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
Posted by graynt (Member # 17) on :
You will have a wonderful trip. Most people don t reserve sleepers,but even in a full coach,there is still a lot of space.
Try to be in the Sightseer lounge car during the New Mexico portion of your trip. the Raton Pass coming in from Colorado is stunning. Actually most of the trip through New Mexico is great. Look for the pueblos and the Indian villages you will pass. There is an Indian guide from Albuquerque to Gallup in both directions.
Some of the track is rough,but nothing too major. You ll have a chance to get off the train in Albuquerque, as it is a service stop for the SW Chief. Try and get a burrito from the truck outside and skip dinner on the train. They are great! You'll also find local merchants selling Indian jewelery.
Have a great trip and enjoy the scenery. There is nothing like a trip on a Western Superliner.
Posted by reggierail (Member # 26) on :
I would never travel in the summer by coach, even if it was not overnight. The Southwest Chief carries a lot of Boy Scouts going to a camp near Raton I believe. The peace & privacy of the sleeper is really appreciated especially when the train is full of younguns. Don't forget to try the Caramel Turtle pie in the diner, it's yummy. Reggie
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Posted by jebradley (Member # 606) on :
We traveled Chi-LA in Dec. '00. Found ride quite rough ALL THE WAY - big disappointment. You won't have to worry about falling trying to enter/exit upper berth, but be careful going to/from diner and in lounge car (great view though). Pack LIGHT - no fun hauling baggage! Be first in line when they open train up for coach patrons at Chicago--it's a stampede 'cause they wait til last few minutes before leaving time, reason unknown. Pick seats near center of car or you might try lower level coach seats if available & acceptable to you - of course the view is better upstairs. Diner service/food very good, but so rough flowers overturned (twice!). Sleeper porter made himself scarce; both this service and ride not as good as Empire Builder eastbound the following week. I agree w/previous posts re scenery--got dark earlier so we didn't see any of AZ. Enjoy!