If life feels like it’s been stuck on fast-forward, it might be time to hit pause and ride the rails. There’s something wonderfully old-school about trading in the hustle of highways and airports for the gentle clickety-clack of a train.
Riding a train is an easy and relaxing way to get around.
1) You don’t need to steer, sprint, or stress — just sit back, snack up, and soak in the scenery.
2) Kids love the excitement of being on a train — watching the world pass by, exploring the train cars, and even enjoying themed rides.
3) Parents appreciate the ease: no traffic, no need to constantly repack or navigate, and plenty of time to truly unwind while making lasting memories.
4) Unlike road trips or air travel, train vacations offer room to roam. Families can sit together, play games, grab a snack in the café car, or simply look out the window at the changing landscape.
5) Many scenic train routes include commentary, wildlife spotting, and stops in historic towns — turning the journey into an educational experience, too. A travel agent can help you find just the right train trip to fit your mini conductors-in-training’s needs or wildlife enthusiasts’ bucket list. My Travel Scout has helped locals find incredible deals for memory-making vacations.
Swap screen time for some real-time family bonding. A train vacation is your ticket to slow things down and turn the journey into the destination.
Scenic Train Travel Vacations in the Southwest
Take a scenic train ride to explore the beauty of the Southwest.
1. Grand Canyon Railway (Arizona)
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Route: Williams, AZ → Grand Canyon National Park
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Highlights: Vintage train cars, stunning views of the Grand Canyon, Wild West entertainment, special seasonal rides (Polar Express, Pumpkin Patch).
2. Amtrak Southwest Chief (California → Arizona → New Mexico)
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Route: Los Angeles, CA → Flagstaff, AZ → Albuquerque, NM → Santa Fe, NM → Kansas City, MO → Chicago, IL
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Highlights: Travel through deserts, red rock canyons, and historic Southwest towns, with stops in key cities like Santa Fe and Albuquerque.
3. Verde Canyon Railroad (Arizona)
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Route: Clarkdale, AZ → Verde Canyon
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Highlights: Four-hour round-trip with panoramic canyon views, wildlife sightings (bald eagles, deer), and historic mining towns.
4. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad (New Mexico → Colorado)
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Route: Chama, NM → Antonito, CO
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Highlights: A historic narrow-gauge steam train crossing mountains, gorges, and the Colorado-New Mexico border.
5. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (Colorado)
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Route: Durango, CO → Silverton, CO
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Highlights: A historic steam train with breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains, old mining towns, and the Animas River.
6. Texas Eagle (Texas → New Mexico → Arizona → California)
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Route: Chicago, IL → St. Louis, MO → Dallas, TX → Austin, TX → San Antonio, TX → El Paso, TX → Tucson, AZ → Los Angeles, CA
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Highlights: One of Amtrak’s longest routes, offering desert scenery, historic landmarks, and cultural stops in Texas and Arizona.
7. Sunset Limited (California → Arizona → New Mexico → Texas → Louisiana)
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Route: Los Angeles, CA → Tucson, AZ → El Paso, TX → San Antonio, TX → Houston, TX → New Orleans, LA
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Highlights: The oldest named train in America, with desert landscapes, mountain views, and vibrant city stopovers.
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Explore the beauty of the Southwest by train with unforgettable routes like the Grand Canyon Railway, Verde Canyon Railroad, and Amtrak’s Southwest Chief. Ride through stunning deserts, red rock canyons, and historic towns in Arizona, New Mexico, and beyond. Scenic railways like Durango & Silverton and Cumbres & Toltec offer vintage charm and breathtaking views. Planning can be overwhelming—but a travel agent makes it easy. They handle routes, accommodations, and upgrades, ensuring a stress-free journey. Whether it’s a quick rail getaway or a multi-day adventure, a travel agent helps you make the most of every scenic mile. All aboard!