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In a recent post "Canaveral" detailed his planned rail/cruise/bus/air trip around the Amtrak system and on to Alaska. The bad news for him is that his return on # 6 the California Zephyr will resemble the old SFZ as it bypasses the scenic ex-Rio Grande line in favor of the UP via Wyoming due to trackwork. I'm sure he will enjoy the ride but the beautiful Rockies are a tough loss.
Posts: 561 | Registered: Jul 2003
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The ride through Wyoming and over Sherman Hill is interesting and, as a rail travel enthusiast, one that I am happy to have had the opportunity to have ridden. Missing the ride 'through the Rockies' is partially made up for by getting the equally (if not moreso) ride over Donnor Pass.
Still, if it were the trip of a lifetime and a 'one chance' trip, I would prefer to ride the D&RGW route.
-------------------- David Pressley
Advocating for passenger trains since 1973!
Climbing toward 5,000 posts like the Southwest Chief ascending Raton Pass. Cautiously, not nearly as fast as in the old days, and hoping to avoid premature reroutes. Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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I'll take the Zephyr's normal route through the Rockies any day over the Wyoming detour route. Like GBN's "pine tree" analogy, the same applies to the detour route except you can replace pine tree with open fields and dirt.
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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Wyoming is mostly a high, barren plateau. Its main scenery is in the NW corner (Yellowstone and Tetons) and NE corner (Devils Tower). The trade-off is canyons, Moffatt Tunnel, and the Front Range descent for a parade of freights. At least I've ridden the Colorado route several times already, but still...
Posts: 17 | From: central Florida | Registered: Apr 2009
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Unfortunately the UP line goes nowhere near Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, or Devils Tower. About the best scenery is tiny Echo Canyon near the Utah-Wyoming border and I think you'll pass that at night.
Posts: 561 | Registered: Jul 2003
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