Taking the California Zephyr Through The Rocky Mountains of Colorado - Day 2 of Massive Train Trip

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

Our son is a conductor on the Branson Scenic Railways, and we've been talking about taking a trip on Amtrak. Thanks for sharing this so we will have a better idea of what to expect.

[@1954shadow]

Love riding that train, especially the observation car.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

That's our favorite place to ride it, too. Next time you ride it, tell Conductor Jacob that we've talked about him on here. ​@1954shadow

[@jeannee4434]

Cool 😎

[@jennifermcneil8349]

How do you even get a job like that? Apprenticeship?

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

@jennifermcneil8349 he has studied trains since he was about 4 or 5 and can tell you tons of things. He impressed them so much, they hired him.

[@JOHNSNEVERHOME]

Jacob, you should win some special KZbin award for this video . . . it is Americana at it's best !

[@davidcrawford219]

I agree 🎉

[@roberthennel]

@@davidcrawford219 To me as a European, Jacob and TravellingRobert are the most Americana channels on KZbin. And I just love Americana!

[@davidcrawford219]

@@JOHNSNEVERHOME ... Carpet bagger teaching me Train travel vs RV travel ... The budget per minute of Peace & Joy , Train WINS. Pure American Engine oo a tea.

[@mollysmith1226]

​@@davidcrawford219i have rode the rails and loved it

[@SharonLockwood]

How about the toilet deal

[@nikkicyjjs]

You have a way of connecting with your audience. I truly feel you are talking to me lol. Great coverage and narrative. We appreciate you ❤

[@kristencarlbon4561]

I love that California zephyr train trip. It’s one of the best. I’m so excited to see the rest of the train videos.

[@chaderbox1046]

I’m loving this Amtrak series! Can’t wait to see your reaction to the Sierra Nevada mountains! That’s my favorite part of that route.

[@kim63ray66rach95]

Thank you for taking me on your trip! I most likely will not get to experience this without you! Be safe Jacob💕

[@zenabeme22]

Its got to be great to actually get a break from all of the driving. You get to sit in the passenger seat. Those sunsets and Rocky Mountains are incredible. These Train Vlogs are Amazing!!

[@mollysmith1226]

I'm loving this!!!!

[@SaccharineChaperone]

You inspired me to skip the drive to St. Louis with my son and book an Amtrak round-trip experience. I’m looking forward to having the freedom of catching up with him and doing something different. I can’t tell you how excited I am. Thank you for another awesome series.

[@mollysmith1226]

Do it!!! It's so worth it. My husband and I rode the rails a few years ago. It was kinda expensive but totally worth it

[@youtuuba]

At 11:04-ish, that is the so-called "Big Ten Curve", a famous place. The winds sometimes sweep down from the mountains, and had been known to cause derailments of freight trains at that location. So, they added a set of parallel tracks filled it with old hopper cars, filled them with heavy debris, and welded the wheels to the tracks.....all to act as a wind-break. SO, their debris and welded wheels is not so THEY won't blow away, rather they help prevent passing trains from being blown over or derailed by the wind.

[@alexclark13]

Longtime watcher here... these two train videos have been my all time favorite! Rewatched both twice already lol. One of the lines run through my city. I've always wanted to take it to either new York or California. Now I gotta do it

[@susanboatman7913]

The Rockies are probably the highlight of this trip.

[@DetroitWill]

So much to see!

[@timjackson7588]

This is a great new twist to your videos!! You are fun to watch!

[@kristencarlbon4561]

This is such a fantastic ideal of trains. I’m so glad you’re loving it.

[@blakeogilvie1002]

I really like these train videos. Wasn't sure I would but they're great.

[@mareekatz]

Such beautiful views ❤ thanks for taking us along ❤

[@angelarowe3472]

Jacob I absolutely love these videos on the train and you’re absolutely right we live in such a beautiful world. Thank you for sharing. I hope that maybe someday before I leave this world that I’m able to do this as well. Please take care and be safe and thank you for taking me. It’s appreciated.🫶🏻❤️🤠.

