The California Zephyr runs through Coal Creek Canyon as it begins the climb into the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

The California Zephyr emerges from the thick fog at Roggen, Colorado with heritage engine 184 leading the way to Denver.

Looking a bit like an N scale model, Amtrak’s westbound California Zephyr edges the rocky cliffs through Gore Canyon at Azure, Colorado, on September 15, 2021.

Amtrak engine 202 leads the California Zephyr through the area known as the South Draw on the Moffat Tunnel Sub.

The California Zephyr passes through Wiggins, Colorado at sunrise.

The California Zephry arrives at Brush, Colorado just as the sun rises, bathing the area in a golden glow.

The California Zephyr heads into Tunnel 17 just below the photographer. The third engine in line is a new Siemens Charger that was being sent to California.

The California Zephyr runs around the base of Blue Mountain as it heads into Coal Creek Canyon, Colorado.

The California Zephyr #5 runs through Coal Creek Canyon as it begins the journey into the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

Amtrak engine #83 (P42DC) leads the California Zephyr through Little Ten Curve at Rocky, Colorado.

The California Zephyr arrives in Denver through the BNSF yard with a special delivery of a new Siemens Charger that will be dropped off at the Denver Union Station.

Amtrak engine #75 (P42DC) pulls the California Zephyr through the hills in Coal Creek Canyon, Colorado as it heads up the Moffat Tunnel Sub.

Amtrak #5 over takes a UP manifest in Rollinsville, CO on UP's Moffat Tunnel Subdivision.

An eastbound California Zephyr crosses the Colorado River near Dell.

Amtrak heritage engine 184 (P42DC) leads the California Zephyr out of Tunnel 1 at Plainview, Colorado. A friendly wave and a horn toot from Engineer Gary was most appreciated!