I strongly recommend you come back. Yes, you can enjoy casinos and such if you like, but there are restaurants, cool clubs, arty districts, art museum, music festivals, etc. that really give Reno its character. Not to mention surrounded by mountains and 40 min from Lake Tahoe, Donner Lake (yes, that Donner) and skiing galore. And 30 miles from Virginia City. If you recall the opening title of "Bonanza" and the map it showed, well that's us.
About ten years ago my wife and I took AmTrak from San Jose Calif. to Reno in February hoping to enjoy the ride through the snow covered Sierras. The entire experience was a nightmare! On the first leg of the trip the train was bumped off the track every time a freight went by; which was very often. This was only the beginning! At one point, just outside of the Reno train station, we were stopped on the tracks for about two hours before going the last two three miles. The train was NOT clean. Bathrooms disgusting. On the way back the nightmare got much worse. The train was stopped in Emeryville, could go no further, and everyone was put on an AmTrak bus to Oakland California at 1:00AM. After waiting there in Oakland in the middle of the night for an hour or two we were then put on another Amtrak bus to San Jose, except that it stopped in San Francisco and other places before going on to our destination. The bus was dirty and smelled horrible because of unclean toilet in the rear of the bus. In San Francisco, the bus driver turned to the passengers and announced he did NOT know the way to San Jose. Honest to God, he asked if anyone could give him directions! People started yelling at him confusing the situation. One or two passengers stopped the multiple direction givers and one man guided the driver from SF to SJ... about 50 miles. It took almost 23 hours to cover what one could accomplish in 3 hours by driving. We heard numerous passengers complaining that their plans were completely destroyed by AmTrak delays. Many people expressed total disgust. My wife and I both were sick with flu like symptoms soon after arriving home. This post only covers only a small part of that horrible AmTrak experience we endured. EFF AmTrak!
I appreciate the presentation. It gave me a lot of info--rooms & meals are obviously a big deal on the train. I had considered using the train to go from SA TX to GR MI, but the plans had changed. And I realize I'd be dealing with probably a less fancy, full on amenities train. Still a lot to think about. The Moffat Tunnel must have been used for that Movie "Dark Passage". Dark, beyond dark & no communications? It looks like a person (or group) has to be his/her own entertainment? No TV? No lounge acts? I suppose the no Wi-Fi is OK by me, I don't live & die via the INet. Still the TV issue? No CCTV/PPV?
Interesting trip that I’d like to experience. But the cold shower is a turnoff for me. Maybe they’ll fix that soon! Nice job and I’d like to see more of these.
I would challenge the statement as the MOST scenic route of Amtrak as the Empire builder also leaves Chicago for its trip to Seattle across the country across the plains through the Northern Rockies and finally the trip through the Cascade mountains to get to Seattle. It too crosses the Columbia river and through the famous cascade tunnel as well as many other tunnels, same spectacular scenery and almost as long !!
The last time I was on the Zephyr was in December of 1950, or over 70 years ago. My mother and I had a roomette from Sacramento to Chicago. But the best part of the trip, which apparently no longer exists, is up the Feather River through the Feather River Gorge. Nothing I saw on your trip begins to compare with the scenery in the gorge. It is too bad they dropped that portion of the trip.
As a child I had the experience of traveling by train from Pasco,Wa. to Seattle, Wa. It was the final leg of the Northern Pacific Mainstreeter that originated in Chicago. The first few years of the forties they were still using steam engines because of the war delaying the production of the Diesel engines. The trip over the cascades and through a series of tunnels was equally as beautiful as the Zephyr trip. By the way the CB&Q was jointly owned by the Northern Pacific and the Great Northern RR which is now the BNSF. Unfortunately when Amtrak came into the passenger service they cancelled the service from Pasco to Seattle. Iv'e enjoyed this trip that you have filmed for our pleasure, it is great.
Thanks for the video!! I've been wanting to see the US, but due to having PTSD, don't really like being in crowded places. However, the bedroom option opens up lots of possibilities. It would be ideal for my service dog and myself. Thanks again!
Wonderful to ride along with you guys on this magical journey. My wife and I plan on taking this trip one day soon. Could you please tell us about how much it costs for your fare and a roomette?
Jeb your right it's amazing to think about the people who built it, it's even more amazing to think about all the other rocky mountain abandoned routes. Thousands of miles of track
Thank you Jeb for this amazing video! I took the trip in 2010, exactly 11 years ago during summertime after my stay in Chicago. I couldn't afford the sleeper so I just got a regular seat that could be flattened into a bed. But man it was the best experience I ever had in my life. The beautiful stations. The observation car. The meals...(and how limited choice there are, lol) I met so many friendly, interesting people. I met some strangers on the trip and actually got to know them and shared our stories. The view along the way, especially the grand canyon was mindblowing. I was so sad I lost the card that carries so many photos I shot along the way so everything has to stay in my mind. And your video feels like a recreation of my dream. So if Amtrak continues to run I hope one day I'll take my future wife there for the honeymoon for sure. When COVID is over, you can come to China and try out the high-speed train. We have some really good views too.
Yeah man, actually the only time I have taken an amtrak long distance train was when I came home from the Navy (having served aboard two nuclear powered submarines, first at Naval Submarine Base Bangor, and the second one was homeported in San Diego but was in drydock at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard the whole time, both are across from Seattle) from Seattle to San Jose. The Navy pays your expenses for your ride home; if you drive they pay for the gas, if you fly they pay for the ticket (even if 1st class), if you take the train they pay for that, I went with a sleeper bedroom on the Coast Starlight. Definitely a scenic ride. Would love to ride other long distance amtrak trains. :)
@Leo Liu You also need a visa to go to China, I got a visa to China like 5 to 6 years ago and they are valid for 10 years. we went with a tour group Sonama but unfortunately they went belly up a year after we took the 14 day tour but it was really fun- we had all the meals included, loging included, and we got to see lots of interesting sights and we had a great tour guide too.
