Forum Discussion

Ryan_Elli1's avatar
Ryan_Elli1
Explorer
Jun 02, 2014

El Paso to Kansas City

Hello, I need a little help. I am leaving the El Paso area on the 20th of June (moving with the Army) going to the Kansas City area. I have two routes to choose from. The first is going North up 54 to I40 then North again up 54. This route is 915 miles but has mountains in NM to contend with. The other route is heading East on 10 to 20 then North up to Wichita then the same as the other route. This route has only a few spots of hills but is about 150 miles more. Mountains don't bother me but is it worth the miles saving going up 54? If anyone has any input on the sizes of the mountains or lengths of them it would be great.
Thanks,
Ryan
Roads and Routes
  • 2gypsies1's avatar
    2gypsies1
    Explorer III
    Jun 03, 2014
    You will not be in any mountains in NM along 54. Most small towns will have fuel. Think of the folks that live there. They need it. Just drive on the top 1/2 of your tank and fill up when you find it. You'll be just fine.
  • brooks379's avatar
    brooks379
    Explorer
    Jun 03, 2014
    54 to I 40 back to 54 is the best way to go !!! In Kansas there are several ways to get to KC and they are all good roads. 54 to 283 to 56 to Great Bend 156 to Ellsworth I 70 to KC....or 54 to Wichita to I 35 to KC
  • harley-dave's avatar
    harley-dave
    Explorer
    Jun 02, 2014
    My NM Wife says 54 is probably best. Just be prepared for possible bad wind around Dalhart, TX. Windiest place she ever went thru. otherwise easy but boring drive since your out in God's country.

    Dave
  • Ryan_Elli1's avatar
    Ryan_Elli1
    Explorer
    Jun 02, 2014
    Thank you all for the feedback. Another friend and I are pulling out of ELP together, he is going to Fort Riley in Kansas and I am heading to MI by way of Lenexa, KS. We were hoping the first route would be okay. Just North of Liberal, KS he is heading North and I will continue to KC area. I should have asked earlier but there aren't any long gas stationless stretches on that route is there? We can both go at least 180ish miles between fill-ups.
  • dbbls's avatar
    dbbls
    Explorer
    Jun 02, 2014
    I have driven the 54 route and do not remember any serious mountains in NM. This route mostly follows valleys. There may be some near El Paso though. I have not driven between EP and Alamogordo.
  • jrs1871's avatar
    jrs1871
    Explorer
    Jun 02, 2014
    I'm not sure of the mileage but we have done I25 to Springer and then east on US 56 to Marion, KS, east on KS 150 to US 50, US 50 to Emporia, then either I35 or I335/I70 to KC, depending of what part of KC you are headed to. It is good roads all the way and the grades around Santa Fe are not bad at all. We prefer US 56 to US 54 because there is not as much truck traffic and the road is/was in better condition. It is a super two and the slow downs for towns are not bad, actually kind of a nice break. There is a stretch between Springer and Clayton, NM (about 60 miles)with no fuel stops so you have to plan accordingly.
  • The_Mad_Norsky's avatar
    The_Mad_Norsky
    Explorer
    Jun 02, 2014
    Oklahoma City is the only major traffic problem area on the alternative Interstate route. (west side going in through Fort Worth pretty easy).

    Considering mostly four lane interstate, time wise may not be too far apart when compared to your other planned route, even though it is longer.
  • Mona4's avatar
    Mona4
    Explorer
    Jun 02, 2014
    I have taken 54 from ELP to Nebraska. No problem with NM mountains I would travel during daylight. From ELP to Santa Rosa the road near Santa Rosa is narrow, but beautiful. It is all highway, speed limit is under 60

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