Leg 2 - Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA

The Southwest Chief - Amtrak Train #3

Route Guide   Dining Car Menu   Time Table

Between the tinsel of Hollywood and the City of Broad Shoulders lie 2,256 miles of the most spectacular scenery in America. You are about to discover natural beauty on a memorable journey that will take you from Southern California through the unique rock formations of Arizona, past Native American country in New Mexico, alongside snow-capped peaks in Colorado, and finally, cutting a swath through the orderly farms and the fruited plains of the Kansas, Missouri and Illinois heartlands. Spectacular sunsets – prairie dogs at play – haunting desert beauty – high elevations -- dark tunnels -- exciting curves and switchbacks – you’ll certainly want to keep your camera handy as you share your experiences with friends, family and new acquaintances.

The Southwest Chief is an indirect successor to the famed Santa Fe Super Chief, operated until Amtrak took over provision of the nation’s passenger services. It had been the first Diesel-powered and all-Pullman (sleeping car) train in the U.S., and was that railroad’s standard bearer, making its maiden run in 1936. Known as the “Train of the Stars,” it was famous for its gourmet meals and Hollywood celebrity clientele, fairly setting the bar for luxury rail travel. At the height of its popularity, it made daily departures from both ends of the line. Only the Pennsylvania’s Broadway Limited survived longer in all-Pullman car guise. Maintaining its legendary high service level until May 1, 1971, the Santa Fe railroad ended its passenger operations on that date.

Chicago
Kansas City
Albuquerque
Flagstaff
Los Angeles