In 1971, Amtrak ventured to bring the California Zephyr back as part of its route network by way of the Burlington Northern, Rio Grande and Southern Pacific. However, for fear of lost freight revenues due to increased passenger train traffic, Rio Grande opted not to join. As a result, Amtrak was forced to the Overland Route through Wyoming. This service was temporarily named the San Francisco Zephyr. In 1983, D&RGW finally chose to join with Amtrak, facing mounting losses in their passenger business. The new Amtrak route over D&RGWs rails between Denver and Salt Lake City was to be placed in effect July 16. With its originally desired route now in hand, Amtrak reverted the trains monicker back to the California Zephyr.