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We are planning a June trip from Phila to the Grand Canyon by train and would like some info. We will be taking 3 rivers to chicago then onto the Southwest Chief to the Grand Canyon.
I am really looking forward to this trip, even though it is a tad longer than than of an airplane, it is a chance to see America up close!
A few questions for you:
I understand the view going thru New Mexico and Arizona is absolutely beautiful. Are there any sights in particular we should be watching out for?
I understand an indian guide comes on the train between New Mexico and Gallup - does this happen both east and west bound?
Are there movies in the lounge car?
We do not have a sleeper and was wondering how crowded the coach and/or viewing cars are. I assume most people reserve sleepers.
I was reading thru earlier posts and read that the Southwest Chief is a rough ride in some areas. Is this still the case?
Any comments and/or suggestions would be appreciated!
Thanks
Eric Member # 674
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The lava fields east of Gallup are pretty nice to like at. Throughout Arizona, the scenery is very nice (especially during the summer) and mostly everything is green. I haven't ridden this line since '96, but Canyon Diablo between Winslow and Flagstaff is quite a view off the trestle. You have to look fast, because the train is going about 90MPH over the bridge. Meteor Crater is visible pretty far off in the distance after the bridge is crossed if you will be returning on the eastbound.
I don't remember if there was a guide on the westbound, but there was one on the eastbound. The guide stays in the lounge car, and isn't heard throughout the train.
There are usually feature movies playing in the lounge car on TV screens at each end of the car. Sound is reasonable (unless the car is really crowded).
The amount of people in the coach cars is usually un-predictable. Conductors assign the cars to people with relatively the same destination (ie: New Mexico, Arizona, and California might be together, depending on the amount of travelers). The cars are more often than not mostly full, but there is still quite a bit of legroom. The Sightseer Lounge has plenty of seats. The windows are very big, and you can see everything. There is no smoking in the car, and there is a snack bar on the lower level with a generous selection. I think there are even pay phones in the car.
The Chief rolls on a few rough sections on the westbound trip. These areas are mostly between Winslow and Williams Jct (which should be your stop). But besides that, the trip is relatively smooth. The springs on the cars help a lot.
Overall, I think you are in for a great trip. Be sure to sample the food in the dining car. It is usually VERY good. The scenery is great the whole way, and the people onboard are friendly and courteous. Write back when you finish your trip, and let us know how it went!
Super Chief Member # 665
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The sites to look for in Arizona are the beautiful pine forests in the Flagstaff and Williams area. The last time I took the Chief between Gallup and Alb. was several years ago. From what I can remember, the Guide is only on the westbound trip. This would make sense as the eastbound Chief gets into Gallup at night. Yes there are movies in the lounge car. I took the Chief from Fullerton to Gallup this last winter and the movie was Rocky and Bulwinkle. I had a sleeper on that trip, but the coaches like the sleepers are usually packed as this is a popular train. The Chief does go over some rough spots, but I think that they are only more noticible on this train because of the frequent 90mph running. The Southwest Chief is one of Amtrak's best. The Grand Canyon train has really become popular in the last couple of years. I took it back in 1989( it's first year of operation) and it was great.
Eric Member # 674
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Actually, the eastbound Chief gets to Gallup during the late morning/early afternoon.
[This message has been edited by Eric (edited 05-18-2001).]
Super Chief Member # 665
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Oops your right ! Sorry about the mix up
reggierail Member # 26
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The indian guide boards the eastbound train in Gallup, rides to Albuquerque & then goes back to Gallup on the westbound train later that afternoon. Reggie
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jebradley Member # 606
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(Also see my post on your prev. inquiry re S.W. Limited): We actually started Harrisburg, and glass smooth ride to Pgh., plus acceptable ride beyond to Chicago (CSX) was quite a contrast to west of there. (We thought individual cars on S.W. Ltd. might be rough, but 4+ cars all lurched/bounced; high speed possible culprit, but even in Glorieta Pass area (NM) cars hunted/lurched around the nearly continuous curves at lower speeds). The snack car on Three Rivers was adequate and courteous, but WATCH the glass bottled iced tea - I dropped my bag holding it,and soaked 2 issues of TRAINS Mag.! A long way down from PRR Broadway Limited, though.
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