Whereas the CZ had been a cross-country experience, the RGZ became primarily a local tourist vehicle, with most of its ridership traveling between Denver and Glenwood Springs. Not being an overnight train, no sleeping cars were included in the consist, but a first-class dining car and lounge service were maintained. And the vista-dome cars which made the CZ famous were still there too. The full story of the train is told in wonderful photographs and text. The Rio Grande Zephyr plied the rails for a dozen years after the discontinuance of the California Zephyr, until the economics of the operation finally persuaded Rio Grande management to accept Amtrak's continued offers for the sale of the route.
Domes are a thing of the past now.
We're not likely to see another train equal to the Rio Grande Zephyr. Frequently thereafter, I could be found trackside with camera in hand, listening for the distinctive sound of the three F9 locomotives as they powered their way westward or whined downgrade coming into Denver. Thankfully, Woody Woodward was kind enough to let me use his slides which he took of the RGZ during its last visit to Grand Junction. At any rate, I hope you enjoy this little excursion into Memoryland.