Deciding between routes through Texas... (Houston, Dallas: homes, restaurants, food)

[ASchuster]

Noble denizens of city-data forum,

I can't decide between two different routes through Texas (my final destination is Albuquerque; I'm coming from Florida). It's either take I-10 all the way through Texas to Fort Stockton and then taking US285 up into New Mexico (Route 1) or taking I-49 from Louisiana to I-20, switching to US287 in Dallas, to I-40 (Route 2).

Any suggestions? I'm hoping to be able to spend around 4-5 days on the trip total, making my first stop in Slidell, LA.

Route 1: Spring Hill, FL to Albuquerque, NM - Google Maps

Route 2: Spring Hill, FL to Albuquerque, NM - Google Maps

Thanks!

[cinnamon_toast]

We drive up to ABQ frequently. I-10 has a nice fast daytime speed limit and it is also a pretty, interesting drive as far as interstate goes. That would be my first choice of the two you offered. There are literally dozens of back road routes you can take instead, if you are not opposed to back roads. The worst part of the drive is eastern New Mexico. Plan your stops for food and gas because it can be quite a few miles between gas stations and look out for aliens in Roswell! I looooove road trips and you are always guaranteed to see SOMETHING interesting on the road in Texas.

[Sunderpig]

I'd vote for Option #2. You'd be on a more scenic route. You would have less large towns though, in case you needed supplies/help for any reason.

For option #1, you'd have to pass through Houston. The traffic on I-10 can be horrible if near or during rush hour traffic, so you'd have to plan the time of pass-through wisely.

[hellpaso]

I'd go I-10 to El Paso, then up to ABQ. I wouldn't turn off at Fort Stockton--you're talking about the middle of nowhere! You'll make better speed through far West Texas than through eastern New Mexico. It's not a bad drive at all from El Paso to ABQ. You're liable to run into a chance for more bad weather if you use the I-40/Dallas route. Be sure to check ahead about where the fires are, as that could alter everything. Be sure to drive friendly, the Texas way!

[txtoal]

Maybe you can do both routes, one on the way there and the other on the way back that way you get a different scenic route both times. I frequently travel the I-10 route to I-49 in Louisiana to I-20, switching to US287 in Dallas and it gets monotonous sometimes.

[loves2read]

Ft Stockton is neat place with the historical fort

we made that drive couple of times
always get the book that shows the historical road signs so we can know what we are passing--
so much history in our state is already gone except for the historial signs...

[ASchuster]

Originally Posted by hellpaso

I'd go I-10 to El Paso, then up to ABQ. I wouldn't turn off at Fort Stockton--you're talking about the middle of nowhere! You'll make better speed through far West Texas than through eastern New Mexico. It's not a bad drive at all from El Paso to ABQ. You're liable to run into a chance for more bad weather if you use the I-40/Dallas route. Be sure to check ahead about where the fires are, as that could alter everything. Be sure to drive friendly, the Texas way!

I was thinking since US285 goes through both Roswell and Carlsbad (I've heard the caverns are worth a visit), it might be more enjoyable than more endless interstate driving. Is driving on US285 particularly bad?

[hellpaso]

It's been a while since I've been that way, but keep in mind that there are some mountain passes that can sometimes be closed due to wind, especially around Carlsbad. The caverns are ok, & will take several hours to see, but there is absolutely nothing else in Carlsbad (LOL--my husband declined a job there once we checked it out!). The interstate actually has some cool vistas, especially if you're not used to the mountains and high desert. I guess I'm just a little prejudiced since I'm from El Paso and I -10 is how I usually have traveled. I don't personally care for curvy little roads. I would recommend you take an excursion to White Sands, if you have the time. If you've seen one cave you've pretty much seen them all, but White Sands is like nothing else on the planet. There really is a lot to see in southern New Mexico--it's worth a trip in itself. (can you tell I'm a touch homesick?)

[ASchuster]

Originally Posted by hellpaso

It's been a while since I've been that way, but keep in mind that there are some mountain passes that can sometimes be closed due to wind, especially around Carlsbad. The caverns are ok, & will take several hours to see, but there is absolutely nothing else in Carlsbad (LOL--my husband declined a job there once we checked it out!). The interstate actually has some cool vistas, especially if you're not used to the mountains and high desert. I guess I'm just a little prejudiced since I'm from El Paso and I -10 is how I usually have traveled. I don't personally care for curvy little roads. I would recommend you take an excursion to White Sands, if you have the time. If you've seen one cave you've pretty much seen them all, but White Sands is like nothing else on the planet. There really is a lot to see in southern New Mexico--it's worth a trip in itself. (can you tell I'm a touch homesick?)

I was going to make a weekend trip out of White Sands (I've seen pictures and read a bit about it, I'm really excited).

Would you recommend El Paso as a good place to stop for the evening? How are the restaurants (I'm vegetarian, but will break my meatless ways for very very special occasions) there?

Thanks for all the tips everyone!

[shoe01]

What time of year might this happen? If you're going between now and early June, then the weather might be better going a southern route. From late July through early September, though, you might hit the monsoon season in New Mexico, so a northern route would probably be preferable.