The California Zephyr (Part III)
I boarded the California Zephyr for the third time in Glenwood Springs, anticipating a highly scenic but ultimately less impressive journey than the Denver–Glenwood Springs portion of the route which I had travelled four days earlier. Much to my delight, however, this next portion of the California Zephyr’s route was even more impressive than that which had preceded it. The train continued to follow the Colorado River as it headed west from Glenwood Springs.
It was not long before the train passed Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain. My guide book informed me that this region of western Colorado is known for its peaches and apricots.
After travelling alongside beautiful red cliffs and canyons carved by the Colorado River, we entered a different landscape entirely, with the bright cliffs replaced by vast desert. This landscape looked particularly spectacular as the sun set over the sand dunes later in the evening.
Despite departing Glenwood Springs three hours behind schedule, the California Zephyr made up time over the course of the day, pulling into Salt Lake City only 30 minutes after its scheduled arrival time.
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City was a fascinating destination, although the two days of 38 degrees celsius weather that I had to endure did dampen my enjoyment of the city. Founded in 1847 by Mormon pioneers seeking to practise their religious beliefs in freedom, Salt Lake City’s most famous attraction is Temple Square – the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints. I found Temple Square to be a very peaceful and relaxing place, and enjoyed taking one of the free tours that are offered by Mormon missionaries every half hour. On my tour, two young Mormon women showed us various sites around the area, explaining the architecture of the buildings and their significance to their faith. I also attended an organ recital at the Salt Lake Tabernacle (the home of the renowned Tabernacle Choir). The organ has 11,623 pipes, making it one of the largest pipe organs in the world.
Apart from these sites, however, it was a struggle to find anything else to keep me occupied in the city. Whilst it was certainly a scenic place with its wide streets and Wasatch Mountain Range backdrop, Salt Lake City was ultimately a little too quiet to hold my attention for the full two days.
