I mapblasted the route from Austin to Carlsbad Caverns, and it wants me to take 71 W to 29 W to 190 W to I-10 W to 285 N.

To me, it seems like taking 290 W to Fredericksburg and then I-10 West to 285 N would be simpler and quicker, since I'd be on I-10 a lot sooner.

Has anyone done both routes? Which route is better/quicker?

Thanks

We took the 290, I-10 to 285 route and it was fine. Haven't done the alternative so can't compare.

I went to maps.google.com and entered austin to carlsbad caverns. It says I290 to Fredricksburg makes the trip in 8:28. 71 to Llano makes it 9:25 (and a lot easier drive, I would think).

Not a brainer.

Damn. I-10 is the short one.

I'll get this right pretty soon - the optimum route is US290 to Fredricksburg, thence I-10 to CC.

Robespierre,

Thanks. I'll take 290W/I-10 route.