[@JBIRDRN8]

Thanks so much for taking us along. So beautiful and I would have to have my own room too!

[@JBIRDRN8]

I’m guessing your room is too small for a bathroom. Are there showers to use?

[@louiseshrewsbury5515]

My husband and I have seen you on Adam the Woo and never watched your videos 🙈 until recently. I loved your video when you went to your grandma's house for Christmas, and we are hooked now. When we get home from work, we are like, "Let's see where Adam and Jacob are taking us today." Thank you so much for sharing your life!! We are enjoying the train!!!

[@MrJARRET30]

Jacob you make the best content my wife and I have watched you for years through dating and now marriage and now our son asks to watch you thank you for all the great times and giving tips when traveling the USA

[@TheParkLarkPrivate]

A train ride can be bumpy primarily because of the interaction between the train wheels and the tracks, where slight imperfections in the rail alignment, worn-out ties, or uneven track joints can cause the wheels to bounce and sway, leading to a noticeable rocking motion on the train itself; this phenomenon is often called "hunting oscillation" and is further amplified by the train's speed and weight. Per Google search.

[@MP-gm5gg]

Scenery is so awesome ,you can picture natives and cowboys traveling along the ranges. Wow thank you Carpet Bagger happy your getting along well on the train. Keep Our eyes out for Sasquatch.

[@stevenfriedman6042]

Wonderful adventure during some world based troubles. Thanks for taking us along with you.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

IMPORTANT SAFETY TIP... After traveling on entertainer coaches, busses, for most of my life, I learned to always sleep with your feet pointing in the direction you are traveling for a safety measure. If the vehicle is involved in an accident where it has a massive, sudden stop, it is better to have broken ankles instead of a broken neck.

[@davidcrawford219]

Excellent tip

[@catherinetozzi8056]

Yes you can do that in the roomettes as the bed is vertical but if you have a bedroom the beds are horizonical , I remember sleeping sideways…but it was a great ride.

[@DonJoeBob]

I don't often comment on your videos but as a big fan, this is incredibly exciting. Seeing you take a new adventure out of your comfort zone is wonderful. I'm wanting to take a similar, or same, trip one of these days. Thanks so much!!!

[@SchemingSkelly]

My Wife and I have been wanting to do this for years and I think this looks way more fun than driving or flying to the west coast.

[@DetroitWill]

It is very wobbly and the bathrooms aren't great in most public areas

[@davidcrawford219]

Seems way better than a RV too.

[@mollysmith1226]

Do it!!!!

[@shelzp7272]

@SS You can make it happen and it is fun.

[@RobOlgatree]

Love this series Mr Carpetbagger. The Southwest Chief runs between Chicago and Los Angeles, through the vast expanse of the fabled American West and I hope you will plan that journey in 2025.

[@debrastillwell1122]

Hi Jacob, I was reading comments, one person mentioned how comfortable cruise ships are. I’ve been watching some videos on the Mississippi River cruises. They don’t seem as crowded as the larger cruise lines. Some even have buses to different points of interest along the way. Enjoy your journey.

[@dianaboggs2140]

The views are breathtaking! Truly enjoyed tagging along! ❤

[@lemn8]

Hi there! Yes, the one in the "Snow piercer"!. These episodes are weirdly so much more entertaining than I thought they would be. I'm really enjoying this! You're such a wonderful person!

[@bg199083]

My best friend, Nick is OBSESSED with all things trains. Keep up the good work, Jacob! 😁😁

[@jamiedaoust4749]

This is on my bucket list ❤ My husband and I watch you every night during dinner...Love all your videos ☺️

[@history_leisure]

there are two stops in Fraser. The one at the slopes is served seasonally by a separate train and the main stop the Zephyr serves year round. The state owns the Moffat Tunnel, and a renewal of the original 99-year lease-which now allows a chance to expand service to the communities in the Rockies like Craig (maybe they could add an extra RT to Glenwood Springs, but best case for that is adding a second long distance route that runs between Denver and Salt Lake that way)

[@BevBaker-m3c]

Thank you Jacob. For taking us with you on this journey. I am loving it. You are so brave, as I’m not sure I could travel alone, like you do. We are so lucky to have you. Bev GB 🇬🇧

[@marksears1124]

I'm 70 and I have some social interaction difficulty. Don't worry. I find most of your videos fun and relaxing to watch. Michigan.

