Best Route To Las Cruces From Santa Rosa Nm (Albuquerque: movers, hotel)

[tito]

What would be the best route to Las Cruces departing from Santa Rosa NM?

The map shows two options:

1- taking road 40 to ABQ and down to LC on 25
2- Taking road 54 and going to LC through Vaughn and Alamogordo

what would be the advantages and disadvantages of either?

Thank you in advance

[mike0421]

Ordinarily, I would endorse Rt 54. It's much more eventful in terms of scenery, etc. However, there is a massive road construction project ongoing where 54 is getting widened to 4 lanes. Last time I drove it in July, the construction was sustained for about 30 miles, between Corona and Duran. Long term, this will be an improvement of epic proportions. This road is one of the most heavily traveled roads for trucks leaving and going to Mexico (thank you NAFTA) and is necessary. Still, there are stretches of this road where I have comfortably driven 75 mph, even though the speed limit is 55, south of Duran. If you are not in a hurry, I'd recommend this route, as it is very scenic, and I would also endorse stopping off in Carrizozo to view the Valley of the Fires recreation area, then after hiking the area, stop off in Carizozo for an awesome green chile cheeseburger at the Outpost.

[LRUA]

Either route is good ...I've done the south on rt 54 a number of times ...I think it's abit shorter and more interesting but you can travel at faster speeds sticking to the interstates ...

[tito]

Thank you "MIKE" and "LRUA" for your replies, they really help. The reason for this trip is that I will be relocating in Las Cruces very soon, and I need to get there by a certain date and time before my movers. I'm coming all the way from Chicago and I know how to get to Santa Rosa (by following the old route 66), but I had my doubts after reaching that point. The road 54 could save me close to 100 miles, but it might increase the driving time and the uncertainty of arriving on time. Also, I have heard that some times they interrupt traffic on route 70 when they are conducting military tests. After I'm settled, I'll come back to road 54 to see the scenery and try the green chile hamburger in Carrizoso. I promise.

[Towanda]

WOW Tito!

The time has finally arrived for your move?

That's wonderful!!!! Keep us informed on the move as things happen.

(......i'm so jealous.... )

[tito]

Originally Posted by Towanda

WOW Tito!

The time has finally arrived for your move?

That's wonderful!!!! Keep us informed on the move as things happen.

(......i'm so jealous.... )

Thank you Towanda, certainly time went by very quickly. Fortunately for me, I already have a place to live which is empty and waiting for my arrival. Normally, big nationally known movers take a long time to deliver and give you plenty of time to arrive because they initially take your belongings to a big warehouse while waiting to get other households to fill the big trucks (like the airplanes now days), before they take off. That means that you could spend many weeks living in a hotel room or sleeping on the floor while waiting for you bed. In previous moves, I did not only suffer those inconveniences, but lost boxes with expensive items which I could not recover because I didn't report the loss immediately upon delivery. After they unload, they ask you to sign a paper that says that you have received everything in good condition. How can you tell if you cannot count the boxes in the big pile and open and check everyone of them on the spot? The excuse for the loss they gave me, was that somebody might have stolen or lost them while transferring from one truck to another or by coming into and out of the warehouses. To avoid those kinds of problems, this time I hired a small mover that carries one household at the time and starts driving the day he picks up your stuff. So, I'll be driving off too on the same day and got to be in Las Cruces before they arrive, at least by a few hours. That is the reason why I need to plan my route very carefully, so that I can be there a few hours before the movers. In this trip I won't have time to enjoy the scenary.

[6 FOOT 3]

I agree with the others and take the interstate all the way. If you break down there's more traffic where someone could assist you. Secondly the shoulders are wider so if you have a flat tire there's more room to move your vehicle over for safety to change it, Thirdly i know my Verizon wireless phone works any where in the state interstates including all the way from San Antonio (nm) to Carrizozo to Alamogordo (U.S.380 and (U.S.54) but it doesn't work on U.S. 54 by Corona so just in case you need to use it.........

[tito]

Originally Posted by 6 FOOT 3

I agree with the others and take the interstate all the way. If you break down there's more traffic where someone could assist you. Secondly the shoulders are wider so if you have a flat tire there's more room to move your vehicle over for safety to change it, Thirdly i know my Verizon wireless phone works any where in the state interstates including all the way from San Antonio (nm) to Carrizozo to Alamogordo (U.S.380 and (U.S.54) but it doesn't work on U.S. 54 by Corona so just in case you need to use it.........

Thank you for the information, it makes a lot of sense particularly in my situation.

[_yb]

It's a much quicker and nicer drive down 54.

[tecpatl]

Welcome to New Mexico, Tito. Even with the uncertainty of road construction delays I'd take the 54 route in a heartbeat. You'll get to see some of beautiful rural New Mexico, save 100+ miles, visit Carrizozo, Tularosa and Alamagordo, and the chile cheeseburger will be a bonus! Depending on the time of day, navigating Albuquerque can be unpleasant in a white-knuckle sort of way. 70 is rarely closed, and when it is it's not for long, and that view of LC when you come over the San Augustin Pass will inspire you.