Im contemplating a once in a lifetime vacation and i could do with some veiws of where to visit, bearing in mind that my U.S geography knowledge is virtualy nonexistent for the time being.
Ive 3 places in mind though, including the Tehachapi Pass, Rochelle and Cajon Pass. I'd like to see big freights in spectacular scenery but obviously not to remote. It would also have to be a 'wife freindly' vacation where she/we could take a break from train watching and look at other interests aswel as just the trains.
Thanks
Gary.
Here's my idea for your once-in-a-lifetime vacation. Take an Amtrak vacation! I mean a long distance trip on Amtrak and see the western part (west of Chicago) of the USA. Here's how I've done it and plan on doing it again some year before I die! If you are in the UK (or anywhere), get yourself to Chicago, Illinois. Make reservations on the California Zephyr, one of Amtrak's premier long distance trains, and head west. The train leaves Chicago at 1:50 PM and goes across much midwestern farmland in Illinois and Iowa. Depending on the time of year, you'll be in darkness by evening hours and won't see much out the windows after dark until you get into eastern Colorado and Denver the next morning .Immediately after Denver the scenery turns to the spectacular, as the train climbs approx. 4000 feet in elevation to the Moffat tunnel. I am always amazed at how they built a railroad line thru that area nearly a hundred years ago! There are nearly 30 smaller tunnels before you get to the big one, the Moffatt.You will meet plenty of eastbound freight trains (mostly coal trains) with midtrain helper engines and pushers on the rear, although they'll be coming downhill from the summit. Either they or you'll be sitting on a passing siding as this is mostly single track territory. The great scenery continues all the way to the west coast, but some areas are more interesting than others. I especially like the next 3 or more hours, in daylight, of course, to Glenwood Springs, CO. That is my next destination, a trip I've already made a few times. I might say, that if you want a "wife friendly" trip, pay extra and get accomodations in the sleeping car. It will be more comfortable by far and your meals in the dining car are included in the price of the ticket. If it's the two of you traveling together , or just you alone, you will meet many interesting people in the dining car, as the tables seat 4 guests, and the dining car steward will seat you with one or two other passengers.
There are several interesting cities to vacation at along the way if you want to de-train and stay a day or two or three, and then re-board the train later and continue your westward vacation. The Zephyr is a daily train and you can stay as long as you like in one place, as long as your ticket reservations are made with planning and done correctly. As I mentioned, Denver and Glenwood Springs(a resort town), Salt Lake City, Reno, and San Francisco are some interesting cities to stop and see. Glenwood Springs has a huge, outdoor, naturally heated, hot springs pool, open to the public. Salt Lake City is the home of the Mormon Church and is rich in western history. Reno is famous for casinos and nearby Lake Tahoe. The train actually stops at Emeryville, CA, and you get bused across the bay to SF, home of the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, Chinatown and many other tourist attractions. After seeing San Francisco for a few days, head north on the Coast Starlight, another Amtrak train, and go to Seattle. See Seattle for a few days and then head back east on the Empire Builder, another long distance train, to Chicago. Better add a couple of days to see Chicago, either before or after your west coast trip.
As I said before, I highly reccomend sleeping accomodations for the entire trip. It will cost you PLENTY, but you will enjoy your trip a lot more. The trip from Chicago to California is 2 days, the trip to Seattle is 1 day, and back to Chicago from Seattle is 2 more days on the train, so that's a lot of train travel....more than I want to spend in coach class and sleeping in a chair that doesn't really recline much! The total mileage is about 5500 miles. My wife and I have done this once before and we were gone from home 13 days. This was about 10 years ago and am ready to do it again, but for now we are just taking shorter trips on Amtrak.
I'd be glad to answer any questions you have. Hope you will come visit the USA!
Hi Gary.
William sounds like he knows the routes.
One thing to watch out for: He says the Zephyr is daily. Coming from the UK, you may be surprised that that is once (each way) a day, and no lesser service available (except suburban trains at the ends). Worse: a lot of long distance trains are only 3 days a week; read the timetables carefully.
--David
Yes to go to what in my opinion is the "mecca" of the places to train watch which is Southern California. such places as Cajon Pass, T/ loop, Caliente, Barstow never failed to have trains. It is like watching the telly every few minutes a new show. She my web site in my siganature for the spots I go to
Gary UK wrote: Im contemplating a once in a lifetime vacation and i could do with some veiws of where to visit, bearing in mind that my U.S geography knowledge is virtualy nonexistent for the time being. Ive 3 places in mind though, including the Tehachapi Pass, Rochelle and Cajon Pass. I'd like to see big freights in spectacular scenery but obviously not to remote. It would also have to be a 'wife freindly' vacation where she/we could take a break from train watching and look at other interests aswel as just the trains. Thanks Gary.