[@mollysmith1226]

@@marksears1124 I'm a Michiganader too

[@marksears1124]

@mollysmith1226 near Marshall southern lower Michigan :)

[@mollysmith1226]

@marksears1124 I'm in Cadillac. 2 hours south of the mighty mac

[@charinabarcillo9160]

❤ The CZ My uncle was an engineer on the original Birlington California Zephyr Creston to Denver Rode the CZ many times

[@charinabarcillo9160]

Did you get mooned in the canyon CZ salute 😮

[@blakem9109]

A pigtrain is a train of inter-modal containers or semi truck trailers. The trailers are piggybacking on the train. (I had to look it up)

[@jamesbrown-js1yk]

when adam did his alaska trip those were some of his best videos.....now jacob this train trip videos are the best you've ever done...and it's refreshing to see someone smiling and being happy for once...

[@TheCarpetbagger]

I appreciate it

[@mollysmith1226]

@@TheCarpetbagger this has been so fun!!!

[@antoniobelmontez-jh6xw]

​@@TheCarpetbaggerJacob have you heard about inspire instead of having to lug that heavy machine to help you sleep

[@juliemoore850]

Totally agree!

[@marshmallows5641]

Love that these types of trips shows that you can still have awesome adventures if you don't drive!

[@Foxymorris9236]

7:00 wear & tear of the railroad tracks just like potholes on the roads

[@1lonebird]

I am loving everything about this trip so far except for the dining experience. There is no way that I would want to sit at a table with 3 strangers and eat a meal. The beauty of the stretch where the train was surrounded by the mountains covered in snow with the river running through them was breathtaking. Great camera work on Jacob’s part. This is a fun trip.

[@Savagemister]

Going through that tunnel "dont move to another car for the next 10 minutes" cuts to some people doing just that lol smh

[@johnchambers8528]

They ask you not to due that so the diesel exhaust gas does not get into the cars. That covering between the cars is not air tight and that particular tunnel is so long all the diesel engine fumes can not get out till they ventilate the tunnel after the train runs through it. It was so bad in the old steam engine days they used electric engines to pull the train through the tunnel. Now after the train goes through they close the doors at the end of the tunnel and use large fans to clear the tunnel of fumes.

[@mollysmith1226]

I giggled 😅😂

[@toddkowalcyk5119]

Maybe they didn’t speak English

[@nashscan]

@@toddkowalcyk5119 that was my thought.

[@sharonh5399]

I noticed that too lol

[@LindaSolis-b9s]

Real adventure for you! I like meeting people and chatting, but sometimes I like to be left alone too, so I'm glad you have that option.

[@roberthennel]

An Amtrak ride would be a must if i get to visit the US, just for the experience, enjoy yourself, safe travels

[@davidcrawford219]

Love your idea of train hopping every town & every town museum. Smart travel idea. RV lifestyle on a train. 🎉

[@jameshammer-uw8iq]

Also Amtrak recommends that you may bring things on the train with you as snacks and drink

[@iwasmidnightrain]

The Rocky Mountains are beautiful! This is so awesome to see

[@jennifermcneil8349]

Denver tradition is to keep up christmas decor through the stock show for out of towners to enjoy. Ends jan. 26th

[@MS-37]

This is a trip of a lifetime, enjoy. Amazing views

[@sandymwest1606]

I am loving this train trip! Thank you!

[@mikeherrera6]

Jacob, really loved watching this trip through colorado. Nothing like seeing these beautiful parts of the country from a train, and I really appreciate your curiosity and willingness for an adventure.

