The Amtrak USA Rail Pass allows you to hop off up to ten times on two lines. I chose the California Zephyr as one of the train lines, and I was looking for the best places to stop using my Amtrak USA Rail Pass. I couldn’t find much info, so I had to find the best places to stop myself while riding the California Zephyr roundtrip.
If you’re reading this post to decide whether you should use your Rail Pass to ride the California Zephyr, let me tell you without a doubt that you should do it!
And if you’re debating on riding coach, the 8 places I found to stop on the California Zephyr all have accommodation, making it possible to take a break from sleeping on the train every night. You’ll still have to sleep on the train, but never two nights in a row!
(P.S. You’ll find my suggested itinerary later on, which is designed to give you lots of breaks from sitting on the train.)
Going east to west, here are 8 stops that I thought were worth to stop on the California Zephyr and use one of your USA Rail Pass segments on.
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Many Amtrak train lines start and finish in Chicago, and the California Zephyr is no different.
Chicago has a long history as the hub of the country, connecting the USA by rail. Its importance for the nation’s growth means that Chicago is a place where you can experience history and culture. Whether you start or stop here, make sure you explore Chicago during your California Zephyr trip, because it’s one of the best places to get off on the train. (Disclaimer: I’m from Chicago, so I’m biased.)
Skydeck at the Sears (Willis) Tower
Once called the Sears Tower (and I refuse to call it anything else), it was at one point the tallest building in the world. It’s still the tallest in Chicago, so head up to the glass boxes at the Skydeck to get a view of the city.
Signature Room in the Hancock Building
For another great view of the city, the bar located at the top of the Hancock Building (one of the tallest in Chicago) is a great option.
Insider tip: If you go to the bar, you don’t’ have to pay for entry like you would at the observation deck. You’ll have to buy a drink, but better to pay for a drink and a view than just a view!
Lake Michigan
So many activities on this gigantic lake, from walking/biking along the Lakefront Trail, to hanging out on a beach or going on a boat ride.
Millennium Park
The “frontyard” of Chicago, this is a place you can’t miss. From the Bean (Cloud Gate), to concerts at the Pritzker Pavilion, to great views from the Lurie Garden, you’ll find this park to be a great refuge from the city.
Navy Pier
A bit (okay, a lot) touristy, but definitely a place to go on your first time in Chicago. Take a boat tour from here, or ride the Ferris wheel in the city where the first one was revealed to the world!
For more things to do in Chicago during the summer, check out my guide here.
Museums in Chicago
Art Institute of Chicago (world class art museum)
Field Museum (natural history museum)
Adler Planetarium (for space lovers)
Chicago History Museum (located near the free zoo)
Museum of Science and History (located on the grounds of the 1893 World Fair)
American Writers Museum (the only of its kind)
Are you a writer? Find the best places to write in Chicago.
The CTA has both rail and bus options, and you’ll be able to travel most of the city this way. You can also use the Divvy bikes found throughout the city to travel from one place to another.
Located just a few blocks away from Chicago Union Station, W Chicago is also right in the Loop, one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Chicago if you want to visit all the tourist attractions.
Denver is another city that gained wealth thanks to the rail industry. Although it was once industrial, in recent years it turned into a tourist hot spot. The downtown area rebranded itself with a youthful, trendy vibe, and there is so much to do in the Mile High City!
Union Station
The train station itself is an attraction in Denver, and probably my favorite in the US. It was restored to its former glory and then some, with comfy and trendy seating in the big hall where you can relax before checking in to wherever you’re staying the night. There are also restaurants, a café, ice cream parlor, bookstore and more!
Larimer Square
This historic square is a nice place to go shopping or eat out a restaurant. It’s especially cute at night with the lights!
Breweries
I can’t suggest just one, because there are so many options! I went to Great Divide Brewing, which is by the hostel I stayed (see below), and Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery is right next to the hostel too. A popular one is Wynkoop Brewing Company, located across the street from the train station.
Commons Park
If you’re anything like me, what you’ll want most after a night on the train (besides to sleep on a real bed) is to stretch your legs and get fresh air. The best place in downtown Denver is probably the Commons Park area. Here you can walk along the South Platter River Trail and cross the river for some great restaurants and cafes to fuel up at.
