Los Angeles to Dallas in late July / early August

[ycd]

Hi guys,

It is my first time to seek your advice right here. I am gonna move from LA to Dallas in late July, and decide to drive over there due to pandemic. I found Google maps show both I-40 and I-10 work and the milage is almost similar? Is there any advice on which route to pick up?

I think 3-4 days might be enough for this trip, but I found people complain about the weather and altitude along I-40, as well as the condition around El Paso along I-10. Any advice would be appreciated!!!

Y

[Southwest Dave]

Hello and welcome to the RTA forums !

You really don't have to worry about weather or altitude along either route, not from the comfort of your air conditioned vehicle at least. 3-4 days is a good amount of time for the trip, 3 days being what it will take to drive at a pretty relaxed pace, 4 days would give you a bit more wiggle room if you wanted to stop along the way at an attraction or two to make it a little more adventurous. If that appeals then choosing the route that holds something of interest to you makes the most sense, that could include Grand canyon and the Petrified forest along I-40 as well as some old route 66 attractions or along I-10 Saguaro NP and other attractions around Tucson, a short detour to Tombstone and El Paso itself. Purely from a personal point of view I would opt for I-40 but either route will serve you well.

[glc]

Mileage and time either way are almost identical (I-40/US-287 vs. I-10/I-20).

[DonnaR57]

Being a southern Californian as well, I am familiar with both of those routes.

For I-40, you'll find it's desert until just past Kingman, AZ, where you will start the climb into the mountains. Hubby and I like this route in the summer because it's a lot cooler quicker, and we love driving in the mountain's forests and greenery.

For I-10, you'll be in desert pretty much the whole way. In a vehicle with a good AC this might not be at issue; it will depend (as stated above) on what/where you want to stop along the way for any sightseeing.

Keep an eye on the Internet if you choose certain places to stop. Some are open, some are not, thanks to the Pandemic. Carry your mask with you and wear it when you're out of your car. Bring your hand sanitizer and use gloves for fueling (keeps your hands from smelling like gasoline anyway).


Donna

[Utahtea]

Hi guys,

It is my first time to seek your advice right here. I am gonna move from LA to Dallas in late July, and decide to drive over there due to pandemic. I found Google maps show both I-40 and I-10 work and the milage is almost similar? Is there any advice on which route to pick up?

I think 3-4 days might be enough for this trip, but I found people complain about the weather and altitude along I-40, as well as the condition around El Paso along I-10. Any advice would be appreciated!!!

Y

To me I-40 is a lot more scenic than I-10!

Utahtea

[ycd]

Hello and welcome to the RTA forums !

You really don't have to worry about weather or altitude along either route, not from the comfort of your air conditioned vehicle at least. 3-4 days is a good amount of time for the trip, 3 days being what it will take to drive at a pretty relaxed pace, 4 days would give you a bit more wiggle room if you wanted to stop along the way at an attraction or two to make it a little more adventurous. If that appeals then choosing the route that holds something of interest to you makes the most sense, that could include Grand canyon and the Petrified forest along I-40 as well as some old route 66 attractions or along I-10 Saguaro NP and other attractions around Tucson, a short detour to Tombstone and El Paso itself. Purely from a personal point of view I would opt for I-40 but either route will serve you well.

Sounds great! Thank you for your insight!

- - - Updated - - -

Yes, almost same

- - - Updated - - -

Being a southern Californian as well, I am familiar with both of those routes.

For I-40, you'll find it's desert until just past Kingman, AZ, where you will start the climb into the mountains. Hubby and I like this route in the summer because it's a lot cooler quicker, and we love driving in the mountain's forests and greenery.

For I-10, you'll be in desert pretty much the whole way. In a vehicle with a good AC this might not be at issue; it will depend (as stated above) on what/where you want to stop along the way for any sightseeing.

Keep an eye on the Internet if you choose certain places to stop. Some are open, some are not, thanks to the Pandemic. Carry your mask with you and wear it when you're out of your car. Bring your hand sanitizer and use gloves for fueling (keeps your hands from smelling like gasoline anyway).


Donna

Yes, I also need to find two places to stay for two nights. Any recommendation along the I-40?

- - - Updated - - -

To me I-40 is a lot more scenic than I-10!

Utahtea

I think I am gonna take I-40

[glc]

If you want to break it into 3 fairly equal days, Flagstaff and Tucumcari. If you want a slightly shorter 3rd day, Winslow or Holbrook and Amarillo. I suppose it would all revolve around how early you get out of LA. If you get out late, Kingman and Santa Rosa.

[DonnaR57]

GLC has given you two good overnights, equally apart.

In Flagstaff, you have your choice unless something is going on at NAU. There are all sorts of hotels in all budget ranges. We stayed at the Sleep Inn last summer, twice on our "lollipop loop" trip. It worked for us, and we like the mid-range Choice properties. It had an indoor pool, too, which for us is ALWAYS a plus.


Donna