[@sabrinastern2172]

I took the Pacific Coast Starlight from LA to Seattle. I had a coach seat and the train had mechanical issues, so I was on the train 15 hours longer than I was scheduled to (a 2 day trip became a 3 day trip), they ran out of food in the dining room and the cafe car, and the people sharing my coach car with me were...interesting characters. I would never recommend taking an overnight train via coach, but the roomette seems nice. The viewing car on the Starlight was breathtaking. I'm wishing you the very best and hoping for no mechanical issues.

[@shellybliese9610]

I am loving this train ride trip. The views are amazing. Bucket list…future train ride.

[@debrastillwell1122]

I’m enjoying your train journey, I like that you go into details that work/not work for you. You do that with all your videos, it’s refreshing, your not trying to fabricate a story , letting your viewers decide for themselves if this would be something they would like. I do think getting off at the different stops for a day or two might be a good alternative. 👍🏻

[@TheCarpetbagger]

Thank you! Just trying to give my honest perspective, I know what I like is not the same as everyone else

[@mollysmith1226]

​@TheCarpetbagger this has been so fun!!!!

[@emmaruffin-cromer8266]

I love the long series that cover a massive trip the most and this may surpass the Mississippi River one as my favorite you have ever done.

[@mollysmith1226]

That was a beautiful trip

[@valeriemcmahon9508]

Just wanted to say that I love that you’re doing these train trips. Keep up the good work some people like me would love to see it but maybe we would in the future but not right now if money was not tight stuff like that, but I love that you’re doing the trips and I love these videos and these are the best videos ever on KZbin

[@cherylzamule888]

My husband and I love your videos 📹 you are doing a fantastic job showing us the ins and outs of train travel 👏 thank you Jacob! Have a safe trip 😊

[@AGoldblatt72]

I'm really enjoying your Amtrak videos. My husband and I have booked the Empire Builder for June, so I really appreciate watching your experience on the train. Keep having fun!

[@Dave_Boyer]

Everytime I see someone on this train, I think it’s something I want to do, someday. Awesome as usual!!!

[@zenabeme22]

Last Comment 😂: The mountains and the snow were absolutley Beautiful. I had to go back and look at them twice.

[@conniel4127]

Thank you so much for your wonderful trip video which is an amazing trip down memory lane for us! We took a 17 day trip on the train 35 years ago when our son was 10!! Since we live in Southern Ohio our train departed from South Shore, KY to Cincinnati to Chicago to Portland, Oregon for a family visit. Our trip home took us down the coast of California to visit family near Camp Pendleton. After California we took the Southern route train through New Mexico and stayed in Flagstaff, AZ so we could visit the Grand Canyon before returning home! The trains and amenities have definitely been upgraded but the beautiful scenery is still there! You are so delightful to watch and we love listening to you and your narratives! Please keep your wonderful videos coming!! We can’t wait to watch the next one!! P.S. I’m a retired Speech-Language Pathologist (over 50 years)who specialized with children with Autism and you do a fantastic job on your videos!! I’m sure anyone you meet is blessed to communicate with you!! Start every conversation with your sweet and welcoming smile and you will continue to make friends wherever you travel!! We love you!!

[@DawnLevarto-vo5er]

Loved your video. The sights are amazing. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@history_leisure]

The San Francisco Zoo is right on the L/Taravel line. There are ferries that can take you to the Alameda navel museum (so you can check off boats)

[@pamelaszybka1961]

Hi Jacob, I LOVE these videos! It reminds me of my Mom telling of her adventure went she on to visit my Aunt back in the 40s in California. Trains were different then. She slept in a small compartment where she was above someone else, three in a row vertically, you had to climb a ladder to get to and separate from the men. It was quite the scandal back then in the family because she went by herself at 21. I really enjoy your adventures, Thank You for sharing yours with me and my brother because we can't go on our own due to accident, he's wheelchair bound and can't go many places ( its hard for me to get him in and out of the car). We get to see the States though your eyes.

[@luanncrownover4]

Love this series! Can't wait to see more. Oh, and btw, thanks for repping a Texas Buc-ees!

