Heading from ABQ NM to Corpus Christi - suggestion on routes

[bobjogone]

Volunteering at Albuquerque Balloon Festival this week and then heading to Corpus Christie area to volunteer at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.

Any suggestions on routes and things to see on the way. We've been across northern Texas but not down south.

Thanks for any help

[qtla9111]

DougE wrote:
Ditto. In order - Carlsbad Caverns, McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis, Big Bend Nat'l Park, Pecos River bridge, Seminole State Park, Judge Roy Bean Historical Park. Lots of camping opportunities depending on how much you travel in a day. From Del Rio, consider US277 south, US83 south and then TX44 east to Corpus for a relaxing drive.

I agree with everyone on this thread. A great trip that we have made many times. There is a covered picnic area on the cliff above the Pecos as you cross the bridge. Great boondocking spot if not just to take wonderful pictures of the bridge and the river. Cave paintings at Seminole Canyon park, and wonderful camping at Lake Amistad for 4 dollars a day.

Have fun!

[The_Texan]

Actually there are 2 famcamps in Del Rio, one at the main base, right behind the commissary and then one out at lake Amistad just off 90, on the road to the dam and Mexico. There are 2 in San Antonio, one a Laughlin AFB and the one we always stay at on Ft Sam Houston.

[NMDriver]

San Angelo has an Air Force Base Family Campground ran by Goodfellow AFB if you go via 87.

[bobjogone]

Thanks all - Bob is retired Navy so we are looking at military famcamps.

If you haven't done Albuquerque Balloon Fest, don't miss it. They're looking for volunteers for next year. We're driving Courtesy Shuttle golf carts.

[alfredmay]

While in Bracketville, drive about 10 miles north and see where the movie "THE ALAMO" was made. It used to be a tourist attraction but is now closed. The reconstructed Alamo still exists.

[NMDriver]

Say Hi to Don Gonsales, he is the guy riding around in a golf cart supervising the trash pick up at the Balloon Fest. Interesting guy to talk to if you get a chance. Tell him the Army Bob says to be careful and let the young ones do the lifting.

AS for routes to Corpus both of the above routes are fine, but I would take I-40 to US 285 to US 380 E at Roswell and then to TX 137 S to US 87 to US 83 and then
TX 44. No freeway but good road and lots of small towns with interesting sights.

It is also pretty close to the Google recommended routing but you stay on US 83 instead of getting onto I-10 at Junction, TX.

[DougE]

Ditto. In order - Carlsbad Caverns, McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis, Big Bend Nat'l Park, Pecos River bridge, Seminole State Park, Judge Roy Bean Historical Park. Lots of camping opportunities depending on how much you travel in a day. From Del Rio, consider US277 south, US83 south and then TX44 east to Corpus for a relaxing drive.

[The_Texan]

I-25 south to I-10, then east to US-90 at Van Horn. US-90 south is a real nice 2 lane road with lots to see between Van Horn and San Antonio. First will be the Marfa lights, east of Marfa, then on to Sol Ross college and the history of Alpine, which includes the McDonald Observatory in historic Ft Davis. From Alpine, head south to Big Bend NP for a couple days. When you leave BB NP, come out the other entrance and that takes you back to US 90 and then head south towards Del Rio. When you get to Pecos, stop at the Judge Roy Bean historical site, which is where all "justice west of the Pecos" was administered back in the old days. From there head to Del Rio and spend a couple days relaxing and visiting one of the safer border towns of Villa Acuna. If you're retired military, the AF has a nice base RV park, if not and you are an Elks Club member, they have a decent parking area with hook ups for $10/night. From there, continue on US 90 to Bracketville and the old Army Fort, Clark Springs, which also has a nice RV park as part of the State Park. From there it is on to Uvalde and the home of VP Garner and the "Honey" capital of Texas. You can continue on 90 to San Antonio or you can take FM 140E to Pearsall and on to Three Rivers, where you pick up I-37 to Corpus Christi.

All that country from Del Rio to Pearsall is where I was born and raised on ranches. All the roads are good and you will miss all the Interstate and city traffic that way. If you have any specific questions, PM me and I will try my best to answer them for you.