Travel across I-10 in Arizona

[blaniac22]

I was wondering if anyone has driven across I-10 in Arizona lately and noticed how many rest areas were open/closed. We last made this trip in June and there was only 1 or 2 open - and they are spaced FAR apart.

The internet site shows most are open but I was hoping to get some "real" information. I tried calling AZDOT as well, but ended up just leaving a message. I can't seem to get in touch with a real person that can answer the question.

Thanks a lot!

 

[MikesToy]

Why not take I-40? Straight shot, barely no highway patrol so pedal to the metal (i think there's only 1 patrolling that interstate lol), gas stations every 120 miles or less, no idea 'bout rest areas b/c i steer away from those places and use gas stations instead.

 

[OCMike]

Just take along a few empty milk jugs and a bucket with sawdust.

 

[CO_FlyFisher]

Why not take I-40? Straight shot, barely no highway patrol so pedal to the metal (i think there's only 1 patrolling that interstate lol), gas stations every 120 miles or less, no idea 'bout rest areas b/c i steer away from those places and use gas stations instead.

I used to drive I-40 quite a bit. Be VERY careful around Gallup, NM!!! They patrol that area a LOT! I never managed to get a ticket through there myself thank goodness, but saw so many others getting them.

 

[blaniac22]

I would take I-40 if it took me into the part of California I needed to get to. I-10 runs straight from San Antonio into Southern California.

I finally got a response from the AZDOT - everything is open now...thanks for the input!

But I just might take along a few milkjugs and a bucket of sawdust anyway...it's a long way across the Texas desert.:driving:

 

[MikesToy]

What part of S. Cali? I-40 turns into I-15W, then turns into I-215W then 91W(Sn. Bernardino Fwy) or I-10W (towards Los Angeles). Unless you want to test drive your 4R on the Hoover Dam in Vegas, then I-40W, then take I-595N, then back on I-15W. :hatsoff:

 

[OCMike]

What part of S. Cali? I-40 turns into I-15W, then turns into I-215W then 91W(Sn. Bernardino Fwy) or I-10W (towards Los Angeles). Unless you want to test drive your 4R on the Hoover Dam in Vegas, then I-40W, then take I-595N, then back on I-15W. :hatsoff:

Was just out at the Hoover Dam this past weekend with 70+ other smart cars. We jammed up the Dam and the new bypass bridge. If you're going to cross the dam, make sure you do it early in the morning before traffic starts backing up. I heard they may make the dam pedestrian only also. If ya want to see pictures of a ton of smart cars holding up traffic, let me know.

 

[MikesToy]

Or don't pass thru the Hoover Dam on the weekend (Fri-Sun). :lmao:

 

[blaniac22]

I'm going to Ontario - destination sits about 3 miles off of the 60 between the 15 Junction and Chino.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Went from Lake Havasu city to Tucson 2 weeks ago. All rest areas are open again. They had that on the news a month or so ago that they were open again also. Have a good trip. Sometimes I just pull off one of the exits in the desert, take a leak and keep on going. I do not like dealing with the dirty rest areas.

 

[downpour11]

dont mean to offend here but..... why cant you just stop at a mcdonalds or something? lol You gotta call ADOT about the rest areas being closed?

 

[Awz]

Was just out at the Hoover Dam this past weekend with 70+ other smart cars. We jammed up the Dam and the new bypass bridge. If you're going to cross the dam, make sure you do it early in the morning before traffic starts backing up. I heard they may make the dam pedestrian only also. If ya want to see pictures of a ton of smart cars holding up traffic, let me know.

I would like to see a photo of tons of smartcars jamming up hoover dam

Mike

 

[blaniac22]

dont mean to offend here but..... why cant you just stop at a mcdonalds or something? lol You gotta call ADOT about the rest areas being closed?

No offense taken - I know it may sound strange going to those lengths....I'm not a fan of the rest areas either and it's not so much about having to go take a leak....I need a place for dogs to walk/run around in the grass and my toddlers burn off some energy. If it was just me it would be gas, quarter pounder and go. With the kids and dogs I just have to plan a little more....I'm just like that.

 

[blaniac22]

I would like to see a photo of tons of smartcars jamming up hoover dam

Mike

Me too....

