The stunning views are a huge draw for long-distance train travel, and they didn't disappoint on my ride.
As we left Denver, the tracks switchbacked up the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, opening up to grand vistas of the city and the plains beyond.
After passing through a few tunnels (the California Zephyr goes through 43 of them along its route), we were treated to views of distant mountain peaks and lush forests, with aspen trees that turned bright yellow for the fall.
The train followed the Colorado River, and we passed through dizzyingly deep canyons with the water rushing below us.
The views didn't stop once we emerged from the mountains. We entered Red Rock Country, and the rock formations and swirls of color around us were mesmerizing.
By the time the sun set as we crossed over the Utah border, I was fully awed by the beauty of the West.