Best route Albuquerque to Tempe
 

We are flying to Albuquerque which we love, but are driving to Tempe (near Phoenix) - can anyone please suggest the route they like best? We might just take Rt. 40 and stop in Gallup but any other suggestions are welcomed? After Phoenix we will head to Tucson and then across back into New Mexico hopefully to stay in Silver City and Gila Wilderness.

Any suggestions on routes, food, must see sites, we like off the beaten path best... Thanks so very much!!

We haven't done this recently, but we take I-40 to Winslow and then the highway that goes through Payson to get to the Phoenix area.

LEe Ann

On I-10 heading east from Tucson, take the Deming cut off NE through Hatch to 1-25 north to Albuquerque. It saves mileage and thus is faster. Plus you get a chance to see Hatch, very famous for it's chiles. Sometimes you'll see them drying in tne sun.

Like Lee ann, we go via Showlow and Payson.

Thanks so much for the responses!