I’ve been thinking about taking a trip to Colorado (Glenwood Springs specifically) in spring or summer on the Zephyr - went there before . I’d either take a roomette all the way from Chicago (connecting from the Wolverine) or perhaps just fly to Denver and take the Zephyr from there depending on how roomette pricing compares to a flight/hotel in Denver. Granted, I would miss out on the east of DEN route, though I’ve done it all before, and Illinois/Iowa/Nebraska isn’t must-see territory. On the return, I may look at taking the train eastbound to SLC (as that is the one Zephyr segment I’ve never done) and flying home from there (as going back by train would mean a 3:30am departure).
From past experience, it seems that there are usually a few weeks where the train detours through Wyoming during this time period, and thus does not stop at GSC. My goal would be to avoid planning a trip that falls during any such detour. How far in advance is notice usually given for these, and is there usually a set time period these can fall during? I’d hate to book only to find out I’m riding a bus (or worse, have “no alternate transportation”), and find it difficult to change plans. Of course the flight would be riskier than doing all-Amtrak, though roomette prices may make that option more attractive (and I’d get the opportunity to ride the A-Line from DEN airport, something I’ve never done before). Also, it would be easier to do the DEN-SLC segment that way given the return timetable...
From past experience, it seems that there are usually a few weeks where the train detours through Wyoming during this time period, and thus does not stop at GSC. My goal would be to avoid planning a trip that falls during any such detour. How far in advance is notice usually given for these, and is there usually a set time period these can fall during? I’d hate to book only to find out I’m riding a bus (or worse, have “no alternate transportation”), and find it difficult to change plans. Of course the flight would be riskier than doing all-Amtrak, though roomette prices may make that option more attractive (and I’d get the opportunity to ride the A-Line from DEN airport, something I’ve never done before). Also, it would be easier to do the DEN-SLC segment that way given the return timetable...