Well you know (he said from some experience) the California Zephyr runs from somewhere in the bay area to Chicago. And they didn't name it Zephyr for no reason. Lotta wind broken on the train, lemme tell ya.
Honestly the crew really tries to make the trip a nice one but the cost is *amazing*! Go to the Amtrak site and try to book a sleeper or nice seats between Sacramento and Reno $$$.
There are plenty of people on board, those afraid to fly and genuinely those that want to see the country up close, and those that want to get smashed on their trip to Reno.
Food is bad and expensive, the restrooms smell and the train is *ALWAYS* late. Amtrak travels at the leisure of the track owners so always count on delays. In the winter after a fresh snow it's no better or more beautiful way to travel.
I rode the California Zephyr when it was still a "good train" -- from Chicago to Denver on the Burlington. An absolute delight.
Sorry to hear that the CZ no longer lives up to that standard. But happy that it still has its virtues...and passengers.