Colorado State Capitol
A beautiful building, and you can also visit the inside for tours and exhibits about Colorado history.
Museums in Denver
American Museum of Western Art (paintings of the American West from 1800s to present)
History Colorado Center (interactive state history museum)
Buses and trams are available in the downtown area. You can also use bike and scooter sharing services like Lift and Lime.
Hostel Fish is the cheapest option within walking distance of the Denver Union Station. I really enjoyed the artsy interior as well as the fact that it had a kitchen, bar and common areas to chat with other guests. The train arrives before check in time, but I was able to safely store my bags at reception to explore the city.
If you’re not the hostel type of person, and want somewhere closer to the station, you can’t get closer than The Crawford Hotel. It’s located right in the station! If you have the budget for it, there’s no better place to stay.
I spent my childhood coming here, and while it has tons to do for kids, it also has a lot to do for adults too! From hiking to relaxing, it’s no wonder why Glenwood Springs is such a popular stop on the California Zephyr line—definitely one of the best towns to use a segment of your rail pass on!
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
This mountaintop theme park has something for everyone, with great mountain views, a zip line, alpine coaster and cave tours.
Hot Springs
Glenwood Hot Springs Pool is best for kids, as it’s more like a public pool, complete with slides, diving board and other fun pool activities. Parents can enjoy the spa.
Iron Mountains is the one I chose while stopping here on the California Zephyr. It’s a bit more for adults in that you can buy alcohol here, but it also has a pool where kids can play. The quiet zone is made up of many tiny pools, each with different temperatures. I’d recommend going in the evening to watch sunset here over the Colorado River.
The Yampah Spa is great if you really want to relax and be pampered. Take a mineral bath in the hot springs, get a massage/ spa treatment, or spend time relaxing in the vapor caves. After so many hours on the train, you will be so deserving of a few hours spent here!
Hiking
I’d recommend doing the Scout Trail, which will take you to great views of both Glenwood Springs and the Glenwood Canyon.
For a shorter hike, head up the Doc Holliday’s grave at the Linwood Cemetery. You can do both in a loop, but I didn’t have time due to a train delay, cutting how much time I had on this stop.
Dining
Glenwood Springs, although being small, has a ton of diverse dining options. They’re mostly all located near the train station.
Museums in Glenwood Springs
The Doc Holliday Museum (a famous gunslinger who died in Glenwood Springs)
Frontier Historical Museum (a small museum on the local history)
None that I’m aware of, but it’s not needed. It’s a small town and very walkable!
I stayed at Starlight Lodge. It’s the most budget option I found that was within walking distance from the station. Good location, pleasant owners, and although a bit outdated, the room was really clean.
If you want something nicer and a bit closer to the station, just across the river from the station is Hotel Colorado. Nice if you want a spa treatment right in your hotel!
I passed by Green River on my first trip aboard the California Zephyr, and I knew I wanted to stop on the way back. Not because it looked like there was a lot to do, but rather that there didn’t look like a lot to do.
I wanted to get off somewhere that was “middle of nowhere” because those places are often fascinating. Green River didn’t disappoint, and that’s why I think it’s one of the most underrated places to stop on the California Zephyr, and definitely worth one of your Rail Pass segments if you want to see some history and slow down.
White Water Rafting
Green River is a starting point for white water rafting on the Green and Colorado rivers, so book ahead to get a trip! Here’s a 1-day trip I found with a roundtrip transportation from Green River included.
Largest Watermelon
It’s not a real watermelon, but a wooden one, and worth stopping for a picture. It’s located right next to the Powell Museum, so don’t forget to see it when you’re there!
A Pile of Big Rocks
It’s really just, well…a pile of big rocks. This sculpture is quite random, perhaps more so than the Largest Watermelon (since the town does have ties to melon farming), but it’s still kind of cool! It was fun posing with a rock sculpture pretty much in the middle of the desert.
