Driving from AZ to IA - areas to avoid due to weather? (routes, road trip)
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Hello - my spouse and I want to take a road trip from Phoenix to Des Moines to visit family, as early as this week.
But with the weather lately, we were wondering if there are any routes we should avoid? I'm kind of antsy about driving through Colorado right now, or any snowy mountain-range areas for that matter.
We were wondering if it would be smarter to travel east through NM, the tip of TX and OK, then up through Kansas and Missouri.
I would suggest you pull up MapQuest and follow the route I-17 to I-40 to Amarillo and then north to IA. We do this every year. The roads are maintained quite well.
I would suggest you pull up MapQuest and follow the route I-17 to I-40 to Amarillo and then north to IA. We do this every year. The roads are maintained quite well.
Weather has been pretty nice lately as well.
OP, you shouldn't have any issues with that route above.
I would suggest you pull up MapQuest and follow the route I-17 to I-40 to Amarillo and then north to IA. We do this every year. The roads are maintained quite well.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SpaceMonkyPunks
Hello - my spouse and I want to take a road trip from Phoenix to Des Moines to visit family, as early as this week.
But with the weather lately, we were wondering if there are any routes we should avoid? I'm kind of antsy about driving through Colorado right now, or any snowy mountain-range areas for that matter.
We were wondering if it would be smarter to travel east through NM, the tip of TX and OK, then up through Kansas and Missouri.
Thoughts? Would you recommend buying chains?
Thanks, all!
With the suggested route nitram provided, you shouldn't need to buy any chains if you keep your eye on the weather and ahead; avoid driving into any storms of course. Keep your gas tank filled often.
Stay on the Interstates and you'll be fine. I second the advice to keep the tank filled, I wouldn't let it get under and 1/3 unless you are in a very populated area.
I would also put a couple of space blankets (buy at the dollar store or a sporting goods place for about $1 each) into your glove box, and make sure you've got a couple days worth of water and snacks--which is a good idea regardless of the time of year.
I'd go out of my way to avoid I-40 at any time... regardless of weather.
On that basis... it's east on 10 (&20) toward Dallas then north of I35.
(it's only 300 well worth it miles longer)
Keep an eye on the weather and if things are nice enough...
find the old US highway roads for an hour or two each day.
If you're traveling I-40 through TX and OK to OKC it's potentially shorts and flip-flops weather the next two weeks. I think we've seen our last freeze this season.
In a couple months the highways eastern NM, the TX Panhandle, and OK will be awash with storm chasers. Let the Fifth Season begin!
To the OP: Personally, I avoid I-17 when I drive I-40 to PHX from OK. Going through Payson to Holbrook doesn't really save any time, does save about 100 miles, but I-17 always seems to be a parking lot whenever I get to Anthem for some reason. Also, most mapping programs pick up US 54 in Tucumcari to Wichita. I've done that route before, it's amazingly flat. I'd prefer the route you suggested (I-40 to I-35). I-35 in KS is a toll road from OK to Emporia (just drove it this summer) but a good road.
If you're traveling I-40 through TX and OK to OKC it's potentially shorts and flip-flops weather the next two weeks. I think we've seen our last freeze this season.
In a couple months the highways eastern NM, the TX Panhandle, and OK will be awash with storm chasers. Let the Fifth Season begin!
To the OP: Personally, I avoid I-17 when I drive I-40 to PHX from OK. Going through Payson to Holbrook doesn't really save any time, does save about 100 miles, but I-17 always seems to be a parking lot whenever I get to Anthem for some reason. Also, most mapping programs pick up US 54 in Tucumcari to Wichita. I've done that route before, it's amazingly flat. I'd prefer the route you suggested (I-40 to I-35). I-35 in KS is a toll road from OK to Emporia (just drove it this summer) but a good road.
Hmm...I've never had too big of a problem traveling up the I-17, but I try to avoid leaving town during busy hours.
Hmm...I've never had too big of a problem traveling up the I-17, but I try to avoid leaving town during busy hours.
What is the toll on I-35?
It was $5 or so. From the South Terminal through Wichita to Emporia. From Emporia to KC it's free. If you get off in Wichita there are toll gates. The ticket issued at the beginning of the turnpike has the toll fares published on the back side based on the exit you leave the turnpike, so there's no guesswork, as long as you know from what exit you're leaving.
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