Living nearby to MP 186 of the UPRR Austin TX Sub
Here is a trip that my wife and I are going to do next month in November. We are going to take off from Galesburg, Il on a Saturday afternoon and take the Southwest Chief to Los Angeles, (We are just passing through LA) then from LA we are going to take the Coast Starlight to Oakland/San Francisco, we are going to spend 4 nights in San Francisco. Then we will take the California Zephyr back to Galesburg. Nine days gone from home, three full days in the San Francisco area. We will see Deserts, The Rocky Mountains, and go through Moffat Tunnel.
I can't wait
J C Beard
I have recently returned from a 7700 mile motorhome trip over a couple of months. On that trip I visited Rochelle...parked in a Walmart store and visited the park twice, once with wife and once after dinner. Well worth the trip, by the way. I drove all around the area and got a look at what the camera was seeing. Very interesting, and I really wonder how anyone can get any sleep from the train whistle!!
The end of our trip was from South Carolina to Barstow, California, and continued on through to the bay area and back to the Pacific northwest. As nice as it is to cross on I-90 enroute to Rochelle, there is relatively little train-watching along there. The story is totally different as you get into New Mexico, Arizona and California.
I-40 roughly tracks Route 66 and with a little sidetracking here and there in New Mexico and Arizona, you will see more freight action with a little Amtrak thrown in that you'll see anywhere else.
I don't know where you are starting from, but I lean also towards an Amtrak trip. I also recently completed an Amtrak trip from Tacoma, Washington through Boston and on to New York. It was a marvelous trip with terrific service and accomodations. A year ago, I did a quickie out to Essex, Montana and back to Tacoma in just three days and that was also terrific...see "The Essex Turn" on Trainweb.com in the archives.
I really can't decide whether I like to watch trains or ride on them better, although a journey has the added advantage of, well, the journey, because, after all, that's the thing, isn't it.
Bill
"Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig"
Hi all,
Good suggestions all the way around. Here's a trip that my wife and son and I did on Amtrack that we would NOT repeat. We did a Amtrack train from Alexandria Station near Washington DC to Orlando Florida.
We were told by the train conductor on board that the Car Train was much newer and nicer. We were not on the car train.
Amtrack does not own the track that runs up and down the East Coast (at least not between WDC and Orlando Florida). They lease the use of the freight track owned by another RR company. So often during our trip (once every hour or two) we would have to stop, sometimes for 5 minutes and sometimes for 2 hours, while the freight train in front of us was shuffled off the route. This is probably the main reason why its impossible for Amtrack to make any money, they can never be on time! In planning the trip I talked to the station master in Orlando and they mentioned that the train could be in anytime between its scheduled arrival time of 11am to 5 or 6pm. We arrived at 2pm.
The reclining chairs on our train were very uncomfortable, and my wife, son and I actually found it easier to sleep in the dining car slumped over the dinette. If your doing a multiday train ride, the sleeper cars might be worth it.
The Amtrack employees were to a person all very nice and considerate. I'm particularly fond our a female conductor that we had on board. While in the dining car watching a movie with my 9 year old son on his DVD player, several men in the booth opposite us were talking and one of them was cussing occassionally. The conductor stopped what she was doing (counting tickets) and cautioned the men not to use that language on the train. I was very gratefull for that. I also witnessed Amtrack employees stopping boom-boxes from being operated without a headphone. I brought up to the conductor that that wasn't going to bother us, and he answered that if they allow it for one, then others would want it and their music might be louder or more offensive. I continued to see other instances where Amtrack employees and rules worked to make the train ride as enjoyable for ALL as possible. I thought Amtracks greatest asset was its employees.
I was told by others that the Amtrack observation cars cannot be allowed on the northeastern routes because of the limits imposed by the height of the RR tunnels in the Appalanchian mountains.
We did this trip because we had never ridden the train to Florida before and wanted to see what the experience was like. Althought I wouldn't trade the experince, I'm in no hurry to repeat it. Perhaps with the nicer Car Train and a sleeper car...
Hope that helps.
-- RRdude
Hell, i'd forgotten about this thread! So many great suggestions, thanks guys.
Just like moddeling, planning and research is the key to success. I dont realy know where to start but the above has helped no end. Time is on my side though, if i done this it would be in couple or so years time. I work on the track in the U.K and it would sure be interesting to get an insight into how things are done in the U.S. Ive got a DVD of Cajon Pass and thats had a lasting impression on me as have pictures of the T-pass. Im leaning more towards a "do it yourself" motor home type thing at the moment as we like the independance but i'l have to take a look into that.
