Shoshone Hydroelectric Plant
Witness the power of the Colorado River at the Shoshone Hydroelectric Plant, best viewed from the scenic California Zephyr train.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
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Shoshone Hydroelectric Plant
Best Time
Maximize scenic canyon views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the power of the Colorado River at the Shoshone Hydroelectric Plant, best viewed from the scenic California Zephyr train.
"Wow, what a hidden treasure!! Stop and breath people. Must stop and walk here."
Book Train Tickets Early
:ticket: Secure your seat on the California Zephyr for the best canyon views.
Enjoy the Scenery
:camerawithflash: The train ride offers stunning photo opportunities of the plant and canyon.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
California Zephyr Train Ride
Glenwood Canyon
Experience breathtaking views of the Shoshone Hydroelectric Plant and Glenwood Canyon from the comfort of this scenic train route.
Shoshone Power Plant Penstocks
Glenwood Canyon
See the impressive penstocks that carry water from the dam down to the turbines, a key feature of this hydroelectric facility.
Colorado River Dam
Glenwood Canyon
Witness the dam on the Colorado River that impounds water, a crucial element in the plant's energy generation process.
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Planning Your Visit
Glenwood Canyon Views
Understanding the Power
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Train Tickets Early
:ticket: Secure your seat on the California Zephyr for the best canyon views.
Enjoy the Scenery
:camerawithflash: The train ride offers stunning photo opportunities of the plant and canyon.
Understand the Process
:bulb: Learn about hydroelectric power generation as you pass the plant.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Train Tickets Early
:ticket: Secure your seat on the California Zephyr for the best canyon views.
Enjoy the Scenery
:camerawithflash: The train ride offers stunning photo opportunities of the plant and canyon.
Understand the Process
:bulb: Learn about hydroelectric power generation as you pass the plant.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the scenic views of the Shoshone Hydroelectric Plant from the California Zephyr train, often describing it as a 'hidden treasure' and a 'pretty view.' The engineering of the plant, with its dam and penstocks, is noted as impressive. While direct access is limited, the train journey provides a memorable experience of industrial power within a stunning natural setting.
"Really pretty view from the train, anyone who gets a chance should experience this trip."
Dustin Giordani
"Wow, what a hidden treasure!! Stop and breath people. Must stop and walk here."
Lane Fullenwider
"This is a photo of Shoshone power plant in Glenwood Canyon taken from the California Zephyr showing the penstocks that carry the water down to the turbines, Due to a blizzard i have colored in the structures a bit..
Electrical generation with water power is a simple process. Generally, water falls with great force down large pipes called penstocks, which direct the water into turbines. The force of the water turns the propeller-like turbines, and the rotation of the turbine shaft in turn spins the generators, which produce electrical current. Once the water flows through the turbine it returns to the river.
The amount of electricity generated is directly related to the force of the water as it flows into the turbine, also called the "head," and the volume of the river.
At Shoshone, a 7-foot high, 245-foot long dam on the Colorado River impounds the water, some of which is diverted into a tunnel high above the plants. The tunnel, at 12 feet high and 16 feet, eight inches wide, carries water at a flow rate of 1,408 cubic feet per second a little over two miles from the dam to the plant.
The water drops 287 feet to the plant through twin, 9-foot diameter penstocks, which feed the water into the plant's two turbines. The two 9,000-horse power hydraulic turbines turn at 400 revolutions per second and drive two 7,200-kilowatt, 4,000-volt generators."
Loco Steve
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way to view the Shoshone Hydroelectric Plant is by taking the California Zephyr train, which travels through Glenwood Canyon. You can also see parts of the plant from overlooks in the canyon, but the train offers the most comprehensive perspective.
The California Zephyr is an Amtrak route that travels between Chicago and Emeryville, California. It passes through Glenwood Canyon, offering views of the Shoshone Hydroelectric Plant.
Direct access to the Shoshone Hydroelectric Plant itself is generally restricted as it is an active industrial facility. Viewing is primarily from the train or designated overlooks.
While you can drive through Glenwood Canyon on I-70, the best views of the Shoshone Hydroelectric Plant are from the train. Roadside pull-offs offer limited perspectives.
The Shoshone Hydroelectric Plant operates 24/7 for power generation. Viewing is dependent on the California Zephyr train schedule.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You need tickets for the California Zephyr train to see the plant from the most scenic vantage point. There are no direct entry tickets for the plant itself.
Ticket prices for the California Zephyr vary widely depending on your departure and arrival cities, class of service, and how far in advance you book. It's best to check the Amtrak website for current pricing.
No, the California Zephyr makes scheduled stops, but you cannot disembark to explore the Shoshone Hydroelectric Plant.
Public tours of the Shoshone Hydroelectric Plant are not typically offered due to its industrial nature. The primary viewing experience is from the train.
Booking train tickets directly through the Amtrak website or app is recommended for the best selection and pricing.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photos are taken from the California Zephyr train as it passes through Glenwood Canyon. Some roadside pull-offs in the canyon may offer limited photographic opportunities.
Yes, photography is generally allowed on Amtrak trains, but be respectful of other passengers. Capturing the Shoshone Hydroelectric Plant from the train window is a popular activity.
A camera with a good zoom lens can be helpful for capturing details of the plant from the train. Wide-angle lenses are great for the expansive canyon views.
Drone usage is highly restricted in national forests and near industrial facilities like the Shoshone Hydroelectric Plant. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
Daytime departures of the California Zephyr will offer the best natural light for photographing the plant and canyon.
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of Shoshone
The water then drops 287 feet through twin, 9-foot diameter penstocks to feed the plant's two turbines. Each turbine is rated at 9,000 horsepower and spins at 400 revolutions per second, driving two 7,200-kilowatt, 4,000-volt generators. This process efficiently converts the kinetic energy of the water into electrical current.
This hydroelectric generation process is a simple yet effective method of producing clean energy. The amount of electricity generated is directly proportional to the 'head' (the force of the water) and the volume of the river. Once the water has passed through the turbines, it is returned to the river.
Experiencing Shoshone from the Rails
The train ride itself is an integral part of the experience. The route through Glenwood Canyon is renowned for its scenic beauty, with towering cliffs and the rushing Colorado River. Seeing the Shoshone power plant integrated into this natural landscape adds another layer of wonder to the journey.
While direct access to the plant is limited, the perspective from the train allows for a comprehensive appreciation of its engineering and its place within the environment. It's a unique opportunity to witness industrial power generation against a backdrop of stunning natural scenery.
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