Amtrak’s Westbound Southwest Chief
My Amazing Cross-Country Adventure on Amtrak’s Westbound Southwest Chief
Traveling by train has always intrigued me—the idea of watching the landscape shift from city skylines to rolling plains and rugged mountains, all from the comfort of my own space. Recently, I had the opportunity to take Amtrak’s Southwest Chief from Chicago to Los Angeles, and it was truly an unforgettable experience.
Booking & Unexpected Upgrade
Originally, I had reserved Roomette H, but upon arrival, I learned that it was unavailable. Amtrak, however, quickly accommodated me in Deluxe Room D/E, and let me tell you—it was an upgrade I didn’t mind at all! The extra space, private bathroom, and overall comfort made the journey even more enjoyable. It was my first time in a deluxe bedroom, and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to experience long-distance train travel.
The Crew That Made the Trip Special
One of the highlights of my trip was the incredible Amtrak crew. They went above and beyond to make the journey comfortable, engaging, and fun.
- Pamela, my room attendant, was an absolute gem. She took great care of me and made sure everything in my deluxe room was just right.
- Angela, who worked in coach, was a hilarious and engaging presence throughout the trip. She kept the energy light and made everyone feel welcome.
- Kyle and Joshua, the café attendants, made sure we were well-fed and the desserts were GREAT.
Their warmth and hospitality made the long journey feel even more special.
The Onboard Experience
The Southwest Chief offers some of the most breathtaking scenery you can see by rail. From the vast Midwestern plains to the dramatic desert landscapes of the Southwest, every hour brought a new and stunning view.
The dining experience was another highlight. Sitting in the dining car, enjoying a meal while watching the world pass by, was a unique and relaxing way to travel. The café car was a great spot to grab a quick snack or chat with fellow passengers, and thanks to Kyle and Joshua, the service was always friendly.
Highlights of the Route
The train made several memorable stops along the way, giving me a glimpse of different towns and cities across the country. Some of my favorite sights included:
- Crossing the Mississippi River shortly after leaving Chicago
- The wide-open landscapes of Kansas and Colorado
- The stunning red rock formations of New Mexico and Arizona
- Crossing historic Route 66, which was an unexpected but thrilling moment for me! Seeing this legendary highway up close was an exciting part of the trip.
The ever-changing scenery kept me glued to the window for hours.
Final Thoughts
My journey on the Southwest Chief was everything I had hoped for and more. It was so amazing to see that although shaquelle and i were together… our experiences were so different and they complimented each other! She ventured out and almost talked to every passenger on the train (🤣🤣) learning so much about their different cultures.. and she stayed in the onservation car! I enjoyed the comfort of the alone time in the bedroom as I silently pondered what my life will be like in the years to come… shaquelle brought us painting and paint and I brought plenty of snacks (you see where my priorities were? Lol).
The combination of comfort, scenery, and the outstanding crew members made it a trip to remember. If you’re considering cross-country train travel, I highly recommend giving it a try!
Tips for Future Travelers:
- If possible, upgrade to a deluxe bedroom for extra comfort.
- Spend time in the observation car—the views are worth it!
- Get to know the crew and fellow passengers—it makes the trip even more enjoyable.
Would we do it again? Absolutely! I think Amtrak should sponsor me and shaquelle on some more Itineraries 🤣🤣
Have you ever taken a long-distance Amtrak trip? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!
#travelgurls #cowgirllifestyle #amtrak #southwestchief