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The "Desert Wind" (1979-1997)

Published: December 9, 2024

By: Adam Burns

Among Amtrak's many early trains that traversed the American landscape, the Desert Wind, stands out as one of its unique, long-distance routes offering a distinct experience for travelers.

Though it ceased operations in 1997, the legacy of the train continues to resonate with railroad enthusiasts and historians alike.  In addition, there remains discussions among both Amtrak and private parties to restore passenger rail service between Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

This article delves into the history, route, and significance of the Desert Wind, painting a picture of a bygone era of American rail travel.

Amtrak F40PH #221 has the westbound "Desert Wind" near Lugo, California in February, 1981. Roger Puta photo.

Historical Context: The Rise of Amtrak

To understand the significance of the Desert Wind, it's essential to appreciate the broader context of passenger rail service in the US during the mid-to-late 20th century. By the 1970s, the American railroad industry was in decline, with the rise of automobiles and airplanes as dominant modes of transportation.

In response to the dwindling passenger rail services, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, better known as Amtrak, was established in 1971. Charged with the task of revitalizing rail travel, Amtrak began on May 1, 1971, inheriting routes previously managed by the private freight railroads.

Launch

During Union Pacific's classic streamlined era the railroad legendary City fleet served several major western markets including Denver, Kansas City, Portland, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

By the 1960s, declining ridership had forced UP's hand and the railroad had combined all of its trains into one giant service east of Cheyenne affectionately dubbed the City of Everywhere by train enthusiasts.

Amtrak held onto components of the routes from Kansas City and San Francisco to connect Chicago to San Francisco, naming this route the San Francisco Zephyr. However, regular service to Las Vegas came to a halt in the early hours of May 2, 1971, when the westbound City of Los Angeles made its final stop.

Through the 1970s, there were efforts to bring back service to Las Vegas through charters and excursions, along with a short-lived weekend train called the Las Vegas Limited, which operated for just four months in 1976.

By 1979, Amtrak was under heavy pressure to cut expenses and scale back its national network. Senator Howard Cannon of Nevada lobbied hard for a train route that would service Las Vegas. Although Amtrak considered replacing its Southwest Limited route from Chicago to Los Angeles with this new service, they eventually kept the Southwest Limited.

Instead, the carrier launched a new train called the Desert Wind, which began its journey on October 28, 1979.

Route

Starting in Los Angeles, the Desert Wind embarked through some of the most iconic landscapes of the American Southwest. The route included stops at a number of key cities: San Bernardino, Barstow, and Las Vegas, notably the only passenger rail service to this popular tourist destination at the time.

Continuing through the stark beauty of the Nevada deserts, the train passed through communities like Caliente and Milford before reaching Salt Lake City. From there, it connected with the California Zephyr in Ogden/Salt Lake City, allowing passengers to continue their journey to Chicago.

Noteworthy Stops

1. **Las Vegas, Nevada**: Known for its vibrant nightlife, casinos, and entertainment, Las Vegas was a highlight of the route. At the time, the train was the only direct rail link to the city, providing an attractive travel option for tourists.

2. **Salt Lake City, Utah**: A city with rich cultural and historical significance, Salt Lake City served as a major stopover, allowing passengers to explore attractions such as Temple Square and the Great Salt Lake.

3. **Southern Utah and Northern Nevada**: Passengers could enjoy the desert vistas, including expansive salt flats and red rock formations, from the comfort of their seats—a unique opportunity to witness the remote beauty of the American Southwest.

Onboard Experience

The original Desert Wind utilized Amfleet cars. It left Los Angeles around midday and reached Ogden the next morning, meeting up with the eastbound San Francisco Zephyr.

On the return trip, the southbound train departed Ogden after the westbound San Francisco Zephyr from Chicago arrived, reaching Los Angeles by late afternoon. The whole 811-mile journey took about eighteen hours.

In 1980, the Desert Wind began exchanging a through-coach car from Chicago with the San Francisco Zephyr at Ogden, and in 1982, this exchange expanded to include a sleeping car

The train offered a variety of accommodations to suit the diverse needs of its passengers. Seating options ranged from comfortable coach seats to private sleeping compartments.

Dining services featured meals prepared onboard, providing passengers with a chance to enjoy their journey in comfort and style. The Sightseer Lounge car, with its large panoramic windows, offered spectacular views of the ever-changing scenery, enhancing the travel experience.

Operational Challenges and Decline

On October 25, 1981, Caliente, Nevada, was added to the route, followed by Delta, Utah, on April 24, 1983.

When the renamed and rerouted California Zephyr began using the Denver & Rio Grande Western's main line in 1983 following the Rio Grande Zephyr's cancellation, the Desert Wind shifted to connect with the Zephyr at Salt Lake City. The train and the Seattle-bound Pioneer then traveled alongside the California Zephyr from Chicago to Salt Lake City, where they split off.

This resulted in a 16-car Superliner train running between Chicago and Utah, marking one of Amtrak’s longest services aside from the Auto Train. To manage this heavy load through the Rockies, needing at least four locomotives, the Pioneer began separating at Denver in 1991, while the Desert Wind continued to disconnect at Salt Lake City.

By May 1997, due to ongoing budget cuts, the Desert Wind and Pioneer services were halted, replaced by the Los Angeles – Las Vegas Amtrak Thruway service. At that time, the train journey between Los Angeles and Las Vegas took approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes.  The Desert Wind made its last run on May 11, 1997, marking the end of an era for this unique western route.

Timetable (11/10/1996)

Onboard Services (11/10/1996)

Legacy and Impact

Although the Desert Wind ceased operations over two decades ago, its legacy lives on. It holds a special place in the hearts of rail enthusiasts who remember it for its panoramic views and the adventure of traveling across the American Southwest.

The train's route has not been entirely forgotten either; the population growth in the southwestern states and the increasing interest in sustainable travel solutions have sparked discussions about the potential reintroduction of passenger rail service along similar corridors.

Moreover, the Desert Wind highlights important lessons on the challenges faced by long-distance rail travel in the United States. Its story is a testament to the complexity of providing passenger rail services in a country that has long favored cars and airplanes for long-distance travel.