[@angelad.-fl5eo]

I had a great experience on my train trip back in 2018. These videos are bringing back some great memories, like Playing uno with strangers in the observation car. Fun times! ❤

[@pauls9082]

Hi, Jacob! I live in central Utah. You passed by me about 11:30 last night. You were probably trying to (fitfully) sleep. You’re near the end of your journey now. Enjoy the ride!

[@kevinmalone0856]

My boyfriend recently got me hooked on the Grapefruit Frescas, they’re so refreshing!!!

[@chiobsidian]

I am loving this series. It brought back long forgotten but vivid memories of my Dad telling me about how he took that train a few times as a young adult, and all the sights he saw, the experience of a sleeper car. Watching these vlogs, I feel like I'm experiencing it with him, and totally understand why the experience was so magical. I probably will never be able to take the route myself, but getting to see these highly detailed vlogs makes me feel like I'm there with him. Its rare for me to have these connected feelings with my late Dad. I wish I could text him and tell him Im watching this video and how I understand his love of trains and midwestern scenery now. Thank you for sharing this journey with us all

[@alliekuma4234]

These views are beautiful! I love all the trees covered in snow. ❤❤❤ Having that scenery from your room is incredible.

[@davidhernander7217]

Awesome train trip Jacob the carpetbagger is a legend😅

[@Slimjor]

Your thoughts on the train smell at the end gave me a good chuckle, haha. Thanks for all the videos Jacob and stay safe out there!

[@squirrelyVR]

I've been on the California Zephyr going east from San Francisco to Reno . It's beautiful. Also you're going right thru my home City of Davis on the train .

[@davidcassidy6226]

Thank you again, Jacob, for doing this cross-country train ride! I'm riding along with you through your videos!

[@LarryLife]

Jacob, check out the San Francisco Love Tour. It’s a groovy ride in a vintage VW van that’s painted in psychedelic colors. It picks up in Fisherman’s wharf!

[@mikerocks56]

Thanks for this! I’m retired and think this train trip would be great. We took the train from Chicago to New Orleans a few years back

[@lylefjeldstrom1408]

The difference in the firmness of the ground under the tracks that makes it rougher in places

[@scarymarytv]

Jacob!!! You are 1 in a milliom! What an amazing KZbinr you are! Wow....Thank you for having no limits and for bringing us along for your adventures !!!❤❤❤❤❤❤ BIG Hugs to you and Jen From Miami Florida!

[@vjp4659]

Jacob , really enjoying this series , makes me want to hop a train LOL , I wouldn't be able to do the dining car thing though. The thought of being so close and eating with people I don't know terrifies me . Glad there is an option to eat in your room . Looking forward to the rest of your trip. Thanks for bringing us along 😊

[@hbgrimmer850]

Frost heaves can cause the rails to rise and dip from warm to cold weather just like roads get them. Just a thought.

[@history_leisure]

I think with the CPAP you needed a roomette and was perfect for you as a solo traveler. The Deluxe rooms are aimed more at families and those with disabilities (although they are fairly restricted on where they can go with the existing Superliner design). Coach is still a lot roomier than an airplane tho. Not so much on the new Midwest & San Joaquin fleet (which Brightline in Florida also uses)

[@ChrisGentry-e9z]

Yes thats quinoa and its really high in protein. Also goes great with chicken too. Im a fool for cheesecake.

[@BobZamule]

Jacob, Great video! Thanks for sharing this adventure.

[@juanzapata492]

Another awesome day on the train with delicious food and sights 😊

[@sandydisneyfan8355]

Another absolutely enjoyable video. I would say that the scenic views seen from your comfortable surroundings were well worth the price of your ticket. This was a great idea and great kickoff to your 2025 vlogs. 👍

[@GhostHostess74]

My dad was an engineer for this run for several years. Another great Amtrak route is up the west coast. From California to PAC. NW. I grew up on those trains. 😃

[@mollysmith1226]

Oh that's so cool 😊

[@FortNyx]

About 10 years ago I took the Empire Builder from St. Paul to Portland, then the Coast Starlight to Sacramento. The first stent we had our own room, which was an absolute delight. Our attendant kept sneaking us free bottles of wine, the food was great, and the views of the Rockies from the tracks are bar none some of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. But then, we decided to do coach from Portland to Sacramento. HORRIBLE MISTAKE! Stay clear of coach! We were miserable the entire time.

