The westbound Zephyr is between Tunnel 7 and Tunnel 8 in the heart of the Tunnel District on a beautiful May morning. The train is about to disappear in Tunnel 8 and, after emerging, the plains will no longer be visible. Tunnels 1-7 are along the eastern slope of the Front Range of the Rockies, but Tunnel 8 curves the tracks around the northeast face of Elderado Mountain, into the Rockies for the journey west.
Two Amtrak routes serve the Centennial State. The California Zephyr's route through Moffat Tunnel and along the Colorado River goes from one end of the state to the other. The Southwest Chief cuts across the southeast corner.