@Greg Burrows Hey Greg I think it depends. If you want less trouble communicating you definitely need a tour guide or a Chinese-speaking friend for your first time here. Big cities should be easy as there are bilingual signs everywhere and young people speak very good English. But when you go more rural and talk to older people it definitely gets difficult as people don't speak a lot of English and they even have dialects that's hard to understand for Mandarin speakers. But once you gets how people communicates here you'll be good on your own I think.
I’ve traveled on all three Amtrak trains that leave Chicago to the west coast. In my younger years when I couldn’t afford a sleeper room I traveled via coach then later in my life I’d get a roomette. I wish everyone could experience traveling by rail. You meet wonderful people from all walks of life and places. The meals served in the dinning room are amazing.
Wow, thank you so much for this. i was planning on a nice big trip out west before the pandemic and the Zephyr is what I'd be riding on. Nice to see an updated video that Amtrak is still running.
I smiled when I came across your comment, well that's wonderful but how are you doing and where are you from?, Please don't mind me asking you how are you doing but I know that's not bad question, will be happy to receive your reply, thanks.
I am giving a moment of respect for the workers who sacrificed their lives to build railway tracks on such dangerous conditions like the Rocky Mountains about 100+ years ago.
Good thought. And let's remember what a huge contribution people for example from China made in the building the (ours and theirs) country.
Not workers, MEN.
A nation is built on the blood and dreams of their ancestors, even my own tiny New Zealand is no different with convicts and foreign laborers as well as everyday citizens often blasting, slashing and dredging their way through cliffs, forests and mountains alike manually for infrastructure works with dozens if not hundreds of men losing their lives for it.
Such a great thought. I feel the same, humble appreciation for those hard working folks!
🙏❤
We appreciate your videos of our trains!! I have worked at the maintenance facility in Beech Grove Indiana for 25 years!! Our facility is huge,with some of the most talented train mechanics in the world!! Really enjoyed you guys showcasing what we work on every day!! Thanks for the video!!
Much appreciation for the work you guys do to keep the trains rolling safely down the tracks. Thank you guys!
How much is a trip from Chicago to San Fran and is it the same trip back?
As airplane travel becomes even more unbearable (unruly passengers, squeezing ourselves into smaller and smaller seats), and remote work becoming more common, train travel in The United States could see a resurgence. I hope so!!! I love traveling by train. So relaxing and comfortable. There’s room to spread out and the view is more interesting than the view from an airplane. I am crossing my fingers that Americans will support a more robust train system in this country.
@Chirelle. Alana Looney Easier to throw them out of a moving train than a flying airplane.
I hope so, too.
Building high speed rail system would be good since I can't put out days to travel to SF from my Chicago home. Guess the car makers and airline companies will try everything to stop it.
@Ellis James Flying is actually cheaper. The room-ettes are extremely expensive.
@Chirelle. Alana Looney Easier to deal with on a train, they get tossed out at the next stop while on an airplane that is not possible.
I took this train when I was a kid leaving from Chicago with a final destination of Albuquerque. One of the best trips of my life. My mom and I didn't have a sleeper car so we had to sleep in the chairs both nights. Totally worth it. Some day I want to relive the experience with my wife and kids.
did u see a dude named Walter in Albuquerque
Is this a breaking bad refenrence?
Did you send anybody a postcard once you got there?
I told my husband I wanted to take the Amtrak Crescent from Wilmington, DE to New Orleans. As a kid, I took the train with my family every summer until high school to visit my family in Lafayette.
that's the southwest chief, not the zephyr :)
Good job, my Uncle and I took this adventure together last September for his 75th Birthday. He lived in KY and I live in So Cal. We met in Chicago seeing each other for the first time in 33 years. Then we flew together back to S Cal, and unfortunately he died before making back home to KY, completely unexpected. So glad we took this wonderful adventure together!
My condolences to you🙏🏽. Sounds as if he was happy in his last days💙🤍🙏🏽 That says so much 💙🤍🙏🏽
I often dream of people at train stations right before they pages on....so your story really hits 💙🤍🙏🏽
Remember him always 💙🤍🙏🏽
So sorry for your loss. I'm happy though for you that you got the opportunity to spend time with him before the end. Thanks for sharing your story.
As a young child I rode this route when it was operated by the private companies before Amtrak was a thing. One thing I remember was the difference in the dining. It looks like the food now is pre-packaged and heated before serving. Back in the past, the food was prepared fresh, and everything looked much better than what I saw in the video. It was really amazing back then. I wish everyone could experience train travel as it was back in its heyday. You would love it!
@sturmovik Thanks for the tip.
@Badgermoon Have to admit, I am jealous of you for having experienced that era in rail travel. Also, you may enjoy visiting a KZclip channel called Periscope Films; they specialize in uploading videos from the 1940s - 1970s and there are several wonderful old rail travelogues from that era, among many others.
@sturmovik Having been on trains in the fifties and early sixties I can confirm what you have posted.
@Badgermoon I agree. Amtrak is comparable to airline food, but neither of them can hold a candle to the back-in-the-day streamliners. I was only born in 1989, so no personal experience, but back when train travel was commonplace instead of a novelty, railroads used very good food and food service as marketing to distinguish themselves.
