Amtrak Photos Along The Colorado Front Range

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Picture Location Date Description / Notes

east of Tunnel 29 2/17/97 The westbound Zephyr rolls along the broad curve just east of Tunnel 29. It's 1997 and the Amtrak DASH 8-32BWHs are still common on this train. Photo by Susan Hannes.

west of Crescent 10/23/99 AMTK 6 leads the westbound Zephyr past Crescent siding. Nice view of Gross Dam in the background.

Tunnel 14 8/12/00 AMTK 12 leads the westbound Zephyr out of Tunnel 14.

east of Tunnel 17 8/12/00 The Zephyr in the previous image has now turned 180 degrees and is on the other side of South Draw heading towards Tunnel 17.

East Portal 9/17/00 AMTK 22 approaches East Portal with the westbound Zephyr.

East Portal 9/17/00 The Zephyr is just about to enter the Moffat Tunnel.

Tunnel 29 The westbound Zephyr passing through T-29. AMTK 21 is the lead engine. Photo by Larry Anderson.

Crescent 1/23/00 Amtrak 33 leads the westbound Zephyr through the curve at Crecent on a cold winter day.

between T-7 and T-8 7/24/99 The westbound Zephyr chugs upgrade on a hot summer day. The lead unit is AMTK 40.

Tunnel 8 7/24/99 AMTK 40 heads into the east portal of Tunnel 8. At this point the train will begin its westward journey up South Boulder Canyon.

Tunnel 1 3/4/00 The westbound Zephyr led by AMTK 46, 60, and 61.

Tunnel 5 4/1/01 AMTK 56 and 50 lead the westbound Zephyr into Tunnel 5.

Tunnel 19 7/28/01 AMTK 56, 22, and 48 are motive power on the westbound Zephyr as it enters Tunnel 19.

Bridge 36.45 7/3/00 AMTK 57 heads across the bridge at milepost 36.45, just east of Pinecliffe. This perspective makes the train look like a model.

East Portal 9/28/03 AMTK 67, 122, and 124 are westbound approaching East Portal. The passengers are no doubt enjoying the golden hillsides of aspen in the valley.

East Portal 9/28/03 Swinging the camera around on the tripod we catch the above train entering the Moffat Tunnel.

Crescent 3/14/99 Amtrak's Zephyr racing around the curve at Crescent.

Tunnel 26 9/25/99 AMTK 74 leads the westbound Zephyr through Tunnel 26. Nice view of the canyon!

Tunnel 27 9/25/99 AMTK 74 approaches the east portal of T-27. Fall comes early to the high country, as evidenced by the foliage around the tracks.

East Portal 9/20/97 Another oldie! The westbound Zephyr heads towards East Portal through some awesome fall foliage. This shot is taken from the Rollins Pass road. AMTK 75 is the lead engine.

East Portal 9/20/97 Same train as above - it is just about to go into the Moffat Tunnel. This is one of those shots that really makes the train seem tiny. The low clouds make a nice effect, too.

Big 10 Curve 6/14/03 The sunlight reflects off the sides of the cars as AMTK 75 and 89 lead the westbound Zephyr around Big Ten Curve.

Tolland 6/14/03 Well the train shown above didn't get too far before breaking down (typical for Amtrak). Here we get a nice chance to photograph the motive power in beautiful scenery as the crew tries to troubleshoot the problem.

Tunnel 29 10/9/99 AMTK 80 and 93 lead the westbound AOE train east of Pinecliffe. More AOE pictures are here.

Coal Creek Canyon 8/21/97 AMTK 84 leads the westbound Zephyr up the south side of Coal Creek Canyon on a nice summer day. Photo by Gary Hannes.

Coal Creek Canyon 8/21/97 AMTK 84 is now working its way up the north side of the canyon and is just about to enter Tunnel 1. Photo by Gary Hannes.

Plainview 12/2/00 AMTK 88 races by the camera along Plainview siding.

Tunnel 2 12/2/00 The westbound Cal. Zephyr heads into Tunnel 2.

Coal Creek Canyon 7/3/99 The Zephyr is westbound (with AMTK 89 at the head end) at the western end of the canyon along the 180 degree curve that crosses Highway 72. Photo by Gary Hannes.

Plainview 3/11/01 AMTK 90 rolls through falling snow at Plainview siding on a cold, snowy winter day.

Tunnel 3 6/1/02 AMTK 92, 187, and 207 lead the westbound Zephyr into Tunnel 3.

Crescent 2/2/03 AMTK 93, 91, and 160 pass by AMTK 32002 at Crescent. The Superliner sleeper derailed the night before on the eastbound Zephyr and was left on the house track for a crew to go pick it up later on.

