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New Mexico HWYS looking for incite!


homelesshartshorns

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Considering traveling from Silver City, NM North to the Four Corners area. Hwys 180, 12, 32, 36, 602, 491. I am hoping to clear this route with you guys. If any one has incite on any part of this trip I would be appreciated.

 

Trip is in April!

Still seeing Places we have never seen before and others that we thought we would never see again!

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homelesshartshorns | Trying to spend the last Dollar on the Last Day! (wordpress.com)

George Hartshorn | Facebook

 

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Considering traveling from Silver City, NM North to the Four Corners area. Hwys 180, 12, 32, 36, 602, 491. I am hoping to clear this route with you guys. Any incite would be appreciated.

 

Trip is in April!

 

I would not suggest that route. I would say go 180, 191, IH40,491

 

That's my insight.

Everybody wanna hear the truth, but everybody tell a lie.  Everybody wanna go to Heaven, but nobody want to die.  Albert King

 

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Chirakawa I was hoping for something other than " Don't Go ". I assume you have been that way and didn't like it? Or there is No Walmart? Or the road is too narrow? Or Snow will block my way in April? Something like that is what I had in mind.

 

In regard to your route I see Luna has a Mountain Pass and I don't like the interstate!

Still seeing Places we have never seen before and others that we thought we would never see again!

.

homelesshartshorns | Trying to spend the last Dollar on the Last Day! (wordpress.com)

George Hartshorn | Facebook

 

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Considering traveling from Silver City, NM North to the Four Corners area. Hwys 180, 12, 32, 36, 602, 491. I am hoping to clear this route with you guys. If any one has incite on any part of this trip I would be appreciated.

 

Trip is in April!

Going north on 180 from Silver City is a pretty winding road with a steep climb as you get near Luna. The road is not particularly narrow, but it is slow driving. However I see you are planning on bypassing that steep climb by taking SR-12 to SR-32.

 

It has been 10 years or so, but we have driven SR-12 and SR-32 from US-180 to Quemado. It is a bit winding, but you should not have a problem. I have no knowledge of the roads north of Quemado. I would suggest using Google Earth and view the road from the sky. Also Google Earth allows you to view a 360 degree image of all points on the route from Quemado to Gallup. Pick several spots and zoom in to see what the road looks like.

Al & Sharon
2006 Winnebago Journey 36G 
2020 Chevy Colorado Toad
San Antonio, TX

http://downtheroadaroundthebend.blogspot.com/

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We have property south of Datil off of Hwy 12 & and have driven the entire route you map out EXCEPT for Hwy 32 between Quemado & Tularosa. It's all two-lane, and parts are winding with little shoulder. However, we do it in an HDT pulling a 40' 5th wheel just fine, just not fast! That time of year, you do run the risk of possible mountain snow, but it's New Mexico, so it's usually gone very quickly. Beautiful scenery pretty much the entire way.

 

Just as a note, 491 south of Towaoc, CO, is a pretty rough stretch of highway.

 

Typically we come in from the north from our daughter's place in Montana in early fall, and would leave heading south through Silver City after 6-8 weeks when we were wintering in Yuma.

 

Renee

Dave, Renee & furkids Casey & Miss Kitty
1998 Volvo 610 Straight 10 "Leather n' Lace"; Herrin bed w/Rampage motorcycle lift; 2010 40' New Horizons Majestic; 2008 Harley FLSTC; 2006 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited; 1999 Yamaha 4X4 Kodiak (that is NOT with us!)

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No, not a lot of snow days, but it does happen. When we lived outside Albuquerque at 7200 feet, we occasionally got snow into May, and I believe the "final frost" forecast date was mid-May. Our property outside Datil is at 7400'. The good thing is that even if it does snow that time of year, it's normally not very much, and the wonderful NM sunshine clears it off very quickly. The later into April, the better. Just wanted to make you aware that there IS that possibility...

 

Another very real factor for that time of year is the relentless winds -- some really nasty, so keep watch on the forecast. The wind is the reason we go to NM in the fall instead of the spring. We schedule our travel from AZ through NM based on wind speeds. Not a fun thing with high-profile RVs. I-40 has been closed many times in the past due to high winds & lack of visibility from dust blowing across the road.

 

 

Renee

Dave, Renee & furkids Casey & Miss Kitty
1998 Volvo 610 Straight 10 "Leather n' Lace"; Herrin bed w/Rampage motorcycle lift; 2010 40' New Horizons Majestic; 2008 Harley FLSTC; 2006 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited; 1999 Yamaha 4X4 Kodiak (that is NOT with us!)

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Chirakawa I was hoping for something other than " Don't Go ". I assume you have been that way and didn't like it? Or there is No Walmart? Or the road is too narrow? Or Snow will block my way in April? Something like that is what I had in mind.

 

In regard to your route I see Luna has a Mountain Pass and I don't like the interstate!

 

Sorry, you didn't list your preferences or what you're traveling in so I was trying to help with what I had.

