Capebuild wrote:Hello. I'm planning our return trip from California back to the East coast. It will be in middle of November and would like to avoid running into snow, if that's possible. I'm looking at either interstate 40 or 70 (trying to take more of a southerly route). I realize it's the higher elevations that might show some snow. Any thoughts would be appreciated and if there's other
highways/routes I should consider, please let me know.
Thanks a lot.
John
The few sections of I-70 I've done, in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, have very steep inclines and declines. Was up there the weekend after Thanksgiving a few years ago, and there was already snow on the ground. I remember single digit temperatures. I would expect it to be cold and would hesitate to recommend it for teardrop camping that time of year. Of course, you know the sort of camping you like.
I-40 is probably okay weather-wise in mid-November. Once in awhile, the section from Gallup to Albuquerque can become treacherous during snowstorms, but that usually doesn't start until December. I would not stop in Albuquerque: Many have had trailers broken into or stolen. The crime in that city is bad and getting worse.
From I-40 in Arizona, you are a few hours from the Grand Canyon if you are interested in a side trip. (Probably okay in mid-November, but check the weather.) Flagstaff, at the top of a mountain range, will be cold. Meteor Crater may be worth the trip for you, and I think there is a commercial campground there, although we've never stayed there. Petrified Forest National Park takes a few hours to drive through, stopping a few times along the way, and is worth it.
In New Mexico, El Malpais National Monument is west of Albuquerque and is very pretty, year round. East of Albuquerque is pretty bleak, although about 7 hours from the city there is Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park, a state park in Oklahoma. At least in the late Spring, it was very pretty. It's a canyon in the middle of plains. We haven't been yet, but plan to visit the Tom Stafford museum near there someday.
To tell the truth though, I would concur with the recommendation to take I-10, if it's not too far out of your way. Much warmer, and true desert scenery. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is a bit south of the road, but we had a good time there last February. Campsites are cement pads and packed close together and showers are solar heated though. If you want to stop near Tucson, Shelly and I highly recommend camping at Catalina State Park, north of the city. Spend the day hiking the trails in and around the park and don't bother with Saguaro National Park (not that it's bad either).
Near I-10 in New Mexico, there is Silver City, the Gila National Forest, and City of Rocks State Park, among others in the western side of the state. Carlsbad Caverns is not too far away, and may be in your direction.
Just mentioning places etc. that I have personal knowledge of.
We will enjoy reading your travel log as you head home John! Have a safe trip.
Tom
PS--We are delayed here in Upstate NY due to family matters, and will likely be looking for the warmest/best weather for our trip back to New Mexico at about the same time.