Tunnel 29 6/22/02 The westbound Zephyr has just exited Tunnel 29 and is crossing the bridge over South Boulder Creek. Engines are AMTK 99, 64, and 78.

Crescent 5/5/01 AMTK 124 and 146 lead the westbound Zephyr past a waiting UP coal train on Crescent siding. This was during a late spring snow storm.

Crescent 5/5/01 I've swung the camera around on the tripod to catch AMTK 124 and 146 rounding the curve at Crescent. Note all the fog in the valley ahead.

East Portal 9/25/05 Here we see the westbound Zephyr entering East Portal with AMTK 127 and 74 leading.

Winter Park 7/2/01 AMTK 140, 67, and 148 lead the westbound Zephyr past Winter Park. This is the location where the Ski Train stops; however, Amtrak does not stop here.

Fraser 7/2/01 AMTK 140, 67, and 148 are now approaching the depot at Fraser after a brief stop to allow MOW crews to clear the track. Note the stormy skies.

Crescent 2/16/02 AMTK 142, 156, and 175 head west with the Zephyr past the 'ole Gross Dam photo spot. Note the new signals at the end of Crescent siding in the background.

Tunnel 12 6/2/01 AMTK 143, 162, and 91 are pulling the westbound Zephyr into Tunnel 12.

east of Tunnel 30 4/29/01 Here we see AMTK 146 and 94 approacing Tunnel 30 (westbound) in a wide valley. South Boulder Creek is adjacent to the tracks

Tunnel 30 4/29/01 The train in the previous image is now just about to enter the east portal of Tunnel 30. As usual I'm set up on top of the tunnel.

Tunnel 22 4/21/01 AMTK 153 (in the new "Acela"-style paint scheme) approaches Tunnel 22 with the westbound Zephyr.

Tunnel 22 4/21/01 AMTK 153 and 154 are exiting Tunnel 22. It's a cold, foggy day in the Rockies.

Tunnel 7 1/19/02 AMTK 158, 157, and 22 head westbound out of Tunnel 7. If you look carefully you can see the curve ahead that leads into Tunnel 8. At that point, the tracks curve westward into Eldorado Canyon.

Tunnel 13 5/28/01 AMTK 161 and 158 are heading west through the tunnels of the South Draw area. As seen in this series of images, from an adjacent ridge one can follow the train as it makes its way through this part of the canyon.

Tunnel 14 5/28/01 AMTK 161 and 158 have just exited Tunnel 14 and are about to enter Tunnel 15. This view helps to show the terrain and isolation of this area.

Tunnel 15 5/28/01 Same shot as above, only zoomed in a little closer to see the engines better.

Tunnel 16 5/28/01 Having reached the bottom of the horseshoe in South Draw, AMTK 161 and 158 are about to enter the sharply-curving Tunnel 16. Here the train will make a 180 degree curve and head up the canyon towards the photographer.

old Tunnel 17 5/28/01 Having changed direction, the Zephyr now passes through the old Tunnel 17 site and makes a turn towards the west to continue on its way.

Coal Creek Canyon 3/13/05 A well-timed shot taken through the windshield as AMTK 168 and 72 lead the westbound California Zephyr over the Highway 72 bridge.

Crescent 3/13/05 AMTK 168 westbound crossing Gross Dam Road.

Crescent 3/13/05 AMTK 168 and 72 westbound in light snow.

Crescent 3/13/05 AMTK 168 and 72 rounding the curve at Crescent.

East Portal 9/22/01 The westbound Zephyr heads into the Moffat Tunnel with AMTK 169 and 125 on point. Nice fall foliage around the tunnel!

Tunnel 9 site 9/28/01 AMTK 180 and 177 roll past the old Tunnel 9 site. Tunnel 9 was abandoned during construction due to the unstable rock.

east of Pinecliffe 9/29/02 The westbound Zephyr turns through the sweeping curve between tunnels 28 and 29. Motive power is AMTK 182, 123, and 183.

west of Rollinsville 9/16/06 AMTK 196 and 9 are the power on today's Zephyr as they head west into a snowstorm.

Big 10 Curve 12/3/05 AMTK 201 and 195 lead the westbound Zephyr at Big 10 Curve.

Tabernash The Ski Train being turned on the balloon track at Tabernash. Photo by Larry Anderson.

west of Crescent 3/11/00 The westbound Ski Train rolls along on a cold winter morning. Blue sky does not necessarily mean warm weather in Colorado!

Tunnel 18 5/27/00 The westbound California Zephyr rolls along towards Crescent. This photo was taken from the top of Tunnel 18, and gives a great view looking west.

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All photos by MATT HANNES unless noted. Any other images used on this page are used with permission of the original photographer.
This entire web page is Copyright 1999-2007 by MATT HANNES. The images contained on this web page are for personal viewing only, and may not be reproduced commercially (i.e. to make money from). If you would like to use any of these images on your web page please e-mail me for permission. Thanks...