[@robbiwilhelm3780]

Thank you so much for taking me with you My grandfather worked on a train in Georgia but had a accident from the train

[@chelseyalexis2913]

Awesome video, Jacob! Thank you for sharing this experience with us! Looks like a lot of fun, the scenic views are absolutely stunning!! I also like the idea of exploring the towns you stop at, never know what you may find. Take care and be safe!

[@nichollemorganratto5018]

Thank you for taking us on the fun adventure!!

[@davidcrawford219]

Thank you for commentary on answering vomments. Comments . Good job.

[@Retromicky82]

Can I say thank you jacob for showing us international viewers a beautiful view of America in winter. I suffer alot in January with my mental health and seeing videos like this helps me through the dark cold month and thank you for that . I love receiving postcards from u and hope one day I get a train one from you.

[@crazylarry1959]

JACOB FIRST OF ALL I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL LI G TIME SUBSCRIBER. THIS TRAIN TRIP ONE OF YOUR BEST PERIOD.I TOOK AMTRA K FROM PENN STATION, NY TO DEERFIELD BEACH,FLA 1 STOP BEFORE MIAMI 27 HRS.I DID IT IN A SEAT NEVER AGAIN NEXT TIME A ROOMETTE..THANKS FOR SUCH A FUN VIDEO YOUR THE BEST LARRY FROM VALLEY STREAM, NY

[@wingflex5367]

lol 13:17 Always going to be people like that. Told to remain in the car for 10 minutes so the noxious fumes don't fill the cars, but can't follow simple instruction.

[@pstnus2]

This may have already been addressed, but if you are looking for Amtrak route specific “swag,” that is usually sold on the quick service cafe car.

[@michaelcooley66]

The Cardinal from Chicago to DC is a great autumn train ride

[@travelswithkev]

You are right! The Cardinal is an underrated route.

[@johnchambers8528]

@@travelswithkevI also have ridden over that route. You get to see more scenic views on the eastbound run since you get more daytime in West Virginia through the mountain valleys running next to the rivers. The only drawback is that train does not have a full service dinning car or full lounge car. It has a larger snack bar-lounge type of car with a slightly better selection of food available. But do not expect the quality of food you would get in the dinning car of the other two trains between Chicago and the east coast cities. It also does not run daily like the other trains.

[@Helene_M2019]

Loving this trip thank you for all you do to bring us along with you Jacob. Long time subscriber, love all your adventures, this train trip is something special. You must be loving being able to just sit and enjoy the scenery, it is stunning. Looking forward to tomorrow's video!!!

[@Bifyton]

I’m loving your videos on the Amtrak this has been my bucket list for 20 years.

[@mollysmith1226]

Do it!!!!😊

[@mikehughes4969]

Day two of the California Zephyr, and it was even more scenic than day one. Seriously, some of those views were so beautiful it almost hurt my eyes to look at them. The dining situation wouldn't bother me, but I do think I'd rather eat in my room. I'm not exactly a people person. I used to be, but people ruined it for me. Safe travels my friend, and I'm looking forward to the next one.

[@capfantasy]

I'm enjoying this ride along. My wife and have wanted to take that ride sometime so your info and experience is helpful. I'm looking forward to the next episode!

[@RobinLuvdWilliam]

Jacob, I love this train ride and all the scenery! Beautiful vistas and all the information you provided. Thank you so much!😊

[@tomhinkle9433]

After the train trip i took from sf-pdx I felt like I was still on the train for like a day and half after. Really messed with my equilibrium but I can't wait to do it again someday.

[@Nancy-iv1yj]

What a beautiful ride through Colorado Thanks for sharing Carpetbagger