A ride on Amtrak’s California Zephyr

Hey folks! So, my dad’s had this lifelong dream of riding the train cross-country, and we finally decided to make it happen. Our first leg? A shorter trip from Indianapolis to Grand Junction, Colorado, with a mission to check out the Utah National Parks and the Grand Canyon.

Working with Amtrak, we crafted our itinerary, but we did need to rent a car for part of the journey to explore the parks and get to the Grand Canyon. While the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, AZ, sounded cool, our rental car gave us more flexibility to soak up the sights.

Now, onto the train itself! We hopped on the California Zephyr, winding from Chicago to San Francisco, with epic stops along the way. The Colorado stretch stole the show, climbing through the Rockies, and hitting an altitude of 9600 feet. Sure, the air was a bit thin, but nothing Dad and his buddy couldn’t handle. Plus, the views? Mind-blowing! Tunnels, twists, turns – it was like nothing else.

We snagged roomettes for a cozy ride, perfect for the three of us. During the day, they doubled as comfy seating with a tiny table for snacks or work. Space was tight, but they made the most of it with hooks, cubbies, and plugs. No Wi-Fi in the rooms, but hey, who needs it when you’ve got jaw-dropping scenery?

Food-wise, we lucked out with free eats in the dining car. Our steward was a gem, making sure we were well-fed and comfy. Dad struggled with the moving train, so she kindly brought our meals to us – talk about service!

The communal dining setup was a neat touch, letting us mingle with fellow travelers. Menu options were solid, and the food hit the spot. And let’s not forget the observation car – primo seats for soaking in those stunning vistas.

Now, about luggage – way more relaxed than a plane. We checked two bags, carried on two more, plus a personal item. Easy peasy!

Dad needed wheelchairs at stations, which were a breeze to arrange, and while there are accessible rooms on the train, they keep them open for those who truly need them.

Overall, the train ride was a blast. If you’re not in a rush, it’s a super chill way to travel. So, who’s ready to hop aboard?