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A train sightseeing trip around the Southwest offers breathtaking landscapes, from vast deserts and red rock formations to majestic canyons and towering mountains. Amtrak's Southwest Chief is a popular option, connecting Chicago and Los Angeles and providing access to many key Southwestern destinations.

Here's a possible itinerary for a sightseeing trip by train around the Southwest and back, incorporating some of the most scenic routes and popular attractions:

Possible Itinerary:

• Starting Point: Chicago, Illinois

  • Begin your journey in Chicago, a major hub for Amtrak. You can explore the city before or after your train adventure. The Southwest Chief departs from Chicago's Union Station.
  • Enjoy the amenities of the station, and if you have time, grab a meal at a classic Chicago diner.

• Leg 1: Chicago to Flagstaff, Arizona (on the Southwest Chief)

  • Board the Southwest Chief for a scenic overnight journey. The train travels through Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico before reaching Arizona.
  • Enjoy views of expansive plains, wheat fields, ranches, and diverse ecosystems. Consider spending time in the observation car for panoramic views.
  • Meals are available in the dining car, and if you have a sleeper car ticket, meals are often included.
  • The train makes stops in cities like Kansas City and Albuquerque, where you might have a short time to stretch your legs. In Albuquerque, vendors sometimes sell local crafts on the platform.
  • Arrive in Flagstaff, Arizona, known as the "Gateway to the Grand Canyon."

• Stop 1: Flagstaff & Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

  • From Flagstaff, take a shuttle to Williams, Arizona, where you'll board the historic Grand Canyon Railway.
  • This railway offers a nostalgic journey through desert landscapes and Ponderosa pine forests, with entertainment like cowboys and musicians onboard.
  • Spend at least one night at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to fully experience its majestic beauty. You can take a narrated motorcoach tour, walk the Rim Trail, or explore historic buildings.
  • Consider a guided jeep tour of Sedona, known for its red rock beauty, from Flagstaff.

• Leg 2: Flagstaff to Albuquerque, New Mexico (on the Southwest Chief)

  • Rejoin the Southwest Chief in Flagstaff and travel eastbound towards Albuquerque.
  • This route offers more stunning desert vistas and cultural insights as you pass through historic towns and Native American reservations.
  • Experience the unique culture and history of Albuquerque, perhaps exploring its Old Town.

• Stop 2: Albuquerque & Santa Fe, New Mexico

  • Spend time in Albuquerque. From there, you can take a shuttle to Santa Fe, the nation's highest capital, known for its art, adobe architecture, and Latin culture.
  • Enjoy a walking tour of Santa Fe's historic landmarks, museums, and galleries.

• Optional Scenic Detour: Colorado Narrow Gauge Railroads

  • If time allows and you want to experience more historic train rides, consider traveling north from New Mexico into Colorado.
  • The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad winds through the rugged San Juan Mountains and Animas River Canyon, offering views of towering cliffs and waterfalls.
  • The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, runs between Antonito, Colorado, and Chama, New Mexico, showcasing breathtaking mountain scenery, lush forests, and expansive meadows.

• Leg 3: Albuquerque back towards Chicago (on the Southwest Chief)

  • Board the Southwest Chief again in Albuquerque to head back towards Chicago, retracing some of your initial journey.
  • Enjoy the changing landscapes as you travel through New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa.

• Return to Chicago, Illinois

  • Arrive back in Chicago, where your rail journey concludes.

Other Scenic Train Options in the Southwest:

• Verde Canyon Railroad (Clarkdale, Arizona): A 4-hour round trip through Arizona's Verde Valley, offering views of red rock formations, a 680-foot tunnel, and wildlife. They also have special seasonal journeys.
• Rocky Mountaineer (Denver to Moab/Glenwood Springs): A luxurious two-day route through the Colorado Rockies and into Utah, offering unparalleled views from glass-domed trains. This journey can be combined with visits to national parks like Arches, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef.
• Royal Gorge Route Railroad (Cañon City, Colorado): A scenic train ride through the Royal Gorge.

Tips for Your Trip:

• Book in advance: Especially for popular routes and sleeper car accommodations.
• Consider a rail pass: If you plan on multiple long-distance journeys.
• Pack essentials: Bring snacks, drinks, a good book, and a camera. Don't forget layers of clothing, as temperatures can vary.
• Utilize observation cars: These cars offer expansive views and are a great way to experience the scenery.
• Dining options: Amtrak trains offer dining cars with full meals, and some tickets (like sleeper car) include meals.
• Flexibility: While train travel offers a different kind of freedom by not having to drive, it's less flexible than a car for spontaneous detours.
• Overnight stays: Many routes involve overnight travel on the train, so factor in hotel stays at your chosen destinations.
• Check for packages: Amtrak Vacations and other tour companies offer packages that combine train travel with hotel stays and sightseeing excursions.