kyle86 wrote:
padredw wrote:
There are almost endless variations possible, but I will give you a "southern route" for comparison. I will use Macon, GA as a starting point and Colorado Springs as a destination.
Macon to Montgomery, AL mostly along US 80. Continue on US 80 to junction with I-20 near Meridian, MS. Follow I-20 across MS and LA into East Texas. Use either US 271 to Paris, TX or US 69 to Sherman, TX to get up to US 82. 82 is a good route along the Red River and avoid the traffic near Dallas/Fort Worth.
Near Wichita Fall, TX join US 287 to Amarillo then up to Dumas and US 87 on to Dalhart. Follow US 87/64 to Raton, NM. Pick up I-25 right into Colorado Springs.
I have towed every mile of this route (not all on the same trip) excecpt the first miles in Georgia. I have driven even that portion of the trip, but not towing.
There are campgrounds all along the way, several at Meridian and Vicksburg, MS. A nice state park, Roosevelt, at Morton, MS. Many public and private campgrounds in East Texas. Tyler State Park is not far off the freeway. We often stay at Ole Town Cotton Gin at Goodlett, TX, and there are several good campgrounds in Amarillo. We try to plan our trip to spend a night at the top of Raton Pass. A very nice RV park there now goes by the name Raton Pass RV. It would be an easy drive on to Colorado Springs.
If you are new to mountain driving, Raton Pass is a good beginner's experience, broad lanes to allow traffic to pass.
I just give this as one good example because I am very familiar with these roads. I do recommend US 82 and an alternative route across North Texas. It is the way we always go to Colorado now.
I'll be glad to respond to any questions and to give more specific suggestions about overnight stops along the way.
That is the perfect route. I just followed it on the map and it looks to be great! Thanks for taking the time to put all that on here. This looks much simpler than other routes we've looked at. Are there any free/cheap places to dry camp along this route like wal marts?
The advice given is right on - and if you follow the advice on the next post the CG's in the small towns and Lakes along the way will work well.
Depending on where you are headed - think about getting off I-25 in Walsenburg and Rt 160 or 69 or Pueblo Rt 50 and get into the wilder parts of Colorado early - not sure of your destination but the drive up through the Arkansas River Valley is well worth the drive, IMHO you will really enjoy it. Once here you can easily get to all your other locations, just the drive is a lot more fun than fighting the traffic in the Cities on the Interstate.
Link to a similar post on ColoradoCDOT cameras this link will give you real time pictures in Colorado.Wal*Mart Locations - good link.My brother is starting out on his first big trip to California, will be fun to follow you two as you start to see the Rockies and the West.
Hope this info is of some use.
BOL,
Busskipper