As with anything and the U.K is no differant, i reckon you'd have to be prety carefull about where you went as regards to your welfare! There must be no-go areas? I also realy need to brush up on my geography of the U.S big time.
Hi Gary,
You don't say how much time you're planning to spend on vacation, but keep in mind that Rochelle is near Chicago, and Cajon and Tehachapi are near LA - these cities are 2000 miles apart (and there's a lot of desert and corn fields in between !)
You might be better off exploring the area around Chicago (lots of trains, and some nice places to watch them from too e.g. LaGrange, Elmhurst, Rochelle, Galesburg, Edelstein Hill), then fly (or take Amtrak) to Denver and explore that part of the Rockies (and the narrow gauge tourist railroads), then fly/Amtrak to LA/San Francisco to explore California - or maybe drive through the scenic part of New Mexico (you've seen the desert rock formations many times in the movies!) to the Grand Canyon and then onto LA.
Also renting motorhomes in the US seems expensive whenever we've looked at it, but (outside the centre of big cities) hotel/motel accomodation is cheaper than it is here in the UK and generally plentiful, so just renting a car and staying in motels might be a cheaper option - expecially since it's possible to pick up a car in one location and drop it off in another with the big rental companies.
If you want to do some Amtrak 'Superliner' travelling, then Denver-Oakland (through the Rockies and over Donner Pass) on the 'California Zephyr' is a must, and you can visit the Grand Canyon (and the Grand Canyon Railroad) using the 'Southwest Chief' overnight to/from LA - that way you get travel on the train up and down Cajon Pass too
Tony
(Recently returned from a week of train watching in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin - thank you to all the railfans I met along the way, especially at Rochelle and Edelstein Hill).
owlsroost wrote: You don't say how much time you're planning to spend on vacation
You don't say how much time you're planning to spend on vacation
I reckon about 3 or 4 weeks Tony
owlsroost wrote: but keep in mind that Rochelle is near Chicago, and Cajon and Tehachapi are near LA - these cities are 2000 miles apart (and there's a lot of desert and corn fields in between !)
but keep in mind that Rochelle is near Chicago, and Cajon and Tehachapi are near LA - these cities are 2000 miles apart (and there's a lot of desert and corn fields in between !)
Thats what i mean about my geography skills lol, thats like another country away!
owlsroost wrote: You might be better off exploring the area around Chicago (lots of trains, and some nice places to watch them from too), then fly (or take Amtrak) to Denver and explore that part of the Rockies (and the narrow gauge tourist railroads), then fly/Amtrak to LA/San Francisco to explore California - or maybe drive through the scenic part of New Mexico (you've seen the desert rock formations many times in the movies!) to the Grand Canyon and then onto LA. Also renting motorhomes in the US seems expensive (whenever we've looked at it), but (outside the centre of big cities) hotel/motel accomdation is cheaper than it is in the UK and generally plentiful, so just renting a car and staying in motels might be a cheaper option - expecially since it's possible to pick up a car in one location and drop it off in another with the big rental companies. If you want to do some Amtrak 'Superliner' travelling, then Denver-Oakland (through the Rockies and over Donner Pass) on the California Zephyr is a must, and you can visit the Grand Canyon (and the Grand Canyon Railroad) using the Southwest Chief overnight to/from LA - that way you get travel on the train up and down Cajon Pass too Tony
You might be better off exploring the area around Chicago (lots of trains, and some nice places to watch them from too), then fly (or take Amtrak) to Denver and explore that part of the Rockies (and the narrow gauge tourist railroads), then fly/Amtrak to LA/San Francisco to explore California - or maybe drive through the scenic part of New Mexico (you've seen the desert rock formations many times in the movies!) to the Grand Canyon and then onto LA.
Also renting motorhomes in the US seems expensive (whenever we've looked at it), but (outside the centre of big cities) hotel/motel accomdation is cheaper than it is in the UK and generally plentiful, so just renting a car and staying in motels might be a cheaper option - expecially since it's possible to pick up a car in one location and drop it off in another with the big rental companies.
If you want to do some Amtrak 'Superliner' travelling, then Denver-Oakland (through the Rockies and over Donner Pass) on the California Zephyr is a must, and you can visit the Grand Canyon (and the Grand Canyon Railroad) using the Southwest Chief overnight to/from LA - that way you get travel on the train up and down Cajon Pass too
All sounds prety good to me!
Thanks Tony.