-The New York Central's advertisements informed the discriminating diner that the best restaurant in Manhattan left town every evening on the Twentieth Century Limited for Chicago
-The Great Northern would serve Montana trout caught that day on its flagship the Empire Builder
-The Northern Pacific's famous Big Baked Potato was literally the size of adult's lower arm.
These are just the ones I can think of off the top of my head, but look up images of the railroad menus from that era and you'll get an idea. Also, every railroad who was anybody at all would (of course) use their own unique china (which is now very collectible).
@Mike Wrasman I haven't tried the Amtrak food, but I suspect it isn't any better than the food served on airplanes. From the video I think I would rather take my chances on the airlines. I am not talking about the peanuts served on short domestic flights, rather what is served on long haul flights. I have no trouble flying a couple hours without a meal. On the trans-pac flights I have flown on it is long enough that you do want a meal and they do a decent job of feeding you from my experience. It isn't haute cuisine but it is a decent meal considering the limiting circumstances of serving a meal on an airplane. None of it can compare to the food service that was offered on the trains back when they were run by private rail companies.
Wonderful journey presentation, exotic scenery outside and a lotta activities inside, a dream to travel here some day !!
I don't think so
Marleen Brooks
I watch FOX, NEWSMAX and OANN. Is there a problem with that? Oh, I also ready Project Veritas and on occasion Info Wars...and War Room with Steve Bannon. Do you have a problem with that?
I noticed that one of the Iowa farms viewable in the distance had a Honda Accord clearly in need of washing parked in front.
Ruined what would have otherwise been a delightful journey.
Great
We took Amtrak from Chicago to New Orleans. Loved the experience; the bedroom is the way to go. We tipped our porter once we reached our destination; he deserved it and we felt was the right thing to do. Especially in these times where travel can be challenging for both the travelers and the people whose job it is to serve them.
I want to do this Zephyr trip from ORD to SFO with my fiance. Any advise? A sleeper car for only 2 people? What to pack, pillows, blankets, what does Amtrack provide and what don't they? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
\
My son and I were on this trip with you! You can clearly see us in the observation car several times during the trip through the Rockies (we are in the window reflection at 16:40). It was such a fantastic adventure and we enjoyed meeting you. Going to take the same route with my daughter soon and I'm super stoked to show her the gorgeous views as well.
This is a wonderful travelogue; it shows the simple pleasures of relaxing on the train and seeing the beauty of America. Jeb is a great "host"
You have a gift for showing us the beauty of rail travel while being real about the pros and cons. If you have never been I recommend the Chama and Durango scenic rail trips. Different from Amtrak but so beautiful.
I took this train as a kid from Emeryville to Penn Station NYC to move across the country. Still one of the most extraordinary experiences of my life - and this video reminded me of the food and lodging in the early 2000s. Not much has changed on the inside!
You remember which train you took from Chicago to NYC? Would probably have been the Lake Shore Limited through upstate New York, but possibly other routes connecting in DC or Pittsburgh.
This deserves to be on Netflix. Very well done!!
@Andreas Proteus traveling 300 miles an hour defeats the whole purpose of this trip lol. He’s not there cause he’s he needs to get somewhere right away
Love that you shown more of the views then of just recording yourself talking like alot of travelers. It was well balanced. Great video
@Jon which is super annoying lmao
Hell no.
@Andreas Proteus yeah, but I wonder how you can see and appreciate the scenic wonders of our country with the views whizzing by in a blur?
This brings back great memories!! I traveled to California on the CZ years ago to visit my brother. On my return trip, there was a snow storm and we ended up stopping for 12+ hours while waiting for snow to be cleared from the tracks -apparently the first attempt failed due to faulty equipment, so a replacement had to be retrieved. Some of the passengers were so irate and rude, but the conductor and crew remained professional and calm the entire time - reassuring we would be updated as new information came in. Everyone, no matter their riding status, was checked on and taken care of. Unfortunately, not the greatest time for some, but I had a blast - met some interesting people! Thank you for posting♥️
This was a great video. I love to travel by train but wish it wasn't so expensive. I love the scenery and the banter between you and your friends. How wonderful to have that relaxing time together.
That was beautiful !!!Any idea How much did it cost that trip???
Thanks Jeb! I've lived in Chicago all of my life and was not aware of the Zephyr. Amazing views and great info on this video. Thank you for the vicarious exploration and educating us on this form of transportation. Great job!
from chicago as well its in my must do list now...
Agree with the comment about Amtrak doing better on communications. Seems to me they could benefit by reviewers like you. I keep trying to consider Amtrak whenever I travel, but it always seems like figuring out their schedules and routes (assuming they go anywhere near my intended destination to begin with) is like doing a Rubik’s Cube. And the cost… As much as I’d like to go by train, I always seem to have to find more practical alternatives.
This video has inspired me to plan the vacation of a lifetime - traveling across the country by train! Thank you so much for these breathtaking videos!! 🙏
Speaking as an Australian who lived in California for over four years, I was in awe of the geography/topography and variation of landscapes across the United States. My conclusion, and I think what you’ve demonstrated in this vlog Jeb, is that the very nature of American culture/character is so influenced by the majesty and wonder of the land itself. Great to see your passion shine through in this enjoyable vlog. I hope one day I can travel the section as suggested to Denver. Cheers👍
@Michael Hurley if you want to experience NZ by rail, look up Kiwirail for your railway adventures and how to book your tickets.
@camthesaxman Definitely on my bucket list!
If you're from the UK, you can go to Switzerland and experience trains like this through the Alps. Also stunningly beautiful.
As an American I really enjoyed your take on our land and the wonder we feel about it.
