Driving to southern CA (Eureka, Barstow: hotel, dangerous, safe)

[EurekaPerson]

Good afternoon everyone. I was just looking for a little insight as to the type of roads encountered when driving into southern CA on the interstate.

We will be probably be coming in on Interstate 40. I know the area is mountainous, but is the interstate relatively flat driving? I realize that the terrain is elevated enough that we may very well get snowed upon, but is I-40 generally safe or are we talking mountain passes and sliding off the road in the snow and falling off a mountain?

Thank you in advance. I am completely unfamiliar with the southwest.

[EscapeCalifornia]

You'll definitely want to check the weather. I-40 goes through some mountain areas in Arizona and I believe New Mexico too. Where are you coming from? You might want to head down to I-10 instead.

[EurekaPerson]

We are coming from the midwest and will be driving through NM and AZ.

[humboldtrat]

I can't think of any major mountain passes along I-40 in New Mexico or Arizona. Much of it is high desert (elevation) that does get snow during the winter. Flagstaff, AZ is almost 7000 ft above sea level and gets snow. I-40 in southern California to where it deadends in Barstow is all desert (boring desert!) and seldom gets snow. Gas stations can be spaced out like 30 - 50 miles apart.

[EurekaPerson]

Thank you!

I can handle snowy roads just fine, and if it gets real bad we can just chill in a hotel until roads are clear if need be. What I cannot handle is dangerous, hilly, or very mountainous snow covered roads in a little front wheel drive car with all-season tires. When I think of driving to CA, I picture snow tires and chains being required and crazy mountain snow storms.

If we can avoid that type of madness, then we will be just fine so your response makes me feel better. Thanks. Anyone else's input is still welcome, of course.

[humboldtrat]

I can't think of any steep parts of I-40 in northern AZ. It's pretty much "rolling hills" where you go up a little and then down a little. Gains/decreases in elevation are gradual. The area around Flagstaff and Williams, AZ with its forested landscape and far off mountains is pretty

[esmith143]

Western AZ along I-40 is mountainous and the freeway can get icy at night from time to time. Snow and ice will typically melt in the morning. The rest of the road is mostly flat.

Southwest (AZ,NM,CA) does not get crazy mountain snow storms. A key requirement for a snow storm is snow. In other words, precipitation. We don't get much precipitation of any kind here. Parts of Colorado along the edge of the Rockies get snowy, but I-40 is much further south.

[Winston Smith]

I-40 in CA isn't a problem, but AZ and NM can get treacherous if it snows. I've been snowbound in Flagstaff (elevation 6,000+ feet), and through some slick and poor winter conditions in New Mexico.

Side note on CA: if you're traveling I-40 to I-15, Cajon Pass can get both snow and very high winds this time of year. For CA you might keep this resource handy: Road Conditions.

[Fontucky]

Originally Posted by EurekaPerson

When I think of driving to CA, I picture snow tires and chains being required and crazy mountain snow storms.

You're picturing I-80.

[happ]

Stay to the south as others have advised & snowfall should not be an issue. There is a very cold storm moving into the West Coast this weekend & snow could fall to below normal levels in California\ Arizona\ New Mexico. Both the Cajon & San Gorgonio passes can observe snow though quite unusual on Interstate 10. Be careful.