The Best Interstate Routes For Cross-Country Road Trips Rated

Above, westbound on Interstate 40 approaching Lupton, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Let's see. The longest trip I've ever taken on Interstates has to be the trip to Metropolis, Illinois in 2019. I took Interstate 40 going east and Interstate 70 going west. 

The second longest has to be the trip from Des Moines, Iowa to Orange County, California in December. I took Interstates 35 and 40. 

RV Travel has posted an article on the best Interstate routes.

They begin it with:

In the video below, we join Kyle, aka the Geography King, for his countdown of the six best interstate routes for cross-country road trips. The “Geography King” is basing his picks on his experiences taking more than 20 cross-country trips, and counting.

The video focuses on interstate highways, as most major U.S. cities are near one. And, as the topic is crossing the country, it focuses on east/west routes. Kyle chose to feature six because, well, there are only six major routes that cross the United States. So, the competition for the six-best list was, in reality, not that tough.

Those six routes are Interstates 10, 20, 40, 70, 80, and 90. Of those six, know that I-20 does not officially completely go across the entire country, but goes 2/3 of the way before ending in Southwest Texas; and I-70 only goes about 3/4 of the way before it ends in Southwest Utah.

Be sure to watch the video. In addition to what you can expect to see along each route, our host shares some creative variations and alternative routes from each that let you see even more sites.

These are the order of Kyle’s preference of cross-country routes. Yours may be different. I know I can find interesting things to see almost ANYWHERE.

To see the video and to read more, go here. 

NMTD Manuelito Visitor Information Center

Above, Manuelito Visitor Information Center off Interstate 40. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Drivers entering New Mexico from Arizona on Interstate 40 are welcome to take a break at the Manuelito Visitor Information Center which is about 4 miles east of the Arizona border and Lupton, Arizona on the eastbound side. Gallup is about 13 miles east on Interstate 40.

Above, parking is available for passenger cars, RVs and big rig trucks. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here, maps and travel guides are available to visitors. There are restrooms and vending machines. There are also kiosks for picnicking.

According to the official website:

New Mexico’s four highway Visitor Information Centers serve more than half a million travelers annually. Maintained by the NM Department of Transportation or the General Services Department and operated by the New Mexico Tourism Department, they provide New Mexico True travel and tourism information. Visitor Information Center staff are knowledgeable members of the hospitality industry who assist travelers and work with the state's tourism industry to promote destinations, events and activities in New Mexico. Specific Visitor Information Center location and contact information and telephone numbers appears above. Contact the Visitor Information Centers directly to discuss special promotions, general travel information about New Mexico and the surrounding areas and/or events taking place across the state.

Above, kiosks with picnic tables are available to travelers. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Run For The Wall Participant Killed In Lupton, Arizona

Above, 2022 Run For The Wall participants at the Flying J. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday, when I went to the Flying J to get my mail, I saw bikers of the Run For the Wall motorcycle ride.

This is an annual event supporting veterans and their families.

Unfortunately, the ride had a tragic incident near Lupton, Arizona yesterday. Lupton is at the Arizona-New Mexico border and the location of Tee Pee Trading Post.

The Navajo Times reported:

A participant in the 2025 Run For The Wall motorcycle ride was involved in a fatal accident Thursday as the group made its way toward Gallup, according to a police source.

Run For The Wall, or RFTW, is a cross-country motorcycle ride held annually to honor veterans, their families, and to raise awareness of service members who are still Prisoners of War or Missing in Action. The ride begins in Ontario, California, and concludes 10 days later at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.

The accident occurred along Interstate 40, and a large portion of the RFTW riders were seen about a mile from the scene.

Above, yours truly with then-Cibola County Sheriff Tony Mace at the 2022 Run For The Wall.

To read the full story, go here. 

Northern Arizona’s Quirkiest Roadside Attractions

Above, Jack Rabbit Trading Post in St. Joseph, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I moved to New Mexico seven years ago, I have found myself in northern Arizona several times. Most of my trips there have been to Lupton, Arizona to buy cigars at the Tee Pee Trading Post. Lupton is right at the Arizona-New Mexico border.

I have also driven through northern Arizona, primarily on Interstate 40, to go to a clampout or visit friends in Lake Havasu. Along the way, I have made stops at such places as Jack Rabbit Trading Post, Meteor Crater, Wigwam Motel, Standin' On The Corner Park (in Winslow), Petrified Forest National Park and Geronimo's Trading Post.

Above, yours truly with my mini mileage sign at Jack Rabbit Trading Post. Photo by Cindy Jaquez.

Only In Arizona has posted a list of several places can visit while on a road trip on Interstate 40. They refer to the attractions as "quirky". 