Picture	Location	Date	Description / Notes
	east of Tunnel 29	2/17/97	The westbound Zephyr rolls along the broad curve just east of Tunnel 29. It's 1997 and the Amtrak DASH 8-32BWHs are still common on this train. Photo by Susan Hannes.
	west of Crescent	10/23/99	AMTK 6 leads the westbound Zephyr past Crescent siding. Nice view of Gross Dam in the background.
	Tunnel 14	8/12/00	AMTK 12 leads the westbound Zephyr out of Tunnel 14.
	east of Tunnel 17	8/12/00	The Zephyr in the previous image has now turned 180 degrees and is on the other side of South Draw heading towards Tunnel 17.
	East Portal	9/17/00	AMTK 22 approaches East Portal with the westbound Zephyr.
	East Portal	9/17/00	The Zephyr is just about to enter the Moffat Tunnel.
	Tunnel 29		The westbound Zephyr passing through T-29. AMTK 21 is the lead engine. Photo by Larry Anderson.
	Crescent	1/23/00	Amtrak 33 leads the westbound Zephyr through the curve at Crecent on a cold winter day.
	between T-7 and T-8	7/24/99	The westbound Zephyr chugs upgrade on a hot summer day. The lead unit is AMTK 40.
	Tunnel 8	7/24/99	AMTK 40 heads into the east portal of Tunnel 8. At this point the train will begin its westward journey up South Boulder Canyon.
	Tunnel 1	3/4/00	The westbound Zephyr led by AMTK 46, 60, and 61.
	Tunnel 5	4/1/01	AMTK 56 and 50 lead the westbound Zephyr into Tunnel 5.
	Tunnel 19	7/28/01	AMTK 56, 22, and 48 are motive power on the westbound Zephyr as it enters Tunnel 19.
	Bridge 36.45	7/3/00	AMTK 57 heads across the bridge at milepost 36.45, just east of Pinecliffe. This perspective makes the train look like a model.
	East Portal	9/28/03	AMTK 67, 122, and 124 are westbound approaching East Portal. The passengers are no doubt enjoying the golden hillsides of aspen in the valley.
	East Portal	9/28/03	Swinging the camera around on the tripod we catch the above train entering the Moffat Tunnel.
	Crescent	3/14/99	Amtrak's Zephyr racing around the curve at Crescent.
	Tunnel 26	9/25/99	AMTK 74 leads the westbound Zephyr through Tunnel 26. Nice view of the canyon!
	Tunnel 27	9/25/99	AMTK 74 approaches the east portal of T-27. Fall comes early to the high country, as evidenced by the foliage around the tracks.
	East Portal	9/20/97	Another oldie! The westbound Zephyr heads towards East Portal through some awesome fall foliage. This shot is taken from the Rollins Pass road. AMTK 75 is the lead engine.
	East Portal	9/20/97	Same train as above - it is just about to go into the Moffat Tunnel. This is one of those shots that really makes the train seem tiny. The low clouds make a nice effect, too.
	Big 10 Curve	6/14/03	The sunlight reflects off the sides of the cars as AMTK 75 and 89 lead the westbound Zephyr around Big Ten Curve.
	Tolland	6/14/03	Well the train shown above didn't get too far before breaking down (typical for Amtrak). Here we get a nice chance to photograph the motive power in beautiful scenery as the crew tries to troubleshoot the problem.
	Tunnel 29	10/9/99	AMTK 80 and 93 lead the westbound AOE train east of Pinecliffe. More AOE pictures are here.
	Coal Creek Canyon	8/21/97	AMTK 84 leads the westbound Zephyr up the south side of Coal Creek Canyon on a nice summer day. Photo by Gary Hannes.
	Coal Creek Canyon	8/21/97	AMTK 84 is now working its way up the north side of the canyon and is just about to enter Tunnel 1. Photo by Gary Hannes.
	Plainview	12/2/00	AMTK 88 races by the camera along Plainview siding.
	Tunnel 2	12/2/00	The westbound Cal. Zephyr heads into Tunnel 2.
	Coal Creek Canyon	7/3/99	The Zephyr is westbound (with AMTK 89 at the head end) at the western end of the canyon along the 180 degree curve that crosses Highway 72. Photo by Gary Hannes.
	Plainview	3/11/01	AMTK 90 rolls through falling snow at Plainview siding on a cold, snowy winter day.
	Tunnel 3	6/1/02	AMTK 92, 187, and 207 lead the westbound Zephyr into Tunnel 3.
	Crescent	2/2/03	AMTK 93, 91, and 160 pass by AMTK 32002 at Crescent. The Superliner sleeper derailed the night before on the eastbound Zephyr and was left on the house track for a crew to go pick it up later on.
