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Ran into bad snow near Flagstaff a couple years ago in January (westbound). Once we got past Williams eveything was fine. Gallup NM area could be problematic, too, its elevation is 6400’. Since you mentioned I-70, i would avoid it at all costs unless you check weather right before you leave. Not only for the mountains, but Kansas as well. A good snowfall will close 70 in a jiffy.
Ran into bad snow near Flagstaff a couple years ago in January (westbound). Once we got past Williams eveything was fine. Gallup NM area could be problematic, too, its elevation is 6400’. Since you mentioned I-70, i would avoid it at all costs unless you check weather right before you leave. Not only for the mountains, but Kansas as well. A good snowfall will close 70 in a jiffy.
I didn't mention I-70.
I have two choices here: I-10 and I-40.
The general consensus seems to be that I-10 is the best choice, but the primary rationale seems to be weather.
However, as another poster noted, there is no snow in the forecast right now, even for the higher elevations in Arizona.
I went from SC To CA last year using I-40.. that was in Summer.. I enjoyed the drive, it was very scenic and the fast speed limits from TX thru AZ made time tick off very quickly.
If you want views...
delay your trip until summer and go east on the scenic northern route before turning south
I-40 has some nice views, both in Arizona/New Mexico and also in Tennessee. Indeed, in my opinion, it's the more scenic of the two routes under consideration.
Everyone's been mentioning the western mountains, but don't forget that I-40 goes through mountains in eastern Tennessee as well. Thus, snow or ice could be a factor there too. I-10 isn't especially scenic (other than the stretch near Mobile, Alabama, IMO) but the weather is likely to be better (or at least not worse).
I'd go I-10 to Jacksonville and down I-95. HIghway all the way. Your way involves a lot of miles on State Routes.
Just to note, it's about 35 miles shorter if you use I-10 to Lake City and then I-75 to Wildwood and then the Florida Turnpike to Miami. However, the Turnpike is a toll road and the OP said that he would like to avoid those. So given that consideration, I agree with your suggestion to do I-10 to I-95.
Just to note, it's about 35 miles shorter if you use I-10 to Lake City and then I-75 to Wildwood and then the Florida Turnpike to Miami. However, the Turnpike is a toll road and the OP said that he would like to avoid those. So given that consideration, I agree with your suggestion to do I-10 to I-95.
Is there some advantage to taking the turnpike in Florida outside of the fact that it is shorter?
How much does it cost? How do you render payment?
Are there any hotels? I think I am going to have to stop somewhere in Florida.
Is it safer?
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