1:13 Union Station in Los Angeles is good too and FAR MORE passengers in there.
I took this train with my wife, from Denver to Las Vegas, when we travelled across the USA after she became pregnant and we knew that the opportunity to travel would soon be limited. Professional staff, beautiful scenery and also had really decent fellow passengers. Still a better experience than most long distance trains here in Australia.
It was January when we took the Zephyr to Denver. One of the most impressive sights along the way was seeing the bald eagles on the frozen Mississippi while traveling from Illinois to Iowa.
Great video. Just like we experienced it in May 2010. We jumped on in Chicago Union and off at Reno and took the railfanning further into the Sierra's, direction Oroville, following the former Western Pacific track (the Zephyr took this route from 1949 until it became Amtrak) and the Western Pacific RR Museum in Portola is a great visit too. Would love to do the trip again.
The Feather River Canyon is beautiful.
This is one of those videos you can watch countless times and still not get bored. It has the right mixture of impressive views of the landscape, technical, geographical as well as historical backgrounds, professionalism concerning the editing, and personal touch of the charismatic author. It sort of gives you the feeling of being part of this trip. On my many years on youtube this type of roadtrip video can only be rivaled by cgp greys tesla roadtrip through the lonliest road of america. I would actually pay money to see the author do another one of those videos on a different route anywhere in the world. Keep up the good work and greetings from Germany!
I really enjoy your videos. Overnight rail travel is one of my favourite things … watching the scenery change at a leisurely pace really gives you a feel for a country. I’m from the uk and next year we’re planning on taking this very same train journey. Thanks for your videos keen them coming! 😀😀
Several years my wheelchair-bound wife and I took the Zephyr from Chicago to Emeryville. We had a handicap sleeper room and it was GREAT! The attendants were all very accommodating and the food was good. When we got into the Rockys and moved through Donner Pass, an historian got on board and narrated the journey, it was wonderful.
@Wendy Warrior the food was very good when we went but that was several years ago. I agree with you that from the video it didn't look as good as what I remember. It probably has changed since then.
I’m happy to hear that the food was good, but to me it doesn’t look very appetizing. 🤷🏻♀️
I had concerns about the wheelchair accommodations; thanks for alleviating my concerns.
Nice story, thanks for sharing.
@wendyannh let us know how it turns out for you.
Jeb, Thank you! Loved it! We did this about 10 to 11 years ago. Everything you said about this trip was true. If you really want to see America and all its beauty, Amtrak is the way to do it. One of the best vacations that we and my wife ever had. We went from Sacramento to Delaware (round trip) during the summer months. Oh, and yes, we got the “mooning” also. We were told at the time that Amtrak takes you places in which the only way you can get there is by foot, horseback, or by train.
I traveled on this train sometime back. They have started preparing fresh food now as opposed to freeze-heated like in the video. So, fresher quality and wider range of options.
As an Iowan, I love hearing someone mention how beautiful the state can be and also mentioning some points of interest. It really makes me miss living there. Also as an Iowan, I can't help but smile and chuckle to see you slept through Nebraska.
I absolutely love this video. It's so well made! Such cool vibes with the music and high quality footage.
I always tip at the end. You are tipping for the service and service is some times exceptional 20% and other times awful 10-12% but I, normally, tip 15-20% if everything goes well. I have never done this but will do it now. Thanks, Jen. You’re always so uplifting with your quips about the places you are encountering. I would love to know how much a ticket costs. Loving this. Ive been all around the world by plane, never by train. Will have to think about traveling US by train. Europe does it, beautifully. Why shouldn’t Americans do it, too
As someone who was a Maintenance of Way Engineer for 6 years, it’s interesting and refreshing to see the railroad from a non-Railroader point of view.
I loved my job and I’m very happy to have been part of the men and women who help keep the country running.
Thank you for this journey.
@sol rayz thank you so much. I’ll be adding that quote to my repertoire of “things to remember”.
Of late I've been trying to channel the admonition that
"Happy is a mode of travel, not a destination" (or so)
Good On Ya, not only for being part of something so beautiful,
but for knowing enough to enjoy it while ye may ! B-)
@Someone I second that
Thank you for your hard work!
Wow, Jeb! It’s incredible!
I rode this train, Zephyr….. 9 years ago already (2013, to be specific)! From the Windy City to the Nicest City of America! Really majestic experience! Miss America a lot!
Thank you so much for your beautiful video!
I smiled when I came across your comment, well that's wonderful but how are you doing and where are you from?, Please don't mind me asking you how are you doing but I know that's not bad question, will be happy to receive your reply, thanks.
I've taken this trip 2 times between Sacramento and Denver, and 1 time between Chicago and Sacramento. My Dad picked me up on one of my trips to Denver and his comment on his experience summed up train travel for me. "I've picked up dozens of people at the airport, and been in hundreds as a traveler and everyone at airports looks tired and unhappy. Everyone getting off the train is smiling and having fun."
Man...The Rocky Mountains are something else. I've lived nearly my whole life here and I still tear up sometimes while traveling into them.
The view of the mountains and snow in CO was amazing.
I took the zephyr from Chicago to Reno 2005. It was my first time traveling alone and on a train. I was starting a totally new chapter in my life. If you have the opportunity, do it!
Ex-Amtrak Engineer here, I have run the Empire builder and the Coast Starlight thru the Cascades, was unique experience for me. Both trains had two P-42's on the head end also. Lots of good power.
I’m so envious. In Britain we have a stream and a hill and a few trees but loads of concrete. There’s not much wilderness here. It can get a little like being hemmed in. For some reason we don’t seem to have massive skies like you do. I’m not criticising my country. For what we are we be punched a staggeringly long way above our weight. Now we’re being conned into right wing thinking. Boris Johnson is like trumps pet poodle.
