KS to Phoenix, any route advice?

[boogeyman]

Here's my general plan.  I'll probably take a wrong turn somewhere, but this is the general idea...

http://tiny.cc/ttfj4

Any thoughts?  I'll  be leaving Rolla (or thereabouts) early next Sunday and plan to get into Cottonwood on late Tuesday afternoon. sometime.  I was thinking about going to the Los Alamos Museum and touring that for a couple hours before they close on Sunday, if I can make it there by 3 pm or so.  That's not set in stone though if there's something else I just can't miss.  I've got a National Parks permit burning a hole in my wallet, so let me know if there's some good ones along the way.  I was thinking about stopping in at the Capulin Volcano National Monument, and checking out the Sandstone Bluffs Overlook at El Malapais.  Any favorite Mexican food places along the way?

Thanks in advance!

[Orson]

another possibility would be to take NM-64 all the way across northern New Mexico to Shiprock and then on into Arizona where you can catch AZ-191 going south.

NM-64 is pretty scenic   It would add a lot more miles but, both those routes are highly rated on ST.N  

[boogeyman]

I do have get back as well!  Perhaps I take 64/191 there, and on my way back take my route.  I could be a little late to where I'm going, so if it's further, no big deal.   I was concerned about NE Arizona and NW New Mexico being a little dull, but maybe not now that I look at it again.  It does look pretty good most of the way over.  I suppose my stretch on I-40 will be dull as well.    I've only seen western NM along I-40 in the light once, in the evening I believe.  But I've been through there three times!  Not that I want to see NM from I-40...

[Orson]

I was concerned about NE Arizona and NW New Mexico being a little dull, but maybe not now that I look at it again.

To be honest, it does start to get a little dull by the time you get to Shiprock  

The scenic part of NM-64 is in the central part, roughly just before Taos and just after Chama.

[DangerMoney]

I lived in Phoenix for 25 years. Modify your route to take route 260 between Eager, AZ and Show Low, AZ. Much more scenic/twisty.


There's a great Mexican food restaraunt in Springervillle, AZ:
Los Dos Molinos
East Main Street
928-333-4846


http://www.losdosmolinosaz.com/springervillemenu1.html
 

[Playinthestreet]

AZ 260 and NM 64 both good choices.  West of Taos run NM64 at about 120!  If you find yourself in Springerville AZ stop at The Little Rustler Cafe

[boogeyman]

Thanks everyone.    Headed that way at sun up tomorrow!