Travel westbound
This is the single most important decision. Westbound from Chicago, you cross the Rockies in daylight on day two and descend the Sierra Nevada in daylight on day three. Eastbound, the Sierras happen at dawn and much of Colorado happens in the dark in winter.
If your schedule allows only one direction, make it westbound.
Day one: Chicago to Nebraska
Illinois and Iowa are farmland and river towns. This is the day to settle in, meet your car attendant, learn the dining car routine and watch the Mississippi crossing at Burlington. Omaha comes in the small hours.
Day two: the Rockies
Denver is the hinge of the entire trip. Out of Denver the train climbs the Front Range on a series of horseshoe curves, with the city spread out below, then enters the 6.2-mile Moffat Tunnel under the Continental Divide.
From Winter Park to Glenwood Springs you are in Gore Canyon and then the Colorado River canyon for hours. Get to the Sightseer Lounge before Denver — by Fraser every seat is taken.
Day three: Utah, Nevada, the Sierras
The Utah desert at dawn, Salt Lake in the dark, then a long day across the Nevada basin and range. The finale is Donner Pass — snow sheds, Donner Lake below, and a 7,000-foot descent into the Sacramento Valley.
Practical notes
- Cell signal is absent for much of Colorado, Utah and Nevada — download everything first
- The Sightseer Lounge is first-come, first-served
- Fresh air stops at Denver, Grand Junction and Salt Lake City
- Sleepers include all meals; book dinner early for a window table
- Bring binoculars — eagles along the Colorado River are common
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Published July 15, 2026. Rail schedules, fares, equipment and carrier policies change frequently. This guide reflects our understanding at the time of writing and is provided for general information only — always confirm current details with the carrier before travelling.
