Lonely PlanetJul 16Riding the California ZephyrThe Amtrak route between the San Francisco Bay area to Chicago shows a diverse cross-section of the nation that you wonLift cables pass over the train tracks16 things in this storyCalifornia ZephyrPlaceAmtrak's most scenic route, passes mountains, desert, prairieUSA Rail PassPlaceOffers 10 journeys within 30 days, requires coachColorado RiverSightTracks run parallel to it for hundreds of milesGolden Spike National Historical ParkSightCommemorates the Transcontinental Railroad's completionSierra NevadaSightThe vast majority of the range lies in the state of California, although the Carson Range spur lies primarily in Nevada.SacramentoParkTrain station has a mural of the railroad's ground-breakingCalifornia State Railroad MuseumMuseumDocents from here board the train in SacramentoSoda Springs Ski ResortSightLift cables pass over the train tracksRenoRestaurantDocents depart the train hereSan FranciscoSightOrchid festival mentioned by passengersPennsylvania Dutch CountryNeighborhoodDestination for Amish family returning homeUtahParkTrain crosses state line into hereSalt Lake CitySightNew conductor boarded hereCiscoSightTown described as looking like it's from The Hills Have EyesRockiesSightDonner Pass RdSightRead the full piece at Lonely Planet →