Rio Grande and the California Zephyr

Rio Grande was the "Mainline Thru the Rockies". Its direct route between Salt Lake City and Denver connected Midwestern and West Coast railroads.  

Rio Grande operated the famous California Zephyr with the Western Pacific and Chicago Burlington and Quincy. Amtrak's California Zephyr operates over Union Pacific's former Rio Grande trackage from Salt Lake City to Denver.

Rio Grande-Mainline Thru The Rockies

Rio Grande connected Salt Lake City and Denver and was known for its fast, reliable route that traversed the Rocky Mountains.  The railroad earned the slogan "Mainline Thru the Rockies."