They begin it with:

Living in Arizona can be quite an adventure for tourists and residents alike. There are countless things to see, do, and experience, and road trips are often the most incredible way to see the best parts of the state. While adventuring along the open roads of the Grand Canyon State, I usually have a destination in mind, but I'm also open to the spontaneous roadside stop when something calls my name. I've often done entire road trips with only roadside stops in mind! If you'd love to see some of the most unusual attractions in the state, here is a road trip to some of Northern Arizona's quirkiest attractions.

Above, Standin' On A Corner park in Winslow, Arizona. Photo by Russell Azbill.

To read more, go here. 

Rain and Snow Showers

Above, The Beast at Tee Pee Trading Post in Luption, Arizona in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

On the calendar, it is supposed to be spring, but the weather is a little more like winter. It rained a bit yesterday.

At least that's the forecast for the Gallup/Jamestown area according to the National Weather Service. 

We're supposed to get rain or snow showers through Thursday. We'll see if that actually happens.

The forecast:

 Overnight

Isolated snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tuesday

A slight chance of rain and snow showers before 8am, then rain showers likely. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Tuesday Night

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday

A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Wednesday Night

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9pm, then a slight chance of showers between 9pm and midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 66.

T.C.B.

Above, the motorhome at the clampout in Quartzsite last weekend. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today was a busy day.

After our Tuesday coffee/breakfast at Denny's down at the Flying J this morning, I headed into Gallup to do a few things.

First, I went and got myself a haircut. I was a bit overdue for one and was looking a bit unshorn. When I arrived, my barber noticed my motorhome and he expressed interest in getting one when he retires. He's now 64 and figures retiring in about four years from now.

After the haircut, I headed to a coin-operated car wash to wash the motorhome. It needed it as much as I needed the haircut. 

Once that was completed, I went 16 miles to the west of Gallup and back into Arizona. I went to the Tee Pee Trading Post in Luption, Arizona (right on the border) to pick up a few Oliva cigars.

After that, I headed back into Gallup to have dinner at Jerry's Café. I had my usual No. 3 (enchilada and chile relleno combo). 

After dinner, before heading home, I made a quick stop at Albertson's to pick up a few items. 

The day went by quickly while T.C.B. (Taking Care of Business).

Election Week Weather

Above, Tee Pee Trading Post in Lupton, Arizona in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Election week will bring snow showers to Jamestown, New Mexico.

Funny thing, when I looked at this week's forecast of the National Weather Service, it stated that snow showers may begin tonight through Monday. But on Election Day (Tuesday), it will be sunny with a 50° temperature. Then, possible snow showers (40% chance) will hit on Wednesday and the rest of the week. 

Today, I did manage to drive the Jeep down to the Flying J and around the community. It was the first time in days I did so.

Right now, the area is socked in with clouds, so maybe we will get snow showers tonight (40% chance).

The forecast: 

Tonight

Scattered snow showers after 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Sunday

Rain and snow showers likely before 1pm, then rain showers likely between 1pm and 3pm, then scattered rain and snow showers after 3pm. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Sunday Night

Scattered rain and snow showers before 9pm, then scattered snow showers. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Monday

Scattered snow showers before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 41. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Monday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 21. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest after midnight.

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 50.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 28.

Wednesday

A chance of rain and snow showers before noon, then a chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Wednesday Night

Snow showers likely, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Thursday

Snow showers likely before noon, then a chance of rain and snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 37. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Thursday Night

A 40 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20.

Friday

A 20 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 39.

A Little Trek To Lupton, Arizona

Above, Tee Pee Trading Post yesterday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday, I headed over to the Tee Pee Trading Post in Lupton, Arizona (40 miles away) to pick up some stogies. Lupton is at the New Mexico-Arizona border.

Since gasoline is at $3.049/gallon (with my Good Sam discount, I only paid $2.989.gallon at Flying J), it was a good time to go to Lupton.

I am waiting on an order of Olivas and it seems to be delayed, hence the trek. I was able to get $25 discounted from the total at Tee Pee Trading Post as I am a member of their discount program. 

After this, I headed into Gallup for an early dinner at Genaro's. I got the chile rellenos plate. I was able to finish the first one and part of the second one (the chile peppers they use are big, almost twice the size of the ones at Jerry's Cafe). I will finish the second relleno this morning for breakfast. 

Above, yesterday's chile rellenos at Genaro's. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I noticed a work crew working on the railroad tracks as the site of April's train derailment on the way to Gallup.

I did stop at the market for a few things before heading back home. All in all, it was an enjoyable little ride.

Federal Agency Taking Over Train Derailment Investigation

Above, the train derailment scene on May 1. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The other day, while going to Tee Pee Trading Post to pick up some stogies, I saw that the train derailment site was cleared. Not a trace (at least from Interstate 40) of the derailment was seen.

AZFamily reported that a federal agency is taking over the investigation over the cause of the derailment.

