Leaving Royse City and staying the night in Alamogordo. Our destination is San Diego.

Thinking of taking I-20 to Sweetwater, then hitting either HWY 380 or HWY 180 into Alamogordo. Both seem to be about the same distance. HWY 180 is more direct.

Which is the better highway? From Google Maps, they kinda look the same,

Thanks,
Mike

any particular reason not to just take 20? 20 would be the fastest/easiest. got a lot of small town slow downs cutting across on us hiways.

Just from looking at the map seems to go way south just to come back north. And honehestly that is the only reason. I'd rather stay on 20, just trying to cut down on drive time some.

Is there a reason you want to go through Alamogordo?

We make the trip from DFW area to So Cal frequently it adds about an hour, sometimes quite a bit more to go through Agordo.

I think you should stay on the interstate the whole way, it's 5 miles shorter from Royce City to SD by staying on the interstate the whole way. That long of a drive I would avoid having to slow down in small towns.

I am trying to stay at KOA's because they are dog friendly, have some green space to let her run, and don't want to park in a hotel parking lot with a trailer attached to the Jeep. Las Cruces has openings on the way there, but not the way back. Alamogordo has opening both ways. Just started planning this this morning so definately open to suggestions.

We have driven 180 many times, I used to prefer that route going to Ruidoso, but the oilfield traffic has made it a "bumper car" road. We would catch 180 at Anson and head west to highway 285 in New Mexico. Now, it north to Anson, 180 to Snyder, then 84 to Post and 380 to 70 on into Ruidoso. In my opinion 380 is the better road. 180 has more truck traffic starting west of Snyder all the way to highway 285 in New Mexico. 180 is the more scenic route.

We tend to avoid the stretch of IH20 from Abilene to Sweetwater, seems there is always a wreck about Eskota road area, and we sit a traffic jam.

I did a lot of runs to san diego/l.a. from dfw when still driving the semi, stay on 20 and you will make much better time. have gone about every way you can imagine to both, u.s. hiways and small towns are a beating when on a long drive. taking 20 to 10 to 8 you can avg 75 or better for the whole trip, cutting across you might avg 65 if lucky.

Okay, you guys have my set on taking 20. I had a feeling 180 or 380 would have a lot of slow downs on it.

Just fly........that trip is a beat down

20 to las cruces, koa is there.

Las Cruces KOA Journey
814 Weinrich Rd, Las Cruces, NM 88007•(575) 526-6555

My daughter is moving to SD. We have to get her and her car there. I like road trips and we just decided better to caravan there. With a small uhaul behind the Jeep we can bring her stuff with her also. Plus mom gets to be with her longer.....We are making a vacation out of it.

Yep. have an open cabin going, but not available on the return trip.

check lordsburg on the return, not much difference in distance on return.

I saw that one but that make a really long second day. 827 miles to Royse City 120 extra miles.

11 hrs. lol. a good trucker day.

did it 7 days a week months on end. lol

if it is just you and the jeep coming back why not hit a motel? lots of choices on 10. lordsburg or even el paso?

Actually coming back I do have more options. Just has to be pet friendly. I go stir crazy after about 10 hours. Just trying not to push it too much. plus I will have a 60 pound lab with me.

With a trailer and 2nd car, for Alamogordo I would take 380. From Post going west 380 has some parts that are 3 lane, giving a passing lane every so often, pulling a trailer and a caravan this would be my choice. Once .you hit New Mexico 380 reverts to just 2 lane until you get to Roswell, then it is 4 lane. In Alamogordo stop at Rockin BZ Burgers and order green chili cheeseburgers. Get dessert at Caliche's which is close to the KOA.

The Interstate is faster, but 380 is a more scenic route, but will suck pulling a trailer through the mountains.

No matter what the map shows going either 380 or 180 is going to take more time.
If you're able to pull the trailer at the speed limit 30 - 20 -10 - 8 is going to be the fastest trip and going the more scenic routes may suck worse towing but have a better chance of being able to drive slower without getting blown off the road.

If I were going to take either 180 or 380 routes, I'd take 277 to 180, or 277 to 180 to 84 to get to 380.

If you have time & like scenery you might enjoy taking 82 out of Lovington Nm through Lincoln national forest & Cloudcroft to Alamogordo.

Just found a pet friendly VRBO cabin in Deming that checks all the boxes.

I think I have a good plan. Interstate all the way, Las Cruces area each night. Pet friendly and safe parking.

I really appreciate all the input.

I'm with the others on taking 20-10-8 on the way out, considerably faster especially towing a trailer. I would likely take a different route on the way back just for the change of scenery.