Alamogordo to Phoenix

[Air Baron]

Sitting here in the Alamogordo dust bowl waiting for the winds to die down. Tomorrow we may actually be able to go to Ruidoso and Cloudcroft with the towed...now that it has found a new starter.

We were thinking of going to Silver City for a few nights and take the long route to the north and east of Phoenix. Can anybody suggest routes, must see sights and RV parks in this SW New Mexico area?

[twogypsies]

City of Rocks State Park just off 180 southeast of Silver City has some big pull-throughs with hookups for a night. From Silver City would recommend you take 180 north to 78 west into Arizona. It's a very pretty drive. We haven't driven 180 north to Luna and Alpine in AZ and then north on 191 from Alpine so don't know how it is for a big RV. However, definitely do not take 191 north from Clifton in Arizona. You would need both lanes to make some of the curves up to Alpine.

So, taking NM 78 from Silver City area into Arizona to Clifton and on to Safford is very doable. Roper Lake State Park is nice, too, complete with a natural hot tub.

Then continue on AZ70 to Globe and west through Superior and into Apache Junction/Mesa/Phoenix. You won't have any problems with the drive.

[Air Baron]

Thanks for the info. We were not planning going as far north on 180 as you mentioned would bring distress. We will take your advice and head west on 78 and stay a few nights at Roper Lake SP. This route was not on my radar screen and sounds like a winner.

[Air Baron]

twogypsies

Just made the trip and let me tell you...that hwy 78 between 180 and 191 was a real trip. First the yellow warning sign at 180 saying truckers should not use this route. Then halfway...on the top of the mountain...another yellow warning sign that says no vehicles over 40 feet. Regardless...it was beautiful scenery and proof that a Cummins ISC 350 with an exhaust brake is a wonderful thing. The descent on the western side was spectacular and breath taking. The oncoming traffic was minimal on a Sunday.

[twogypsies]

Glad you enjoyed it. I don't recall it being like that, but then, your RV isn't over 40'. It didn't say anything about towing!

[Toussaint]

We take a toad (Jeep Wrangler) down the road from Alpine AZ to Clifton every fall....total length is 59 feet....it's easy...After Roper Lake head to the north end of Tucson and stay at ORO Valley State Park.....then take the back way into PHX state 79-60 to Apache Jct...where is your final destination after PHX

[Air Baron]

We are just going to take 70 west into Phoenix (Mesa) and stay a week visiting relatives. Then Quartzite, Palm Springs, San Bernardino, LA, Northridge, Big Sur, SF, Napa valley, Oregon coast, Leavenworth by the 4th of July, Banff, Calgary, Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Zion, Reno Air Races, Sequoia, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Mesa Verde, Aspen, Denver...we really do not have a final destination. Just need to make it back to south Florida before it gets too cold.