They wrote:

MANUELITO, N.M. (AP/AZFamily) — The Federal Railroad Administration is now leading the investigation of last month’s fiery train derailment near the Arizona-New Mexico border.

National Transportation Safety Board officials said Thursday that the FRA will determine the probable cause of the April 26 derailment.

NTSB investigators have examined the track and derailed tank cars and will focus on the performance of the tank cars and emergency response actions.

To read more, go here.

Stopping At Tee Pee Trading Post

Above, arriving at the Tee Pee Trading Post in Lupton, Arizona yesterday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Along the way to Williams, Arizona yesterday, I stopped in the Tee Pee Trading Post to pick up some cigars for the clampout.

While there, I chatted with one of the clerks and he said that they had to close and be evacuated when the derailment fire was raging. 

According to CNN:

Evacuation orders were issued for residents within a two-mile radius of the derailment and fire along the New Mexico state line with Arizona, according to an update from BNSF Railway. All evacuations were lifted Sunday, according to a Facebook post from McKinley County Fire & Rescue.

All he heard when the explosion occurred was something like a muffled pop. The trading post was about a mile from the derailment.

This incident will be talked about for years to come.

The Train Derailment Site

Above, the train derailment site. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Headed out to this weekend's clampout at the former Rice Army Airfield in the Mojave Desert of California.

Just before crossing the Arizona-New Mexico border, I passed the site of last Friday's train derailment that caused the explosion of gasoline and propane that the train was carrying. The fire was put out over the weekend and now the investigators are seeing why the train derailed and the start of the clean-up.

I got a few photos of the site (there was nobody else around on Interstate 40.

Above, approaching the derailment site. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the derailement site. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the derailment site. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, approaching the border and Luption, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Interstate 40 Now Open In New Mexico

Above, a view of the derailment from the eastbound lanes of I-40.

Interstate 40 is slowly getting back to normal in New Mexico.

Both directions (east and west) of the major thoroughfare are now open. 

From the photo above, I know exactly where the derailment took place. It is just beyond the eastbound on-ramp of Interstate 40, fairly near Chief Yellowhorse Trading Post. I've been there many times while going to Tee Pee Trading Post in Lupton, Arizona.

Many people posting on the Facebook New Mexico Road and Weather Reports Updates have been posting warnings to others such as this:

I-40 near NM/AZ Stateline by Lupton is opened EB, WB! Just be careful of some traffic backup!

FYI: Seen people try to stop or slow down on i40 to take pictures of the crash site, pls don't. You're might cause an accident!!

Good advice!  

Interstate 40 Planned To Reopen At 2:00 Today

Above, the train still burning this morning.

Some people at the Facebook New Mexico Road and Weather Conditions Reports are saying that Interstate 40 will be reopening at 2:00 PM today.

One said:

2pm reopening. That’s the plan Albuquerque local news is reporting.

And another:

 They expect it to be open st 2pm today

And more:

They just reported at 2pm today.

it is on channel 7 news this am.n.m news expect to be open at 2pm today

That would be nice if these are correct. 

As long as Interstate 40 is open by mid-week, I'm okay. I have a clamp-out to go to.

UPDATE:

From the McKinley County Fire & Rescue:

WB I-40 back open following derailment fire, all evacuations lifted

Westbound I-40 at mile marker 126 is back open to traffic following Friday’s derailment fire near the New Mexico-Arizona state line.

Eastbound traffic remains closed while first responders continue accessing the incident location. All evacuations have been lifted.

Air monitoring continues around the site and results do not indicate any concern for air quality. 

All local, state, federal and tribal public agencies, along with BNSF continue to work together within Unified Command to ensure the safety of the public.

We thank the public for their patience and will continue to post updates on the McKinley County Fire and Rescue Facebook page.

If you have been directly impacted by this incident, please call the State Line/BNSF Incident Hotline at 1-866-243-4784.

###

I just stepped outside and saw that traffic was moving in both directions on Interstate 40. I am 40 miles east of the derailment and 18 miles east of Gallup.

Rain and Snow Showers

Above, Tee Pee Trading Post is about three miles from the derailment. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Given the fiery train derailment of yesterday, perhaps this will come as good news for the firefighters at the scene near Lupton, Arizona.

According to the National Weather Service, we're to get rain and possible snow showers overnight and today.

It is currently snowing in Flagstaff, Arizona.

The forecast:

 Overnight

A chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. Southwest wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Saturday

Scattered snow showers before 10am, then scattered rain and snow showers between 10am and noon, then rain showers after noon. Some thunder is also possible. High near 46. Southwest wind 15 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Saturday Night

Scattered rain showers, mixing with snow after 9pm, then gradually ending. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 33. West wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Interstate 40 Still Closed

Interstate 40 west of Gallup is still closed due to the train derailment. The derailment took place about three miles east of the Arizona-New Mexico border near Lupton, Arizona. This is 40 miles away from my residence.

