Drive from So Cal to Taos, NM; help!
 

I know that we will drive through Phoenix and Flagstaff. Can you give me an idea what else is on this route? It looks pretty desolate. Will there be gas stations, places of interest, places to eat? It's about a 13 hour drive I believe? Any information would be helpful. Thanks.

I forgot to tag it;

Oops, still didn't tag it and I don't know how to go back and fix it.

Sedona is between Phoenix and Flagstaff; I haven't been there, but a lot of Fodorites like it.

The Grand Canyon is northeast of Flagstaff if you haven't been there.

Walnut Canyon (Native American ruins) is east of Flagstaff off I-40. I haven't been there either.

The Meteor Crater is between Flagstaff and Winslow. If you're so inclined, you can stand on the corner in Winslow. :-)

Are you planning to stay on I-40 to Albuquerque and then head up to Taos? If so, Acoma Pueblo is really interesting. It's about 40 minutes west of Albuquerque.

Lee Ann

An interesting, but lots longer, route would go through Canyon de Chelly and Chaco, Los Alamos and up to Taos. I'd like to do that again sometime.

We don't mind stopping here and there a bit, but we are on our way to see our son in Taos, and are anxious to get there. I was wondering more about diners and gas stations between Flagstaff and Alburquerque (prob didn't spell that correctly). It really looks like there aren't many stops through that part of I40. Is there more there than meets the eye?

There's not much more than meets the eye, I'm afraid. That land doesn't support much habitation. You'll see signs warning how long till next gas station, etc., that it pays to heed. There will be places to eat, but sometimes far between. Bring water and snacks and train your eye to see the beauty in sagebrush and chamisa.

In your situation I'd put my mind in cruise mode and listen to good CDs.

ElendilP might have specific rest stop suggestions.

It's about five hours from Flagstaff to Albuquerque, and you'll find a number of places to stop. Winslow is about 45 minutes east, Holbrook is about 45 minutes east of Winslow.

From Holbrook, it's a little over an hour to Gallup, another hour to Grants, and another hour to Albuquerque.

We usually stop at the Flying J in Winslow for gas. Their prices seem to be a little lower.

Anyway, you should be fine. Bring some music or audiobooks to listen to, water, snacks, etc. and enjoy the trip!

Lee Ann

Thanks. We got some audio novels and a few snacks. Water for sure. It's going to be a trek.

Heaven. I tracked you down for more info on great dining in the San Diego area. We will be staying in La Jolla. And yes, love fish. I live in Phoenix and can not think of any great places to stop other than Salsa Brava on route 66 in flagstaff. I have eaten there and they are very good. They were featured on Diners Drive ins and Dives. I agree with other posts to pack your own favs, lots of drinks. There are numerous casinos along the way that might be your best bet for quick in and out at reasonable prices. Also the Flying W as suggested easy to spot. Safe travels