@Clinton Meyerushkev I wouldn't either, if I believed they are a cult. But what makes you think they are a cult?
@Clinton Meyerushkev Have you been to see the Ark in Kentucky?
@Queen Lioness best way "to see the Ark"? Drop some acid and imagine whatever comes to mind. More accurate and real than this "Ark". (Better colour too)
Amazing video! It was this video with some great background music that finally pushed me into writing my first railroad novel that takes place on the CZ route between Denver and Grand Junction. It’s called “The Great Departure: A Railroad Novella.”
My hubby and I took this train on our honeymoon back in 2016.
Great video on the "Zephyr". I worked this train for many years as a Train Attendant, Lead Service Attendant (Bar & Diner), and finally as Chief-OBS. It as great to see the scenery again! You did a great job!!!
Very well done and it's great to see that the route of the old Burlington California Zephyrs is still in use.
The wife and I took the Denali Star trip last month and will be doing the Zephyr later this year. Curious to know which one has the more spectacular scenery in your opinion.f I'll say the Zephyr has a pretty high bar to meet.
Hey Jeb, if you really really like long, scenic train routes, then check out the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner. It runs from Seattle WA to San Diego CA
@Andrew Dias Thank you!
You are a bit mistakened my friend.
The Surfliner is a short haul route from San Diego to San Luis Obispo. The Coast Starlight is the long distance train that runs from LA to Seattle.
Both are very pretty though. The surfliner is just a few yards from the beach at several points.
Thank you Jeb for an incredible chronicle of this trip! I am taking my first solo vacation of my entire life (55 years old) and I chose this trip. You have prepared me well for my adventure! I have subscribed. Amazing video!
@Jeb Brooks do you know if there is a train from Philadelphia area to west coast?
@Bill Hilton o
P
Repent to Jesus Christ!
“For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed-a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.””
Romans 1:17 NIV
D
Jeb, you’ve posted another fantastic vlog that I enjoyed so much, start to finish. It was so well done with your excellent descriptions, observations and tips along the way! I just found a new bucket list item so my wife and I are going to book the Zephyr from Chicago to Emeryville very soon!! Thanks for sharing your trip with us!
The views from Denver to Winter Park are some of my absolute favorites.
Because of this video I booked this adventure last year and traveled this route in January 2022. The rail journey ended on my birthday in the bay area where I stayed for several more days. Next year, The Empire Builder!
Thank you for the content!
You really make this look adventurous! Makes me want to try out a train trip in the U.S.!
Loved our handful of trips on the Zephyr with a roomette with my daughter's. Is we've done 3 or 4 trips. The delays are awful most of the times. The food was surprisingly good... great experience. Man, heading West once you hit Denver, it goes like straight up And is extremely impressive/beautiful
Not many people can make a 35 minute trip report exciting from the beginning to the end these days! Thank You for that! :) :)
@Clorox Lemon Bleach Your point? They obviously liked this one. Doesn't mean they haven't watched others.
I agree. It was wonderful.
You kidding right? There tons of videos done by a single KZclipr. May be KZclip algorithm never showed you one
Define, 'many'.
I took the train from Denver to Glenwood Springs a few years ago, r/t, and that route IS pretty spectacular. The downside; the return train was 4 hours late! So, I missed my flight back to L.A. and had to stay another (unplanned) night in Denver. Glenwood Springs is famous for its large mineral pools from natural hot springs. A wonderful, relaxing experience.
Being an Aussie from Perth, West. Aust. I found this video a breath of fresh air. I enjoyed the journey, scenery and commentary. I'm tempted to do similar with hours of video of Bali, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Shenzhen China and Macau.
I just found your channel and have been enjoying your videos. This one is my favorite one as of now!! I love that your friends joined you on this trip! I wish we could see them more often in your travels.
Great video, Jeb! I would LOVE to go on a train ride like that!
Watched from the UK... This made me miss America so very much all over again! What a beautiful Country you have over the big pond... What a beautiful journey.
I smiled when I came across your comment, well that's wonderful but how are you doing and where are you from?, Please don't mind me asking, hope all is well
Took The Zephyr from Emeryville to Denver, and back, with my youngest daughter when she was 4. It was quite an adventure and the first time see saw big mountains and touched snow! That was 20 years ago so now she's 24 and we both really appreciate those memories and that trip. Thanks Amtrak!
@mrsleep Not as much as the interstate freeway system and air traffic control.
You should be thanking the tax payers too, we paid for most of your trip. Amtrak gets huge subsidies to stay afloat.
@Stefanie Medina It was a great adventure. We had regular seats and enjoyed being around regular people. We were offered a discounted price room after boarding by the conductor but we kept it cheap and simple. The glass top car shows movies at night and offers great views during daytime so we spent quite a bit of time there. We met some interesting people and saw a lot of beautiful countryside while making memories that we'll never forget on that ride
How was taking the train with a toddler? We have 2 kids, 6 and 4.
Wuo
Great video... Always wanted to travel by train... Such impressive scenery. You had great company along the way too. Awesome narration and final draft!
I definitely want to do this trip at some point. I've only traveled the Northeast Corridor here in the States, which is fine, but not like this. There are great views, but it's certainly more utilitarian. Most of my great "scenic" train experience has been in Europe, between Florence & Rome, between Venice & Geneva, between Lyon & Barcelona, and pretty much everywhere we went in Switzerland. The Zephyr is THE US train trip I want to take.
