Fort Smith to Phoenix - Backroads in November?

[parkgt]

Would like to travel the back roads south of I40 from western AR to Phoenix just before Thanksgiving. Traveling in a Sprinter RV going; to make it a three day journey.

Forts Smith towards Wichita Falls - Lubbock - Roswell - Socorro - Hwy 60 and down to Phoenix.

There are numerous was to get across OK, TX and NM to get to Roswell; from there the route is pretty defined.

Does any one have suggestions on the best routing? Roads to avoid, things to see. I know there is not much across lower OK and much of the Panhandle.

Any comments appreciated.

[parkgt]

Thanks for the suggestion. Texarkana seems to be quite a bit out of the way when leaving from FT. Smith.

Think we will just take two lanes across central OK towards Lubbock and then on towards Roswell.

[Busskipper]

parkgt wrote:
Would like to travel the back roads south of I40 from western AR to Phoenix just before Thanksgiving. Traveling in a Sprinter RV going; to make it a three day journey.

Forts Smith towards Wichita Falls - Lubbock - Roswell - Socorro - Hwy 60 and down to Phoenix.

There are numerous was to get across OK, TX and NM to get to Roswell; from there the route is pretty defined.

Does any one have suggestions on the best routing? Roads to avoid, things to see. I know there is not much across lower OK and much of the Panhandle.

Any comments appreciated.

Put Texarkana and Paris into your waypoints to get across Texas - Good roads small towns less traffic.

JMHO,

[parkgt]

mileshuff wrote:
.

I prefer driving highway 260 east at Showlow to 87 south rather than 60 south. Much easier drive and very scenic. If weather is clear this is the more enjoyable route for us.

.

Looking at Google Maps and I don't see Hwy 87 off of Hwy 260 west of Springerville.

[mileshuff]

Showlow area on 60 in AZ can get significant snow requiring chains. November doesn't get a lot of snow on average but could on any given day. That time of year the snow lasts only 1 day. Next day of sun and roads are clear.

I prefer driving highway 260 east at Showlow to 87 south rather than 60 south. Much easier drive and very scenic. If weather is clear this is the more enjoyable route for us.

260 from Springerville to Showlow is also much more scenic than staying on 60 although 60 is considerably faster, mostly due to some congestion in the Pinetop/Lakeside area on 260.

[2gypsies1]

You certainly don't need chains in November in mid-NM or AZ. 🙂 There's very little precipitation, if any, where you are going that time of year.

[parkgt]

doxiemom11 wrote:
It was still hot in Phoenix area last year at Thanksgiving - 90 and hot sun, so pack accordingly for weather along your route and destination. At that time of year we used the southern route - very warm.

Interesting - the southern route could be hot and Pie Town could have snow requiring chains. Too bad there is not a middle route!

[doxiemom11]

It was still hot in Phoenix area last year at Thanksgiving - 90 and hot sun, so pack accordingly for weather along your route and destination. At that time of year we used the southern route - very warm.

[parkgt]

dedmiston wrote:


If you'll be down south by Roswell, is there time in your schedule to visit Carlsbad Caverns? If you haven't been there before, you should try to fit this into your trip. I've never met anyone who was disappointed.

Yes, that is being considered for the return leg.
Thanks

[dedmiston]

parkgt wrote:
Thanks for the weather warning; may have to head the southern way around after Roswell? Any favorite path from Roswell to Las Cruces?

At 1250 miles total I think we are only looking at 400 - 450 or so a day if spaced well.

If you'll be down south by Roswell, is there time in your schedule to visit Carlsbad Caverns? If you haven't been there before, you should try to fit this into your trip. I've never met anyone who was disappointed.

[parkgt]

Thanks for the weather warning; may have to head the southern way around after Roswell? Any favorite path from Roswell to Las Cruces?

At 1250 miles total I think we are only looking at 400 - 450 or so a day if spaced well.

[akrv]

Highway 60 can get interesting that time of year Pie Town is at 7700 ft. Weather in https://www.areavibes.com/pie+town-nm/weather/. You will want to carry chains and extra warm clothes. Three days travel you looking at 650 miles a day.

[RoyF]

On Hwy 60 west of Socorro, you can see the big radio telescope array along the way. In Roswell, gawk at all of the shops selling "alien" souvenirs.