Safest/Best driving route Phoenix to Dallas

[SluggoF16]

Originally Posted by observer53

It's not mountainous at all. As far as hotels halfway through, I'd look at the map, and then check websites for Holiday Inn Express, Hampton, Comfort Inns, etc., I think you'll find something where you need it. Phoenix to Dallas (or vice versa) in one day? I'd say no. I assume that's why you asked about hotels.

If you live on the east side and you opt for I-40 I'd use AZ 87 through Payson and then AZ 260-AZ 377 to Holbrook. Coming back to PHX from OK it saves about an hour, maybe a gallon of gas, and avoids the mess of I-17 near Anthem. I use that route every year during the holidays. Going back we always go through Tucson in order to stock up on carne seca and green corn tamales. If the weather is bad (snow) I'd take I-10/I-20. If you take I-40 you'll probably have to use US-287 which is under construction in spots between Amarillo and Wichita Falls, or at least was in November, but at least IS 70 mph where able, except in the small towns. You save at least two-three hours and 100 miles on the southern route. That and it's largely flatlander driving. In November we left Scottsdale at 8:30 AM and made it to our home here in Oklahoma at 1:30 AM... 16 hours with the one-hour timezone shift, and about the same drive to Dallas; we also stopped an hour in Tucson. (Route isn't all interstate through Roswell and Clovis, NM.) This time of year you lose two hours going to TX, though. I don't recommend it solo, at night the deer are a real concern in West Texas.

[MalteseJane]

Originally Posted by pynkpanther

I-10 IS BEGINNING TO SEEM SWELL! however, are there any 3-4 star hotels halfway through.AND, could someone really make the entire trip in one day? seriously. and PLEASE tell me there are less mountain ranges to drive up and down and through than going to flagstaff...PLEASE?

Lol, lol, 3-4 star hotels, you are dreaming !! Best way is I-10 and then I-20. Besides Las Cruces and El Paso not much choice in hotels. I would not do the trip in one day, but that's me. We did the trip many times from Phoenix to Houston and the contrary. Slept in Fort Stockton but really cannot recommend any motel there, they are all bad. Slept in La Quinta in Las Cruces and it was ok. You probably can find a 3-4 star in Las Cruces but not along I-10. More choice in El-Paso.

[CheyDee]

Originally Posted by pynkpanther

I-10 IS BEGINNING TO SEEM SWELL! however, are there any 3-4 star hotels halfway through.AND, could someone really make the entire trip in one day? seriously. and PLEASE tell me there are less mountain ranges to drive up and down and through than going to flagstaff...PLEASE?

I take I-10 to I-20 up into Dallas and do it in two days. I have yet to find an upscale hotel to stay in around the midway point or even a little beyond. (I have not checked much beyond the highway.)

As Observer said, there are no mountain roads via that route.

[oregonslee]

I-10 in the winter for it's aweful hot in the summer. Scenery is godaweful as well. Also it's farther.
1-40 to Amarillo then south east on TX 287 right down to Denton and the Metroplex. It's cooler, shorter and definitely more scenic. Watch out for prarie fires in the Summer but otherwise you're basiclly following the Red River all the way from Childress. Done it a million times and always love that drive.