An excellent video of a trip I have enjoyed several times. It truly is spectacular. I also highly recommend the Coast Starlight from Seattle to LA. In Canada, the Canadian gets most of the acclaim; it deserves it, but the Ocean from Montreal to Halifax is also excellent.
Hi, I am from Bangladesh. Inspired by your video, I took this train and travelled for 52 hours from Chicago to San Francisco (and created memories of a lifetime). Thank You!
That’s awesome!
I'm recently retired and you made this video so fascinating. I am planning a trip like this for next year. I really enjoyed this tour. Thank you guys!!
I have done it three times.. I recommend it.
Tips. Consider lenght of trip/time, most ar comfortable 48hr max. Like he mentioned.
And the roomettes meet the need of two people just fine. Open seating has lots of leng room and recline far enough to sleep in.
What a great video - thanks! The scenery was amazing, and my heart gave a little lurch as you went through my former winter stomping grounds at Truckee and over Donner Lake. I lived in the Bay Area, so I always drove to Tahoe, so it was fun to see the lake from the other side where the freeway is. I’ve always wanted to check out this train, and especially the view from that spot, so thank you for making it happen! I hope you had a good time in SF, too! Home sweet home.
Thanks for the video. I'm watching it again, because I've booked the Zephyr (round trip from Michigan) for this fall. I enjoy your commentary. By the way, re: the combination toilet and shower, I believe that in the RV world, this is called a "wet bath" and is common in smaller RVs.
I always suggest to anyone who likes trains that they should take the California Zephyr. We took it in 2009 when my daughter’s family had just moved to Palo Alto. It was only 45 minutes late which, considering the length of the trip, is almost on time. We got a room Etta & we’re sorry that we hadn’t gotten a bedroom.
Good morning, Jeb: My husband and I enjoy your travel blogs when you go AMTRAK. I'm taking him on his first train ride to Boston next year around Thanksgiving Time of 2023. We got a bedroom with our own bathroom!! We both enjoy your blogs so much! LOVE THE BLOOPERS!! We sure appreciate your blogs!! With Love and Sunshine, Rob and Ted Martin-Brookes,, San Diego, California!!
Thank you for this fantastic video! The California Zephyr is truly an amazing train ride. In the Bloopers section at the end, you mention Grand Mesa. The specific area you are pointing to is actually the Roan Plateau. You did travel right below it though while going through DeBeque Canyon. If you get off the train in Grand Junction and look directly east you will see the Grand Mesa at the east end of the valley. We live in Colorado and have done Denver to Glenwood Springs via Amtrak several times, and at the end of March will be taking our kids to Grand Junction and back via the train. Can't wait for the adventure. Thanks again for awesome video. I have watched it 3 times now.
In 1965 , My Nana took a train fron NYC to Los Angeles,CA as a single mother with 4 kids. Her strength and will-power was passed down to all of us
Maybe you could do a trip in her honour as a special trip? Grandparents are so special!❤😢🕊❤
I smiled when I came across your comment, well that's wonderful but how are you doing and where are you from?, Please don't mind me asking you how are you doing but I know that's not bad question, will be happy to receive your reply, thanks.
Did a roundtrip MN to PA (Philly) via Chicago and DC in 2012 for a relative's wedding. Loved it! Our breakfast waitress helped me choose the right moment for a photo of Cumberland, MD while we ate. Really tempted to do the Denver-Salt Lake section someday.
This was GREAT!
I went on the American Orient Express from Seattle to Salt Lake. Taking the National Park tour. It was amazing! I love train travel. Thx
Well done Jeb, very well done. My wife and I just booked this trip for the end of April so it was great to see what the weather and vistas were like at that time of year. Oh and guess which train car we’re in. 531. How ironic.
The scenery is awesome. They should travel on during daylight so that you don't miss the scenery.
Awesome! Gracious! A taste to my eyes! Greetings from Shanghai, from a Colombian who loves traveling! I really loved the editing and the music and your enthusiasm!
I swear we take this country for granted sometimes, I’ve been to many places around the world, but nothing will ever come close to home. We may have our differences but when watching videos like this, it makes me realize just how close we are as well. I wish we could stop all this ridiculous in-fighting and come together as a country again🇺🇸💐
@Hollister Berlin is awesome, what are you talking about lol? Great infra structure, public transport, no gun fights and great social life.
@A not forgetting my beautiful Ireland 🇮🇪 ☘ Blarney Castle , cliffs of mohair giants causeway to name but a few 😊
We live in a natural paradise. The land's beauty is all that makes me proud to have served, not our messed up citizenry.
Train travel with a few comforts is 'slow' travel at its best. The one positive with the pandemic is many of us can now appreciate a slower pace.
Wow! The scenery was magnificent. I’m sure it was so much better in person. My family and I would love to take the Zephyr. Unfortunately, our daughter is in a wheelchair. But thank you for being able to experience a great adventure with you. Travel safely.
Another comment here said they had a handicap accessible room.
You should definitely do a pros and cons video on all of these state rooms.
We took the California zephyr from Chicago to Emeryville pre-covid. The meals were fantastic! I had the railroad french toast for breakfast and grilled salmon for dinner. Ice cream for dessert was hagen-dazs peanut butter and chocolate. The views are incredible. Non-stop scenery. Time slows down until the only where you're aware of its passing is when you set your watch for the different time zones. And when you're called for your next meal in the beautiful dining car. You hit all the spots on the button and express the same feelings about train travel that I always enjoyed having. Can't wait to go again. Also my companion on this trip was 6 ft 2 and 250 lb. But he had the courage to try taking a shower in our bedroom. He was very proud of the fact that he succeeded!
