Amtrak Southwest Chief--Looking for suggestions
 

Will be traveling on the Southwest Chief (LA to Chicago) in late October. Thinking of taking side trips (Santa Fe and/or Grand Canyon). I've been to both areas, but never by train. What are the mechanics of interrupting the trip? What tour outfits in these areas best service train passengers? Any tips specific to the Southwest Chief itself? Thanks!

From Albuquerque, you can take the RailRunner commuter train to Santa Fe. If you want to visit anything outside Santa Fe, though, you'd want to rent a car.
http://www.nmrailrunner.com/

Lee Ann

It is much easier to get off in Albuquerque at noontime compared with about 4:15AM in Flagstaff.
Are you planning on riding coach and sleeping in the reclining seat or paying much more to have a roomette?

IF you are going to take the Railrunner from ABQ to SF, make sure you do this on a weekday. Weekend schedule is VERY limited.

tomfuller--
Planning on a roomette if I do not elect to take a side trip. Otherwise, I'm probably coach.

If you do to side trip to ABQ and then renting a car or riding the Rail Runner to Santa Fe, I'd ride coach overnight from LA.
Get the roomette from ABQ to Chicago for 26+ hours.
If you decide to ride a lot on Amtrak you want to join Amtrak Guest Rewards. You can earn enough points to make a one zone trip for free.

There is shuttle between Santa Fe and the Amtrak station at Lamy. See the Southwest Chief timetable.
Book the shuttle via 1-800-USA-RAIL.

Good point, Wallaby.

Lee Ann