Through Zephyr’s picture window

If Amtrak swears that a trip on the California Zephyr is a journey through one of the most picturesque train routes in North America, they really seem to mean...
California Zephyr - Scenic Route
California Zephyr - one of the most scenic Routes in the US

If Amtrak swears that a trip on the California Zephyr is a journey through one of the most picturesque train routes in North America, they really seem to mean it. The pictures in this photo-feature will prove just that — that this is indeed a ‘scenic train route’.

In the 32 hours aboard California Zephyr that transported me from Emeryville in California to Denver in Colorado, I couldn’t stop taking pictures of the myriad landscapes that this train showed me. This scenic route included bays and mountains, plains, and canyons. And since it was Autumn, it threw in some Fall color and some snow in the Sierras, too.  It didn’t seem fair not to share these sights so here’s a part of what I saw through Zephyr’s picture windows:

California Zephyr — Scenic Train Route

Suisun Bay from the California Zephyr
World War II ships (Mothball Fleet) kept afloat, just in case of another war. Suisun Bay on the way to Sacramento, California
California Zephyr Scenic Route -- Central Valley
The Great Central Valley, California.
Central Valley/ Yolo Basin
Also from the Great Central Valley. The ‘Yolo Basin’ around here is said to produce a billion pounds of rice every year.
The Sierra Nevada from the scenic train route
Some fall color and the Coniferous trees on the Sierra Nevada Range. (This part is on the California side.)
Snow on the Sierras - California Zephyr Route
Some snow near Truckee, California
 
Sights from California Zephyr's Scenic train route
Fall color near Reno, Nevada.
Sunset skies, Nevada
End of Day 1 on the train. And a Nevada sunset.
California Zephyr - Scenic Train Route
Desert lands of Utah
Ruby Canyon - from the Scenic train Route
Ruby Canyon, Utah.
Ruby Canyon from California Zephyr
Ruby Canyon, Utah.
California Zephyr - Scenic Train Route
National Monument, Colorado. The National monument is a series of canyons near Grand Junction, Colorado.
California Zephyr passes through Glenwood Canyon, CO
Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
Colorado River from the California Zephyr - Scenic Train Route
Colorado River flowing through Glenwood Canyon.
Gore Canyon - Scenic Route
Gore Canyon. This place is famous for rafting.
California Zephyr - Scenic Train Route
Land formation of a darker colour, some place between Gore Canyon and Granby, Colorado.
 
Near Granby, CA
A red hill in Granby, Colorado.
Fraser Canyon from the California Zephyr
Fraser Canyon, Colorado
Fraser- Winter Park
Passengers taking a smoking break at (Fraser) Winter Park.
Ski Resort near Moffat Tunnel.
Winter Park Ski Resort near the 6.2 mile Moffat Tunnel.
Sunset near Boulder Canyon
Twilight near South Boulder Canyon.
Gross Reservoir that supplies water to Denver
Gross Reservoir – where the city of Denver gets its water from.
Plainview ? CO.
Bad Picture, but this might be Plainview, which is said to offer a view of Denver some 1500 ft below.

You might want to go through:

Previous post – Aboard the California Zephyr
From National Geographic – Top 10 North American Train Trips
Amtrak: California Zephyr

Also read Siddhartha Joshi’s post  – A train ride to remember on The Wanderer

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Lithic LandscapesNatureScenic DrivesScenic RoutesViews

Dee (Divya): Blogger, Freelance Content Writer & Content Strategist. | 📸 Loves tripping.🛣 Tipsy from every TRIP!😬🫣 | 🏞Follow > for intoxicating virtual trips!🥂😉
62 Comments on this post.
  • magiceye
    5 December 2012 at 1:28 am
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    Beautiful landscapes all around. Thank you for sharing these wondrous sights

    • dNambiar
      5 December 2012 at 6:22 am
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      All the way through and all kinds of landscapes they were.
      It's such a pleasure, Magic eye.

