kygreg said:
I'm not especially fond of interstates, but I have a long way to go and they are the fastest route. If you have an alternative, I would really like to see it, I've never driven through this part of the country. Thanks
On that map, click options, then click 'avoid highways'....and yes, the distance and time will increase.
Will you actually be in a hurry?
Keep in mind that traveling at 70-80 mph can burn more fuel, or going slower and trying to stay out of the way of fast traffic can frazzle your nerves. I-40 across Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and even New Mexico can be quite busy especially if the other major E-W routes have bad weather. These major E-W highways are major transportation corridors...meaning LOTS of trucks and holiday travelers mixing it up.
Relaxing on the less-traveled secondary highways is an option. I would
not follow that secondary route to the letter, because some of the diversions are too far out of route, and dont make sense. But some do.
Once you get into Oklahoma, Texas Panhandle, New Mexico, and Arizona, US 412 and then US 60 are entirely pleasant for traveling. The eastern sections of US412 are tolls, but you can skip those sections if you dont want to pay tolls. But US 412 is a good road, with light traffic, and tolls are not excessive for 2 axle vehicles.
US 60 takes the traveler thru some sparse areas, and of course off the beatern path, so you need to watch the weather and make sure your vehicle is in good mechanical condition.
But across Western Oklahoma, Texas Panhandle, New Mexico, and Arizona, US 60 (and then US 70 if taking a more southern route) takes you thru smaller towns, close to mom-n-pop restaurants, roadside attractions, cheap motels, and thru wide open spaces. Some sections have 55 mph speed limits, so be aware of that.
I'm just presenting options, not recomendations. If you end up in the middle of nowhere in West Podunk New Mexico at 3 am with a blown radiator hose, help will be a LONG way from you.
Good luck in your travels.
