When we went to sleep in our roomette bunks, the terrain was lush with evergreens. (click here for Day 1) As we awakened, we felt as if we were on a different planet. Vast open, arid land lay before us, with mesas suddenly rising from the Earth.
Each mountain range had its own personality and held the stories of thousands of years of seasons.
The desert colors and high Rocky Mountains contrasted sharply with the deep azure sky. For hours we found it mesmerizing.
We picked up the Colorado River and followed it up and over Mt. Evans (14,271 ft elevation), which at the railway summit is 7,936 ft . The green vegetation started to change the story mixing in even more colors and textures.
The beautiful sunny weather turned gray as we rose in elevation. The mountains became more rugged, with sharp reddish rock walls – a nice contrast to the green foliage mixed in.
Once we arrived at Granby (7,936 ft elevation), it started to snow. The train station looked newly built with interesting architecture and detail that fit in with its high mountain surroundings.
Flanked by snow covered mountains and quaint small towns the train slowly made its way through the mountains.
On the other side of the mountain range, the terrain opened up into the vast Denver Valley, delivering us on time to our final destination, the city of Denver.
Next time – fun exploring Denver’s art and beauty and an adventure with Uber. Click Here for Day 3