Dallas, TX to Orange County, CA

[LK51698]

Does anyone have a recomendation on safest and best route to take?

[Mark Sedenquist]

I am seeing a common thread the last couple of days on this forum. Why are concerned about safety? The USA is about the safest nation to travel in. There are stunningly beautiful highway routes between Dallas and Orange County. The fastest route is I-20 to I-10 to I-15.

Along the way you could take some side roads to three National Parks: Big Bend in Texas, Carlsbad in New Mexico, Saguaro in Arizona. What kinds of things are you interested in seeing?

[imported_Chris]

We are planning the same route except from West Texas... via US 62/180 to El Paso then west to Orange County on I-10/I-8... is that the most scenic way to go?

[Mark Sedenquist]

One huge advantage of your planned route is that it takes you by Guadalupe National Park and Carlsbad Caverns. Another cavern that is pretty amazing to see is also along your route the Kartchner Caverns near Tucson.

It is easy to also drop south of I-10 and check out the famous Tombstone area (http://www.roadtripamerica.com/places/tombstone.htm)

As to whether or not you continue on I-08 to San Diego or use I-10 thru Phoenix and into San Bernardino County -- it really depends on where you are going in Orange County. Palm Springs is a huge Spring Break destination and it is on I-10.