I have to go from Chicago to San Diego for a conference and am also planning a side trip to Oakland for meetings either before or after San Diego in late March. I would like to do Southwest Chief-Coast Starlight-California Zepher or the reverse. Anyone have any recommendations as to which direction is best as far as scenery? Also, how likely, given the lateness of trains, is it to get a connection from Los Angeles to San Diego and returning? Am I better off planning an overnight stay in Los Angeles between trains?
Posted by Geoff Mayo (Member # 153) on :
Denver to the west is the best way of seeing that particular portion of the trip, so I would suggest doing it Chicago - Oakland - LA - Chicago.
The Coast Starlight doesn't tend to be too late, but allow a good couple of hours between that and a San Diego train.
Posted by Mr. Toy (Member # 311) on :
We rode the Zephyr both ways from California to Denverlast August. At that time of year we were in daylight at more orless the same places both ways. In March if you go eastbound you might be in darkness in the most spectacular part of the rockies, so I'd have to say westbound would be best. It depends on what time the sun sets.
Colorado's canyons are a must-see in daylight. Since the westbound train gets into the mountains mid to late morning that is a great time. On the westbound trip the majority of river views are on the left side of the train (often with a cliff on the other side). Glenwood Canyon appears on the right. The view of the plains as you rise into the rockies from denver will be on the right side as well.
Have fun.
------------------ Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth. -Mr. Toy
Posted by graynt (Member # 17) on :
There are many trains during the day from LA to san Diego and back. Theres even an overnight thruway bus. I ;ve stayed at the Metro Plaza Hotel right across from Union station in L.A. Nice place and very conveirnt. You don t have to hassle with transportation to your hotel.
Posted by John Perkowski (Member # 376) on :
I've done the eastbound CZ in both December and March. In March, with the train on time, darkness actually falls someplace fairly near (less than an hour west of) Moffatt Tunnel.
I will say that descending into Denver in darkness is a rather neat view, especially from the Diner.
John
Originally posted by Mr. Toy:
In March if you go eastbound you might be in darkness in the most spectacular part of the rockies, so I'd have to say westbound would be best. It depends on what time the sun sets.
Posted by gadaniels (Member # 334) on :
Thank you all for your advice. I just booked my tickets today for the end of March, going west from Chicago to Oakland on the California Zephyer, south on the Coast Starlight to Los Angeles, then the Pacific Surfliner south to San Diego then back north to Fullerton, to catch the Southwest Chief back to Chicago, with a standard bedroom on all segments (except, obviously, the surfliner)
Posted by reggierail (Member # 26) on :
Just a note about the Metro Plaza hotel in Los Angeles. I had a client stay at the hotel in June of last year & I heard no complaints. I have heard that Carl Fowler of the Rail Travel Center no longer recommends that hotel because of various problems he has had & other problems including lack of maintenancs & cleanliness. I can't verify this but just use your own judgement. An alternative would be to detrain at Oxnard & I can recommend several hotels there. For economy consider the Vagabond Inn, Patsie is the manager & a friend of mine. Inexpensive & right next to a Denny's restaurant. A very nice hotel is the Radisson, formerly a Hilton. Yours Reggie
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Posted by rmiller (Member # 341) on :
[QUOTE]Originally posted by gadaniels: [B]Thank you all for your advice. I just booked my tickets today for the end of March, going west from Chicago to Oakland on the California Zephyer, south on the
snip
ooh, ah, I am envious. Am considering something similar for May, just haven't decided when yet. Haven't been on the SW Chief in many a moon and would like to do that one again, but really like the Builder's route and scenery, sigh, which one, which one?
rick Milwaukee, WI
Posted by rmiller (Member # 341) on :
Reggie, are the properties you meniton in Oxnard within walking distance of the station?
Thanks
Rick
Posted by reggierail (Member # 26) on :
Rick, the Vagabond Inn is a pretty good walk from the station in Oxnard. Without bags to carry I made it in about 10 minutes. There are cabs available at the station & I would guess they would cost about $3 each way. The radisson is a little further but they had shuttle service last time I stayed there. Reggie