From Arkansas to California
 

We are driving our daughter from Little Rock, AR, to her new home in Oakland, CA, the week of August 20. None of us have travelled much in the West, and never have we driven across the country. Having happened rather quickly, I am scrambling to gather information. I would like to stay in some fun places, but we also need to arrive within 5 days. Once we get her settled, my husband and I will take a few days in San Francisco before flying home. Any advice---primarily about the road trip??? I-40 all the way to CA?? I think I have to at least turn north and stop in Santa Fe.Ordinarilly I would be reading every guidebook on the shelf, but there is so little time.

Yes, just take I-40 across to Barstow, CA. Then CA58 to Bakersfield and then CA99 up to the Bay Area.

It's about 2,000 miles. So, you can do it pretty leisurely in 4 days. Going to Santa Fe will only not add much time to your drive.

Santa Fe is only an hour north of Albuquerque, so it's definitely doable.

Lee Ann

And one can take US285 from I-40 up to Santa Fe. So, the extra driving time is less than 2 hours.

It's too bad you don't have another day or two. Then you could go to the Grand Canyon.

Yes, I'd stay in Santa Fe and I'd also stay in Vegas. Then, I'd drive over to US 395 and head up to Yosemite and drive over Tioga Pass and then back to the Bay Area after visiting Yosemite Valley. This won't add too much time to your trip and the drive is a heck of a lot more interesting than going through Barstow and Bakersfield which will both be hotter than blazes in late August. Vegas will be hot too but the casinos will be cool.

Thanks for all the replies. Actually, we we might try to go to the Grand Canyon as well. I just can't imagine being that close and not stopping. We might try to add a couple of days. And I would much rather have an interesting drive even if it takes a bit longer.

>>And one can take US285 from I-40 up to Santa Fe. So, the extra driving time is less than 2 hours.<<

Good point - I never go that way, so I didn't think about that option.

Lee Ann

This is our route off of 1-40 to Santa Fe. Its about 50 minutes from Clines Corners to Old Pecos Trail (which is the first turn off of I-25 into Santa Fe).

You can also take the turn at the Las Vegas (NM) exit which is more scenic but will add 15-20 minutes to the drive depending on who's in front of you!

I recommend the Clines Corner exit ( 285) to Santa Fe where you can fill your gas tank, empty "your" tank ;) and hit the road north to Santa Fe.

I have also taken NM104 between Las Vegas, NM and Tucumcari. Go through some canyons. Decent road, but quite a few turns and a little bit too quiet for my taste.

Clines Corner is a little tacky outpost with gas station, convenience store and probably some native American souvenirs.