Athena Mountain Bike Trail
You probably won’t have a mountain bike if you’re traveling by train, but you can walk here! If you do decide to do this, go either in the early morning when the sun isn’t too hot. And be prepared with enough energy, water, snacks and sun protection. It’s about 3 miles to get to one way, so be prepared for several hours (6 miles roundtrip to get to the trail, then 5.5 miles loop on the trail). The trail isn’t spectacular, but if you’re not used to desert landscape like me, it’s an interesting walk!
I actually didn’t do the trail (was SO hot!) but I did enjoy the walk there. You pass by some farms, which is an odd contrast considering that you’re in the middle of a desert. It’s quite a secluded walk, so don’t push yourself past your limits, especially when you go in high noon during the summer like I did.
Oh, and use my favorite map app, Maps Me, because Google Maps isn’t much help when you’re off road.
Wander Main Street
I-70 runs next to Green River, so I suspect most people stop by here only on their way other nearby attractions, like Arches National Park. What I loved about arriving by train is that I wasn’t tempted to see the nearby famous points of interest. I was forced to stay in this “middle of nowhere” town, which made me see things others passing by probably didn’t. So take a walk and see what you can find in this desert town.
What I found interesting (and sad) was how many closed down motels, restaurants and gas stations were scattered through the town. I’d even say there was a closed business for every open business. Maybe if more people travel by train to this little desert town, we can help the town return to its former glory, and preserve its history?
Museums in Green River
John Wesley Powell River History Museum (a museum mostly on Powell’s expeditions of the Colorado River basin and also local history; I learned a lot!)
None. Not even taxi services that I’m aware of. It’s a very small place though. As I’ll mention below, my motel was on the other side of town from the station, and a nice local lady gave me a ride when she saw me walking along the road! That’s the sort of place Green River is. Many people might not enjoy it, but as you can probably tell, I loved it.
I stayed at the Motel 6. While it was nice (clean room, I was allowed to check in early, and it had nice views), it was farther from the train station than I thought. But if you don’t mind walking about 30 minutes (remember to account for the desert heat) to the station, it’s a great location. It’s right across the street from the Powell Museum and next to the Tamarisk, which I thought was the best restaurant in town.
But if you don’t want to walk so far with your bags, Budget Inn is also a cheap option and closer to the station. Or for something nicer (I think the only hotel in town; the rest are motels) there is a new Holiday Inn near the station too.
Helper is the stop after Green River, and they’re only about an hour apart. I found this town to be so charming, and exactly what you might think of a historic wild west town. It’s busier than Green River, but still a very cute, small town.
Historic CONOCO Gas Station
Step back in time and check out this piece of history! It’s super well preserved and makes for a great photo op!
Helper River Walk
There’s a great little river walk running along Price River, and it’s the perfect place to stretch your legs after being on the train. Helper has a labyrinth made with local stones, and you’ll find it along the river walk.
Wander Main Street
Like with Green River, this a great place to wander along the town’s main street. You’ll find that it’s better preserved and livelier than the one in Green River. It’s definitely a better choice if you want to do some shopping or dining, as it has more and better options.
Museums in Helper
Western Mining and Railroad Museum (local history & especially interesting given that you’ll arrive by rail yourself!)
Also none. But also very small, so needed.
The only option I found was at Castle Gate RV Park. It’s a bit out of town, but walkable from the train station. It’s a campsite/RV park, but they do have cabins available too. It’s a nice place to stay, since you won’t find many campsites near train stations elsewhere on the California Zephyr. (I checked; I had originally thought of bringing a tent with me on this train trip, but it’s not ideal without a car to drive to campsites).
If you’re stopping here, I’d recommend stopping when you’re traveling east to west (Chicago to Emeryville). The train arrives at about midnight on the east to west route, but 3 a.m. going west to east.
I think midnight is a better time (you’re gambling on no delays, though), but neither time is ideal, so definitely get a hotel near the station (see below).
Hiking
There are several places you can hike from the city, with many different trailheads. For a shorter hike with great views, I think hiking up to Living Room is a pretty good option.
Temple Square
Salt Lake City was built by Mormons, and you can see its ties to the Mormon church at this plaza, which is owned by the church. You’ll find tours and exhibits here, so it’s worth visiting.
Great Salt Lake Tour
Since you won’t be able to drive to the Great Salt Lake (unless you rent a car), you can take a tour instead! This one was the best option I found.
