December Road Trip from Albuquerque to San Diego - Route Tips and Other Suggestions?

[waimeamama]

We are moving back to Hawaii from Austin in a few weeks, and driving our car out to San Diego to ship it.
Before we start the route, we need to visit family in near Tulsa OK. I'm comfortable with the first part of the route - up to Albuquerque. But I need some help with safe, but scenic highways and byways between Alb and San Diego. I'd like to stop in Sedona. It would be fabulous to include a Grand Canyon stop - but that doesn't seem feasible.
We have about 4-5 nights to do this, and would sincerely appreciate any advice about where to stay, what routes to take. Thanks.

[Southwest Dave]

Hello and welcome to the RTA forums !

Are the 4-5 nights to include the trip to Tulsa, or 4-5 nights starting from Tulsa ? If it's the latter you could visit the South rim of the Grand canyon quite comfortably. From Tulsa to SD with a side trip to GC is about 1650 miles, doable in 3 full day's of driving. Otherwise it is a 4 day drive, plus any time spent with your family which could make things a little tight.

[waimeamama]

It'll be 4-5 nights starting from Tulsa.
How dangerous might the driving get over this time of year? Shall we allow an extra day or two in case of storms? I really have no idea.
Thank you!

[Southwest Dave]

I am not sure "dangerous" is the right word, as millions of Americans [and visitors] need to go about their business on a daily basis, and do so safely. That is not to say that you don't run the risk of seeing a winter storm, and might have to pull off the road for a while and let the road crews do their job. It is unusual for an Interstate to be closed for more than a few hours, perhaps a day in the worst case scenario, and they are the priority to keep clear.

As you are shipping your car and most likely on a deadline, I would use the 5 nights / 6 day's just so you can relax a little and don't feel under pressure, if the weather is kind you can enjoy a little sight seeing.

Keep an eye on the weather forecasts and road conditions prior to leaving and keep up to date while travelling. That way you can make informed decisions and in some cases, that might mean staying in the Motel for an extra couple of hours if there is a storm about, or getting an early start and make hay while the Sunshine's.