Sharrod Wrote:
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> If we were planning a visit to Durango and Chama,
> what is the recommended plan for next summer
> (June-August)? Fly into Denver? One way rental car
> and flight back to Denver? What if we want to
> include California Zephyr to Grand Junction?
I will qualify my comments based on two things (1) We are not 100% sure what your goals are for the trip other than visiting the C&TS, D&S, and CAL Zephyr. (2) Is your goal photography or just riding and thats it?
One comment I would consider is doing this. Fly to Denver if its cheaper. Then take the CZ west toward Salt Lake City, and find a spot to overnight along the route. Then take the EB Zephyr back to Denver the next day. I do not have the current schedule to see how that works out, but I do know both trains are scheduled to meet east of Glenwood Springs, so doing a one-day RT is nearly impossible, unless you luck out with the EB being late. Anyway this would get you on the CZ two days and you would see both directions and you would be back in Denver. There you could rent your car for the remainder of your trip, and return it there before flying home from Denver. All this assumes you want to fly to Denver if its the cheaper place for airfare.
The other ideas of taking the train one way to Grand Junction are valid too assuming you can rent a car there, and returning is not to expensive in Denver. Along those lines of Grand Junction, perhaps you ride the CZ one day from Denver to GJ, rent your car, and on the return leg go back to GJ and return the car, then take the EB CJ to Denver, essentially covering it both directions that way, and saving a lot of boring driving on I-25 or 70.
You could also fill in with some of the many suggestions by others who have already commented. My question is what is important to you most. For me its seeing real live steam, and as much as I can cram into my travel plans.
Thus I want to spend all my time on the D&S and C&TS. Last time I spent 10 days between the two including riding each one. There were some special events going on during our stay along the C&TS which prompted my trip date decision. If you are content with riding each line once and thats about it, then John Bush's plan is a good one doing the C&TS, take the scenic drive to Durango. Do the Silverton trip then head back to CJ(if you rent a car there), or to Denver.
The great thing about Colorado is there are a vast number of options to you. Back in 1974 my brother and I went to Europe for steam. We were there 6 weeks and still couldn't do as much as we wanted. I think October is a great time, except weather is unpredictable as are the colors unless you are there early in October. As Jerry said you never know year to year.
One other thing to remember with Amtrak, trains can be really late on those long distance runs. And, at Denver you are more or less in the middle of the run so things can happen. Be sure to pad(Extra time) any bookings on Amtrak. Generally no such worries with the C&TS and D&S though. After you ride the C&TS take Johns advice and chase the train the next day from Chama-Los Pinos, and you still have time to take the scenic byway to Durango if thats your next stop. Working hard up the 4% to Cumbres is not to be missed if you have never witnessed it. However I recommend the ride from Antonito-Chama. Stay in Chama, take the early bus to Antonito.
Hopefully you can enjoy whatever you decide and welcome to America!!!
Greg