Questions about best routes from Las Vegas to the Adirondacks

I'm traveling from Las Vegas to the Lake George area of the Adirondacks in New York in mid-December, with my dog. I was thinking about driving through New Mexico and stopping in Memphis before heading North, since those are areas of the country I have not visited before. I'm guessing there is less chance of winter weather. However, since I'm not as familiar with those states, I was wondering what more experienced travelers thought.

What are your suggestions for routes?

Will I need snow tires?
My mechanic has not yet been able to find snow tires or all weather tires in our area for my Toyota Corolla.

Any other recommendations?
It's just me and my dog, so suggestions for individual travelers are appreciated. I'm planning to drive about 6 hours per day to make sure I stay well rested and alert.

Welcome to RTA!

If you want to go through New Mexico and Memphis, just take I-11/US-93 out of Las Vegas to Kingman, then I-40 all the way to Memphis. From there, the easiest way is to stay on I-40 to east of Knoxville, then I-81 to Binghamton NY, then I-88 to I-90 to I-87 ro Lake George.

You don't need dedicated snow tires, but you should have all-season tires with plenty of tread left on them. Your car *should* have come with all-seasons. If you need new tires, the easiest way to find all-seasons is at a large chain tire store such as Discount Tire, or a service center run by one of the major tire companies such as Firestone/Bridgestone or Goodyear. Sam's Club, Costco, and Walmart also sell tires.

With regards to the weather all you can do is wait and see what the forecast is a few days before you leave and then keep checking for updates. You may find a more northerly route is experiencing better conditions than a southern route at the time you travel. As you are travelling at a leisurely pace, the best thing to do should a winter storm arrive is simply to get off the road early and rest up, if it was bad enough to require snow tires on an Interstate that would be the safest (and wisest) thing to do anyway. If you travel for around 6 hours a day you should allow for 8-9 days total travel time.

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Originally Posted by DorisO

Will I need snow tires?
My mechanic has not yet been able to find snow tires or all weather tires in our area for my Toyota Corolla.

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What? I live in Las Vegas. Discount Tire certainly caries all-weather tires for Toyota Corollas and/or snow tires. Unless you have an unusual vehicle. Not really sure you need snow tires though.

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Any other recommendations?
It's just me and my dog, so suggestions for individual travelers are appreciated. I'm planning to drive about 6 hours per day to make sure I stay well rested and alert.

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Time-tested tips for solo travelers

Have a nice trip!

Mark

I spent 6 months in Saratoga Springs NY in the winter when I was in Navy training.
I needed snow tires which I bought on arrival in that location. (moved from Florida to NY. Passed Autumn somewhere around Virginia.....)

But if you're just visiting for a short time then M+S tires should be adequate if you don't absolutely HAVE to be someplace.

A couple of other tips:

I-40 through New Mexico has a lot of construction. Some of it is actually listed on SafeTravelUSA, other bits are not. Make sure you plan accordingly, as these construction areas will slow you down.

Plan on reasonable daily drives. Don't believe the drive-times that are given on electronic programs like Google Maps, etc. They don't account for things like construction zones, the need to use the facilities (or dog needs to go!), food, fuel stops, leg-stretching stops. Plan on 500-550 mile days, max.


Donna

For tires you could order on-line for delivery to your mechanic.
https://www.tirerack.com/

Costco also carries quality tires--I usually buy their Michelin for a number of reasons--but I have my local mechanic do the tire balancing and rotation after the initial installation. Costco does provide free balancing but that part can be inconsistent. Their warranty coverage is very good. And, if you are not already a Costco member, the gasoline is high quality and the savings for likely pay for your annual membership fee.

Thanks!

Unfortunately, my mechanic tells me that my current tires are just for summer weather. I had my tires replaced in Vegas a couple of years ago (by the dealership/not this mechanic) unfortunately. But I'll check out the tire stores. Thanks again!

Thanks - I'll check out discount tires and your link!

Thanks. I have "summer tires" according to my mechanic. I'm moving back to North Country and will driving to work about 1 hour a day roundtrip - so I know I'll need all weather tires when I get there. I'm just not sure "summer tires" will handle the cross country drive in December.

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Thanks Donna - this is all very helpful!