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Still Crazy · 11-09-2019, 04:43 PM

Hi,

We are planning our first cross country trip over the winter months. Mid December through end of February. Traveling from New York State to Arizona. I have mapped out a southern route that should be fine but on the return I have us traveling through Flagstaff, Alburqueque and Amarillo in February. I am wondering if the weather would be prohibitive? Should I retrace my southern route? This would be through El Paso San Antonio and Austin. Has anyone boondocked near Albuquerque in the winter?

Thanks,

Still Crazy

no3putt · 11-09-2019, 04:53 PM

I-40 From Flagstaff to Albuquerque does get snow and cold. Last December we went thru Albuquerque and was 17 degrees. We usually stay at route 66 casino RV park which is a nice park about 16 miles west of Albuquerque. Skip

Bfmorgan · 11-09-2019, 05:12 PM

We made the trip to Yuma last winter. We took a southern route that took us near Dallas/Fort Worth and through El Paso. It was 65 degrees as we approached Abilene. Thought we heard the weatherman on the radio say the low was going to be 22 degrees with day time highs for the next few days only a few degrees warmer. We ended up going south to San Antonio to avoid the cold weather. We waited for 4 days until it warmed up.

The northern route had highways closed due to the cold and snow. We were traveling early January. You can go north but it will be colder and you will need to keep a close eye on the weather. Safe travels.

momdoc · 11-09-2019, 06:00 PM

Plan on lots cold and some snow, especially in the Flagstaff area.

FatChance · 11-09-2019, 07:03 PM

Last winter, Flagstaff got well over 100" of snow. The good thing is that the weather people can actually forecast the weather more than a week and a half into the future so you can make your decision well in advance. Just be flexible and have a plan B. Trying to make definite plans this far in advance where they have real winters is a risky business.

rk911 · 11-09-2019, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by momdoc

Plan on lots cold and some snow, especially in the Flagstaff area.

with a distinct possibility that portions of I-40 could be closed. as dirty harry once said...feeling lucky??

alank · 11-09-2019, 08:30 PM

You just said AZ, but not where in AZ. We go to Mesa on I-40 in Feb and always have good luck, but not to Flagstaff. We turn south at off I-40 at Holbrook and down to Mesa. A little 2 lane road, but mostly 4 lane.

Peto · 11-09-2019, 08:46 PM

That would be Holbrook to Heber to Payson and then south to the Phoenix area.....

Still Crazy · 11-10-2019, 07:44 AM

Thanks for all the helpful information. Our primary targets in AZ are Tucson and Phoenix areas the rest is up for grabs. We have reservations at Kartchner and Lost Dutchman but winging most of the trip. I was hoping to visit Albuquerque with a possible day trip to Santa Fe but I think the weather reports will guide our way as suggested. Arriving in the Phoenix area mid January. Hoping to check out some BLM boon docking for the first time. Any suggestions?

alank · 11-10-2019, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peto

That would be Holbrook to Heber to Payson and then south to the Phoenix area.....

That would be the route, and if you do it, don't pass up the Buffalo Bar & Grill in Payson, it's a place to experience. The most exciting part is getting a 40' & toad in the parking lot & parked without unhooking. Only time I ever made the DW get out and be sure we weren't going to clip that white Ford pu. as we made the U turn. Did it once, but never stopped there again.

Sandy Swede · 11-11-2019, 04:56 AM

Fun fact. Although Albuquerque is south of Denver, Alb is slightly higher elevation (5,312' vs 5,280'). Flagstaff elevation is 6,909' In the winter, I would rather be in Albuquerque than Denver, though. I live on the east coast and would head down I-95 to Jacksonville. Then I-10 all the way west. You could hang out in Las Cruces, MN or Tuscon, AZ until you get current weather in Alb or Flagstaff. I have traveled this route previously.

Safe travels.

robertkathy · 11-11-2019, 05:18 AM

you are from ny, you know how most people think ny is just the big city well most people think az is just desert well it is not flag and holbrook ect get lots of snow and sub zero temps. you really should take the i 10 for az to avoid it and it will take you right into tucson.

born and raised in dutchess county ny moved to az 1997
made the trip 4 times dec 1st starts the 5th time (but this time from fl)

Sandy Swede · 11-11-2019, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandy Swede

Fun fact. Although Albuquerque is south of Denver, Alb is slightly higher elevation (5,312' vs 5,280'). Flagstaff elevation is 6,909' In the winter, I would rather be in Albuquerque than Denver, though. I live on the east coast and would head down I-95 to Jacksonville. Then I-10 all the way west. You could hang out in Las Cruces, MN or Tuscon, AZ until you get current weather in Alb or Flagstaff. I have traveled this route previously.

Safe travels.

Oops, I reverted to my home state of Minnesota(MN). Should be NM for New Mexico. Definitely don't want to head for MN in the winter.

NevadaNick · 11-11-2019, 06:21 AM

The migration is 2 of the most dangerous times of the year for me. I travel Hwy 95 and 93 in Nv often and have to deal with the rv’ers that are holding up lines of traffic and people taking chances to pass them. The worse are the ones traveling together that don't leave any room in between themselves and people have to pass the whole group at once.