Travel

both from Albuquerque to Los Angeles, as well as from Lamy NM (just north of ABQ) to Kansas City.

I really like it. My advice is absolutely book a sleeper car. Yes, it costs more than coach, but includes meals. Also one free "adult" beverage with dinner. Of course you can purchase other such beverages, if you want.

The advantage of the train is, of course, so much more space, even in coach, and being able to walk around, visit the observation deck.

I most recently took the Southwest Chief last month, Lamy to KC, and will make the same trip at the end of next month.

During the height of the Pandemic, coach passengers weren't allowed to go into the dining car at all, and at first (I took the train during this time) if you weren't actually travelling together, you didn't sit together. They're back to putting two or three people at one table during meals. I just checked with Amtrak, and here's the cost of meals for the coach passengers:
$20 for breakfast
$25 for 2-course lunch
$45 for a 3-course dinner

You might want to consider getting off in Gallup, as that's a whole lot closer to Durango that is ABQ.

Or even take the California Zephyr from Sacramento to Denver.

Hope you have a wonderful trip!