VFR to Santa Monica from the Farmington NM

[gtmize]

A little help please ...

Planning a trip direct to SMO from FMN, fuel stop in KIFP before going over mountains at 12,500' VFR

Cross over to KEMT drop to 3000' to stay under LAX floors on into SMO ...
Hopefully direct on RW 21

This should minimize handoffs and avoiding LAX.

Opinions?

[Colin]

KFMN INW KSEZ DRK EED HEC APLES MEANT KPOC ITSME DARTS KSMO

Santa Monica was where and I learned to fly and my home for twenty years. I've been at FMN a few times on my way across the country. This is the route I would take, which is a fuel stop in Sedona, an absolutely stunning airport that should not be missed. APLES to KPOC you are wiggling through a pass. Pay attention to the winds. ATC wants you north of the I-10 and the approaches into KONT (Ontario) airport.

DARTS is on the approach to 21. So when you make that turn you are lined up on final.

[gtmize]

Thanks Colin .. what altitude over the mountains/pass would you suggest.
Looks like 10,500 highest peak so 12,500 descending to about 3k on other side?

Also is this a VFR route or IFR or Scenic?

[Colin]

I consider that route scenic. I believe I have flown it IFR with little change. The controllers along the route have always been really nice and helpful. The pass in the LA basin should be really obvious as you are flying toward it. The I-15 goes through it. After APLES (Apple Valley) you could put in HESPE and then RRIZE. Take out MEANT.

Over HESPE I'm at 8,500. At RRIZE you can be at 4,500. So I'm in a descent as I come through that pass.

[waynemcc999]

KFMN INW KSEZ DRK EED HEC APLES MEANT KPOC ITSME DARTS KSMO

Santa Monica was where and I learned to fly and my home for twenty years. I've been at FMN a few times on my way across the country. This is the route I would take, which is a fuel stop in Sedona, an absolutely stunning airport that should not be missed. APLES to KPOC you are wiggling through a pass. Pay attention to the winds. ATC wants you north of the I-10 and the approaches into KONT (Ontario) airport.

DARTS is on the approach to 21. So when you make that turn you are lined up on final.

I've also flown this general path a good number of times... and I agree completely with Colin. Sedona (a MUST!)... and the APLES MEANT KPOC part is key to slide you thru the Cajon Pass without having to descend from the San Gabriels.
Enjoy!
Wayne

[Paul]

I'll third Sedona. There is a surprisingly good restaurant on the field. In the summer though, I only fly there in the morning with calm winds.