Heading West—Camper or Train?

[Tford]

I’m probably too late to the suggestion party…but if there’s days still to plan I would suggest a few days in Kanab UT as a base. 90 mile S to the N Rim, 30 miles to Zion, 90 miles to Bryce and a really gorgeous state park called Coral Pink sandunes 20 minutes away. Great lodging and restaurants too. Starting at the N Rim the rock formations you see at the top are at the bottom in Zion and the same as you go up to Bryce…pretty cool.

[NCBill]

I travel out west every year from North Carolina. I find the key is learning how to comfortably put on more miles per day. It does get easier! Two things that improve efficiency: optimizing stops and timing when you travel through major cities. Depending on our route: the two cities I plan around are Nashville, TN and St Louis. Out west, Denver is the city I plan around.

By “planning around” I don’t mean bypassing. Instead, it’s time of day and knowing my route in advance.

[MrLynn]

Originally Posted by NCBill

I travel out west every year from North Carolina. I find the key is learning how to comfortably put on more miles per day. It does get easier! Two things that improve efficiency: optimizing stops and timing when you travel through major cities. Depending on our route: the two cities I plan around are Nashville, TN and St Louis. Out west, Denver is the city I plan around.

By “planning around” I don’t mean bypassing. Instead, it’s time of day and knowing my route in advance.

It's the "more miles per day" that discourages me. I can remember a day when I could drive 12-18 hours straight. Now, I get tired after 4 or 5.

[Radar1]

Originally Posted by mr.stang

Does the Zephyr go thru Denver? If it does the train ride from Denver to Glenwood springs was the nicest I have been on, and I have been on quite a few. Stan

I was stationed in Omaha NE with the USAF and had to take several trips to CA for aviation related inspections. I got tired of flying over all that beautiful country and not being able to enjoy any close up views, so when AMTRAK had a special "see the USA fare", I got permission to use AMTRAK since I could show that it was more cost effective than flying (I just used coach which is as roomy as aircraft first class).
I agree that section from Denver to Grand Junction on the Zephyr was beautiful. It was so cool to be looking out the window going slowly along the Colorado river and seeing the kayakers waving as we went by.

[mr.stang]

Not only waving, but the rafters drop their draws and moon the train!!! Left side of train Denver to Glenwood springs is best. Stan

[MrLynn]

As it turned out, our plan to travel west last October by train was derailed by an unexpected visit to the hospital for a cardiac pacemaker installation. No jostling for three months, said the cardiologist, which ruled out train travel (and lawn mowing).

We're still going—now in a few days, leaving on April 1st. Itinerary different; now going to Flagstaff first, touring around, then leaving at the end of April from Grand Junction, CO.

Train gets into Flagstaff c. 8:30 PM (or later if running late); we got an hotel c. six blocks away from the train station (Highland Country Inn). Short distance; any Flagstaffers here who can tell us whether it's safe for two geezers toting luggage to walk the six blocks at night? TahoeJoe said it might not be safe at 3 AM, but should be earlier than that with our new schedule, and hotel is pretty close.

Now back to your regular Escape discussion. . .

[Drives1937]

Flagstaff is a college town. You should not have any problems making the short journey from the train station to the hotel. You might find yourself out of breath Flagstaff is just over 7000 feet in altitude.
Ken in Az

[brroberts]

Train is fun, but southwest chief is always late. Sitting on a train now between St Louis and Chicago. Will be on the SW Chief in about 3 hours. Flagstaff is also nice.

[Iowa Dave]

Cab drivers kids need shoes too. Why fight it?
Iowa Dave