Southwest in Early December Question

I would go the southern route. There has already been snow in the AZ NM border along I40.

Take I-10 to Las Cruces and then north to ABQ. It should be the safest bet to avoid road closures, ice etc.

Deb

Deb: Thanks for your response! I was hoping that either you or Lee Ann would answer.

Is there snow in Albuquerque itself already?

Take I-10 E to Deming,NM and then Rt.26 take to Hatch,NM to connect to I-25 N to Albuquerque, saving miles and time.

The southern route is certainly your best bet if you want to avoid bad weather. It is also the least scenic especially from eastern Arizona through western New Mexico until you get to the Hatch turn-off/short-cut, then it's not bad. You may want to check the forecast prior to leaving, and if no snow and fair skies are predicted for several days go I-40; if not, choose the southern route.

I agree with historytraveler, roads are usually clear that time of year and if there hasn't been a storm in a week or so then take I-40, otherwise take I-10. The Flagstaff, Arizona area is probably the place most likely to cause problems if there is an early season storm.

Happy: That's a good suggestion! I've done the reverse, cutting from Hatch to Deming on 26.

historytraveler: I've driven that southern route before and know what you mean by "least scenic", but the weather suggestion is great. I'll do that.

Been awhile since I've been back in that part of the country, so thanks to all for your help! Might even stop off at the Bosque to take some pictures! Got a picture of cranes walking on ice the last time - really outstanding!

Bill_H: thanks to you too! All good advice!

There has only been a dusting of snow, once or twice, in ABQ. As of right now, it is fine.

Gallup and Grants runs risk of icy, fog and closure at this time of year...it doesn't take much for I 40 to be closed.

Deb

Might even stop off at the Bosque to take some pictures!

If you are thinking of working in a stop at Bosque then probably the best route is I-10 to Phoenix, then pick up US 60 and drive straight into Socorro. Bosque is only 8 miles south of Socorro. We've driven there from Phoenix using this route maybe a dozen times in winter months to photograph the birds.

The US 60 route takes about 6 1/2 hours, distance is about 375 miles to Socorro. If you kept on I-10 you'll drive much further south and the estimated drive time is 7:30, mileage is 522 (this doesn't include the Deming cut off mentioned above).

Note that US 60 traverses some high plateaus, it's over 7,000 ft in spots so it can be a tricky route if a snowstorm hits, but we haven't had problems in early Dec on this route.

Hi, Bill!

Wouldn't US 60 go over the Gila Mountains?

Wouldn't US 60 go over the Gila Mountains?

I think 60 runs north of the Gila range. There are no high mountain passes or winding mountain roads, the worst slow down is in Arizona where the road descends into the Salt River Canyon between Globe and Show Low. This is a winding, 25 mph road for a few miles and it's hard to pass other vehicles in here, but once out of this canyon the speed limit is mostly 65 mph, with some 55 mph stretches, and light traffic except near the small towns.

Because of the high elevation (I think the highest spot is 7,500 ft or so at the continental divide) between Show Low and most of the NM small towns you need to watch the weather for road conditions, but we've driven this a dozen times between late November and February and never ran into any ice or snow on the highway.

It's sunny and 70 here today, easytraveler. Come on out!

When will you be here? I'd love to see you if it works in our schedules.

Lee Ann

Hi, Bill!

that's a great tip! I'll watch the weather reports - it's going to be the only way to plot the best route at that time of year.

Hi, Lee Ann!

Late November and early December is when I start out. Still don't have the exact dates worked out yet. What's a good time for you?

Me, too! Would love to see you again!