Need a route from Phoenix to El Morro NM

[Padlin]

To be exact, McDowell Mountain Regional Park to El Morro, it would be in mid March towing my small 5th wheel. I wouldn't mind stopping 1/2 way depending on the time it takes for the drive. Google map has me taking a few roads through the national forests, 87, 260, 277, 377, to I-40. Are those decent roads for towing?

[Padlin]

Thanks again folks.

[Lauren]

We LOVE El Morro - hiked it over the top twice. My pix from 2nd trip there are better (have not posted them) but look at http://www.laurenbarbara.com/El%20Morro.html

[2gypsies1]

NM36 is a paved two-lane road with no shoulders and no services. It's in fair condition (or was a few years ago). It's really your only option other than backtracking to 191 and picking up Hwy 60. Or... if you're heading south on I-25 after El Morro you could pick up 60 west.

[Padlin]

Thanks folks, appreciate the help.

Would anyone know if 36 is okay from El Morro to the Very Large Array?

[Mandalay_Parr]

Any way you go should be OK.

[Old-Biscuit]

I would drop down and take Hwy 60 out of Phoneix and take it up thru Show Low then Route 61 to Concho then US 180 to St. John then back to Route 61.......AZ/NM Border Route 53 to El Morro

[NMDriver]

Once you are up on the Mogollon Rim I would not go up to I-40 but use az260 to us60 to az61/us191 to NM 53. It might take a few minutes longer that way but at RV speeds it should be about the same, the mileage (312) is the same both ways. I do think the scenery is a little more interesting off of I-40 but then I have driven I-40 for 50 years and enjoy something different if it is available.

However, fuel may be cheaper on I-40, if that is a consideration, and there was/is a good restaurant or two in Holbrook.

[BobKrogstie]

Yes they are. There is a fairly steep climb on SR 87, 6% sometimes 7%, for about 10 miles from Rye, AZ into Payson, AZ which is up on the Mogollon Rim. Once your up on the rim things are relatively level.