Very memory filled for me Jeb. In June 2013 my best buddy & I went via the AMTRAK's "Empire Builder" from Chicago to Portland, Oregon breaking our journey in St. Paul/Minneapolis and Whitefish Montana. The train divided at night in Spokane, Washington for Seattle and Portland. I used to ski in Winter Park, CO., and once went from Denver to Winter Park via the Sunday morning ski train which was relaxing and very scenic and avoided the heavy weekend traffic, but gave us a full day on the slopes as the Winter Park station is a few steps from the ski lifts. without fussing about with parking etc. All good memories. I have taken several other long-distance AMTRAK journeys too.
I am not from the USA, but have taken 17 vacation trips to the USA. My favourite trip was an Amtrak trip from Chicago to Seattle and back to Chicago. We stopped off in Whitefish Montana for 2 weeks of snow skiing (early January 2008). I want to go back to the USA and do more Amtrak travel. Love that you can stop off anywhere on route, and get on the next Amtrak train that passes.
I also like trains, once every 10 or 20 years, but if you're vacationing a new country, simply rent a car. It gives you so much more flexibility.
That is the Empire Builder. A really beautiful trip through some wonderful country
17 trips? WOW
@W S No, I had an Amtrack pass. It allowed me to get off the train and take a later train. If I remember correctly, the Amtrak pass allowed me to change trains 5 or 6 times, as long as I used the same route (same final destination)
i dont think the last part is true, you have to stay on the train that youre originally checked into.
I really enjoyed this video as this train trip is on my bucket list. Have you ever thought of coming here to Australia to take a ride on any of our epic train journeys? eg: The Ghan, The Indian Pacific, etc. Thanks. Best wishes from Australia 🇦🇺 ❤
I got on this very train in Denver in 1971 and went to San Francisco. It was amazing!
Thank you so much for this interesting Train Adventure. Actually I prefer to travel by Train instead of taking a flight by Plane, with all of the hassles you have to go through and also put up with, I'll say NO thank you to that.
You were so informative and entertaining I truly couldn't click away, and truthfully, I didn't want to! Thank You Kindly for your wonderful video, and I'm going to watch it again!!!!
Thanks for sharing this video. Am considering this route on my next trip and it's very informative, tells you a lot about Amtrak and how it all works! Safe Travels Jeb! x
This was Awesome ! I've seen a lot of the scenery you went through a few times . But a train trip would be a dream come true .
Fun fact: Reno used to have an above-ground railway that would take you directly through downtown, but as the city grew it became too much of a hindrance to have trains running in the middle of the city. Like the rails would literally intersect the main roads at ground level, forcing people to wait for the trains to pass. So to bypass this problem, they dug a gigantic trench under the city and ran the trains through there. Not the best traveling experience but a lot more convenient for the people who lived/worked downtown. Source: Reno resident.
I was just thinking about the Reno station. I remember it being above ground too and yes having to wait for passenger or freight trains to pass thru an intersection was at times daunting. Just out of curiosity is Greyhound still in the same spot across from that fantasy hotel?
@David Gordon
P.S. My mother used to take the California Zephyr from Naperville, IL to Reno, NV back in the 50's. She always talked about the "Vista Dome" back then, so it was great to finally see it in your video. Thank you!
As a Reno native, I can also add that the trains had to blow their horns at each intersection, through a downtown filled with hotels/casinos full of (trying to) sleeping tourists. I strongly recommend you come back. Yes, you can enjoy casinos and such if you like, but there are restaurants, cool clubs, arty districts, art museum, music festivals, etc. that really give Reno its character. Not to mention surrounded by mountains and 40 min from Lake Tahoe, Donner Lake (yes, that Donner) and skiing galore. And 30 miles from Virginia City. If you recall the opening title of "Bonanza" and the map it showed, well that's us.
It didn't only take you through downtown Reno, there was a station there as well.
I love your calming voice, background music and I truly felt I was on this trip too! So relaxinng! :)
About ten years ago my wife and I took AmTrak from San Jose Calif. to Reno in February hoping to enjoy the ride through the snow covered Sierras. The entire experience was a nightmare! On the first leg of the trip the train was bumped off the track every time a freight went by; which was very often. This was only the beginning! At one point, just outside of the Reno train station, we were stopped on the tracks for about two hours before going the last two three miles. The train was NOT clean. Bathrooms disgusting. On the way back the nightmare got much worse. The train was stopped in Emeryville, could go no further, and everyone was put on an AmTrak bus to Oakland California at 1:00AM. After waiting there in Oakland in the middle of the night for an hour or two we were then put on another Amtrak bus to San Jose, except that it stopped in San Francisco and other places before going on to our destination. The bus was dirty and smelled horrible because of unclean toilet in the rear of the bus. In San Francisco, the bus driver turned to the passengers and announced he did NOT know the way to San Jose. Honest to God, he asked if anyone could give him directions! People started yelling at him confusing the situation. One or two passengers stopped the multiple direction givers and one man guided the driver from SF to SJ... about 50 miles. It took almost 23 hours to cover what one could accomplish in 3 hours by driving. We heard numerous passengers complaining that their plans were completely destroyed by AmTrak delays. Many people expressed total disgust. My wife and I both were sick with flu like symptoms soon after arriving home. This post only covers only a small part of that horrible AmTrak experience we endured. EFF AmTrak!
Yikes.
I appreciate the presentation. It gave me a lot of info--rooms & meals are obviously a big deal on the train. I had considered using the train to go from SA TX to GR MI, but the plans had changed. And I realize I'd be dealing with probably a less fancy, full on amenities train. Still a lot to think about. The Moffat Tunnel must have been used for that Movie "Dark Passage". Dark, beyond dark & no communications?
