Some other notable sights on the CZ route (in westbound order)
The CZ crosses the Mississippi river which is the border between Illinois and Iowa, so it's just before the Burlington, IA station.
The CZ crosses the Des Moines river just after the Ottumwa, IA station. (in daylight during daylight saving time).
(At night, unless the train is
way off schedule)
The Missouri river (Iowa/Nebraska border) after/before Plattsmouth, NE
The Platte river and then Offut AFB between Plattsmouth and Omaha.
The CZ crosses the Platte River again after Omaha, between Gretna and Ashland, NE.
A few miles out of Holdrege, NE the CZ follows the Republican River into Colorado.
Beyond Denver/Arvada the sight seeing gets kinda busy:
The CZ starts climbing up into the Rocky Mountains and the first sight is the
Big 10 Curve.
After the Big 10 Curve the tracks make a couple more 90° turns before the track makes a 180° switchback over Coal Creek Canyon Road with the Cool Creek Canyon to the left of the train.
At the end of the Coal Creek switchback is the 1st of 20 some tunnels in the next 25 or so miles.
Between the 1st and 2nd tunnels is an area called Plainview that offers a great view of the Denver/Boulder area.
Between the 16th and 17th tunnels we get to see South Boulder Canyon and the
Gross Reservior Dam.
The 6.2 mile Moffat Tunnel is the main tunnel attraction at the end of the 25 mile miles of tunnels. Of course, the Moffat Tunnel is dark inside and we can't really see it.
At the west portal of the Moffat Tunnel is the Winter Park ski resort.
After Kremmling we go through Gore Canyon for 22 miles or so.
Further on we enter Red Canyon which can't be missed because of the red cliffs.
Not long after the CZ route joins I-70 at Dotsero.