This Long-distance Train Ride Crosses 8 States-Including Some of the Most Beautiful and Often-overlooked Parts of the U.S.

"The Southwest Chief can be ridden in either direction, but this piece focuses on the east-to-west route from Chicago to Los Angeles. The trip begins at Chicago Union Station, where the train slowly pulls away from the city and heads west through Illinois."

"From here, the Southwest Chief traverses across Kansas, where wide-open plains, farmland, and big skies are all on display. Be sure to watch for giant windmills dotting the landscape."

"Once in New Mexico, the route becomes a highlight for many passengers, as it introduces desert views, mesas, cacti, and expansive horizons that feel distinctly Southwestern."

The Southwest Chief is a long-distance Amtrak train covering 2,265 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles in over 40 hours. It features stops in major cities like Chicago, Kansas City, and Albuquerque, but the true beauty lies in the small towns and landscapes in between. The journey begins in Chicago, passing through Illinois and crossing the Mississippi River into Missouri. The train then travels across Kansas, showcasing plains and farmland, before entering Colorado and New Mexico, where desert views and rugged terrain become prominent.

Read at Travel + Leisure