California Zephyr discussion 2024 H2 - 2025

[pennyk]

I'm ok with the roomette, but if you are solo, you can have the SCA take the upper mattress to double up.

I believe she may be traveling with a friend, so doubling the mattress may not be an option. Thanks.

 

[Bob Dylan]

For fear of heights, closing the curtains might help. I think that’s what @Mystic River Dragon did when she took the Empire Builder to a Gathering.

I don’t recall having any altitude issues on any trains.

The only Altitude Issues on Superliner Trains is the Toliets usually stop working!

 

[Cal]

1. Since she is somewhat afraid of heights, how can she make the best of this trip. Have others, who are afraid of heights, had issues with the CZ westbound?

The Zephyr, as someone said earlier, is rarely "on the edge". However if she feels too anxious I would just tell her to close her curtains and take a nap, or read a book. Anything that is not looking out.

4. Can the roomette be made more comfortable (YouTube videos show very flat mattresses)?

If she is travelling solo I would say use both mattresses, which apparently helps (I haven't tried this, but a friend of mine has and said it was better).

 

[Trainiac]

They don't want pedestrians crossing the Powell bridge with the street, they do have a separate walkway for pedestrians. I was there over the summer, stayed at the Hyatt, and used the elevator and bridge across, Zephyr is there during morning and afternoon hours, I thought it was ok. Uber wanted a rip off price.

Stayed there last night, wasn't any problems with anyone or anything. My CZ was 3 hours late getting in so around 8pm, walked right from the train to the elevator to go up to the foot bridge. Yes there is an elevator, a smelly one. The only person I encountered crossing was a guy with a bike, walked past and didn't have any problem.

In the morning getting back, a bunch of joggers were using the stairs and stuff and jogging around no problems. It's very convenient and I'm not much of a walker myself, but YMMV.

 

[Cal]

Stayed there last night, wasn't any problems with anyone or anything. My CZ was 3 hours late getting in so around 8pm, walked right from the train to the elevator to go up to the foot bridge. Yes there is an elevator, a smelly one. The only person I encountered crossing was a guy with a bike, walked past and didn't have any problem.

In the morning getting back, a bunch of joggers were using the stairs and stuff and jogging around no problems. It's very convenient and I'm not much of a walker myself, but YMMV.

Pretty much matches my experience. Wasn't the cleanest bridge, but I didn't feel unsafe. I walked over after my #5 got in at around 7, and later at like 9 when #14 was there.

 

[west point]

Tell her to not look out the window when she hears the car go over a bridge. Also when locking out windows a little practice will indicate when most bridges are about to be crossed. Anyone remember what and where major bridge crossing occur I don't?

 

[MccfamschoolMom]

If she is travelling solo I would say use both mattresses, which apparently helps (I haven't tried this, but a friend of mine has and said it was better).

I've heard of some Amtrak travelers using a backpacker's sleeping mat on top of the mattress (I had one in my Amazon wishlist, so I must have heard it mentioned in a YouTube video). One has to consider whether or not it would be worthwhile adding that to one's luggage, though. I've also heard of people bringing along a neck pillow or a small travel pillow to supplement what Amtrak provides, and that seems to be a more common practice.

 

[Barb Stout]

2. Is it likely she will get "mountain sickness" since she has always lived at or below sea level in a coastal area? Are there any tips to mitigate or prevent this?

Before a trip to Peru, I looked into altitude sickness and this is some of what I found out.
1) It is unpredictable who will fall prey to it and when. Some people have been at altitude many times and then the 8th time (for example), they are hit with mountain sickness and vice versa.
2) There are medications one can take to prevent it, but they are prescription. I couldn't get into my cardiologist (I have certain conditions that I thought might change the calculus) in time to get a prescription. It turned out fine, but I couldn't walk very far at 14,000 feet. See point 5.
3) Everyone at altitude should drink plenty of water.
4) Avoid alcohol. It will affect you negatively much sooner than the same amount at lower altitudes.
5) Most people wouldn't get altitude sickness at the altitude of the California Zephyr, but many people will feel more tired, sleepier, and weaker at such altitudes. Gravity may be stronger ; )

 

[Willbridge]

Before a trip to Peru, I looked into altitude sickness and this is some of what I found out.
1) It is unpredictable who will fall prey to it and when. Some people have been at altitude many times and then the 8th time (for example), they are hit with mountain sickness and vice versa.
2) There are medications one can take to prevent it, but they are prescription. I couldn't get into my cardiologist (I have certain conditions that I thought might change the calculus) in time to get a prescription. It turned out fine, but I couldn't walk very far at 14,000 feet. See point 5.
3) Everyone at altitude should drink plenty of water.
4) Avoid alcohol. It will affect you negatively much sooner than the same amount at lower altitudes.
5) Most people wouldn't get altitude sickness at the altitude of the California Zephyr, but many people will feel more tired, sleepier, and weaker at such altitudes. Gravity may be stronger ; )

Because the train makes a steady climb, passengers have a chance to adjust for the altitude. It's more of a problem on the highways and as noted in #1 above actual altitude sickness is hard to predict.

 

[GariYaMoshi]

The Zephyr, as someone said earlier, is rarely "on the edge". However if she feels too anxious I would just tell her to close her curtains and take a nap, or read a book. Anything that is not looking out.


If she is travelling solo I would say use both mattresses, which apparently helps (I haven't tried this, but a friend of mine has and said it was better).

We doubled up the mattresses and slept on the bottom bunk only of the bedroom. It helped a bit. I would consider taking an inflatable sleeping pad next time.

 

[MARC Rider]

Because the train makes a steady climb, passengers have a chance to adjust for the altitude. It's more of a problem on the highways and as noted in #1 above actual altitude sickness is hard to predict.

The high point on the whole run is the Moffatt Tunnel at 9 thousand and something feet. The high point on the Donner pass is 7 thousand something feet. As was mentioned before, most cabin pressure in airliners is the equivalent of about 8,000 feet. I don't know how much of the Zephyr route is above 8,000 feet, but it can't be a very long distance or duration.