If it fits within your time and budget, I would make a stop in West Glacier and see what I could of Glacier NP.
If you don't have to make a same day connection at the west end of the Empire Builder, you can choose either Seattle or Portland for a 20+ hour layover before getting on the Empire Builder.
You could even take an Amtrak Cascades to Eugene and hang out there until the CS arrives about 5:30PM.
Are you sure that neither of you wants to climb up to sleep in an upper bunk in 1 roomette? Check on the availability of the H room on any train you ride.
Whichever direction you ride on the California Zephyr, Glenwood Springs is a good choice for a layover.
If you don't have to make a same day connection at the west end of the Empire Builder, you can choose either Seattle or Portland for a 20+ hour layover before getting on the Empire Builder.
You could even take an Amtrak Cascades to Eugene and hang out there until the CS arrives about 5:30PM.
Are you sure that neither of you wants to climb up to sleep in an upper bunk in 1 roomette? Check on the availability of the H room on any train you ride.
Whichever direction you ride on the California Zephyr, Glenwood Springs is a good choice for a layover.