Use mapquest.com
All you have to do is go to directions then insert say Chicago on the from side & Los Angeles on the to side & you will then get the mileage between those 2 cities. Here is a sample for you
http://www.mapquest.com/directions/main.adp?go=1&do=nw&rmm=1&un=m&cl=EN&qq=hltF3hzNT9tNhURP0HLlhh9UYBmHRqyBceg4Gkon14D8uewLk7pjHQ%253d%253d&ct=NA&rsres=1&1y=US&1ffi=&1l=&1g=&1pl=&1v=&1n=&1pn=&1a=&1c=Los+Angeles&1s=CA&1z=&2y=US&2ffi=&2l=&2g=&2pl=&2v=&2n=&2pn=&2a=&2c=Colton&2s=CA&2z=&r=f
Gary UK wrote: owlsroost wrote: You don't say how much time you're planning to spend on vacation I reckon about 3 or 4 weeks Tony owlsroost wrote: but keep in mind that Rochelle is near Chicago, and Cajon and Tehachapi are near LA - these cities are 2000 miles apart (and there's a lot of desert and corn fields in between !) Thats what i mean about my geography skills lol, thats like another country away! owlsroost wrote: You might be better off exploring the area around Chicago (lots of trains, and some nice places to watch them from too), then fly (or take Amtrak) to Denver and explore that part of the Rockies (and the narrow gauge tourist railroads), then fly/Amtrak to LA/San Francisco to explore California - or maybe drive through the scenic part of New Mexico (you've seen the desert rock formations many times in the movies!) to the Grand Canyon and then onto LA. Also renting motorhomes in the US seems expensive (whenever we've looked at it), but (outside the centre of big cities) hotel/motel accomdation is cheaper than it is in the UK and generally plentiful, so just renting a car and staying in motels might be a cheaper option - expecially since it's possible to pick up a car in one location and drop it off in another with the big rental companies. If you want to do some Amtrak 'Superliner' travelling, then Denver-Oakland (through the Rockies and over Donner Pass) on the California Zephyr is a must, and you can visit the Grand Canyon (and the Grand Canyon Railroad) using the Southwest Chief overnight to/from LA - that way you get travel on the train up and down Cajon Pass too Tony All sounds prety good to me! Thanks Tony.
Hands down....Marias Pass.
Gorgeous scenery; 40 - 50 BNSF trains per day; Great hotel at Essex (Isaac Walton Inn).
And.......Glacier Park - a destination in itself.
For a 3 to 4 week trip, I'd start with an Amtrak Vacation Planner. It will give you an idea of the routes & what to see. Your bookstore may have Scenic America by Rail paperback books. Your bookseller may help you finding what you need. You also need a timetable & a calendar to put pieces in place.
Coming from the UK, you may most likely begin your trip in New York.
From there, most services work west to Chicago. From Chicago, you have 3 routes to choose from. 1) Empire Builder to Seattle & Northwest.
2) California Zephyr to Denver & San Francisco
3) Southwest Chief to LA.
4) The Coast Starlight connects Seattle with SF & LA.
If you go west on EB, you may come back east on CZ or SC to Chicago, then take another train back to NYC.
Just be sure to build in some flexibility en route should a train be very late & miss connections. You may use the time to visit the city & relax before going on to the next one. Bring your camera & have lots of fun!
Let us know how your trip went when you get back!
As to no-go areas, I don't see where you will have the time to rent a car & drive around. Each city has a Gray Line tour office. They will gladly put you on a bus (with other guests) and show you each city. Your hotel will be only too happy to set up a trip, that will pick you up at the front door & take you back "home".
If anyone has not visited, Horseshoe Curve, I would make an effort to go there. In 1996 I rode Amtrk to Altoona for a three day visit. Day of arrival it rained all day. The 2nd day--which was the day to visit the park--sunny & clear. A picture perfect day to be trackside. The 3rd day and the day I was heading back on Amtrk to leave, the rain returned. The day @ the curve goes down as being the best rr vac I have taken. Any visit thee will not be wasted.
I sent a reply to Gary yesterday but thought I would just agree with Graywolfs posting and give Marias Pass a great recommendation. ( I'm from Scotland by the way ). I have visited Marias in the last two summers; its a fabulous place -- great railroad action, fabulous scenery, lots to see and do and with the adjacent Glacier National Park, well worth a visit. Can also recommend Whitefish as a great place to stay as well as a great place to watch trains!
For anyone travelling from this side the Atlantic, I can only say that I have found it easier to get to by flying to Calgary and then driving south on Highway 2 -- doesn't take long at all. ( It also gives the oppertunity to see the Canadian Rockies if you want to and a pilgrimage to Morrant's Curve is also recommended! )
Couldn't agee more with the Marias Pass suggestion. If you go, you have to stay at the Izaak Walton in (see link below), in one of the cabooses if you can arrange it. The inn is an old Great Northern crew lodge on the High Line next to Glacier National Park, right next to a small yard that usually has helpers idling, waiting for their next push over the pass.
http://izaakwaltoninn.com
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