Tips for the drive through NM/AZ?

[cfrith5]

We'll be driving to San Diego first for a few days before DLR. Coming from TX, we'll be on I-10, then I-8. Have never been on these roads. Any good food or places to stop to rest along the way? Thanks!

 

[XGrumpy1]

Lots and lots of nothing, especially on I-10 in west Texas. You need to plan gas stops and where you will stop for meals and motels. Don't drive too far and get stuck driving way too long! Texas is really, really, big!

 

[AZwldcats]

Going to spend any time in AZ? a few neat things to do in AZ before and in Tucson.

After Tucson and 1-8 is pretty sparse.

 

[cfrith5]

Lots and lots of nothing, especially on I-10 in west Texas. You need to plan gas stops and where you will stop for meals and motels. Don't drive too far and get stuck driving way too long! Texas is really, really, big!

Thanks for the tip! I'm driving alone with 3 kids so I'll have to be careful!

 

[cfrith5]

Going to spend any time in AZ? a few neat things to do in AZ before and in Tucson.

After Tucson and 1-8 is pretty sparse.

No, I wish! I've been to Tucson before and really loved it! Probably nothing right on the drive that could be checked out in a few minutes? Any good photo ops?

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I've driven that way so many times on my way to El Paso. We like to stop at "The Thing," located in Texas Canyon between Willcox and Benson. I think it's exit 322 on Johnson Rd. lol

There is a little museum - maybe costs a dollar to go through it, and it is a nice break. There are also things to buy and I think a Dairy Queen for a bite. I love driving through Texas Canyon.

We also took a mini-side trip to Tombstone, but that added about three hours or so to our drive home.

 

[cfrith5]

I've driven that way so many times on my way to El Paso. We like to stop at "The Thing," located in Texas Canyon between Willcox and Benson. I think it's exit 322 on Johnson Rd. lol

There is a little museum - maybe costs a dollar to go through it, and it is a nice break. There are also things to buy and I think a Dairy Queen for a bite. I love driving through Texas Canyon.

We also took a mini-side trip to Tombstone, but that added about three hours or so to our drive home.

Perfect! Thank you!!!

 

[cfrith5]

I've driven that way so many times on my way to El Paso. We like to stop at "The Thing," located in Texas Canyon between Willcox and Benson. I think it's exit 322 on Johnson Rd. lol

There is a little museum - maybe costs a dollar to go through it, and it is a nice break. There are also things to buy and I think a Dairy Queen for a bite. I love driving through Texas Canyon.

We also took a mini-side trip to Tombstone, but that added about three hours or so to our drive home.

Okay, I googled it a little more, is it scary for kids?

 

[AZwldcats]

Okay, I googled it a little more, is it scary for kids?

Nope... Mine were OK and they are now 5 and 10.

I know you are going to be in SoCal but I suggest stopping at In-N-Out in Tucson or Marana to eat!

 

[mouseymommy]

Between New Mexico and Tuscon there is a section that has these amazing rock formations. There is a rest area there and it's always full of people taking pictures. I know it has a name but I can't remember it. My DH stopped and saw The Thing when he was moving to AZ. He said it was interesting! We have done that drive many times. Hope you have lots of good music!

 

[disneydreamer74]

Between New Mexico and Tuscon there is a section that has these amazing rock formations. There is a rest area there and it's always full of people taking pictures. I know it has a name but I can't remember it. My DH stopped and saw The Thing when he was moving to AZ. He said it was interesting! We have done that drive many times. Hope you have lots of good music!

The rock formations would be Texas Canyon. It is really fun to drive through this canyon! After that...it gets pretty boring.

** If you need a restroom break stop at exit 302 in Benson ( right after Texas Canyon) there is a McD's there that has a cool T-Rex dinosaur outside..neat for a photo op and a quick detour off the road.

 

[Desert Dwellers]

Between New Mexico and Tuscon there is a section that has these amazing rock formations. There is a rest area there and it's always full of people taking pictures. I know it has a name but I can't remember it. My DH stopped and saw The Thing when he was moving to AZ. He said it was interesting! We have done that drive many times. Hope you have lots of good music!

That's the Texas Canyon Mary Jo referenced upthread.

 

[mouseymommy]

Now I know the name! Thanks guys!!

 

[Desert Dwellers]

Now I know the name! Thanks guys!!

Jinx on DisneyDreamer - owes me a coke.

 

[bakerudall]

Be sure to load up on green chiles on your way home in New Mexico. Yummmm...whenever I head East, I get me about 6 months worth of roasted medium-heaters and freeze 'em.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

There is also a little shop on the west end of Lordesburg, NM. I got some nice moccasins there.

We've pretty much hit every novelty shop from El Paso to Eloy. One time we were at the Thing (which is not scary, they just like to build up to it) and I realized that I had forgotten my purse at that shop in Lordesburg... so back we went - 70 miles. I was so happy to find it on the very bench where I left it.

 

[Huff]

I just made a 2 day round trip drive from Phoenix to Las Cruces and back. Theres gas stations at Las Cruces, Demming, Lordsburgh, Wilcox, Benson and Tucson.

If you have time visit Kartchner Caverns, 7 miles south of Benson off I-10. You often need reservations in advance. Its well worth it!!

Heading west on I-8 fill up at Gila Bend whether you need it or not. That will give enough gas to make it to El Centro to fill and then on to San Diego. Theres a McDonalds and other fast food in Gila Bend. For El Centro we exit north at 4th street where theres several stations. Oddly, prices vary 20-30 cents at these stations so look for lowest, usually at 7-11 or AM/PM.

 

[dshimel]

If you have time visit Kartchner Caverns, 7 miles south of Benson off I-10. You often need reservations in advance. Its well worth it!!

That is the one I was going to suggest. It is more than "a few minutes" but it is SOOOOO worth it. As cool as anything you can see in San Diego.

Tombstone is another one, but less cool than the caverns.

 

[DisneytheKid]

We'll be driving to San Diego first for a few days before DLR. Coming from TX, we'll be on I-10, then I-8. Have never been on these roads. Any good food or places to stop to rest along the way? Thanks!

Watch for the speed limit changes from West Texas into New Mexico! That 80mph to 70mph could buy you a pricey ticket... I know!

 

[nunzia]

Be sure to load up on green chiles on your way home in New Mexico. Yummmm...whenever I head East, I get me about 6 months worth of roasted medium-heaters and freeze 'em.

That would be by Hatch..we also have some great Pistachio farms and Stahmann's Pecans.....
Dunno if you have time but a trip to White Sands National Monument is always a fun time.