According to the New Mexico State Police, no time has been given for when it will reopen:

Train Derailment and Interstate 40 Closure Update: Westbound Interstate 40 will be closed to all westbound traffic at milepost 126 and diverted onto State Road 6 South. All Commercial Motor Vehicles and non-local residents traveling west on Interstate 40 are instructed to take Interstate 25 south at Albuquerque to Interstate 10 in Las Cruces to continue to travel west.

Local residents of Laguna, Acoma, Grants, Gallup, etc., will be allowed to continue west past the road closure on Interstate 40 with proof of local residency.

There is currently no projected end to this closure. Check NMRoads.com for the latest road conditions and follow NMStatePolice on social media for updates. NMDOT Arizona Department of Public Safety

This derailment has made the news around the country. Even Breitbart has an article on it. 

Our group will be having our Saturday coffee/breakfast at Denny's in the Flying J Travel Center in Jamestown. I am curious if travelers will pack it while waiting for the reopening.

I saw that Flagstaff got some heavy snow overnight. 

Train Derailment Closes Interstate 40

Above, the train derailment near Lupton, Arizona. Photo by the McKinley County Sheriff.

As today is Friday, I headed into Gallup for dinner at Jerry's Cafe.

On the way, I (and everyone else going westbound on Interstate 40) were diverted off the freeway at Exit 20 in Gallup. That was my intended exit anyway. The Interstate was closed by the New Mexico State Police.

Above, tonight's dinner at Jerry's Cafe. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Once I got seated at Jerry's, I checked online and found that a train carrying gasoline and propane derailed near Lupton, Arizona. Both eastbound and westbound Interstate 40 lanes were closed. At least this closure didn't involve a semi truck.

Lupton is where the Tee Pee Trading Post is located. They have the largest cigar humidor in the region.

I had Number 3 at Jerry's Cafe, which is the chile relleno and cheese enchilada plate. It was good, as usual. 

Visitors Today

Above, at the Silver Screen Café in Gallup.

Today turned out to be a good one as friends Mitch Geriminsky and Dwight Kuntz stopped in Gallup en route to home in Lake Havasu, Arizona. They were visiting a friend in Colorado. They were going to return home tomorrow, but decided to head home today.

We met up for breakfast at the Silver Screen Café at the El Rancho Hotel.

While in Arizona, they did take in the railroad museum at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad station in Durango. They also went to, upon my recommendation, the Durango Bagel shop.

We talked about anything and everything while at breakfast.

Above, Dwight and yours truly in the cigar humidor room
 at Tee Pee Trading Post. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Afterwards, we migrated in separate vehicle to the Tee Pee Trading Post in Lupton, Arizona to pick up some stogies. While there, we had a nice conversation with a long-haul trucker about cigars.

From there, they headed for Lake Havasu and I headed home to Jamestown.  

Cigar Run At Tee Pee Trading Post

As I mentioned previously, after having the Jeep towed to the mechanic's shop in Gallup yesterday, I headed another sixteen miles west to the Arizona-New Mexico border on a "cigar run" at the Tee Pee Trading Post in Lupton, Arizona.

Their section of cigars is probably the largest in the Four Corners region and big walk-in humidor was recently enlarged to an even bigger size. Once a rectangle, it is now "L" shaped.

Below is a shot of me inside the humidor and one of the outside of the trading post:

Asya In Egypt

This morning, after delivering the Jeep to the mechanic's shop in Gallup, I headed to the Tee Pee Trading Post in Lupton, Arizona on a cigar run.

While there, I received some photos from Asya who is in Cairo, Egypt (I think until tomorrow). They included some at the Egyptian Museum of Cairo and one at the Pyramids of Giza.

When she told me she was going to be in Cairo last week, I gave her an "assignment" to have a picture taken of herself at the Pyramids or the Sphinx. She was at the Museum and Pyramids today and sent the photos.

Here's a couple:

Above, today at the Pyramids of Giza.

Above, today at the Egyptian Museum of Cairo.

I should have asked her to get some tana leaves, but I didn't think of it until now. 😉

Roadside Kitsch

 After about a two hour drive (and some stops), I am home from Arizona.

One stop was for some breakfast (Monument Valley enchiladas) at the El Rancho Hotel in Gallup.

Prior to that stop, I did stop for a coffee break and to take some photos of the kitsch art at the Painted Desert Indian Center trading post on Historic Route 66. I also had some texts with Asya on WhatsApp that I had to take care of. The Painted Desert Indian Center wasn't open yet when I stopped. It is just as well, I saved some money.

Here's some photos at Painted Desert Indian Center:

At the Arizona-New Mexico border in Luption, Arizona, I took this shot of the Indian shops: