Question - US Hwy 180

[pattyk]

Has anyone taken Hwy 180 from El Paso to Carlsbad, NM? I don't want it to be another 89A type of trip.

[AlmostThere]

No info from me but did an online search and came up with this website called Mile by Mile. I think I'll bookmark it.

http://www.milebymile.com/

[retiredhappy]

Patty, 180 takes you over the highest peak in Texas (8700 ft) so you might hit snow this time of year. It should be okay if you watch the weather.

[pattyk]

Thanks you two for the information. That milebymile website looks great. Wish I had time to come further into Texas to visit but I have to be home for Christmas.

[Bethers]

I drove that road a few years ago - easy road to drove.

Karen, I thought it skirted the mountains? I remember having to drive off 180 to get to the peak. I know Pine Springs is an elevation under 6000 feet - which could still have snow - but my memory could be faulty, too.

[pattyk]

Well, I drove 180 yesterday. I stopped at Guadalupe National Park. The ranger said they were expecting snow in two days. The drive was wonderful. Even in the gusty wind areas there was almost no wind. The Park is at an elevation of 5900+ feet. I think that was the highest I got.

I stopped at one spot and a couple in a car pulled up next to me. Asked if I knew where they could get gas. They were almost out. I couldn't believe that they hadn't topped off the tank in Carlsbad. I wasn't any help because even my cell phone wouldn't work. I just hope someone was able to help them. It is not a very heavily travelled road. We were probably about 60 miles out of El Paso.

[asirimarco]

Don't you just wonder sometimes about the people out there driving on the same roads you are. Hope they made it.

[Bethers]

That sounds like what I remember Patty. And I just don't understand people who drive in the more isolated areas and let their tanks get so low. Then again, I'm one of those people who, even on interstates, when I see I'm under 1/2 a tank start planning to fill up. And with the rv, I have tried to never get under 1/4 tank - as if I do, I wouldn't be able to use the generator if necessary. Ah, I do hope those folks found gas.

Sounds like you're having a good trip - have you taken any pictures to share?

[retiredhappy]

Beth, you're right - it does skirt the highest area but can get snow this time of year. Great road to drive as I remember.