Have made this flight numerous times departing from PWG (Mc Gregor).

Approximately 1100 nm depending on route.

Follow I-20 west to Abilene, Big Springs, Midland, Pecos.

West of Pecos follow I-10 west to Van Horn, El Paso, Las Cruces, Deming,
Lordsburg, Benson, Tucson, Casa Grande.

From Casa Grande follow I-8 to Yuma and San Diego.

Plenty of VOR's and NDB's entire route.

Recommend a minimum two day trip with an overnight in Deming NM (DMN).
Great FBO, Desert Aviation, and plenty of lodging choices. Las Cruces
NM (LRU), Lordsburg NM (LSB) and Bisbee AZ (P04) are also great FBO's.

Since this is your first X-country, research and plan your flight in
great detail. Remember prevailing winds aloft are "usually" west to
east. You will change time zones twice, and San Diego magnetic
variation is 13E. File a Flight Plan even if VFR.

Obtain training on Mountain Flying with heavy emphasis on Density
Altitude. From El Paso west the mountains get serious. Fly only in the
early morning or late afternoon to prevent departure and approach during
the heat of the day.

Have a great flight.

Mike $$$ (PA28)