Going up to CO in a few weeks. Thinking about going up the east side vs. through Raton Pass as I have always done.

Dumas is about 8-9 hours from Georgetown so seems like a good place to stop for the night. True, or should I stay in Amarillo?

I'm taking my daughter to college in Fort Collins so I'll have all of her stuff with me so security is a concern.

Thanks

I'd stay away from the east side of Amarillo, but in general security is not much different from anyplace else.

I've gone up through Oklahoma before, it's not a lot of difference in miles, though I really like zooming up I-25 with the 75mph speed limit. But I also understand the temptation to try different roads.

That being said, go to the post linked below and check out one of my later posts describing Johnson Mesa between Clayton and Raton.

http://texags.com/main/forum.reply.asp?topic_id=1430070&forum_id=39


My son's future father in law is an ecology prof at CSU, and one of my wife's Aggie classmates (class of 81) is a Geophysics prof there.

A lot of people stay in Dumas.
They have added some new hotels (as have many of the towns up here) due to the increase in oil field and wind farm work.
I guess it all depends on what you are looking for and/or how you feel after that long on the road.
Amarillo will have the greater number of places to eat and take an hour off your day.
Dumas puts you an hour closer to where you're going.
Remember that the road between Clayton and Raton is 65 MPH (55 in some places).
Seems like a waste of time to me - all those empty miles and cut back on speed..... That's New Mexico for you.
Have a safe trip.

Thanks! I appreciate all of the info.

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That's New Mexico for you

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Windmill - you certainly hit the nail on the head with that. I live in NM and it's ridiculous the way speed limits vary - 55,60,70 all on similar stretches of highway. Even 35mph thru small towns which may have a PO and 10 homes. Then of course there are the Governors Safety Zones - basically a waste of having to post extra signage. Some real geniuses in our state govt.

***I was Aggie, when Aggie wasn't cool***

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Remember that the road between Clayton and Raton is 65 MPH (55 in some places).
Seems like a waste of time to me - all those empty miles and cut back on speed..... That's New Mexico for you.

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Yup. We were driving between Clayton and Springer during the last week of July (coming & going to Red River), and that road is 60 mph the whole way ... and danged if we didn't meet a HIPO coming and going, so I guess they patrol that miserable empty stretch of road just to catch any Texans who are rash enough to drive 70 mph ...

[This message has been edited by BrazosBendHorn (edited 8/3/2009 1:39p).]

Clayton is the worst. The speed limit through town and for about 3 miles before and after town is very low.....and very well patrolled.

I'm betting that speeding Texans are their major source of city revenue.

And what is the deal with the "safety corridors"? Seems like an excuse to double fines and nothing else.

^^^^

This is true, and you can't ever argue against 'safety'.

FWIW, I drove to Raton Mid July and didn't see a single cop from Dalhart to Raton. Actually didn't see one from Raton to Red River either.

Dumas is a wonderful place...grew up there!

Great, great people!

Dumas has one or two brand new hotels on the south side.

dont go through dumbass unless you have too. it is faster to take boys ranch road to channing and bypass dumas.

If you do happen to go through dumas, just make sure you watch out for some Demons that are known to rome there.... (Coming from a former Perryton ranger )

I grew up in Dumas it's a good place to stay. All kinds of brand name hotels/motels. Major downside is no major restaurant chains other than fast food. So if I were you I would find something to eat in Amarillo and get an hour closer to your destination and stay the night in Dumas. All the hotels are on the south side of town right when you enter.

K Bob is ok, but go eat at Andy's kithen. It's a dive but the food is good.