First Trip to Albuquerque

Newf026 · 03-03-2021, 02:14 PM

Heading from NJ to Albuquerque in May. We have never taken out 40 and just wondering how that drive is as you come in from Oklahoma.

Many steep inclines, etc?

Anyone have any advice?

Terry and Jo · 03-03-2021, 02:43 PM

We live in Oklahoma, but as far as the rest of the way, all I can speak of is from Oklahoma to around Nashville, TN. While we haven't done it in an RV, I don't recall there being anything drastic with regards to grades.

Terry

Newf026 · 03-03-2021, 02:56 PM

Our route right now is taking Interstate 40 west from Oklahoma City to Albuquerque. It looks like you have to cross some mountains as you head that way.

Beau388 · 03-03-2021, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newf026

Our route right now is taking Interstate 40 west from Oklahoma City to Albuquerque. It looks like you have to cross some mountains as you head that way.

Wind will be your major problem. The climbs are 2 to 4% but are long and straight. (The Hurricane never shifted out of 6th even when towing) The only long steep grade is going into the Rio Grande Valley through Tejeous Canyon, about 4% for three miles. If you are going west from Albuquerque the grade is know as "9 mile" hill. It is not steep but very long and a 2,400 ft climb.
In Albuquerque be sure to visit "The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History". In its Heritage Park is RB-52B -52-0013 credited with dropping over 60 nuclear devices (bombs) - in testing.

paulwadley · 03-03-2021, 05:53 PM

Remember that there is a toll road in Oklahoma when you go from the 40 to 44. It isn't expensive but is a nice drive. There is a MacDonald's that spans the freeway. An interesting sight. Joplin Missouri is a nice city to see along the way.

Paul

Terry and Jo · 03-04-2021, 01:21 AM

If one is going through Oklahoma City on Interstate 40 and on to Amarillo and Albuquerque, there is no need to get on I-44. That would only apply if one chose to go south into Texas. The toll road that Paul is referring to is the Will Rogers Turnpike between Joplin, MO and Tulsa, OK. If one goes that way, I-44 from Tulsa on to Oklahoma City is also a toll road.

Most mountains that one might hit between Oklahoma City and Albuquerque, it would be when you get close to Albuquerque.

Terry

Newf026 · 03-04-2021, 10:07 AM

Thanks all for the info.

We will be seeing our grand kids (5 and 2) for the first time in about a year. Their parents will be driving in from Sacramento. It will also be our first time that far west in the RV.

We can't wait for this trip!

HarryS · 03-05-2021, 04:42 AM

The altitude change may be a problem if you have asthma or any other breathing condition. Albuquerque is over 5000 feet high.
I'd suggest taking the tram to the top of the mountain. It's on the east side of the city and offers great views. I've driven the roads from Ok to Albq many times. Shouldn't be a problem. Since Albq has mountains on both east and west, getting out would pose the only real issue, and it's not that bad.

Newf026 · 03-05-2021, 05:39 PM

Thanks Harry!

Travelin' Texans · 03-05-2021, 06:49 PM

The Route 66 casino west of Albuquerque 8-10 miles has a fantastic rv park behind the casino with very long wide pull thrus & very reasonable rates if you go in & get their players card. Also American Rv Resort is very nice just on the west edge of town.
As for I40 from OKC to Albuquerque I've driven that so many times towing 40' 5th wheels & wouldn't call any of it "mountains" til you get to the Flagstaff area.

powerboatr · 03-06-2021, 05:49 AM

scary
last time i was there we spent 80 plus hours in jail

for a crime we did not commit

but yes 40 is good from OK city to the end point, but going down the mountain at sandia is a long grade, folks blow by like your backing up. take your time

halfprice · 03-06-2021, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powerboatr

scary
last time i was there we spent 80 plus hours in jail

for a crime we did not commit

but yes 40 is good from OK city to the end point, but going down the mountain at sandia is a long grade, folks blow by like your backing up. take your time

Need more info on the jail story

Travelin' Texans · 03-06-2021, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by halfprice

Need more info on the jail story

Or not!!

Scubawise · 03-06-2021, 03:36 PM

Stop in Santa fe and taos you will be amazed!

powerboatr · 03-06-2021, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by halfprice

Need more info on the jail story

that would need a whole new thread. its funny now, but not then

photogent · 03-10-2021, 07:58 PM

We live in Albajerkey and have made the trip across the country on I40. Once you get past Oklahoma anything resembling a hill is a person you ran over. The only hill you may encounter is the mountain pass just outside Albajerkey. We have run into a few Tornados passing through Oklahoma and had to spend a few nights in a hotel because the winds were too high to make the drive across the flat country. Remember Albajerkey is at 5200 feet but prior to getting to the central mountains the only thing that may hit you is a few tumbleweeds. Hope this helps.
PS: There are a few very cool sights to visit while crossing Oklahoma and Texas prior to your arrival in the Land of Enchantment.

DogLovers · 03-10-2021, 08:20 PM

1. Stop in Pigeon Forge TN to eat at Paula Dean's restaurant (you won't be sorry)
2. Go see Elvis in Memphis
3. Don't even slow down in Little Rock
4. 10 miles s/w of Little Rock on 30 in Benton AR eat at Brown's Store/Restaurant OMG amazing
5. The rest of 40 from Fort Smith to Albuquerque all across Oklahoma is fairly boring.

Pete'sMH · 03-10-2021, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DogLovers

1. Stop in Pigeon Forge TN to eat at Paula Dean's restaurant (you won't be sorry)
2. Go see Elvis in Memphis
3. Don't even slow down in Little Rock
4. 10 miles s/w of Little Rock on 30 in Benton AR eat at Brown's Store/Restaurant OMG amazing
5. The rest of 40 from Fort Smith to Albuquerque all across Oklahoma is fairly boring.

We ate with two other couples at Paula Deans restaurant and 5 of the 6 of us were sick as dogs by morning. Since you pretty much all have to eat the same stuff we figured she poisoned us! We laugh about it every time we camp together...now!

JimDebOklahoma · 03-10-2021, 11:42 PM

Not much of a mountain between OKC and Albuquerque.
I-40 is easy travel in our 2013 Thor Chateau.

HarryS · 03-11-2021, 03:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DogLovers

5. The rest of 40 from Fort Smith to Albuquerque all across Oklahoma is fairly boring.

I find it fascinating to see the change in the topography and the trees. As you go west in Ok, the land starts to roll, and the trees thin out, then disappear.
Oh, I'd suggest stopping at the Rte 66 museum in Clinton Ok. It's right on the business 40.

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