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Help! What route should we take? Where should we stop? We have two days to get there and would like to stop about halfway to spend the night. We would like to avoid crossing into Mexico as Google Maps suggested.
Also, should we plan a different route on the way back to Dallas to maybe see more things?
Thank you in advanced.
-W&N
Welcome to RTA!
This is over 1000 miles, and will take 2 full days via the fastest route on Interstate highways. This is very simple, take I-20 to I-10. This does not cross into Mexico but runs very close to the border. Van Horn TX is the halfway point and has a few hotels to choose from.
For the return trip, I'd suggest the following - note that if you only have 2 days you won't have much time for any stops:
Out of Phoenix, depending on exactly where you are, get to AZ-87 north, take that to Payson. Take AZ-260 east to Heber, then AZ-277 to AZ-377 to AZ-77 to Holbrook. Take I-40 east to Amarillo, then US-287 back to Dallas. Halfway point for overnight would be Santa Rosa NM, which has a few hotels.
Welcome to RTA!
I suspect that Google Maps showed you I-10, going through El Paso. Believe me, you don't go into Mexico on that route, but you can turn your head to the right (south) and look at Mexico across the river and the fence. It's really rather sad. But don't look too much. The traffic in that section is usually horrific.
If you'd prefer, as we do, to avoid traffic, here's an article about a way around El Paso to avoid the worst: Transmountain Pass, El Paso, TX.
I agree with GLC -- your best bet is I-20 to I-10. Van Horn motels are at exit 140b and 138. There are a number of motels there, ranging from economical to mid-range....nothing fancy. Motel 6, Days Inn, Quality Inn, EconoLodge, Super 8 are all there plus a newer Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express.
Donna
My experience driving through El Paso was not during weekday rush hours, and it wasn't really all that bad on I-10.
The last time I drove through El Paso, right at mid day, a Mini Cooper directly in front of me was sideswiped by a delivery truck and flipped onto its roof. Nobody involved even seemed surprised. On subsequent trips I've used the bypass that Donna mentioned; I've got to say, I like that route a LOT better!
Rick
Here is from fellow DFW resident,
This is simpler interstate round trip from DFW to PHX:
- I20 West to I10 all the way to Phoenix. All interstate routing. If you like southwestern food you can take a pick at any stop for good food. I just drove through El Paso recently and the place is growing like crazy. It's hassle free trip and will have one border checking station but no crossing in to Mexico except I10 drive along side of Mexico border fence for mile or two. You will get to see Mexico from there.
- From Phoenix back to DFW via US I17-I40-US287 with possible stops in Flagstaff/Albuquerque/Amarillo to experience unique places.
If you feel adventurous take US380 from Denton TX/McKinney TX all the way to I25 and continue on to US60 all the way to Phoenix. This route will have Roswell NM for interesting stop.