Well, if all goes well, I am heading for Glenwood Springs and Reno shortly on the Zephyr--all tips welcome. I have already booked hotels, but I'd welcome any advice on restaurants and things to do and see. As usual, though, I will not have a car. Right now from Glenwood Springs I plan to take a public bus to Aspen. From Reno, I plan to visit Carson City and maybe take one of those bus tours to Lake Tahoe and Virginia City. (I wish I could spend longer in Virginia City, but there didn't seem to be a bus there. . . )
Posted by Geoff Mayo (Member # 153) on :
Glenwood Springs is (unsurprisingly) hilly so be prepared for some steep hikes. That said, it's not a very big place. I was only there for a couple of nights, and that was several years ago now, so any food recommendations would be out of date - except to say what I did find didn't impress me! (Must do research next time)
The hot springs are definitely worth a swim, but do keep in mind you're up high in the mountains with probably few clothes if you're swimming, so do remember your sun lotion.
There are some caves nearby; I didn't go to them so I don't know if it's worth visiting. I think there may have been transport available.
White water rafting for you? If so then you may get to see some trains along the way. Again, transport provided.
Cycling along the gorge is possible with more than one rental place. It's virtually all on a dedicated cycle pathway if I remember correctly.
I know you've booked hotels: let's hope you don't get the person who insisted that everyone wait until the 3pm check-in time. The chambermaids had long since gone and the rooms ready but the surly clerk waited until the stroke of 3pm before he started checking the (now long) line of people in.
Posted by yukon11 (Member # 2997) on :
If there is a bus between Reno and Virginia City, Sojourner, and if you have the time you could take the Virginia and Truckee Railroad, from Virginia City to Carson City to Gold Hill. If you just go to Carson City, it is only about 1.5 hrs from Virginia City.
Sohourner: The RFTA bus runs from Glenwood Springs to Aspen on an hourly basis. It is a "local" bus making many stops and takes approximately 90" for a 42-mile run. Are you overnighting, and if so, where? I would be happy to help you make any local arrangements.
Posted by sojourner (Member # 3134) on :
Thanks for the tips. I will be taking that sun lotion, though it may be too cool for a swim. I don't think I can get to the train to Virginia City, much as I'd love to take it, and I'm not sure but I think I will be there before it starts running. . . but the bus to Aspen is something I'm very interested in doing. If I go just to Aspen for a day round trip on the bus from Glenwood Springs, is there anything (byond walking around to see the town) that you recommend I do there? Thanks.
Posted by Henry Kisor (Member # 4776) on :
Our favorite eateries in Glenwood Springs, all downtown close to the station, are Juicy Lucy's Steakhouse, Glenwood Canyon Brewpub, Italian Underground and, for breakfast, the Daily Bread.
Posted by gibg (Member # 2565) on :
Sojourner: What to see in Aspen depends on your time of travel. April 15 to May 31 is off-season, often referred to here as "mud season." June is more lively as summer arrives. The Music Festival does not begin until July 1.
We are still getting occasional snow but it does not stick on the ground.
A couple of suggestions for a day trip from Glenwood Springs: The restored Hotel Jerome on the main corner of downtown Aspen is worth a visit. A walk through the "west end" will take you by some wonderful old (restored) miners' homes. The restored Wheeler Opera House is definitely worth a visit, and it also houses the town visitor center. The downtown pedestrian malls are very popular.
I believe you catch the Glenwood-Aspen bus about two blocks from the train depot. It's an easy walk. Ask the depot agent for directions. There are several stops in Aspen but they have lots of good maps.
If you tell me the approximate time of your visit I can give some more recommendations.
And Mr. Kisor's restaurant recommendation for Glenwood Springs are right on.
Posted by Railroad Bob (Member # 3508) on :
This thread is helpful for me also--tentatively planning a car trip westbound through the CO canyons along the route of the Zephyrs in early June. Very unusual for me to use an automobile- being a diehard RR guy. But- now I can stop and see stuff, go "off route," set my own schedules, find hole-in-the-wall diners, etc. When will the Ms. Sojourner be in the area? Maybe Bob and Cynthia can have a quick visit with you, if possible.
Posted by PullmanCo (Member # 1138) on :
When in Reno, ask your hotel desk where a good Basque restaurant is. I promise you one of the very best steaks in your life.
Nevada Railroad Museum in Carson City is always worth a visit They are restoring a McKeen car (it's almost finished).
Down in the Carson Valley, the J&T grill is a fantastic Basque restaurant!
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
When hearing the term "Basque" first thing coming to mind is terrorist (well, "Freedom fighter" to some).
Nevertheless, here is more regarding the Dining style Mr. Pullman notes:
Sorry, Bob, I'll be there before June. But the Basque restaurant in Reno does sound like a good thing to do; I know there is one not too far from the Amtrak station. I'd like to get to the Nevada RR Museum in Carson City too!
Posted by Railroad Bob (Member # 3508) on :
Okay, Ms. Sojourner-- our ships can pass in the night, as they say! I trust we'll both have great trips; I may even have a tale or two to post here of some "RR themed" adventures I hope to have- along the---> Ways of the Chiefs and Zephyrs.
Posted by mr williams (Member # 1928) on :
There is a scheduled bus service between Reno - Carson City, but when I looked at the timetable it has been slashed severely since I took it about four years ago. Now, there are only two buses in the early morning and three in late afternoon/early evening, so you would have to leave Reno at 6.47 am or wait until 3.05 pm. The last bus back is at approx 6.30pm. The service now only runs Monday - Friday (there used to be 8/9 each way M-F with 4/5 on a Sat).
There is a bus service from Carson - Virginia City but it runs on Saturday only, which is no use unless you spend the w/e there, or do a very convuluted trip on the Amtrak bus via Sacramento as Greyhound no longer seems to run to carson from Reno.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
They are restoring a McKeen car (it's almost finished).