A Solo Train Journey Through the Mountains

A solo trip I’d dreamed of for a year finally happened this early winter. Though I missed the snow, the endless autumn views outside the window were more than enough. 🚂 33 Hours on the Train From Colorado to Sacramento, 33 hours on the rails. The sightseeing car was bright and cozy—finished Persepolis and three seasons of The Summer I Turned Pretty with surprising efficiency. Coach seats were spacious; securing a row to myself felt like a pardon for my aching back. The dining car was a social hub—even an introvert like me found conversation flowing easily. 🍜 Denver Layover Had Tonkotsu Original at JINYA Ramen Bar near Union Station—salty but warming. Trekked to Trader Joe’s for train snacks—a slightly sketchy area but fine in daylight. Stayed at Hostel Fish: clean, quiet, and with a six-bed dorm all to myself in the off-season—felt like a steal! 🛏️ Sacramento’s Hostel Surprise Hi Sacramento Hostel blew my mind—is this really a hostel? Private room ~$100/night, dorms ~$45-50, plus morning coffee (watery but free). Another win! 🥢 Comfort Food Fix At Tea Cup Cafe in Sac: steamed tofu rolls and taro cakes were divine. Greasy beef chow fun was just okay, but after two days of cold Trader Joe’s meals, it tasted like salvation. 📌 If you ride the California Zephyr in winter, go later for snow—but autumn has its own quiet, expansive charm. Perfect for thinking, staring, and simply being. #CaliforniaZephyr #ColoradoFall #TrainTravel #SoloJourney #HostelLife #AutumnScenery