Happening Now

Inspiring Landscapes - Salt Lake City to Denver

August 11, 2013

Written By Malcolm Kenton

Yesterday, half of the Millennial Trains Project participants got off the eastbound Amtrak California Zephyr at Salt Lake City at 3:00 AM and had a full day of exploring new frontiers there before flying to Denver in the evening (there was no way for our private cars to be parked overnight in Salt Lake). But I and the other half stayed on board the train for the world-renowned gorgeous ride through the heart of the Rockies on the former Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad (now part of Union Pacific).

We had some good, stimulating conversations on board the train, but since a big part of a train journey is experiencing the landscape that we travel through in a way that only trains can present it to us, I felt it would be appropriate to simply present some of my photos. Enjoy!

- Malcolm Kenton

Maggie, one of my fellow travelers, takes in the view in eastern Utah from the Silver Lariat dome car.

Hugging the Colorado River near Glenwood Springs, CO

Winding through a red-rock canyon of the Colorado River in north-central Colorado.

View of the track stretching out behind us in eastern Utah.

Entering the 6.2-mile-long Moffat Tunnel at Winter Park, CO

Looking out onto greater Denver and the Plains beyond as we descend from the Front Range.

Comments

"On behalf of Amtrak’s onboard service staff, I want to thank the Rail Passengers Association for honoring their hard work with this award. The past couple years have indeed been difficult for Amtrak onboard service staff – coping with furloughs and job insecurity, adapting to changing protocols and services, not to mention the unfortunate events such as a tragic derailment and a fatal shooting. Nevertheless, our dedicated members at Amtrak have handled these hurdles with the care, attention and diligence for which they’re known. We thank Rail Passengers for their acknowledgement of our members’ hard work and, as always, look forward to seeing you on the rails."

Arthur Maratea, TCU/IAM National President
December 21, 2021, on the Association awarding its 2021 Golden Spike Award to the Frontline Amtrak Employees.