D&RGW train 17, the California Zephyr, is seen near Cliff Colorado in the 1960s. Otto Conrad Perry photo, from my collection.

Legally Parked

Rio Grande diner Silver Banquet makes its final visit to Grande Junction, Colorado. Its last steak and eggs breakfast has been served, and after it spends ano... (more)

One of the scenic highlights of the Rio Grande Zephyr’s journey was Ruby Canyon on the Colorado/Utah border. One of our desires was to shoot the train there, but topo maps did not indicate an en... (more)

The final Rio Grande Zephyr has arrived at Grand Junction, Colorado, but there is no hurry to service the locomotives. Due to a huge mudslide that has severed the Rio Grande main line at Th... (more)

Getting close to the division point at Grand Junction,, the westbound Rio Grande Zephyr enters the “suburbs” at Palisade, Colorado.

Reflected in the Colorado River, the westbound Rio Grande Zephyr passes through scenic Debeque Canyon, Colorado.

The westbound Rio Grande Zephyr is making track speed as it approaches Newcastle, Colorado.

Glenwood Canyon, Colorado has several short railroad tunnels along the Rio Grande main line. Here the Rio Grande Zephyr emerges from one of them.

The westbound Rio Grande Zephyr is stretching its legs as it is making track speed west of Glenwood Springs at Newcastle, Colorado.

Using baggage carts that date back well into the steam era, the Glenwood Springs station crew handles the baggage for the Rio Grande Zephyr. It looks like the guy on the cart is thinking, â... (more)

Train Time in Glenwood Springs

The Rio Grande Zephyr makes a station stop at Glenwood Springs, Colorado on a pleasant March day. While processing this photo, I was surprised... (more)

The Rio Grande Zephyr rolls into its station stop at Glenwood Springs, Colorado. This was one of the longer stops along the way from Denver to Salt Lake City.

The Rio Grande Zephyr winds its way along the Colorado River at Dotsero, Colorado.

The Rio Grande Zephyr is approaching the main line at Dotsero as it nears the end of the Dotsero Cutoff. The westbound train is actually heading due east as it twists and turns along the Co... (more)

The Rio Grande Zephyr begins the climb into the Rockies.