Impressed by the kaleidoscopic badlands of the Painted Desert, we also appreciated the numerous historic structures, archaeological sites, and fossil displays here, not to mention one of the world’s largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood – enormous pieces of which seem to pepper the stark landscape. Current I-40 New Mexico Road Conditions Live Reports by the DOT I-40 westbound, milepost 325 (about 30 miles from the New Mexico border): A disabled vehicle is blocking the left l… While here, we took a side trip to Santa Fe, at once the state capital, an artists’ colony, and a town that embodies New Mexico’s nickname, the “Land of Enchantment.” Brimming with creativity, Santa Fe is a dreamy, magical place, nestled amid the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and filled with adobe-style buildings, numerous art galleries, elegant restaurants, and charming bed-and-breakfast inns. It's a small stop, but it's a good place to take a break... and maybe make a new playlist for the next leg of your journey. Feels like: Humidity: Wind: WATCH. Advancing east across New … 0 Interstate 40 New Mexico Traffic and Road Conditions. Old Highway 40 parallels Interstate 80 for much of its route through California, particularly across the Sierra Nevada. These days, it's part of a much larger highway that connects the western half of the country with the eastern half, via Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Tennessee. The general idea that Mexico needed an East - West roadway in the Northern part of the country existed since Colonial times. Click to find a great deal for this hotel. Still, I hope that my road trip memories have inspired you to hit the highway soon. Jump off the rocks into the pool, scuba dive to the bottom, or just dip your toes in and soak up the natural beauty of the setting! After crossing the New Mexico border, we continued west through northern Arizona. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been an ardent fan of road trips, and as a travel writer, I’ve certainly experienced my fair share of them. After experiencing Hot Springs, we stopped by Crater of Diamonds State Park (209 State Park Road, Murfreesboro, Arkansas, 870/285-3113; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily early September-late May, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily late May to early September; $8 per adult, $5 per child 6-12, child under 6 free, though other costs may apply), which we’d previously visited. Highway 101: A Trip Down One Of Mexico's Most Dangerous Roads One of Mexico's most treacherous highways passes through the northern border … Starting in Barstow, California, the freeway generally follows the alignment of Historic U.S. 66 across the Mojave Desert into the high desert. Abandoned buildings and even entire towns litter the land here. By using our website you agree to our use of these cookies. Find out more. Take pictures of the vintage neon around town and support Tucumcari's comeback-- ever since Route 66 went defunct, the once-bustling town has begun to slip into obscurity. Spanning the Colorado River west of Kingman, I-40 gains elevation on a course south of the Grand Canyon to the city of Flagstaff. Besides sightseeing, popular activities here include hiking, rafting, camping, wildlife watching, and taking a mule trip down into the canyon itself. Federal Highway 40 passes through the largest cities in north-central Mexico including Monterrey, Saltillo, Torreón and Durango as it winds its way southwest to its intersection with Highway 15 and the Port of Mazatlan. If you're looking for a place to cool off while driving through the desert, then you won't find a better spot than the Blue Hole of Santa Rosa. All New Mexico interstates: I-10, I-25, I-40. This town in Texas's panhandle is a great place to experience the Lone Star State, since I-40 only passes through a small portion of it. Spend some time exploring the town's Route 66 'Mother Road' Museum or the Western American Rail Road Museum, or stock up on snacks and souvenirs at Barstow Station, a massive rest stop. Please select, from the options below, the events that you would like to see. Live Video; KOB 4 Newscasts ... New Mexico surpasses 2,000 total … Always bring plenty of water and make sure your car's AC is in good working condition! The entire length of the I-40 is approx. Interstate 40, a major east–west route of the Interstate Highway System, runs east–west through Albuquerque in the U.S. state of New Mexico. Highlights and Key Points Along the Route. Interestingly enough, the distance between Oklahoma City and Barstow mirrors part of historic Route 66, America’s Mother Road. For miles between Oklahoma City and Amarillo, numerous billboards enticed us to stop by The Big Texan Steak Ranch (7701 I-40 East, Amarillo, Texas, 806/372-6000; 7 a.m.-10:30 p.m. daily; $10-40), home of the world-famous, 72-ounce steak challenge. There's even a campground here, if you're looking for a place to stay the night! It is the direct replacement for the historic U.S. Route 66 in New Mexico. Like Old Route 66, I-40 cuts right through Petrified Forest National Park. Just remember, as the omnipresent signs indicate, it is illegal to take any of these pieces – no matter how small – home with you, so be content with photographs and memories, and leave the petrified wood for other generations to enjoy. Though ultimately headed for Las Vegas, we decided to make a northerly detour at Williams, Arizona. East. From Amarillo, Dan and I headed west on I-40 to Albuquerque, the largest city in the state of New Mexico. Click on a city for full hotel listings and location maps, or a hotel for reservations. Amarillo, TX is home to the iconic folk art attraction known as Cadillac Ranch. Ghost towns are dotted all across the west, and Calico is one of the cutest! They have 3,500 artifacts and objects on display, including a very impressive display on the US's nuclear missiles, complete with a Titan II rocket. Ideal for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts like us, the park features eight historic bathhouses, several scenic drives and camping areas, and 26 miles of hiking trails in the surrounding mountains. Home to the kitschy Big Texan Steak Ranch and authentic Tyler's BBQ, it's got some good eats. From Amarillo, Dan and I headed west on I-40 to Albuquerque, the largest city in the state of New Mexico. Eventually, I-40 will take you to Albuquerque. The hotels featured are either right beside the interstate exit or at most half a mile from it. 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