Is there a way to avoid mountains driving from Phoenix to Amarillo (Flagstaff: rental, buy)

[amithy]

I'm planning on driving from Phoenix area to Amarillo. I have driven this route before by going up to Flagstaff then over to Amarillo and the reverse to come back. I don't know if my suburban can take going through the mountains again. I was looking at taking US-60 or I-10. Are there as many reststops (have kids, need stops) Any suggestions???? Time isn't an issue.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[Tanque Verde]

I-10 into west texas where you pick up I-20 into Odessa. Turn north to Amarillo. Looks like a long drive for an old suburban just to stay on the flat.

[azdr0710]

if the I-17 to I-40 choice thru Flag spooked you, the only alternative would be Tanque Verde's choice.....

no major inclines or mountains this way, but it's a little bit out of the way....the biggest "climb" would be east of Benson, AZ, as you go up thru Texas Canyon near Dragoon: it's about six or seven miles of not-too-bad incline, but there's an official rest area at the "top"!!

[ichoptops]

Hate being the "boogie" on this one, but is driving that far WITH KIDS in a car that you, yourself admits isn't in as good as shape as it should be,,,,, the best idea? This desert can be brutal, and IF you break down, well,,,,,,, I guess I'm just saying either rethink it, or make the burb more reliable.

[ZonyPony]

Originally Posted by amithy

I'm planning on driving from Phoenix area to Amarillo. I have driven this route before by going up to Flagstaff then over to Amarillo and the reverse to come back. I don't know if my suburban can take going through the mountains again. I was looking at taking US-60 or I-10. Are there as many reststops (have kids, need stops) Any suggestions???? Time isn't an issue.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Why not break down and buy a different, more energy-efficient family vehicle... like a Toyota Sienna Van? Perhaps consider a rental vehicle for these trips for now? Why put your family through unnecessary torture?

[adventuregurl]

Originally Posted by ichoptops

Hate being the "boogie" on this one, but is driving that far WITH KIDS in a car that you, yourself admits isn't in as good as shape as it should be,,,,, the best idea? This desert can be brutal, and IF you break down, well,,,,,,, I guess I'm just saying either rethink it, or make the burb more reliable.

If nothing else, take LOTS of water, food and protection from the elements, and of course a good cell phone!

[Boompa]

I-10 to US 70 through Las Cruces, Alamagordo, Ruidoso, Roswell and Clovis. 4 Lanes most of the way and moves faster than the Interstate. Then US60 to Lubbock then theres an Interstate into Armadillo

[ichoptops]

Originally Posted by adventuregurl

If nothing else, take LOTS of water, food and protection from the elements, and of course a good cell phone!

There are still MANY places that cell phones have zero coverage.

This just has BAD IDEA written all over it for the kids.

[Tanque Verde]

Originally Posted by Boompa

I-10 to US 70 through Las Cruces, Alamagordo, Ruidoso, Roswell and Clovis. 4 Lanes most of the way and moves faster than the Interstate. Then US60 to Lubbock then theres an Interstate into Armadillo

He said no mountains. If he takes your route, he might just as well head up to flagstaff and make a right to armadillo.

[miamiman]

Even the I-10 to I-20 route will take you through some moutainous areas. Texas Canyon, between Benson and Willcox, and the area around Sierra Blanca, in west Texas, are pretty narrow, steep drives.

There is absolutely no way to drive to Amarillo from Phoenix without avoiding at least SOME steep climbs.