Driving from Phoenix to Albuquerque need info (Flagstaff, Benson: hotels, to live)

[wcnwzrd]

I will be moving in the September/October time frame and will be traveling from Phoenix to Albuquerque. The two options I am considering are either going down by Benson and over to Deming then up (known road conditions mostly) or up through Flagstaff then over.

My main concern is that I have heard from family that used to live up by Flagstaff that it can get pretty bad on the roads. I will have a 26' moving truck followed by a rear wheel drive van and would prefer to avoid any snow/ice situations if possible. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[ArizonaBear]

Originally Posted by wcnwzrd

I will be moving in the September/October time frame and will be traveling from Phoenix to Albuquerque. The two options I am considering are either going down by Benson and over to Deming then up (known road conditions mostly) or up through Flagstaff then over.

My main concern is that I have heard from family that used to live up by Flagstaff that it can get pretty bad on the roads. I will have a 26' moving truck followed by a rear wheel drive van and would prefer to avoid any snow/ice situations if possible. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

September/October should still be OK even if going to Q via Flagstaff...........they typically do not receive 'winter' till November at the earliest.

[observer53]

That time of year, Flagstaff route should be NO problem. Going down through Benson and Deming seems like a long way around, to me.

[wit-nit]

Originally Posted by observer53

That time of year, Flagstaff route should be NO problem. Going down through Benson and Deming seems like a long way around, to me.

This is true, besides the long tedious way, you'll be driving in hotter temps.

[adventuregurl]

I've hit bad snow storms numerous time in Flagstaff in Oct., in fact in 2004, there were 3 big stroms in Oct. I remember distinctly as I left on Nov. 8th to drive up to Canada and went through Flag. and had to watch the weather clsoely due to this.

I beleive we had one this Oct. too but can't remember for sure.

The OP should be fine as long as the trip can be delayed a day or two if the weather is bad. Also the earlier in Oct. the better.

[Peg Fife-Bell]

Originally Posted by wcnwzrd

I will be moving in the September/October time frame and will be traveling from Phoenix to Albuquerque. The two options I am considering are either going down by Benson and over to Deming then up (known road conditions mostly) or up through Flagstaff then over.

My main concern is that I have heard from family that used to live up by Flagstaff that it can get pretty bad on the roads. I will have a 26' moving truck followed by a rear wheel drive van and would prefer to avoid any snow/ice situations if possible. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Given that you won't be travelling until September or October, the I-17 to I-40 route through Flagstaff will be shortest for your trip, no matter the weather. It is unlikely you will encounter bad weather that time of year.
Going I-10 to Deming NM and then using NM hwy 26 cutting across through Rincon onto I-25 will be in the vicinity of 50-75 miles longer with more mountains to pull.

[notmuch69]

Have you sseen this website? ADOT Freeway Management System (http://www.az511.com/hcrsweb/hcrsweb.jsp - broken link) It has up to the minute info with actual pictures of the road. Just click on the little black & white camera icons.

[wcnwzrd]

thanks for the info all. will most likely take this route rather than Deming as i will also have a better choice of hotels in Flag. Will already have 3+ hours on the road by the time i get to phoenix so will be staying the night. will keep that site bookmarked notmuch69. will help with the route up as i will be using my laptop for a navi and can get internet via cell.