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Old 10-12-2019, 03:09 PM   #1
Sdexte
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Travel suggestions

We are going to be starting our journey from Texas to California leaving the San Antonio area towards the end of February. We are looking for suggestions on any route and stop locations along the way, hoping to avoid colder weather/freezing temps and road conditions. We would also like to stay away from the US-Mexico border as much as possible. Look forward to some input.
 
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Old 10-12-2019, 04:30 PM   #2
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Old 10-12-2019, 05:04 PM   #3
Carl n Susan
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Well there two basic choices. Hwy-40 or I-10. It can be cold everywhere in TX, NM, and AZ in February.

Hwy-40 is guaranteed to have freezing temps, ice, and snow. There is some pretty high elevations along the route. But it is a long way from the border.

I-10 is the best choice for not terrible weather. There might be rain and lows at night in the 30s. Take the bypass around El Paso if being near the border is an issue. That is the only place where you can actually see the border. I have taken I-10 a number of times and never been concerned.

The key thing is to be prepared for cold weather. It is more likely to happen than not in Feb.
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Old 10-12-2019, 05:20 PM   #4
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If you are an Escapee member stop at The Ranch, just north of Carlsbad in Lakewood, NM. Carlsbad Caverns, White Sands, Cloud Croft, Rosewell and much more are all day trips from there. We us 10 when we are going east or west from there.
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Old 10-12-2019, 07:53 PM   #5
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Did 10 westbound from Florida to Calif little less than a year ago. White Sands, Rock Hound State Park in Deming NM, Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson. Boneyard tour is great, but you have to pre-register way in advance. Biosphere II was neat. Saguaro State Park in Tucson...sharp contrast to White Sands, NM.

Not sure about weather. Agree with Carl N Susan about bypassing El Paso, wish we had done that.
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Old 10-13-2019, 05:57 AM   #6
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We drive I-10 west from San Antonio every summer for the past 5 years. In El Paso, take Tx 375 to loop around the border congestion in El Paso. Great road with the only steep part at the mountain pass with a short stretch with about 7-8% grades. Along the route, we stay at Ft. Stockton RV Park--easy in and out, in Las Cruces--Hacienda RV Park that is near I-10. We have not been further west in a few years on I-10 but it was great at that time.
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Old 10-13-2019, 06:25 AM   #7
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Thank you

Thanks for the information, I figured I’d get some good suggestions from the folks here.
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Old 10-18-2019, 11:38 AM   #8
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Passing thru Atlanta

Has anyone got advice on passing thru Atlanta at the end of January? I've heard Atlanta can be tricky and maybe we should avoid it. We are heading south from Ontario, Canada on our way to Tampa, Fort Myers and The Keys and the current route shows Atlanta. Should we find an alternate route or push on thru?
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Old 10-18-2019, 01:38 PM   #9
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Has anyone got advice on passing thru Atlanta at the end of January? I've heard Atlanta can be tricky and maybe we should avoid it. We are heading south from Ontario, Canada on our way to Tampa, Fort Myers and The Keys and the current route shows Atlanta. Should we find an alternate route or push on thru?
About 10 years ago, I got stuck in Friday afternoon rush hour traffic, it was also raining. Took 2 hours to go 21 miles.

I'm sure it's much worse now. Avoid if possible, if not, plan on passing through during non rush hour although I'm sure you'll still hit traffic congestion.
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Old 10-18-2019, 06:22 PM   #10
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trailer trash it is best to start a new thread since the orginal one was about texas way.
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Old 10-19-2019, 09:15 AM   #11
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In Feb. you will get snow in the mountains around Southern California. If you use the 10 then you need to be aware that traffic around Las Angles is nuts and the people here drive like that also LOL
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Old 10-19-2019, 09:27 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sdexte View Post
We are going to be starting our journey from Texas to California leaving the San Antonio area towards the end of February. We are looking for suggestions on any route and stop locations along the way, hoping to avoid colder weather/freezing temps and road conditions. We would also like to stay away from the US-Mexico border as much as possible. Look forward to some input.
Personally, I would take I-10. Just my choice.
As for stops along the way, I don't like to give recommendations because my RV park requirements may not match yours. Keep in mind though, New Mexico and Arizona are snowbird destinations and RV parks are already filling up for the winter. I would make reservations NOW.
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Old 10-23-2019, 01:30 PM   #13
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I endorse the I-10 route. I-40 can get as high as 7500 feet and the road from Flagstaff west is horrible and I don't remember seeing any truck stops. I-10 is the best!
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Old 10-23-2019, 04:48 PM   #14
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Have to agree with everyone’s recommendation of I10 in the winter. Made the Tex Cal trip several times..
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Old 10-23-2019, 04:50 PM   #15
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Where are you ending up in California...?
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Old 10-23-2019, 05:23 PM   #16
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Heading to Oceanside
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Old 10-23-2019, 07:30 PM   #17
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We travel from NH to CA every year and have no problems going through El Paso on I 10, as long as you are going through before or after rush hour and stay in middle lane. Best day is Sunday, no where near as much traffic. As for Atlanta lots of traffic but if you hit it the right time, going right through from I 85 to I 20 saves a lot of time, just have a good navigator! Going around there is a lot of truck traffic.
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Old 10-23-2019, 08:59 PM   #18
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Heading to Oceanside

Oceanside !! I was just there, Camp Pendleton !
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Old 10-25-2019, 12:19 PM   #19
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Best route depends upon where you are in Texas. Note that it is cold in February in NM and AZ, so for warmer weather, I would probably use I-10 from TX to CA. If you are in N. TX, you can take I-40 thru NM, then head south diagonally to I-10 in AZ, heading SW from Holbrook (??) thru Scottsdale/Phoenix to I-10. Just a thought.
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Old 10-25-2019, 01:34 PM   #20
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That’s where we are heading, to see our son before he does next deployment. Did you stay at one of the campgrounds on base? We are going to try San Onefre.
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