The Great Midwestern Road Trip: Driving from Ames, Iowa to Phoenix, Arizona
Are you considering taking a road trip to the desert this summer? Driving from Ames, Iowa to Phoenix, Arizona can be an exciting and unique experience, but it's important to plan ahead and understand your options. In this blog post, we’ll cover the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of each route, and the expected driving times based on traffic patterns.
The Fastest Route
The fastest and most direct route is to take I-35 South until you reach Kansas City, then merge onto I-435 West until you reach I-70, and continue westward. Then, take I-470 South toward Topeka and merge onto I-35 South to Oklahoma City. Continue on I-40 West to Albuquerque, then take I-25 South to Phoenix. This route is approximately 1,297 miles and takes approximately 20 hours to drive, following speed limits and without stopping.
The Slowest Route
For a more scenic route, take I-35 South to Kansas City, then merge onto I-70 Westbound until you reach U.S. Route 24 Westbound in Colorado. This route takes you through the scenic Rocky Mountains. Take U.S. Route 24 through Leadville, passing scenic views of Ski Cooper and the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, then turn right onto Route 91. This route will take you through Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, and Dillon before joining up with I-70 again. Continue westward on I-70, and then turn onto U.S. Route 191 South following the vast open spaces of Utah and Arizona. This route is approximately 1,700 miles long, and can take up to 30 hours to drive.
Traffic Considerations
Peak traffic can add significant time to your journey. In some larger cities, commuter traffic and construction can cause significant delays. For this reason, we recommend leaving early in the morning or traveling at night when traffic is lighter. For both the fastest and slowest routes, we suggest adding an additional 2-3 hours to your estimated travel time if you choose to travel during peak travel times.
In summary, driving from Ames, Iowa to Phoenix, Arizona can be an exciting and scenic journey. However, it’s important to consider your options when it comes to route and traffic patterns. For a quick and direct trip, take I-35 South to I-25 South, and then onto I-40 West. But, for an awe-inspiring journey through the Rocky Mountains, take U.S. Route 24 Westbound. Whether you choose to take the fastest or slowest route, make sure to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to make stops and enjoy the sights. Happy driving!