The most scenic part of the California Zephyr route (and how to ride it)

The most scenic part of the California Zephyr route is between Denver and Emeryville, California. This overnight trip includes an ascent into the Rocky Mountains, beautiful scenery along the Colorado River, travel through Glenwood and Ruby Canyons, and views of Utah rock formations and the rugged scenery in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

In this guide, learn how to plan a trip to see this amazing scenery from the windows of the California Zephyr.

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Where the scenic segment starts and ends

Start station: Denver Union Station (DEN)
End station: Emeryville, CA (EMY)
Travel time: 33 hours (one night on the train)

This portion can be ridden as a standalone trip without committing to the full route. Shorter options include travel from Denver to Salt Lake City for Rocky Mountain views and airport access (14.5 hours one-way). Or from Denver to Glenwood Springs (6 hours, requires a return trip to Denver on a following day).

Why this segment is the most scenic

The trip between Denver and Emeryville includes the must-see mountain scenery in Colorado, Nevada, and California. You’ll also have unique scenery in Utah and views of multiple rivers, wetlands, and bays (including San Francisco Bay).

What you won’t see: Great Plains, Midwest farmland, and the Mississippi River.

Tip: You can choose San Francisco as your final destination instead of Emeryville if you want to sightsee in the city after getting off the train. This travel option includes a bus shuttle from Emeryville. Rideshare is also an option from Emeryville if you’d prefer private transportation.

Getting to Denver Union Station

Denver Union Station is the place to board the California Zephyr to quickly reach the best scenery on the route. The train departs in the morning, so plan to arrive the day before your departure date unless you live nearby. Note that this direction of travel (westbound) is recommended because you’ll have plenty of daylight to view the Rocky Mountain scenery.

Local transportation

If you live in Denver, consider using public transportation (bus, light rail, commuter rail), Lyft, Uber, taxi, or a friend/family drop-off to reach Union Station. There is also daily parking about a block away from the train station at 1660 Wynkoop Street. Use Park Hero to view all parking options and reserve a spot.

Driving to Denver

If you plan to drive to Denver from a nearby city, you can use Park Hero to view parking options near Union Station. You can also park at the Denver Airport, which is a great option if you plan to fly back to Denver after the train trip. The economy parking lots are equally distant to the A Line train to Union Station, which departs near the Westin Hotel (look for “Transit Center” signs). Trains are frequent (view schedule and fare information), and travel time to Union Station is 37 minutes.

Flight to Denver

Book a flight to Denver International Airport, arriving at least one day before your train departure. At the airport, board the A Line train (near the Westin Hotel) to reach Union Station. Look for “Trains to City” and “Transit Center” signs (view video to learn more). Trains are frequent (view schedule and fare information) and travel time is 37 minutes.

Where to stay

Denver

If you’re arriving the day before your train trip, the best hotel option is the Crawford Hotel, which is inside Denver Union Station. Limelight Denver, The Hotel Oxford and the Sentral Union Station are also a short walk away.

Emeryville

The following hotels are closest to the Emeryville Amtrak station. While you’re in the area, make time to visit the famous Trader Vic’s tiki bar and restaurant that overlooks the bay.

• Hyatt House (6-minute walk)
• Four Points Sheraton (7-minute walk)
• Hyatt Place (10-minute walk)
• Hilton Garden Inn (14-minute walk)

Sacramento (alternate end point)

If you prefer to end your trip in Sacramento and visit the California State Railroad Museum, the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel and AC Hotel are the highest-rated places to stay near the Amtrak station (walking time is six and seven minutes). Other hotels in walking distance include Holiday Inn, The Exchange, and Vegabond Inn. Nearby Midtown Sacramento, full of restaurants and bars, is another popular area for accommodations.

Return trip options

If on time, California Zephyr trains reach Sacramento in mid-afternoon. Return trip options include:

• Travel back to Denver on the California Zephyr (on the following day).
• Book a flight out of Oakland, San Francisco, or Sacramento airport. It’s best to fly out on the day after you arrive in case there are train delays.
• Transfer same day to a northbound Coast Starlight train for travel along the West Coast. You can fly out of an airport on this route or connect with the Empire Builder in Portland or Seattle to reach Glacier National Park.
• Transfer the next day to a southbound Coast Starlight train to reach cities including Santa Barbara and Los Angeles.

Best time of year for scenery

The California Zephyr scenery is stunning all year long, but here are some things to keep in mind:

Spring: Views of snow-topped mountains and fast moving rivers
Summer: Lots of daylight for scenery, trains are usually full
Fall: Golden Aspen trees, fewer crowds
Winter: Delays are more common

Seating tips for the best views

The California Zephyr sightseer lounge is open to everyone on the train and is the best place to view the scenery. You may want to visit the lounge after boarding the train in Denver and storing your carry-on luggage. Sleeper car passengers can also schedule breakfast in the dining car to view the scenery on both sides of the train.

Family bedrooms also have windows on both sides of the train as a private room option. Otherwise, roomettes and standard bedrooms only have windows on one side.

Tips

• There are scenic views on both sides of the train on the trip into the Rocky Mountains (slightly better on the right side).
• The left side is best once the train reaches Glenwood Canyon (views of the Colorado River).
• To see Donner Lake (just past the Truckee stop), you’ll want to be on the right side of the train.

Turning this segment into a longer trip

You can extend this ride by staying a night or more at stops along the way. Top options include:

• Glenwood Springs: Walkable mountain town with hot springs pools
• Grand Junction: Charming downtown with art galleries and local shops
• Reno: Shows, casinos, museums, gateway to Lake Tahoe (with rental car)
• Truckee: Near Donner Memorial State Park and ski areas

For more information, see the 10 best stops on the California Zephyr route and the California Zephyr route guide for a full station list and onboard information.

More Information

• 10 most scenic Amtrak routes
• California Zephyr vs Empire Builder
• Best things to do in Sacramento
• Best things to do in Denver

Top photo by Jimmy Thomas, California Zephyr trains pass each other in Glenwood Canyon, CC BY-SA 2.0