Riding America by train

Travelling the California Zephyr, by Night…

It’s impossible not to keep looking out the window as we leave the city of Chicago behind us for a 52 hours journey across America.
From the great wheat fields of Nebraska to the dry prairies of Eastern Colorado, then to the red rocks and heat of the desert, by way of the forests of the great Rockies. Juniper trees, pine trees, Joshua trees: in only a few dozen hours, I’ve seen the whole World.
As the sun is going down in the plains of the Midwest, the filtered illumination of the passager cars lights come on. It’s dark outside, you can’t see a thing anymore. Inside the train my travel goes on: I always try to stay up as long as possible to enjoy the quiet atmosphere. Some passengers are writhing on their seats seaching for sleep.. Some others are quietly starring at a computer screen. Others are already snoring or whispering to their loved ones. Lovers snuggles. Traveling by train, especially at night, is sharing an intimacy with strangers. This is my favorite time of the day; time to think about life, to disconnect myself from reality and release some steam.

… And Day

After a quick sleep, the sun comes up again. I wake up in Denver, impatient to finally see what’s outside. The passengers turn to the outside instantly lost in what they see. . The slow ascent of the Rockies begins and very tight hairpins mark the day. The brown waters of the Colorado river appears, meandering through the most beautiful valleys I’ve ever seen.
Slowly, the scenery shifts, from green mountains to red canyons. The panoramic car is full. As we’re approaching Salt Lake City, the sun is going down, the cars lights come on once again, as a new cycle begins.
Taking the California Zephyr route isn’t just a way to get to one point to the other, it’s a journey in itself. Travelling by train means taking life slowly, meeting people you wouldn’t have met otherwise while enjoying the most beautiful sceneries the US have to offer. Just take the time.

Some tips:
- Traveling by the Zephyr is fairly cheap: $150 one-way by coach,
- I’d recommend the Chicago to San Francisco route as you’re more likely to cross the most beautiful places during the daylight,
- Don’t be shy, especially if you travel alone. There’s always a music jam somewhere on the train or some people eager to share their life experience with you,
- Bring warm clothing, a blanket and a pillow. It can be freezing!