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TS192 · 12-14-2016, 09:45 PM

Hello. My wife and I are heading to Phoenix to visit her father and we would like to see Carlsbad Caverns and then head over to White Sands and by Las Cruces on the way. I could use some advice. Has anyone driven NM Rt 82 from Artesia over to Alamogordo and if so, what kind of road is it ? It looks (on the map) like it could get a little dicey around Cloudcroft. Or will I need to go all the way up to Roswell then turn west ? Long way out of the way for what we want to see. Also, what would be the best RV route from Las Cruces into Mesa AZ area ? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks & Happy Motoring

ByeTheWay · 12-14-2016, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TS192

Has anyone driven NM Rt 82 from Artesia over to Alamogordo and if so, what kind of road is it ? It looks (on the map) like it could get a little dicey around Cloudcroft. Or will I need to go all the way up to Roswell then turn west ? Long way out of the way for what we want to see. Also, what would be the best RV route from Las Cruces into Mesa AZ area ? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks & Happy Motoring

I drove 82 in MH a couple or years ago without a problem. Watch the weather as Cloudcroft is higher elevation and would not be fun in snow/ice. Artesia to Roswell on 285 then 70/380 to Hondo then 70 to Tularosa and South to Alamogordo and Las Cruces is mostly 4 lane and may be faster, but longer. From Las Cruces I would go I-10 to Tucson, exit 211 Hwy 87 to Coolidge, Hwy 287 to Florence, Hwy 79 to Hwy 60. Hwy 60 or 202 loop in Mesa. This avoids what can be a lot of congestion.

I look at Google Earth for questionable routes. And always keep an eye on the weather.

Ray,IN · 12-14-2016, 10:45 PM

From the junction of US 82 (westbound) and NM 244, there is a 16 mile, 6% downgrade. That is on the East side of Cloudcroft NM. I would highly recommend your MH be equipped with an engine brake or exhaust brake. Might be a good idea to unhook the towed and descend separately. If you are not experienced with mountain driving, I suggest you take the longer, safer route.
I know some RV folks spend summer months in Cloudcroft to escape the desert heat.

TS192 · 12-15-2016, 10:26 AM

Thank you both for the good advice. 10-4 on the safer route. Cheers

skigramp · 12-15-2016, 05:56 PM

Years ago, we travelled from CCNP to Las Cruces in our gasser motorhome ... we used US 62 ... it was an easy trip .... US 62 joins I-10 near El Paso.

There is Flying J at mile marker 0 on I-10 in Texas ... and at the next exit there is a nice welcome center in New Mexico.