Museums in Salt Lake City
Natural History Museum of Utah (earth science & Utah’s native cultures)
The Leonardo (science, technology & art museum)
Utah Museum of Contemporary Art (featuring both local & national artists)
Pioneer Memorial Museum (artifacts & information about Utah’s founders)
Church History Museum (learn about Mormon history)
Lots of bus and even rail options with the UTA, depending on where you want to go.
Residence Inn by Marriot has decent prices and is near the train station, so ideal for late-night arrivals. Front desk is 24-hours, so no worries with a late check-in, and the hotel also offers bike rentals (great for exploring the area), breakfast and has a pool. And the rooms have kitchens, so it’s a great place to stay if you want a break from eating out.
This is probably my personal favorite place to stop on the California Zephyr, and I probably wouldn’t have stopped here if it weren’t for the Rail Pass. I didn’t even realize it was an option (since it’s so small) until I read the entire California Zephyr schedule. Most people might get out at Reno to explore Lake Tahoe, but let me show you why Truckee is better. (Hint: nicer, closer and more beautiful!)
Donner Lake & Museum
If you’ve never heard of the infamous Donner party, you won’t forget about them once you do. Due to several fatal mistakes, this pioneer party heading west on the wagon trail met a terrifying end: half froze and starved to death, and the other half ate the dead.
This cannibalistic part of US history draws many visitors, and beyond that, it’s a beautiful place! At least it was in the summer, with lots of people on boats and swimming in the lake, camping and hiking.
Lake Tahoe
The real draw of area, however, is the beautiful Lake Tahoe. It’s one of the deepest lakes in the world, and it’s massive. Take a free bus from Truckee to explore the lake. I’d recommend going to Kings Beach. The beaches there are sandy and nice, and there are several places to eat and get ice cream here. You can swim in the lake, and growing up swimming in Lake Michigan, I didn’t think the water near the shore was too cold. Some people did though, so be prepared.
I’d also recommend hiking a bit of the Lake Tahoe Rim Trail! I did a bit of it to Picnic Rock, but do be aware that you’ll have to walk a bit along the side of a busy road to get there (bus won’t stop at trailhead, so get off at the first stop possible in Kings Beach). There is a trail leading to the trail, which you can find using Maps Me (I’d literally be lost without it haha), so you don’t have to walk along 267 the whole way up.
For a shorter hike, get off the bus at Crystal Bay (past Kings Beach) and walk up to the Historic Stateline Fire Lookout. Nice views of the lake and Crystal Bay, and beautiful pines.
Legacy Trail
For a walk closer to Truckee, the Legacy Trail, running along the Truckee River, was a nice place to stretch my legs for a bit before getting back on the train. Nothing too special, but a great place within walking distance of Truckee to get fresh air.
Historic Downtown Truckee
Walk along Donner Pass Road to find cute boutique shops and restaurants in the historic buildings.
Museums in Truckee
Truckee Railroad Museum
Possibly the smallest museum I’ve ever been to, since it’s just one old rail car, but it holds lots of information! I learned a lot about the history of the railroads in the area before the California Zephyr even existed, and it made me appreciate the journey even more.
If you stop at only one museum during a Rail Pass stop along the California Zephyr, this one, although maybe the smallest, just might the best! (Also, the volunteer running it was really helpful and nice.)
Old Jail Museum (a preserved 19th century jailhouse)
Not only does it exist, but it’s free! The TART bus lines take you everywhere worth going nearby, including several spots along Lake Tahoe, two ski resorts and Donner Lake.
I stayed at Redlight in a dorm room, and I loved it. Lots of people backpacking the Pacific Crest Trail stayed there, and there’s a quirky bar on the ground floor. In the back, you’ll find a kitchen and common area that’s nice for relaxing.
If that doesn’t sound like something for you, Springhill Suites by Marriott is beautiful, with a pool and free breakfast, and it’s within walking distance of the train station too.
So, technically, the California Zephyr stops at Emeryville. However, it’s just a short ride over the bridge to San Francisco. There is actually an Amtrak bus that will transfer you to SF, and you can use one of your Rail Pass segments on this transfer. (But if you want to stop at a lot of places, you can also just pay for the bus to not waste a segment, as it’s only a few dollars.) Alternatively, you can take public transportation on your own or a ride sharing service (Lyft or Uber).