  • Meoww
    5 December 2012 at 1:55 am
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    OMG! You are living my dream 🙂 I love seeing what i missed through yours pics! Cant get enough of them.

    • dNambiar
      5 December 2012 at 6:26 am
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      I wish you'd gotten to do this. There's nothing quite like this journey. I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to see all this and share these pictures with all of you. I'm so happy that you like the scenes, Meoww. Which part of the US were you in?

  • Rahul Bhatia
    5 December 2012 at 3:27 am
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    Each picture is a tapestry in color! Thank you for taking us on this trip by California Zephyr, Divya:)

    • dNambiar
      5 December 2012 at 6:27 am
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      It is. It was such a delightful train ride, Mr. Bhatia.
      You're welcome 🙂

  • Ajeeth boaz
    5 December 2012 at 5:41 am
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    Beautiful pics, well shot, loved the Nevada sunset.

    • dNambiar
      5 December 2012 at 6:28 am
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      Thank you so much, Ajeeth. It feels good to hear that from a pro. I love all your photographs too. 🙂

  • R Niranjan Das
    5 December 2012 at 5:54 am
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    Wow!! What landscapes…Magnificent. This is a must-do train ride. Awesome captures Divya. You must have been busy clicking and gaping at the landscapes throughout the journey. 🙂

    http://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in/

    • dNambiar
      5 December 2012 at 6:38 am
      Leave a Reply

      Yeah Niranjan, there was a lot to see. I didn't have my fill despite being on that train for two days. I wonder what I missed in those places we passed during the night. 🙁
      I did take a whole lot of pictures. But there were stretches where I put my camera aside and just took in the scenery. 🙂

  • Debopam
    5 December 2012 at 6:53 am
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    • dNambiar
      6 December 2012 at 2:43 am
      Leave a Reply

      Thanks Debopam. Welcome here. 🙂

  • Arti
    5 December 2012 at 7:42 am
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    Stunning sights, Divya! A kaleidoscope of myriad shades, colors and hues. Its amazing how much we can see and savor on a train ride, its an experience to look out of the window and take things in while on the move.

    • dNambiar
      6 December 2012 at 2:45 am
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      It really was an experience of a lifetime, Arti. The images kept changing, keeping boredom at bay. 🙂

  • Pattu Raj
    5 December 2012 at 1:19 pm
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    Beautiful to look at! thanks for sharing Divya!

    • dNambiar
      6 December 2012 at 2:45 am
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      My pleasure, totally. 🙂

  • umashankar
    5 December 2012 at 3:52 pm
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    Hard to believe they are shot from behind the windows. Beautiful, beautiful pictures! It truly honours the name 'Zephyr'!

    • Sangeeta Reghu
      5 December 2012 at 4:36 pm
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      I agree Divya .. Stunning shots …

    • dNambiar
      6 December 2012 at 2:58 am
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      @ Sangeeta – Thank you so much, Sangeeta. I pass on the credit to the amazing sights that this train showed me. 🙂

    • dNambiar
      20 December 2012 at 1:33 am
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      @Umashankar – Thank you USP. I did my best. 🙂 I shot them all without the flash, yet couldn't avoid the glares in a few pictures and couldn't avoid the power lines and electricity posts in yet others. Somehow nothing seems to dull those great outdoor scenes. This trip was a feast, really. 🙂

  • jayadevm
    5 December 2012 at 8:19 pm
    Leave a Reply

    Hi DN

    It must have been an awesome experience – America has fabulous vistas and your pictures brought some of it to me.

    Enjoyed your pictorial travelogue.

    • dNambiar
      7 December 2012 at 4:37 pm
      Leave a Reply

      It really was, Mr. Menon. From this trip I learned that this is a great way to see America considering the different kinds of landscapes we rode through. So what if it took us longer to get to our destination, the journey itself was one-of-a-kind. 🙂
      I'm so glad you like this post. Thank you so much.

