Osoyoos BC to Arizona

[GBR]

We are traveling from Ottawa to Osoyoos and in early November on to Casa Grande area. As we have never travelled this area we are looking for best routes given that we could possibly be hitting some elevations and snow that time of year. We're also wondering when we would expect to be clear of any freezing rain or snow conditions and whether we should do a one day charge to a specific point south. Being very comfortable with the east coast to Florida we are quite excited to go thru this new experience, yet somewhat apprehensive at the same time.

Thanks for your feedback.

George

[Festus2]

If you are planning to travel west via the TransCanada (1) once you get to the Rockies, you can expect two high mountain passes - Kicking Horse and Rogers. Remember that BC is mountainous and you will encounter several passes and high elevations along the TransCanada until you reach the Coast.

In early November, winter driving conditions prevail and the weather is unpredictable. Also, starting this October 1, BC now requires that vehicles be equipped with tires that are marked M/S (Mud & Snow) or Snow (snowflake symbol) on certain interior and mountain passes. Signs will be placed at the beginning of such highways warning motorists of this requirement.

Heading further west, once you reach Sicamous, you can take Highway 97 south and drive through the Okanagan area (Vernon, Kelowna , Penticton ) to Osoyoos.

Upon reaching Osoyoos, you are looking at either Highway 3 and the Hope Princeton route to the coast (another steep and windy road over the Allison Pass and others) OR since you are very close to the USA border head south along 97 through Oroville WA.

Taking Highway 3 (Hope Princeton) will bring you to Vancouver BC and from there you can take US5 and follow it south to OR and CA.

Taking Highway 97 will take you through central WA for a bit and then you can take Highway 2 or 90 to US5.

(Once in Osoyoos, you are left with the decision to head west and follow US5 or head south and follow interior US routes to Arizona)

In any case, be prepared for winter driving conditions and all that it entails - even in early November. Once in BC and central WA, you can expect mountain passes. When you get to US5 and closer to the coast, the likelihood of snow diminishes but there are still a couple of high passes along the way which are susceptible to snow/freezing rain.

[Desert185]

Pick a route that will take you from Osoyoos to US95 north of Winnemucca and then through Nevada all the way to Las Vegas. Tonopah, along that route might be the only issue based on the current weather pattern, but it will be short lived with not much snow, if any. 95 won't take you as far west if you're trying to get to AZ and the traffic will be much less than taking Hwy 5, as an example.

395 south of Reno can be bad in the winter due to the elevations until you get south of Bishop, CA.

[GBR]

Dear folks;
Apologies for my delayed response as we arrived here in Osoyoos last evening. We travelled thru the US and especially loved the Montana scenery and campground in St Regis. Thanks for the heads up on the tire requirements in BC and glad I am close to the border. As we are in no great rush we will have to look at the choices and watch the weather road reports closely before and as we travel. The options you provided are very helpful and thanks again for your responses. By the way, I met a guy in St Regis who indicated highway 15 was the best route but we have not looked at this option on the maps. If you know if it is an option as well and have any comments, they are appreciated.

All the best
George