I-10 v. I-40 for Summer Trip

[Aries]

Looking for advice on taking the I-10 v. the I-40 from San Diego to Virginia. The 40 adds about 10 miles (negligible). Scenery? Is one interstate more well-traveled and populous than the other? Given that this will be in the middle of August, is the 40 appreciably cooler than the 10? The 10, from my recollection, is quite flat (which I don't mind, as it's easier on a car); how mountainous is the 40?

Thank you! :)

[Midwest Michael]

Welcome to the RTA Forum!

When you are talking about 10 miles, you are right, the difference really is irrelevant over a cross country trip, so you really can't go wrong with either route.

I-40 does spend a little more time at a higher elevation than I-10. I-40 might get a little more cross country traffic, but I-10 can be quite congested in Arizona, especially with a major construction project going on in Tucson right now.

I might lean towards I-40, but that's in large part because I've spent more time on I-10 and I like the variety. I'd take whichever route sounds more appealing to you, and if its a round trip, I'd take the other route as you go back.

[Aries]

Midwest Michael,

Thank you for responding!

I drove out in January and took the 10, mostly for weather reasons. Considering the 40 on the way back for the change of scenery. Big issues are weather (would like to reduce the possibility of overheating) and changes in elevation. Not bothered by sinuses, but my beloved car (Volvo 240) has about 10 hampster power and doesn't get up mountains well.

Thanks for the heads-up re: Tuscon traffic.

[Mark Sedenquist]

Not bothered by sinuses, but my beloved car (Volvo 240) has about 10 hampster power and doesn't get up mountains well.

The only real issue is the hill climb on the western side of Flagstaff -- the descent on the eastern side is much more gradual.

Mark

[RedCorral]

Hi,

40 is higher in altitude and may be cooler from Flagstaff on east for a ways, but it can still be hot! If you've driven 10 then take 40. (Mark is right about the long hill west of Flagstaff. Take it slow and don't cook your car). There are some interesting things to see along the way like the Painted Desert/Petrified Forest in Arizona and Acoma Pueblo in New Mexico for starters.

If you are in Winslow, AZ around noon, get off the highway and drive south into town. Find the old hotel along the railroad tracks and have lunch, and an interesting history lesson.

Craig Sheumaker
co-author of the travel guide: America's Living History-The Early Years