Best Cycling Routes in Arizona/New Mexico?

[gderita]

Hello Wisened Riders & Route Planners,

I`m planning a tour for the spring, ideally riding SF to LA in late March/Early April, then heading east into the southwest. My questions:

1) Are the miles from LA to Phoenix worth doing, or would it be permissible to take a train/bus? Was considering train from LA>>Flagstaff.

 2) I`m curious what routes others have taken that are worthwhile, not necessarily following the ACA routes. I`ll be riding a bike that likes mixed terrain, and will be self-reliant with camping gear etc for the whole trip. Stealth OK, also love warmshowers and campsites with hiker/biker last-minute arrival sites. Looking to maximize scenic routes, historic/geological landmarks, trail, and interesting towns.

Depending on when I get to LA, I`ll have about 14 days in mid-April exploring the best of Arizona & New Mexico (open to occasional bus/train to make it work from a timing perspective) before ultimately continuing east. I can handle up to 80miles/day with the weight I plan to carry, but prefer to ride no more than 60/day.

Any inputs on route ideas (or general feasibility of this plan!) are welcome- thanks for sharing your wisdom.

Cheers,

Gabe

[aggie]

Unfortunately the best part of your ride from SF to LA (Hwy 1 through Big Sur) will still be closed when you ride.  I'm not particularly fond of either Route 66 from Barstow to Kingman or Southern tier from Ocotillo to Quartzite.  I find the Western Express to be a more interesting ride.  You can then take the Grand Canyon Connector to Phoenix.  My opinion it's a more interesting ride although the section between Baker, NV and Cedar City, UT is not the most scenic but the other sections make up for it. 

[CMajernik]

FYI if you are considering the Western Express. On section 3 state hwy. 148 through Cedar Breaks National Monument is closed during the winter months, from the end of October to mid to late May. There is a detour listed on the map.

[Closeline]

I rode the souther Tier (adventure cycling maps) from San Diego to Phoenix. Not too bad and some nice areas in California . Leaving form LA seems scary and I can't think of anyway to get there from LA unless you maybe go through Big Bear or Lake arrohead- not sure