Headed to West Coast from Ohio

Have some time on my hands (roughly 3 weeks) and headed west in beginning of March...brrr I am pretty comfortable with my route up to LA/TX border.

Looking at coming into Texas on US 84 and taking it across to Abilene and catching US 380 on the northwest side into NM. Looking at taking US 380 into US 60 then SR260 in Show Low, AZ. Back onto US 60 NW of Phoenix, working my way up to SR62 and SR247 in Ca up to Barstow. My eventual destination is Santa Barbara, which I was looking a reaching by way of Bakersfield (SR58) then south SR33.

Looking for a some input or wisdom any of this since I am unfamiliar with the areas, especially with respect to any mountain areas in NM, AZ and Ca. I do not mind riding in the cold, but would like to avoid/minimize time in below freezing areas. I generally like to steer clear of interstate.

Thanks...Chad

This time of year many of the routes through the Sierra Nevada mountains, such as through Yosemite National Park are closed due to snow. It's snowing in portions of up there as I'm writing this. From Barstow you need to find a route on the western part of the Sierra's and should prob. skip Hwy 395 on the eastern side. Which is a shame, because you'll miss some very nice riding. Caltrans (CA State Transportation) has a nice (and free) phone app, which is also linked to CHP dispatch. So you can get real time traffic, road closure, weather closures, accidents, etc.

There are plenty of routes from Barstow to where you're heading, so I'll let you decide on what you want to see. I'm sure there will be plenty of suggestions coming soon.

Whatever route you pick, keep an eye out for the weather. My friend in TN almost got her house remodeled by tornado's. She lives in Clarksville.

Thanks

Thanks for the input. I know its a bit early for this, but, recently retired and have the time now. Want to take advantage of the time I have before someone goes and offers a me job. : )