	Tunnel 29	6/22/02	The westbound Zephyr has just exited Tunnel 29 and is crossing the bridge over South Boulder Creek. Engines are AMTK 99, 64, and 78.
	Crescent	5/5/01	AMTK 124 and 146 lead the westbound Zephyr past a waiting UP coal train on Crescent siding. This was during a late spring snow storm.
	Crescent	5/5/01	I've swung the camera around on the tripod to catch AMTK 124 and 146 rounding the curve at Crescent. Note all the fog in the valley ahead.
	East Portal	9/25/05	Here we see the westbound Zephyr entering East Portal with AMTK 127 and 74 leading.
	Winter Park	7/2/01	AMTK 140, 67, and 148 lead the westbound Zephyr past Winter Park. This is the location where the Ski Train stops; however, Amtrak does not stop here.
	Fraser	7/2/01	AMTK 140, 67, and 148 are now approaching the depot at Fraser after a brief stop to allow MOW crews to clear the track. Note the stormy skies.
	Crescent	2/16/02	AMTK 142, 156, and 175 head west with the Zephyr past the 'ole Gross Dam photo spot. Note the new signals at the end of Crescent siding in the background.
	Tunnel 12	6/2/01	AMTK 143, 162, and 91 are pulling the westbound Zephyr into Tunnel 12.
	east of Tunnel 30	4/29/01	Here we see AMTK 146 and 94 approacing Tunnel 30 (westbound) in a wide valley. South Boulder Creek is adjacent to the tracks
	Tunnel 30	4/29/01	The train in the previous image is now just about to enter the east portal of Tunnel 30. As usual I'm set up on top of the tunnel.
	Tunnel 22	4/21/01	AMTK 153 (in the new "Acela"-style paint scheme) approaches Tunnel 22 with the westbound Zephyr.
	Tunnel 22	4/21/01	AMTK 153 and 154 are exiting Tunnel 22. It's a cold, foggy day in the Rockies.
	Tunnel 7	1/19/02	AMTK 158, 157, and 22 head westbound out of Tunnel 7. If you look carefully you can see the curve ahead that leads into Tunnel 8. At that point, the tracks curve westward into Eldorado Canyon.
	Tunnel 13	5/28/01	AMTK 161 and 158 are heading west through the tunnels of the South Draw area. As seen in this series of images, from an adjacent ridge one can follow the train as it makes its way through this part of the canyon.
	Tunnel 14	5/28/01	AMTK 161 and 158 have just exited Tunnel 14 and are about to enter Tunnel 15. This view helps to show the terrain and isolation of this area.
	Tunnel 15	5/28/01	Same shot as above, only zoomed in a little closer to see the engines better.
	Tunnel 16	5/28/01	Having reached the bottom of the horseshoe in South Draw, AMTK 161 and 158 are about to enter the sharply-curving Tunnel 16. Here the train will make a 180 degree curve and head up the canyon towards the photographer.
	old Tunnel 17	5/28/01	Having changed direction, the Zephyr now passes through the old Tunnel 17 site and makes a turn towards the west to continue on its way.
	Coal Creek Canyon	3/13/05	A well-timed shot taken through the windshield as AMTK 168 and 72 lead the westbound California Zephyr over the Highway 72 bridge.
	Crescent	3/13/05	AMTK 168 westbound crossing Gross Dam Road.
	Crescent	3/13/05	AMTK 168 and 72 westbound in light snow.
	Crescent	3/13/05	AMTK 168 and 72 rounding the curve at Crescent.
	East Portal	9/22/01	The westbound Zephyr heads into the Moffat Tunnel with AMTK 169 and 125 on point. Nice fall foliage around the tunnel!
	Tunnel 9 site	9/28/01	AMTK 180 and 177 roll past the old Tunnel 9 site. Tunnel 9 was abandoned during construction due to the unstable rock.
	east of Pinecliffe	9/29/02	The westbound Zephyr turns through the sweeping curve between tunnels 28 and 29. Motive power is AMTK 182, 123, and 183.
	west of Rollinsville	9/16/06	AMTK 196 and 9 are the power on today's Zephyr as they head west into a snowstorm.
	Big 10 Curve	12/3/05	AMTK 201 and 195 lead the westbound Zephyr at Big 10 Curve.
	Tabernash		The Ski Train being turned on the balloon track at Tabernash. Photo by Larry Anderson.
	west of Crescent	3/11/00	The westbound Ski Train rolls along on a cold winter morning. Blue sky does not necessarily mean warm weather in Colorado!
	Tunnel 18	5/27/00	The westbound California Zephyr rolls along towards Crescent. This photo was taken from the top of Tunnel 18, and gives a great view looking west.