Route from Albuquerque to Quartsite

[becks]

We're leaving Albuquerque in a few days to meet friends in Quartsite. Just wondering which route folks prefer, I 40 or I10. Thanks for your thoughts.

[RedWing Nut]

I would take I-25 to I-10. We have a gasser and there is less climbing. The weather will likely be better too. To avoid Phoenix, at Casa Grande, take I-8 to Gila Bend and take 85 back up to I-10 in Buckeye. Good roads all the way.

[becks]

Thanks Steve, I had not thought of that, sounds good.

[skigramp]

Two routes for consideration:

Route 1: (about 570 miles source Streets and Trips)

West on I-40 to Flagstaff
South on I-17 to jct with AZ 74
West on AZ 74 to US 60
NW (and later WSW) on US 60 to jct with I-10
West on I-10 to Q

I travelled this route in the opposite direction in Spring of 2013 ... there are some hills on I-17 but nothing to cause you any concern

Route 2: (about 700 miles)

South on I-25 to Hatch
Southwest on NM 26 to Deming
West on I-10 to Casa Grande
West on I-8 to Gila Bend
North on AZ 85 to jct with I-10
West on I-10 to Q

I travelled this route (to Casa Grande) in this direction in late fall of 2012 ... there are fewer hills ... NM 26 is a fantastic 2 lane highway ... wide lanes ... wide shoulders

[RedWing Nut]

skigramp is correct. NM-26 from Hatch to Deming is a real nice road. We took it from Deming to Hatch this past summer.

[becks]

We have taken the Hatch\Deming cutoff and agree it is a great road. We have decided to take skigramp's route 1 choice above. Thanks to all for your thoughts. Meanwhile we are enjoying great weather in Albuquerque.