It looks like a person (or group) has to be his/her own entertainment? No TV? No lounge acts? I suppose the no Wi-Fi is OK by me, I don't live & die via the INet. Still the TV issue? No CCTV/PPV?
Interesting trip that I’d like to experience. But the cold shower is a turnoff for me. Maybe they’ll fix that soon! Nice job and I’d like to see more of these.
I would challenge the statement as the MOST scenic route of Amtrak as the Empire builder also leaves Chicago for its trip to Seattle across the country across the plains through the Northern Rockies and finally the trip through the Cascade mountains to get to Seattle. It too crosses the Columbia river and through the famous cascade tunnel as well as many other tunnels, same spectacular scenery and almost as long !!
The last time I was on the Zephyr was in December of 1950, or over 70 years ago. My mother and I had a roomette from Sacramento to Chicago. But the best part of the trip, which apparently no longer exists, is up the Feather River through the Feather River Gorge. Nothing I saw on your trip begins to compare with the scenery in the gorge. It is too bad they dropped that portion of the trip.
@PontiacCZ at Shooters?
@PontiacCZ If the degenerates from the health department will actually let anyone visit. They pay.... special attention to the place.
@This Is A Name I am looking forward to visiting Rifle, CO. Just to have a meal... ;-)
I live in Rifle, CO. The best part of that trip is 40 minutes from my house, heh.
@Get on the cross and don’t look back who?
As a child I had the experience of traveling by train from Pasco,Wa. to Seattle, Wa. It was the final leg of the Northern Pacific Mainstreeter that originated in Chicago. The first few years of the forties they were still using steam engines because of the war delaying the production of the Diesel engines. The trip over the cascades and through a series of tunnels was equally as beautiful as the Zephyr trip. By the way the CB&Q was jointly owned by the Northern Pacific and the Great Northern RR which is now the BNSF. Unfortunately when Amtrak came into the passenger service they cancelled the service from Pasco to Seattle. Iv'e enjoyed this trip that you have filmed for our pleasure, it is great.
Thanks for the video!! I've been wanting to see the US, but due to having PTSD, don't really like being in crowded places. However, the bedroom option opens up lots of possibilities. It would be ideal for my service dog and myself. Thanks again!
Wonderful to ride along with you guys on this magical journey. My wife and I plan on taking this trip one day soon. Could you please tell us about how much it costs for your fare and a roomette?
Jeb your right it's amazing to think about the people who built it, it's even more amazing to think about all the other rocky mountain abandoned routes. Thousands of miles of track
As a trucker, I can attest the views out west are just amazing. Especially if you lived in Illinois your whole life
Thank you Jeb for this amazing video! I took the trip in 2010, exactly 11 years ago during summertime after my stay in Chicago. I couldn't afford the sleeper so I just got a regular seat that could be flattened into a bed. But man it was the best experience I ever had in my life. The beautiful stations. The observation car. The meals...(and how limited choice there are, lol) I met so many friendly, interesting people. I met some strangers on the trip and actually got to know them and shared our stories. The view along the way, especially the grand canyon was mindblowing. I was so sad I lost the card that carries so many photos I shot along the way so everything has to stay in my mind. And your video feels like a recreation of my dream. So if Amtrak continues to run I hope one day I'll take my future wife there for the honeymoon for sure. When COVID is over, you can come to China and try out the high-speed train. We have some really good views too.
Yeah man, actually the only time I have taken an amtrak long distance train was when I came home from the Navy (having served aboard two nuclear powered submarines, first at Naval Submarine Base Bangor, and the second one was homeported in San Diego but was in drydock at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard the whole time, both are across from Seattle) from Seattle to San Jose. The Navy pays your expenses for your ride home; if you drive they pay for the gas, if you fly they pay for the ticket (even if 1st class), if you take the train they pay for that, I went with a sleeper bedroom on the Coast Starlight. Definitely a scenic ride. Would love to ride other long distance amtrak trains. :)
@Leo Liu You also need a visa to go to China, I got a visa to China like 5 to 6 years ago and they are valid for 10 years. we went with a tour group Sonama but unfortunately they went belly up a year after we took the 14 day tour but it was really fun- we had all the meals included, loging included, and we got to see lots of interesting sights and we had a great tour guide too.
@Leo Liu Good to know, thank you very much!
@Greg Burrows Hey Greg I think it depends. If you want less trouble communicating you definitely need a tour guide or a Chinese-speaking friend for your first time here. Big cities should be easy as there are bilingual signs everywhere and young people speak very good English. But when you go more rural and talk to older people it definitely gets difficult as people don't speak a lot of English and they even have dialects that's hard to understand for Mandarin speakers. But once you gets how people communicates here you'll be good on your own I think.
@Leo Liu is it difficult to get around in China, not knowing the language?
I’ve traveled on all three Amtrak trains that leave Chicago to the west coast. In my younger years when I couldn’t afford a sleeper room I traveled via coach then later in my life I’d get a roomette. I wish everyone could experience traveling by rail. You meet wonderful people from all walks of life and places. The meals served in the dinning room are amazing.
great country some people just don't realize how beautiful it is thank you for the journey
Wow, thank you so much for this. i was planning on a nice big trip out west before the pandemic and the Zephyr is what I'd be riding on. Nice to see an updated video that Amtrak is still running.
I smiled when I came across your comment, well that's wonderful but how are you doing and where are you from?, Please don't mind me asking you how are you doing but I know that's not bad question, will be happy to receive your reply, thanks.
That was amazing, breathtaking scenery, I want to hop on the train now. Great job.