I don’t think I need to convince you much on visiting San Francisco. Perhaps the most famous place on this list of best places to stop on the California Zephyr, it also lives up to its hype.
Golden Gate Bridge
Probably the most iconic landmark in San Francisco, and very worth visiting. Ride a bike or walk over it, and if your legs aren’t too tired yet, hike a bit at Marin Headlands on the other side of the bridge: great views!
Lands End Lookout
Such a beautiful place to watch the sunset! I highly recommend, and I hope you don’t get a foggy day!
Chinatown
I loved wandering this neighborhood, and it made me feel a bit like I was back in Asia. Grab a treat from Eastern Bakery, see the Dragon’s Gate and eat some Chinese food. You’ll find also lots of great street art and at the edge of Chinatown are my favorite places (City Lights Booksellers and Vesuvio Café: frequented by the Beat writers).
Piers
There are many piers in San Francisco, and many are worth visiting. Go to Pier 39 to see the sea lions and Pier 45 to see WWII ships and the Musée Mécanique (antique arcade games).
Museums in San Francisco
The Beat Museum (honoring writers of the Beat Generation)
Maritime Museum (local maritime history)
Exploratorium (science & art museum)
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (seven floors of world-class exhibitions)
So many options. Muni, BART and Golden Gate Transit. There are also bike and scooter rentals available throughout the city (like Lime, Lyft, Bird, etc.).
Adelaide Hostel is where I stayed, and it’s great on a budget. I made several friends during breakfast time there. Even though most hostel/hostels don’t offer free breakfast during Covid, this was the only one I found that did. Although they weren’t allowed to make breakfast for you, you can make it yourself using the eggs, pancake mix, fruit and other ingredients they offered every morning.
For a non-hostel option, yet still affordable, try Axiom Hotel. It’s in a great location, right by a station that will take you to Emeryville’s train station.
My suggested round trip itinerary for the California Zephyr, including all my favorite places to stop:
Segment 1: Chicago to Denver
Segment 2: Denver to Green River
Segment 3: Green River to Salt Lake City
Segment 4: Salt Lake City to San Francisco
Segment 5: San Francisco to Truckee
Segment 6: Truckee to Helper
Segment 7: Helper to Glenwood Springs
Segment 8: Glenwood Springs to Chicago
Of course, feel free to spend however much time in each place as you’d like (example: spend 1-3 nights, depending on how fast you want to do this trip).
And if you’re doing it reverse (i.e., starting in California), then your trip would look like this:
Segment 1: San Francisco to Truckee
Segment 2: Truckee to Helper
Segment 3: Helper to Glenwood Springs
Segment 4: Glenwood Springs to Chicago
Segment 5: Chicago to Denver
Segment 6: Denver to Green River
Segment 7: Green River to Salt Lake City
Segment 8: Salt Lake City to San Francisco
Alternatively, you can do the train line one way, picking and choosing which stops to get off at.
Truckee, CA
Green River, UT or Helper, UT
Chicago, IL
Denver, CO
Glenwood Springs, CO
San Francisco, CA
Not really. You’ll have to spend roughly two nights sleeping on the California Zephyr train (since some of these segments are overnight journeys), but if you sprinkle in lots of hotel nights at these best places to stop, it won’t be so bad!
Coach seats are really big and have SO MUCH leg room, so it’s definitely more comfortable than sleeping on a plane or bus!
Bring lots of drinks and snacks. If you’re upgrading you Rail Pass to a sleeper car, you’ll get meals included in that upgrade, but if you’re riding in coach, you’ll have to pay for the food. And it’s not cheap. And not too great either.
Also, especially if you’re riding coach, bring warm clothes and a blanket! A few of the cars I slept in were freezing (I traveled in the summer, so A/C was on), and a blanket would have made the night easier. If you have the space for it, also bring a pillow, or at least a neck pillow like this one.
For passing the time, bring games or books. I’d recommend bringing along audiobooks because you can listen to them while still being able to look at the scenery. If you don’t have Audible yet, now is the time to get it!