 

I also prefer to stay off of interstates and much prefer a scenic route to a speedy one. The route I suggested is in my opinion just as scenic, if not more so, and is on much superior highways. It is 13 miles further than the route you suggested but takes less time. I don't know how Walmart got involved, but I couldn't care less about that. I do care about services, though. The route you have chosen will have long stretches with no services at all, I hope you don't need any. Your route is definitely doable.

 

With regard to the "mountain pass", it is very gentle as mountain passes go and I love driving over passes. I think that's one of the beauties of being in the mountain states.

 

At no time did I suggest or imply that you should "don't go". Enjoy the journey.

Everybody wanna hear the truth, but everybody tell a lie.  Everybody wanna go to Heaven, but nobody want to die.  Albert King

 

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We have property south of Datil off of Hwy 12 & and have driven the entire route you map out EXCEPT for Hwy 32 between Quemado & Tularosa. It's all two-lane, and parts are winding with little shoulder. However, we do it in an HDT pulling a 40' 5th wheel just fine, just not fast! That time of year, you do run the risk of possible mountain snow, but it's New Mexico, so it's usually gone very quickly. Beautiful scenery pretty much the entire way.

 

Just as a note, 491 south of Towaoc, CO, is a pretty rough stretch of highway.

 

Typically we come in from the north from our daughter's place in Montana in early fall, and would leave heading south through Silver City after 6-8 weeks when we were wintering in Yuma.

 

Renee

 

 

They have been working on it. If it's been a while since you have driven it, it should be better now.

 

Newt

2012 HitchHiker Discover America 345 LKSB

2009 Dodge/Cummins

 

LIVINGSTON TX

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We drove 491 from Cortez to Shiprock in October, as we have 8-10 times in the last 6 years. We have noted dips that if you run at 65mph will be a problem. As far as rough pavement I don't recall it being particularly rough.

Al & Sharon
2006 Winnebago Journey 36G 
2020 Chevy Colorado Toad
San Antonio, TX

http://downtheroadaroundthebend.blogspot.com/

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I appreciate all the comments and even Chirakawa's. And please don't take any of my comments as personal digs. I only intend to be light hearted with my comments. I have been planning to go up the east side of New Mexico this spring and have did a lot of research in that part of the state. Now that I am here at Hueco Tanks State Park I am discovering that April is about a month to soon to head north, in regard to cold weather. So I am thinking to stretch my time out by going up the west side of the state and run this area to try to hold off getting into cold country too early. I'm hoping to find a few BLM spots and take a couple weeks or a month to make the trip. into southwestern Colorado. We have never traveled either NM or CO and we are on our way to Little Hole Utah and expect to be there by the end of May. But again I seem to be about a month to early for the weather.

 

I have found out that the wind is an issue here around El Paso. So is the wind something that is also a big deal in the Gila Mountains in April?

 

PS: I do not like Interstates, I'm the guy everyone is trailing behind on the two line.

Still seeing Places we have never seen before and others that we thought we would never see again!

.

homelesshartshorns | Trying to spend the last Dollar on the Last Day! (wordpress.com)

George Hartshorn | Facebook

 

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In April, the wind can be a real problem in Southern New Mexico, especially at the lower elevations. Many times, IH10 has closed between Las Cruces and Lordsburg. The smaller highways from Lordsburg and Deming to Silver City will also close during that time period. You may have to wait it out a day before heading out.

 

However, I've never seen that big of a problem with wind up at elevation particularly in the Gilas. It definitely blows, just doesn't cause the problems like it does at the lower elevations. I love the Gila Mountains area. It's some of the most beautiful parts of New Mexico. Getting into the mountains where there are many camping and boondocking areas can be a challenge. Coming into the Silver City area from the east on Highway 152 can be very challenging as it takes you over the Black Mountains on a steep and winding route across Emory Pass.

 

Also, heading north out of Silver City up into the Gila is not recommended for RV's on Highway 15. It is very winding with sharp hairpin turns. It is a great drive, just not in an RV. The suggested route for RV's would be to go north out of Mimbres on Highway 35.

Everybody wanna hear the truth, but everybody tell a lie.  Everybody wanna go to Heaven, but nobody want to die.  Albert King

 

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...I'm hoping to find a few BLM spots...

Check out the Organ Mountains - Desert Peaks National Monument near Las Cruces. City of Rocks State Park North/West of Deming on US-180 is an interesting place.

 

...Coming into the Silver City area from the east on Highway 152 can be very challenging as it takes you over the Black Mountains on a steep and winding route across Emory Pass...

I believe NM-152 also has a couple of low clearance bridges between I-25 and Silver City. I don't recall the clearance.

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They have been working on it. If it's been a while since you have driven it, it should be better now.

 

Newt

 

Newt -- we drove through there mid-October 2016 & it was still rough then. . It would be great if it they did repair work along there (mostly between Ute Casino & the CO/NM state line) -- I'd be THRILLED! Been driving that portion of road for over 20 years, & it's never been without some nasty potholes & rough stretches. We drive a lot of two-lane roads, & we've been on worse, but have been on many that are in much better shape

 

 

I have found out that the wind is an issue here around El Paso. So is the wind something that is also a big deal in the Gila Mountains in April?

