Rio Grande Zephyr Main Line Thru the Rockies

In the early 1970s, passenger trains across the US struggled to survive under the fledgling Amtrak system. The most notable exception was the Rio Grande Zephyr which operated independently from 1970 to 1983 providing its own unique brand of intercity travel on the scenic middle section of the former California Zephyr route.

This film captures its journey in three parts: first, the Westbound ascent from Denver up the Rocky Mountains to the Moffat Tunnel; next, continuing West through impressive canyons along the Colorado River. Finally we see the run from Salt Lake City on the return trip eastbound over the Wasatch Range and through the Utah desert. See the views from the Vista Domes on The Rio Grande Zephyr as it kept alive the style and elegant tradition of streamlined passenger service!