Read my guide on surviving the night on Amtrak trains for more info.
Yes! And it’s super nice to have. Not only do the big windows give you great view, but it gives you a place to walk to and stretch your legs. It’s also a great place to meet people, and if you want to talk or make noise during quiet hours (after 10 p.m.), you can do that there.
Yep! Several per each car. Because there are so many, I never had to wait in line. Some cars even have a dressing room where you can get changed too, which was so helpful if you’re riding coach and don’t have a private room.
If you buy from the cafe car, yes. You can’t drink your own alcohol in coach, though.
If you don’t get off at all (pretty brutal if you’re riding coach, which is why I recommend you hop off on some of the best stops on the line), the California Zephyr is about 51 hours one way. This assumes that there won’t be any delays. Which, if my experience was standard, there will be.
You should assume that there will be delays. I had a delay on almost all 10 of my segments on Amtrak, but that’s mostly because there were wild fires that blocked other rail lines so there was more traffic on the Zephyr. However, since Amtrak doesn’t own the rail lines, freight trains get priority, so be prepared for stops while those trains pass.
Sure! These are just the stops I personally thought were the best on the California Zephyr, and I didn’t have anymore segments left to use. (I used the other 2 segments going to Washington, DC and Pittsburgh, PA on the Capital Limited line.)
No. And you won’t always have phone signal either. Make sure you download audiobooks, music and things to watch. I believe I had signal at every stop on the California Zephyr, but there were usually hours and hours between the stations.
I didn’t get much work done on the California Zephyr, but I did write a lot since Word doesn’t require internet connection. (P.S., if you’re a writer who travels too, make sure to check out my resources for writers who travel!)
So, there you have it! All my expertise on the California Zephyr and the best places to stop along it if you have the Amtrak USA Rail Pass.
Are you thinking of riding the California Zephyr with the USA Rail Pass and looking for the best places to stop? Let me know if you have any other questions!
And comment below if you’ve been to any of these places to stop along the California Zephyr! I’d love to know what you think of these spots!
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Wow, there are certainly a lot of great cities you can stop at! I would really enjoy travelling across the states on a train like this and seeing some of the places you've mentioned.
It's not that popular of a way to explore the US, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved it!
i have been wanting to do this train trip for some time now.... and after reading this blog, i'm even more inspired! i'd love to check out Helper, UT, and like you, was surprisingly wowed by Truckee, CA, when i stopped there on a visit to Lake Tahoe a few years back... so i'd love to visit again.
You should do it!! Even if you don't get off a lot, the train ride itself is gorgeous. And yes, Truckee is such a cute town :) The free buses to Lake Tahoe were just the icing on the cake ;)
This is such a detailed post, Natalie. I didn't realise that there were so many beautiful places that one could hop off during this train trip. I haven't been to that side of the world as of yet, so I am definitely saving this for later!
If you decide to do a train trip in the US, I'm pretty sure the California Zephyr is the most scenic one :) I hope you can make it to this side of the world sometime soon! I'm certainly itching to explore your side of the world ;)
Okay so basically one of my dreams trips - I’m obsessed with the idea of rail travel.
Lately I've gotten so into it! I think it's my favorite mode of transportation now :)
Wow, this looks like such a beautiful place to explore!! I would love to visit when Covid ends!
Great post! I love travelling through the US on the Amtrak trains. A few years ago I spent a month in the US just travelling by train, saw so many places and met some great people. It's such a great way to travel!
Wow that sounds amazing! I met lots of people on the trains too, and I think that's what makes traveling by train so great :)
This is an awesome post! I always forget that America has trains too? The idea of the California Zephyr sounds so fun - especially if you're trying to get away from Wifi? Sometimes the idea of that actually sounds pretty amazing.
It really was!
What a great idea for a vacation! I love traveling by train!
It's a great way to travel if you have the time :)
Had always thought renting a car was the best and kind of the only way to explore the West. This shatters that notion and was a joy to read!
So did I! I'm really glad I gave it a try :)
In the hostels, would a senior citizen be acceptable to stay or is it only for youth?
It depends on the specific hostel's rules, but most don't have an age limit.