 

[OCMike]

Here's the pics my wife took:
Picasa Web Albums - mchlmrtz - Jam the Dam

Here's one on the dam. I'm waiting for them to post the photo from the helicopter. I can post that one as soon as I get it.
Photos - SoCal Smarties (Los Angeles, CA) - Meetup

And here we are, all lined up getting ready to head over:
YouTube - Jam The Dam with Sin City Smarts

 

[Pikeman]

I just made that trip last month. Left Friday night arrived in San Antonio Saturday afternoon. Had dinner down at the river walk and then got a couple hours sleep and left 6am Sunday morning to come back got home Monday early morning. Crazy things you do for a girlfriend, all to pick up her dog. Trip out there was 19.5 hours and trip back with dog 22 or 23 hours. The rental car place checked me in and asked me how I put 2600 miles on in just over 2 days.

Have a safe trip and enjoy the family time. BTW Texas has some of the cleanest and best Rest stop areas I have seen, Arizona is a close second.

 

[blaniac22]

I just made that trip last month. Left Friday night arrived in San Antonio Saturday afternoon. Had dinner down at the river walk and then got a couple hours sleep and left 6am Sunday morning to come back got home Monday early morning. Crazy things you do for a girlfriend, all to pick up her dog. Trip out there was 19.5 hours and trip back with dog 22 or 23 hours. The rental car place checked me in and asked me how I put 2600 miles on in just over 2 days.

Have a safe trip and enjoy the family time. BTW Texas has some of the cleanest and best Rest stop areas I have seen, Arizona is a close second.

Thanks! Your times are about like ours. We stay over in Deming - about halfway.

As for the rental car, if you have to do that anymore those unlimited weekend miles may go away!

And I agree with you on the rest stops, as far as rest stops go.

My favorite one is Texas Canyon in Arizona...

 

[illzoni]

blaniac22,

I lived in Ventura (up the coast from LA) for nearly 4 years, but Tucson's really been my home since '91. I've driven (and ridden my motorcycle) between LA and Tucson countless times, using several different routes.

I strongly recommend Hwy 86 along the Salton Sea as an alternate to I-10 through Phoenix:
Tucson, AZ to Ontario, CA - Google Maps

Driving I-8 and 86 is entirely different than I-10 both through Phoenix and west of Phoenix. Phoenix--at the wrong time--can be brutal. Also, I-10 west of Phoenix quickly narrows to two lanes with significant traffic...I hate that stretch.

In contrast, I-8 is nearly deserted. And 86 isn't much different. I like the food at Burgers and Beer in El Centro, but that means going through town instead of using 111 to avoid it (as mapped). Before reaching Salton City is Red Earth Casino with just about the cheapest gas you'll find in Cali.

I'd be glad to give further info...
illzoni (at) gmail (dot) com

HTH,
Jon

 

[blaniac22]

blaniac22,

I lived in Ventura (up the coast from LA) for nearly 4 years, but Tucson's really been my home since '91. I've driven (and ridden my motorcycle) between LA and Tucson countless times, using several different routes.

I strongly recommend Hwy 86 along the Salton Sea as an alternate to I-10 through Phoenix:
Tucson, AZ to Ontario, CA - Google Maps

Driving I-8 and 86 is entirely different than I-10 both through Phoenix and west of Phoenix. Phoenix--at the wrong time--can be brutal. Also, I-10 west of Phoenix quickly narrows to two lanes with significant traffic...I hate that stretch.

In contrast, I-8 is nearly deserted. And 86 isn't much different. I like the food at Burgers and Beer in El Centro, but that means going through town instead of using 111 to avoid it (as mapped). Before reaching Salton City is Red Earth Casino with just about the cheapest gas you'll find in Cali.

I'd be glad to give further info...
illzoni (at) gmail (dot) com

HTH,
Jon

Thanks Jon - I'll take a look at it and email you if I have any questions. I have been trying to figure out if there's another route I could take to avoid the Phoenix traffic. That stretch is the part I dread the most - a lot of construction right now and normal traffic.. We usually stop at A&W off Dysert (Exit 129) in Phoenix (Goodyear actually).

I was stationed in California for 7 years and I'm familiar with Ventura - love the town and have taken in more than a few sprint car races at the local fairgrounds dirt track - we usually stayed at the Holiday Inn down the road so we could walk to the fair and the races.

 

[810moto]

I recently took a trip from Long Beach to Show Low Arizona. Took I-40 the whole way and it was pretty decent. There is a town called Seligman, on Route 66 that is the basis of the movie CARS. It's a pretty small town but worth a stop. Don't blink or you'll miss it. The crator is out towards Winslow as well.
We had a really good time on I-40.
Also, Gallup, NM is the bunghole of the US. Nothing but drunks and drunks everywhere.
Here is a link to Seligman, AZ.
seligman arizona route 66 - Google Maps

40 will run into the 15 and you can take the 15 south to the 60 and head west a bit till you hit ontario.
Just my 4 cents.