  • Desi Traveler
    6 December 2012 at 7:47 am
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    Just amazing pics.. .and considering they were taken from train it makes them even more beautiful…

    • dNambiar
      7 December 2012 at 4:44 pm
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      The USP of this train is that it travels through one of the most scenic routes and — this is what it looks like. I swear, this a wonderful way to see the US. 🙂
      Thank you Desi Traveler.

  • Bikramjit
    6 December 2012 at 9:39 am
    Leave a Reply

    wow wow wowow.. I am gate crashing your home , and psetering you to take me to this please he he he hee

    jokes apart beautiful pictures loved each one of them

    Bikram's

    • TTT
      6 December 2012 at 10:19 am
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      No Bikram No ! Its me who is going with her !!!!!!!!!!!!! Pleeeeeeeeeeease D ! Lemme tag along ! Just gorgeous !

    • dNambiar
      7 December 2012 at 4:46 pm
      Leave a Reply

      Bikram, so this has been added to your list of must-dos when you visit the US, right? :)Oh, the scenes are gorgeous, that's why the pictures are good. 🙂
      Hey, lemme know when you come this side, ok.

    • dNambiar
      7 December 2012 at 4:49 pm
      Leave a Reply

      @ TTT, Bikram, both of you are welcome. 🙂
      We should have a little Indiblogger meet on the California Zephyr 😀

  • Rupertt Wind
    6 December 2012 at 11:41 am
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    That's some beautiful vistas D. Its mouth watering to say the least. I sure will one day take this train ride.

    • dNambiar
      7 December 2012 at 4:47 pm
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      Mr. Wind!!! long time. I hope you are doing well. 🙂
      Mouthwatering? I'm sure it is. You must. It'll be one of the best ones you ever did.

  • Akshay Kumar G
    6 December 2012 at 3:36 pm
    Leave a Reply

    Really stunning and beautiful, all the pics. You always find some of the most beautiful landscapes while you are traveling on a train, be it any part of the world. 🙂

    • dNambiar
      7 December 2012 at 4:51 pm
      Leave a Reply

      You're so right, Akshay. The trains do show you some of the best, wherever you might be.
      Thanks Akshay.

  • Rajesh
    6 December 2012 at 4:57 pm
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    Great landscapes captured on the way, amazing variety.

    • dNambiar
      7 December 2012 at 4:51 pm
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      Thank you Rajesh. This is a fantastic route. 🙂

  • Sri Valli
    8 December 2012 at 11:38 am
    Leave a Reply

    Awesome shots!! especially loved sunset picture!

    • dNambiar
      11 December 2012 at 5:58 pm
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      Thanks a ton, Valli. 🙂

  • Jane
    10 December 2012 at 11:30 pm
    Leave a Reply

    Amazing sunset photos, Divya!

    • dNambiar
      11 December 2012 at 6:07 pm
      Leave a Reply

      Thank you Jane. Welcome here.
      I just saw your mail. Shall add the post soon. Hi to Brenda.

  • Krishna
    11 December 2012 at 8:35 am
    Leave a Reply

    wow! excellent capture…

    photos of sunsets are very beautiful

    thanks

    • dNambiar
      11 December 2012 at 6:08 pm
      Leave a Reply

      Thank you Krishna. 🙂

  • Leah | Travel Quest
    13 December 2012 at 1:54 am
    Leave a Reply

    I love all your photos keep on sharing! I'm your new follower , visiting back from Travel Quest.

    • dNambiar
      13 December 2012 at 11:43 pm
      Leave a Reply

      Welcome to Tipsy from the Trip, Leah. 🙂

  • Nevin
    13 December 2012 at 3:21 am
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    I think the fact that all the photos were shot from behind the windows made it even more special. You also take the reader for a ride with you. Excellent job.

    • dNambiar
      13 December 2012 at 11:46 pm
      Leave a Reply

      That's such a compliment, Nevin. Thank you so much.

