#5 is only beginning its trip to California, as it passes the BNSF's Eola Yard.

Amtrak's westbound California Zephyr highballs for its next stop at Galesburg with the Phase III Heritage 145 leading the way.

A bird's eye view of the Amtrak Chicago Yard (left) and Metra Coachyard (right). The 1/8/12 edition of the California Zephyr backs into Union Station prior to its departure, while the S... (more)

It's Amtrak's turn as #5 rolls west.

Amtrak Phase IV Heritage Unit 184 leads the westbound California Zephyr towards the bridge over the American River into downtown Sacramento, passing by the disconnected Johnston lead siding.

Amtrak # 5 winds through Pinole right on time.

Running about three hours behind schedule, Amtrak 44 leads a westbound California Zephyr down the Dotsero Cut-Off along the scenic Colorado River.

An ontime California Zephyr rolls West along the San Pablo Bay, only half an hour from its final destination of Emeryville.

Westbound Zepher exits one of many tunnels on Donner Pass.

After running around a stalled Z train east of Soda Springs, Amtrak 5 is again on its way west. AMTK 190 has just blasted out of Tunnel 36 and is about to head into tunnel 35. The old right of way... (more)

Running at least 5-1/2 hours late, the westbound California Zephyr exits the "Big Hole" at the summit of Donner Pass. Quite a bit of snow lingers at this elevation; a testament to the heavy winter... (more)

Travelers on I-80 through the Emigrant Gap area are briefly inconvenienced by a major highway resurfacing project. Passengers aboard the westbound California Zephyr might actually wish they were ... (more)

A late westbound California Zephyr begins the 12-degree horseshoe curve just east of Pinecliff. This curve is the sharpest east of the Moffat Tunnel, and takes the train through the shortest of t... (more)

Westbound Amtrak California Zepher #5 passes through Norden with a fleet of 5 Westbound UP freights following.

About 75 miles east of Reno Nevada. The westbound California Zephyr was struck by a empty gravel semi. I took this photo withen about 5 minutes of the train stopping. I ran to the front expecting ... (more)