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Anyone with experience parking for several days at La Junta CO? I can see they have parking and accessible parking. I am driving to La Junta on a Monday to catch the SW Chief to Albuquerque for a conference. Then back Friday and then drive back to Denver. I am wondering about the facility and if they have parking for a 4 night duration. First train trip in a while and it's on the boss, so i am excited about a trip and the conference s well. Thanks group!! Ira
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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Mr. Slotkin, only you know how comfortable you will feel about having your auto parked unattended in what could well be unsecured at times.
I think in its over three years of life with me, my auto has maybe spent twenty nights "under the stars". When at a hotel offering only outdoor parking, I am usually finding a place in sight of my room - and then I sleep with "one eye open".
Three guesses with the first two not counting, guess how comfortable I'd be about leaving mine.
George Harris Member # 2077
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The car can be a factor as well as the neighborhood. If it is toward the new and nice maybe not, but if you are driving something that you could leave running in a bad neighborhood and t would stay there until after it ran out of gas, that would change the picture.
TwinStarRocket Member # 2142
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I left my car in La Junta back in the '80s with no problem, and it felt very safe to me. The lot is between the BNSF yards and the busy US 50. It usually has many cars in it and it is not dark at night due to the highway lights. I have been through LAJ as recently as last October and there still seems to be a lot of railroad people around the station. It is a crew change point for the SWC. Police cars patrol US 50 regularly.
You could always call the station at (719) 384-2275 and ask them about it. I frequently leave my car in small towns such as La Plata, MO and Osceola, IA. I feel it is safer there than in any large city. The only worry I have is hailstorms. Although I did once park near a hitching post in La Plata that I thought was just decor. When I returned the horse reins for a parked Amish buggy were stretched over my hood and tied to the post.
The Amtrak website lists 20 long term and 20 short term parking spaces. Usually that means they have room for 40 cars and you can park for any duration wherever you want. I expect you will be pleased enough with La Junta to compose a haiku for us about your experience.
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