Route 1: Along Interstate 40 and Historic Route 66
Distance: Approximately 570 miles
Time: Approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes (excluding stops)
Route Overview:
1. Depart from Gilbert, AZ:
- Head west on East Williams Field Road toward South Val Vista Drive
- Merge onto AZ-24 West / Loop 202 West via the ramp on the left
- Continue on AZ-24 West
2. Follow AZ-24 West and Interstate 10 West:
- Continue on AZ-24 West until it merges with Interstate 10 West near Casa Grande
- Follow Interstate 10 West toward Phoenix and then Tucson
3. Take Exit 219 for Interstate 19 South:
- Continue following signs for Interstate 19 South
- Interstate 19 takes you through the cities of Tucson and Nogales
4. Cross the US-Mexico Border at Nogales:
- At the border, follow the signs for "Entering Mexico"
- Present your passport and any required documents to the immigration officials
5. Follow Mexican Federal Highway 15 (MEX-15) South:
- Stay on MEX-15 South as you travel through the Mexican state of Sonora
- MEX-15 is also known as the "Cuota Sonora" or the "Autopista del Desierto"
6. Cross back into the US at Douglas, AZ:
- At the border, follow the signs for "Entering the United States"
- Present your passport and any required documents to the immigration officials
7. Take AZ-80 East:
- Follow AZ-80 East toward Tombstone
- AZ-80 is also known as the "Historic Route 66"
8. Continue on AZ-80 East (Historic Route 66):
- Follow AZ-80 East as it takes you through towns such as Willcox and Bowie
9. Drive through the Apache National Forest:
- Enjoy scenic views of the Ponderosa pine forests as you travel through the Apache National Forest
10. Enter New Mexico:
- Cross into New Mexico near San Simon
- Continue following AZ-80 East, which becomes NM-180 in New Mexico
11. Follow NM-180 to Silver City, NM:
- Continue on NM-180 as it takes you through the town of Silver City
12. Take US-180 East to Santa Fe, NM:
- Follow US-180 East as it takes you through the Gila National Forest and past the town of Truth or Consequences
- Continue on US-180 East until you reach Santa Fe
This route takes you through some beautiful landscapes, including the Sonoran Desert, the Apache National Forest, and the Gila National Forest. It also offers the chance to experience a part of Historic Route 66, which is known for its iconic roadside attractions and historic landmarks.
