There are plenty of ways to get from Chicago to Los Angeles, but one of the most scenic is on board the Southwest Chief. This long-distance Amtrak train covers about 2,265 miles, taking just over 40 hours. Along the way, it travels through some of the most beautiful and often-overlooked parts of the American Southwest. Arguably the route’s biggest selling point is the mix of places you get to experience. The train stops in cities like Chicago, Kansas City, Albuquerque, and Los Angeles, but it’s the stretches in between—the small towns, wide-open landscapes, and long views of red rock formations and canyons that define the Southwest — that really stand out. Here’s a complete breakdown of the Southwest Chief, including route highlights, seating options, and onboard amenities. Highlights Along the Route Exterior view of Amtrak's Albuquerque station. Todayphoto/Adobe Stock The Southwest Chief can be ridden in either direction, but this piece focuses on the east-to-west route from Chicago to Los Angeles.…