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5 Fantastic Reasons to Ride Amtrak’s Southwest Chief

This fall, I’m going to ride the Southwest Chief. I’ve ridden this train multiple times, in Coach and a Roomette, and I never tire of the experience.

It’s a journey that combines relaxing travel with breathtaking scenery—and it’s one of the best ways to see the heart of the American West without needing to get behind the wheel.

Whether you’re a first-time rider or simply dreaming about your next adventure, here are five compelling reasons the Southwest Chief should be on your travel list:

1. Scenery That’ll Stop You in Your Tracks

If you’re familiar with the farmlands of the Midwest (as I am), the landscapes along the Southwest Chief feel like entering another world. Imagine rugged red rock formations, desert plateaus, and mountain passes that touch the clouds.

The stretch through northern New Mexico and Arizona is a personal favorite—especially around Raton Pass and the red cliffs near Gallup. When the light hits just right, the colors of the desert seem to glow. No photo can truly do it justice, but you’ll certainly try!

2. A Route Full of Character and History

This isn’t just a direct route from Chicago to Los Angeles; it’s a journey through history. The Chief pays homage to the historic Santa Fe Railway sections, which means that history surrounds you at every turn. The days of the Super Chief.

Along the way, you’ll pass through places like:

• La Junta, CO – a quiet stop with roots in the Wild West
• Raton, NM – gateway to hiking and historic Santa Fe
• Flagstaff, AZ – a charming mountain town near the Grand Canyon
• Winslow, AZ – yes, you can literally be “standin’ on a corner!”

If you love natural beauty, small-town charm, and a dose of Southwest culture, this route delivers.

If you are a fan of Breaking Bad or Better Call Saul, you can visit Albuquerque, NM, and even as you step off the train, you can see where Mike stood in the station and more! There are Breaking Bad tours too!

3. Relaxing Travel the Way It Should Be

Coach offers legroom that puts planes to shame, and Roomettes and Bedrooms provide you with private space to stretch out, sleep, and even enjoy meals.

I’ve experienced both and had a great ride, but I prefer a room because I appreciate having some alone time. There’s something about the sway of the train that relaxes and comforts me.

4. Food Tastes Better With a View

If you’re in a sleeper car, your meals are included and served in the dining car with full traditional dining. There’s something special about enjoying a hot meal while watching the sunrise or sunset over the desert.

Everyone onboard is welcome in the Café Car, located on the lower level of the lounge car, where you’ll find snacks, sandwiches, and drinks.

My pro tip: grab a seat in the Sightseer Lounge—not just for the views, but also for the chance to meet fellow travelers.

5. Unplug, Unwind, and Reset

One of my favorite things about this route? You lose cell service in a lot of places—and that’s a good thing. This train invites you to unplug. Read a book, write a few postcards, strike up a conversation, or just watch the world roll by.

In a world of constant alerts and distractions, the Southwest Chief gives you a rare chance just to be.

Quick FAQ:

• This train uses Amtrak’s Superliner equipment
• There’s a Café Car for all passengers, and Traditional Dining is available for sleeper car guests (included) or a set price if you’re in Coach. The cafe is on the lower level of the Sightseer Lounge.
• Available accommodations: Coach, Roomettes, Bedrooms, Accessible Bedrooms, and Family Rooms

Ready to Ride?

If you’re considering taking the Southwest Chief, I’ve got a helpful guide to get you started: 👉 Southwest Chief Schedule & Travel Tips.

I’ll be riding again this fall—maybe I’ll see you out there!

Texas Eagle Track Work Ends Early!

I heard a rumor that UP completed the track work affecting the Texas Eagle. This week, Amtrak removed the Texas Eagle track information from the website, so that must mean the track work is over! This should make several people happy.

What has Kev been up to?

This week has been a learning adventure with technology. You might have noticed that you received the Thursday email on Wednesday. Yeah, I made an error. When I checked back, everything was saved except for the scheduling. Oh well, it's not the worst. I booked most of my next trip; the Southwest Chief is part of it. More details to come.

I did update my post about the on-time performance of Amtrak's long-distance trains.

Looking at the Markers 🚂

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Until Next Week…

Happy planning and safe travels,
Kev Monteith