Forum Discussion

senior-cit's avatar
senior-cit
Explorer
Nov 02, 2013

Heading to Phoenix

We are planning to go out to Phoenix in Dec., and will probably travel on I-10 all the way. Does anyone have any idea what can we expect weather-wise along that route? Do we have to be concerned with icy, snowy roads? We have went that way many times in the late spring but not this time of the year.
  • Some wind, maybe some rain...otherwise should be an uneventful trip. I-10 is a good road..watch for dust storms between Tucson and Phoenix....Dennis
  • You should be OK until you get to the area between Las Cruces NM. and Tucson. There might be snow in that area by then. Regardless, traveling that time of the year you should check ahead for any weather problems.
  • Typically the I20/I10 split in Texas is cold and can show some snow...but usually later in the winter season...because it would seem you wont be walking that your ability to shut it down for a short period until any bad weather passes you should be good to go.
  • Just watch the weather. I’ve seen snow down south on a few occasions, but nothing like further north. It’s definitely the best way to come into AZ in the winter.
  • Most times should not have any snow, but occasionally it does come our way. Even in December.

    I-10 at times can be closed between Cruces & Wilcox due to snow. Not often in December.

    Weather does what it wants, no matter what is normal. Always good to check the road conditions ahead of time or at least check the weather forecast.

    Even if it does snow, the norm is it not last more than a day, maybe two.

    Just in case, I'll pass on some info in case you neat a place to rest & eat:

    Las Cruces Area & Southern NM Mexican Food plus camping and attractions in the area. At least try a Green Chile Cheese Burger. Video

    Taste of NM Pecans: Stahmanns or Salopek

    In Las Cruces: Hacienda RV Resort and Siesta RV Park are the easiest to get to, just of I-10 exit 140. Las Cruces KOA and Sunny Acres RV Park off I-10 exit 135. KOA on the mesa over looking the Mesilla Valley, Sunny Acres in the Valley. Park Reviews Siesta RV has gravel roads & pads, Hacienda RV has paved roads, maybe concrete pads. Sunny Acres more into town, maybe cramped???

    Leasburg Dam State Park is about 17 miles N of Las Cruces on I-25. With Fort Selden State Mon't near by. A young Douglas Mac Arthur called the fort home while his father was post commander in the late 1880s.

    Info for Tucson, a really neat town & area: :) Clicky an old post some links may not be working anymore.
  • You should be fine traveling I-10 in December as most snow that far south in New Mexico is in Jan or Feb. It's wise to keep an eye on weather no matter where or when you travel but this route will be your best bet to avoid any real major storms.
  • If you have an I-phone or something similar, there is a app called WXAlertUSA. costs a couple of bucks but is really good. you can see weather in the parts of the U.S. you want and the phone will give you auditory ringing for alerts where ever you are.
    Took a trip across the U.S. this past spring/early summer and it was worth the cost of the app.
  • On a previous MH broke the manifold because of the constantly pounding up and down on I-10 through the gulf states. Every concrete slab was raised on one end and lowered on the other by about 2-3 inches. Had to lay over a weekend in NM because the mountain pass at Las Cruces was closed due to snow.
  • We've traveled I-10 across the country in winter many times. No problem at all. Unlikely you'll get a lot of snow, if any. We honestly cannot recall snow. It will probably be cold though - and windy. It's the best way across at that time of year. Have a good trip.
  • Thank you for the info on the weather and road conditions to Arizona. We will take our time and go with the wind at our backs, just kidding!