New Mexico: Rt 54 vs 25

[robi]

Hello! I am taking my Bambi from Ohio to Tucson next week. I am trying to determine my route in New Mexico, either 40 to 25 to 26 to 10; or exiting 40 at Santa Rosa for 54 to 70 to 10. I am most interested in saving time versus miles and scenery. 54 maps more directly in miles, but I am wondering about the road conditions with towing and if I may be better off time wise just sticking to 25. Thanks!

[eubank]

Pretty flat road except for that last segment where 70 crosses the mountain over into the Las Cruces area.

One matter that may make a difference to you would be that speed limits on non-interstate highways are pretty moderate in New Mexico. That's great for those of us who love to mosey, but maybe not for others.

☺
Lynn

[Kittyfeet]

Fastest would be 40 to 25 to 10

[eubank]

One shortcut that some folks do take is to exit I25 at Hatch to follow Hwy 26 over to Deming (basically avoiding Las Cruces).

I also avoid Albuquerque by exiting I40 at Clines Corners or Moriarity well east of the city. Basically, you get off the interstate and make your way south to Hwy 60, and then follow 60 west to connect with I25 south of Albuquerque.

Lynn

[J. Morgan]

The all interstate route is fastest if you drive the posted speed limits, but not so much if you don't. (Either way).

54 is a two lane no shoulder roadway for much of its length, with quite a bit of traffic

When the speed limit was 55 on the interstates, 54 was a no brainer if you wanted to save time, this was mostly true even when the limit was 65 on the Interstate.

As a FWIw, the last speeding ticket I got was on 54 north of Vaughn, many years ago.


Talis gentium ceciderunt.

[Phoenix]

I second Eubank's suggestion of I-40 to I-25, then south to I-10, as that is the quickest route. (We used to live in Tucson, and frequently visited relatives in Denver.)

Also, the HATCH CUT-OFF will save about 30-45 minutes in travel time.

Note: Hatch, NM, is the area where New Mexico's famous Hatch chile peppers were developed and are still grown.

[abqdor]

We travel from Albuquerque to Tucson frequently. Take I-40 and I-25 to I-10 Definitely better than Hwy 54. Eubank's suggestion of the shortcut at Hatch off of I-25 to Deming and back onto I-10 is what we do all the time. It is a good two lane with wide shoulders and fairly flat. You travel past a wonderful solar and wind farm along the way.

[robi]

Thanks to everyone for your quick responses, looks like sticking with 25 to the Hatch Cut Off will do it. Happy trails!

[TBRich]

I concur that 1-25 is the best route...and if you want to slow down and enjoy the trip bit more there are several good overnight options on the I-25 route south of ABQ... Elephant Butte Lake State Park (a little further off I-25 than the others but worth it), Caballos Lake State Park, Percha Dam State Park... Definitely take the Hatch cut-off...and if it's open stop at Sparky's at the main light in "downtown" Hatch for their world-famous green chile burger. Worth the stop!

If you want to stop for an over night prior to Tucson in AZ, consider Roper Lake State Park Lake State Park in Safford (30 miles north of I-10 on 191), Triangle-T Guest Ranch (commercial, but interesting and different) in Dragoon between Wilcox and Benson...there are many commercial RV parks in the Wilcox and Benson areas, and Kartchner Caverns State Park near Benson.

Have a great trip!

[NoNameinNM]

Another tip for Albuquerque: about 3.5 miles before you change over from I-40 to I-25, you will pass three exits. They are at Louisiana, San Mateo and Carlisle, and in that order.

Just after Louisiana a fourth lane will open up on the right. Get in that lane as soon as you can.

After the San Mateo exit, a fifth lane opens up. That one will work too.

After the Carlisle exit, it is less than a mile to I-25. That area can get congested at any time of day. A lot of people will be trying to merge either left or right. People often need to cross as many as three lanes of traffic over a fairly short distance.

Simply get in either the fourth or fifth lane from the left as soon as possible when they are available and you will have it made. Both lanes will take you directly to southbound I-25.

I hope you have a wonderful trip!

[eubank]

Exactly why this small-town guy avoids ABQ as well as all other major cities!
Lynn

Originally Posted by NoNameinNM

Another tip for Albuquerque: about 3.5 miles before you change over from I-40 to I-25, you will pass three exits. They are at Louisiana, San Mateo and Carlisle, and in that order.

Just after Louisiana a fourth lane will open up on the right. Get in that lane as soon as you can.

After the San Mateo exit, a fifth lane opens up. That one will work too.

After the Carlisle exit, it is less than a mile to I-25. That area can get congested at any time of day. A lot of people will be trying to merge either left or right. People often need to cross as many as three lanes of traffic over a fairly short distance.

Simply get in either the fourth or fifth lane from the left as soon as possible when they are available and you will have it made. Both lanes will take you directly to southbound I-25.

I hope you have a wonderful trip!

[dkottum]

Some years ago 54 south of Santa Rosa after dark, some semi traffic, a few hills, was where we finally decided our next Airstream would have two axles and the most reliable tires we could find. No shoulder or turnoffs to change a flat; we didn't have a flat but the thought of changing one on that road at night was enough for me.

[J. Morgan]

A couple of decades ago I hit a giant buzzard while traveling at a high rate of speed while traveling south on 54 north of Tularosa...

If it had hit the windscreen a couple a few inches lower you might all have been deprived of my presence on A/F.

It would have been a pity...


Talis gentium ceciderunt.