  • Panchali
    13 December 2012 at 8:15 am
    Leave a Reply

    Really great shots, Divya! Breathtaking……What camera do you use???
    Thanks for sharing.:)

    • dNambiar
      13 December 2012 at 11:49 pm
      Leave a Reply

      My pleasure, Panchali di. And thank you so very much. 🙂
      I use a Canon Rebel T1i/Eos 500D.

  • Jim
    14 December 2012 at 4:34 am
    Leave a Reply

    Great shots. Thanks for your comment on my blog.

    • dNambiar
      16 December 2012 at 9:32 am
      Leave a Reply

      Thank you Jim. That's a nice blog you've got there.

  • Prismma Magazine
    14 December 2012 at 7:13 pm
    Leave a Reply

    Hi,

    In response to several reader requests on finding blogs in a certain category, we are introducing the Blogger Index on Prismma in January 2013.

    We think your blog would be ideal for this compilation and would like to invite you to submit your blog entry for the index. Details are given on the link below

    http://www.prismma.in/india-blogs/

    Look forward to connecting with you

    Rajini

    • dNambiar
      16 December 2012 at 9:33 am
      Leave a Reply

      Thank you Rajini. I'll have a look at that. 🙂

  • Arnab Maity
    15 December 2012 at 4:04 am
    Leave a Reply

    This is a fascinating train journey that you experienced Divya. Train journeys are still special only because of the landscapes and cityscapes you get to see through the window and this was a feast for your camera. I am so glad that you took this journey other than flying to Denver which is the easiest one and everyone does. Looking forward to many more of your train journeys.

    ~Arnab
    http://www.arnabmaity.com

    • dNambiar
      16 December 2012 at 9:42 am
      Leave a Reply

      It was a trip like no other, Arnab. It was worth all those hours as opposed to air travel. They'd given us copies of the route guide that let us keep track of which places we were passing through and all of that. That was a good thing.
      They also had an observation car with really big glass windows. It was awesome to sit there and take in the surroundings. The lounge and dining area was also on level 2 so the scenes were great from there too. 🙂

      I hope I get to see more of America, this way. 🙂

  • Rajyalakshmi Vathyam
    17 December 2012 at 6:53 pm
    Leave a Reply

    Divya, these train ride series are awesome. I had read them long while ago, but somehow, I was not able to tell how much they are inspiring me to take up the riede immediately. I had been from DC to Indiana in a train and while it's not the most scenic one among the train rides Amtrak offers, but it surely covered amazing scenes from Pennsylvania and West Virginia. I wish I had saved those photographs to write a post like this. But like I said, I am so inspired to take up a train ride afetr reading your post. Thank you for sharing! Keep travelling 🙂

    • dNambiar
      18 December 2012 at 1:35 am
      Leave a Reply

      Oh :(. I wish you had those photographs. I would have loved to the places you to to travel through.
      Cool! I'm looking forward to pics from your next train trip, ok Raji. :)And your photographs are simply great so it'll be such a treat.

      Btw, where's the Hawaii post??

  • Kishan P
    22 March 2013 at 4:44 pm
    Leave a Reply

    Wow! That sure is one awesome ride. Its a train ride desired to please the tourists rather than just being a means of transportation from Point A to Point B.

    • dNambiar
      5 April 2013 at 12:40 am
      Leave a Reply

      You're so right. It's not just a means of transportation from A to B. It's only the people who want to see the sights between A and B, who'd take this train, coz it seems to cost just as much as the flight tickets and it's more time consuming.

      So yeah — it's for people like us. :).
      Isn't it something?

  • Ercotravels
    21 June 2013 at 10:57 am
    Leave a Reply

    Splendid post with awesome picture gallery. such a amazing place to visit and to do the adventure activities.

    • dNambiar
      25 August 2014 at 11:24 am
      Leave a Reply

      Thank you.
      Yeah, it was an amazing journey.

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