D&RGW train 18, The California Zephyr, is seen at Dotsero Colorado in 1952. Otto Conrad Perry photo, from my collection.

Making its final run to Denver, the Rio Grande Zephyr passes through Debeque Canyon, Colorado.

’Scuse Me, While I Kiss the Sky

Seemingly on top of the world, the Rio Grande Zephyr does it best Jimi Hendrix interpretation as it begins its eastbound descent from Soldi... (more)

With its big eastbound climb over, the Rio Grande Zephyr rolls along the one-time yard in Soldier Summit, Utah. Soon it will start to drop toward Helper.

Arriving at Gilluly, Utah, the Rio Grande Zephyr enters the first horseshoe curve and is about to duck under Route 6.

The Rio Grande Zephyr is on time, continuing its ascent of the Wasatch at Narrows, Utah on a brisk March morning.

The eastbound Rio Grande Zephyr has begun its climb over the Wasatch Mountains at Rio, Utah.

My final photo of the Rio Grande Zephyr tested the limits of Kodachrome 25 in the last light of day. As I turned t... (more)

The sun is setting both literally and figuratively on the Rio Grande Zephyr in this view on the Dotsero Cutoff at Dell, Colorado. When it gets to Denver, the RGZ will cease to exist,... (more)

The eastbound Rio Grande Zephyr is dwarfed by th scenery of the Wasatch Range as it approaches Kyune, Utah.

Race to Helper

An eastbound Rio Grande intermodal train and the Rio Grande Zephyr are side by side as they descend Price River Canyon. When the Zephyr makes its stati... (more)

Like a Model on a Shelf

The Rio Grade Zephyrhugs a mountainside as it approaches Gilluly, Utah. In a few miles the climb to Soldier Summit will be complete, and the descent ... (more)

The Rio Grande Zephyr is serviced at Grand Junction in February 1983. The train was discontinued two months later.

The Rio Grande Zephyr had an appeal that just can’t be matched by today’s intercity trains. One element that may never return is the ability to stand in the vestibule and watch the trai... (more)

Rarely did the Rio Grande Zephyr cross the Wasatch and the Rocky Mountains with only two F9s for power, but it did happen at times when the consist was light. Train No. 18 from Salt Lake City is l... (more)