Colorado to Arizona

[efstewart]

We will be leaving Colorado Springs and heading towards Bullhead City AZ near the end of March in our 40 foot Country Coach.

Have any of you travelled that way? My first stop would probably be Flagstaff, or maybe somewhere before that, if there is a nice rv park on the way.

Our dates and routes are somewhat flexible, and I don't want to navigate difficult terrain, as I have been there/ done that before.

Looks like the Highway going west is 160, then on to 89 south. The other way would be I-25 south to I-40 west. Any recommendations?

[no3putt]

Easiest driving is I-25 and I-40. It would be a very long day to reach Flagstaff in one day.

[azpete]

the back way is a real scenic route. the roads aren't bad, and there are campgrounds along the way, but not resort quality. i enjoy that drive. ive driven it several times.
on the weekends, watch for impaired drivers, particularly between kayenta and tuba city
ive seen several headons over the years.
paul maddox

[BarryG20]

Taking the freeway (co springs to flagstaff)is actually about an hour faster even though it is about 80 miles farther. However 160 to 89 is a much more scenic route and unless I was really pressed for time is the route I would take personally. While I could make that drive in a day it is a long one at over 600 miles. When we go to the Grand Canyon from Denver we take 160/89 but we stop in Mancos or Cortez area for an overnight. There are a couple rv parks right outside the entrance to Mesa Verde as well as in the park but why go in if not visiting the park and there are a couple parks in Cortez and last but not least just southwest of Cortez is Ute Mountain Casino in Towac which has an rv area and is right off the highway. I have never stayed there have no ideas on rates, amenities or availability though it looks ok driving by it.

[Spud_Monkey]

Get a iPad, get a truckers road map book and download the GAIA app, learn it and enjoy the trip. Remember it’s not the destination, but the journey there good or bad. I have driven over 10,000 miles off the interstates in the past year with no problems at 48’ in length.

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by efstewart

We will be leaving Colorado Springs and heading towards Bullhead City AZ near the end of March in our 40 foot Country Coach.

Have any of you travelled that way? My first stop would probably be Flagstaff, or maybe somewhere before that, if there is a nice rv park on the way.

Our dates and routes are somewhat flexible, and I don't want to navigate difficult terrain, as I have been there/ done that before.

Looks like the Highway going west is 160, then on to 89 south. The other way would be I-25 south to I-40 west. Any recommendations?

You are sounding like you want to just do the I's 25 and 40 - but if the weather were to stay as it is, I'd look at RT 160 as it is a Beautiful drive, likely the only issue would be Wolf Creek Pass if it just Snowed - nice Casino CG off RT 160 - https://www.skyutecasino.com/accommodations/rv-park/ - Might be fun in the Winter. - One other option but no Hook Ups would be Canyon de Chelly - we love it in the Winter, usually just us and the Locals. - ;

CDOT will also help if you check on the roads - https://www.cotrip.org/map.htm#/defa...illCameraId=79 - looks clear to me - and I'd love to be there making that drive today - Sunny and Beautiful.

All depends on what you will enjoy -

Best of Luck,

[1ciderdog]

I-25 to I-40, I've done that several times in my (previous) 40 ft pusher.

[TXTiger]

I’ve done I-25 to I-40 and it is a very easy drive. Stopped for the night at a Casino in Gallop, can’t remember the name but it is right off the interstate. They have an area for RVs, no hookups. Just let security know when you get there. Security will even pick you up in a golf cart and bring you to the Casino for the buffet dinner.

[GoneToTheDog]

Originally Posted by no3putt

Easiest driving is I-25 and I-40. It would be a very long day to reach Flagstaff in one day.

I agree. That would be a very long day. Depending on the time of day, getting through Albuquerque can be rather slow going. After that, lots of truck traffic on I-40, and it can be pretty windy along there at times. Which sometimes can make for more stressful and tiring driving.

[twogypsies]

We love the 160/89 route. Have done it often with our 40' MH.

If you didn't want to drive Wolf Creek Pass in CO you could take another very scenic route.... I-25 South to 160 at Walsenburg and 285 South at Alamosa to 64 West at Tres Riedras, NM to 160 West in AZ

So much better than the interstates.

I agree that you should plan a stop before Flagstaff. That's too long of a drive.

[rhodesaz]

I have family in Colorado Springs. Last Aug we left them and drove the 160 home to central Arizona. It's a great drive with lots of scenic places to visit.
Here is our Aug trip report with all the places we stopped. We were not in a hurry and took our time traveling.
August 2019

[Speck]

While 160 is a pretty drive, I avoid snow, and if you've been in Colorado long you know it can snow anytime in the spring. I would keep an eye on the weather reports and adjust my route accordingly. I had planned a trip from Colorado Springs to Yuma via I-24 & I-40, I got a weather report while in Las Vegas NM that I-40 had just re-opened after being closed for 3 days west of Santa Rosa. I avoided all the crazies trying to make up time on the open but slick roads and went south on I-25 to I-10 (Las Cruses NM). My general rule for traveling in SW is to stay south of I-40 in the winter.

Safe travels.

[yeloduster]

Traveling anywhere in the US four corners area can be tricky in March because of the weather. Fortunately all four states have online systems to inform travelers of up to date road conditions, crashes, construcion and traveler advisories.

Each state goes about it a different way but still deliver useful information for the traveling public. See the following websites:

• Colorado URL: https://cotrip.org/home.htm

• New Mexico URL: https://www.nmroads.com

• Arizona URL: https://www.az511.com

• Utah URL: UDOT TRAFFIC

Travel safe!