Riding California Zeypher. Any Suggestions?

8

817TAYLOR

Ramblin' Man..
Hello All
In a few days I will be riding the California Zeypher from Sacramento California into Reno Nevada. Along the way I do believe the train will go over Donner Pass however I could be wrong. The trip there is five hours and I am wanting to know if I should take my camera and try to take photo's out of the coach car? I am riding the cheap way and won't be in a dome car or anything like that. Does anyone have any recommendations for me? I have to find a way to kill time and Trainz is not an option because I run a desktop computer, not a laptop. I guess my main question is if you guys think I should take my camera. Mind if I ask for all of your opinions on this?
Thank you to all who reply

-Taylor
 
Take your camera, definitely. Never know what interesting stuff you might come across. Perhaps even good material and inspiration for some Trainz creation down the line. If RSC is to be trusted with route accuracy, I do believe Reno is right at the foot of Donner Pass in the direction you're travelling.

I would just camp in the last coach's vestibule, looking out in "reverse cab view". ;)

Have a safe trip, Taylor.
 
Last edited:
Sit on the right side of the train for the best views into the American River Canyon and Cape Horn. If you plan to take pictures, you'll be shooting thru glass (dirty windows) so you may be disappointed.
 
Well with only two comments I believe I am taking my camera, I may get lucky and have a semi-clean window. Thanks for the suggestion!
:D
 
It is a nice trip with spectacular scenery. I did it twice back in June. Go for a seat in the snack/observation car if you can, as it is not restricted to sleeper class passengers. Windows should be nice and clean too, as they wash them at Emeryville starting out. Great views looking down onto Donner Lake from the North side of the train.
 
I go on Sunday, and I believe I am riding coach? Five hour to Reno, Six back to Sacramento. Gonna be a looooooooooong trip
:hehe:
 
817TAYLOR said:
I go on Sunday, and I believe I am riding coach? Five hour to Reno, Six back to Sacramento. Gonna be a looooooooooong trip
:hehe:
Click to expand...

Not as long as the one I took last year at about this time. From Los Angels to Chicago, on the Sunset Limited/Texas Eagle. Then From Chicago to Durand MI on the Blue Water. Total trip time 65+ hours. Best 4 days ever in first class with a sleeper.
 
That would be an amazing trip. I depart from Sacramento at 11:09 and arrive in Reno around 4:13 [according to Amtrak.com]
I just hope I do not fall asleep and wake up in Chicago, I know a certain someone I would be calling for a ride and a place to stay for the night
cough cough UP4021cough
:p

However I won't be sleeping, so yeah...
 
JIb228 said:
Not as long as the one I took last year at about this time. From Los Angels to Chicago, on the Sunset Limited/Texas Eagle. Then From Chicago to Durand MI on the Blue Water. Total trip time 65+ hours. Best 4 days ever in first class with a sleeper.
Click to expand...

Sounds lovely. How much did that cost you?
 
According from the website, it says it is $264 one way, by train
By bus it is $251, however either way it's two days, I'd rather go by train for the extra $13
 
817TAYLOR said:
According from the website, it says it is $264 one way, by train
By bus it is $251, however either way it's two days, I'd rather go by train for the extra $13
Click to expand...

That would be regular coach AFAIK. A sleeper depending on room varies. When my kids were younger, twins that were less than 2 years old and my oldest son 6 we did two summer trips, one on the Zeph from SLC to Chicago, then the City of New Orleans then from there on the Sunset to LA. Then the Desert Wind to SLC. Unfortunately the Desert Wind doesn't run anymore and the Sunset ends in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina and doesn't go all the way to Orlando. Go first class, get the room you'll enjoy the trip more.
 
sounds like it was pretty damn cool. I know when I graduate high school I am planning to go cross country by car. I want to stop at all the Major Railfanning Places and Museums
A few to name off
-Horseshoe Curve
-IRM
-EBT
-Cass

but that is still two years and about $10,000 out
 
According from the website, it says it is $264 one way, by train
Click to expand...
Better check again. Amtrak's website says $45.00 one way Sacramento to Reno in coach.

PS I did Boston to Emeryville round trip in June with my wife. Lots of fun.
 
nicky9499 said:
Sounds lovely. How much did that cost you?
Click to expand...

Little under $900. It was like $250 or some thing like that for two tickets. Then another $750ish for the room. We bought the tickets about a month before. But then got the room day of the trip.
 
Damn that is one hell of a price. I am leaving in 11 hours, can't sleep, and I am staying with a friend so the trip is only costing me the two tickets, for a total of $90
 
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