 

 

 

And yes, unless something extremely bizarre happens, the wind will continue to be an issue through April. We lived in NM for 30 years, and spring is ALWAYS windy. It pretty much covers the whole state. However, as Chirakawa mentioned, the winds aren't as bad in the higher elevations.

 

You should be able to kill some time around Gallup &, if you're interested in a bit of a detour, around Farmington & Aztec, NM. Code Talker Museum, Red Rock Park, El Rancho Hotel on Old Rte 66 in Gallup; Navajo Lake, Aztec Ruins & Salmon Ruins, and a great winery en route to Navajo Lake in the Farmington/Aztec area.

 

Renee

Dave, Renee & furkids Casey & Miss Kitty
1998 Volvo 610 Straight 10 "Leather n' Lace"; Herrin bed w/Rampage motorcycle lift; 2010 40' New Horizons Majestic; 2008 Harley FLSTC; 2006 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited; 1999 Yamaha 4X4 Kodiak (that is NOT with us!)

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The closings along I-10 between Las Cruces and Lordsburg are from dust storms from the scoured desert, not specifically wind alone. Heading more north won't be an issue for wind closings. You won't have a problem in the area you're heading - no big mountain passes. The roads are good.

Full-timed for 16 Years
Traveled 8 yr in a 2004 Newmar Dutch Star 40' Motorhome
and 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th Wheel

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Well I appreciate all the comments. Lots to think about but I think I am sticking to my original route. Only issue I have seen is stretching out my fuel stops. I have spotted a couple of two pump stations but after coming through Langtry, Texas and gas was $4.50 it gives a guy pause. I wish I understood BLM land and how to find spots. But I guess it will come to me as time goes on .

Still seeing Places we have never seen before and others that we thought we would never see again!

.

homelesshartshorns | Trying to spend the last Dollar on the Last Day! (wordpress.com)

George Hartshorn | Facebook

 

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Well I appreciate all the comments. Lots to think about but I think I am sticking to my original route. Only issue I have seen is stretching out my fuel stops. I have spotted a couple of two pump stations but after coming through Langtry, Texas and gas was $4.50 it gives a guy pause. I wish I understood BLM land and how to find spots. But I guess it will come to me as time goes on .

 

The Forest Service has a major office in Silver City. It might be worth your while to drop in there and talk with them. They can certainly school you on public land use. There are lot's of Forest Service campgrounds in the Gila area as well as undeveloped areas where camping is allowed.

Everybody wanna hear the truth, but everybody tell a lie.  Everybody wanna go to Heaven, but nobody want to die.  Albert King

 

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...I wish I understood BLM land and how to find spots...

In my experience, BLM lands are some of the hardest to get a handle on as they are often not marked on the ground like many other public lands. Here is a link that shows the BLM managed Conservation Areas and National Monuments. For their other lands start with the State Offices. Then drill down to the District Offices. You can usually get maps of the BLM lands in each District. Here is a link that will let you search for online maps. Here is another. There are also some public lands apps if you are interested in trying those. One thing you need to be aware of is that many of the maps based on the general U.S. Geological Service public data are only accurate to 1 square mile, so the boundaries shown on the maps may not be an accurate reflection of the actual conditions on the ground. This is where contact with the local BLM District Office becomes very important.

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I have done a lot of research on this trip and my problem seems to be, I can find several spots but most or for tent camping and or have road issues for a big rig. It would be nice to find a pin map that big rigs do show and tell.

 

On my blog I have been running a map " Find me in Real Time " that shows pretty much where I have found free camping.

Still seeing Places we have never seen before and others that we thought we would never see again!

.

homelesshartshorns | Trying to spend the last Dollar on the Last Day! (wordpress.com)

George Hartshorn | Facebook

 

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Well I appreciate all the comments. Lots to think about but I think I am sticking to my original route. Only issue I have seen is stretching out my fuel stops. I have spotted a couple of two pump stations but after coming through Langtry, Texas and gas was $4.50 it gives a guy pause. I wish I understood BLM land and how to find spots. But I guess it will come to me as time goes on .

Pay the $10 or $15 and get the Days End listing. There are many hundreds of entries for BLM lands.

Al & Sharon
2006 Winnebago Journey 36G 
2020 Chevy Colorado Toad
San Antonio, TX

http://downtheroadaroundthebend.blogspot.com/

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I have done a lot of research on this trip and my problem seems to be, I can find several spots but most or for tent camping and or have road issues for a big rig. It would be nice to find a pin map that big rigs do show and tell.

 

On my blog I have been running a map " Find me in Real Time " that shows pretty much where I have found free camping.

While we are not currently in a "big rig", we did fulltime in a 40' diesel pusher. What I did then and still do now is to use Google Earth to search out potential spots and road conditions.

 

Also when we "visit" an area, we will park the rig, maybe even overnight in an RV park, then drive the toad to explore scenic and quiet places to boondock or dry camp. "Visit" means we plan to spend several days to a couple weeks exploring an area, as versus just passing through.

Al & Sharon
2006 Winnebago Journey 36G 
2020 Chevy Colorado Toad
San Antonio, TX

http://downtheroadaroundthebend.blogspot.com/

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