Driving through Arizona (Phoenix, Flagstaff, Prescott: houses, price, horse)

[JLCfromCA]

My wife and I will be driving through Arizona from SoCal in late January. We'll take the 10 to Phoenix, the 17 to Flagstaff then the 40 EB.
Knowing that we'll have several hours available, what are the "must-see" places to visit on that route?

Thanks!

[azdr0710]

these certainly aren't all "must-see" sights, but may appeal to your possible interest in off-beat spots....

you'll be passing thru Quartzite during the height of snowbird season there, so marvel at the sea of RVs spread across the desert, then stop in town and browse the fleas markets, swap meets, etc. for stuff....quite a scene....then visit the Hi Jolly monument to the use of camels in Arizona during army days in the 1800s

around Wintersburg, gaze off to the south for a view of the Palo Verde nuclear plant, biggest in the nation

visit Arcosanti near the Cordes Junction/Prescott exit north of Phx on I-17 for a view of an ever-evolving "utopia" started in the early 1970s...tours available for a price

check out the Meteor Crater several dozen miles east of Flagstaff off I-40 (fee)

if you're an Eagles music fan, drop by the "Standin' On The Corner" park and monument in downtown Winslow for a photo op, then go see La Posada, one of the few remaining Harvey Houses

make a stop at Chief Yellowhorse trading post, a Route 66 legend ("everything must go"), just before entering New Mexico

you'll see lots of Route 66 stuff along I-40 if you get off the interstate at the right spots....


otherwise, there's the usual Sedona, Petrified Forest/Painted Desert stuff!

[teddyearp]

Originally Posted by azdr0710

<snip>around Wintersburg, gaze off to the south for a view of the Palo Verde nuclear plant, biggest in the nation<snip>

"Wintersburg"? Did you mean Wickenburg, or is there a new town now, lol?

Hey, what azdr0710 suggested are all good things. And if I may add a tiny side trip since you say you have some time. Take US 89a south into Oak Creek Canyon for a bit. Yeah, you'll probably double back but there are some pretty nice views along that road, especially once it drops off the escarpment into the canyon proper. From I-17 north it will be exit 337. Take a left over the freeway then another left on 89a south.

good luck

[azdr0710]

I did mean Wintersburg....exit 98 along I-10....look south to see the nuclear plant

if you want to do the Sedona side trip, you may want to use highway 179 off I-17 south of town, then use 89A north from town up Oak Creek Canyon (drive carefully) to Flagstaff and join I-40 there.....

[JLCfromCA]

That's exactely the kind of info I was looking for. Thanks guys!

[Finger Laker]

Originally Posted by teddyearp

"Wintersburg"? Did you mean Wickenburg, or is there a new town now, lol?

Hey, what azdr0710 suggested are all good things. And if I may add a tiny side trip since you say you have some time. Take US 89a south into Oak Creek Canyon for a bit. Yeah, you'll probably double back but there are some pretty nice views along that road, especially once it drops off the escarpment into the canyon proper. From I-17 north it will be exit 337. Take a left over the freeway then another left on 89a south.

good luck

I would recommend this - get off the freeway a little bit and a good use of that extra time

I'd also probably use the 101 to bridge between I-10 and I-17 without running square into central phoenix

[cacto]

Add one worthwhile hour to your trip on the I-17 north from Phx to Flag by going through Sedona and driving up the highway in Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff before you hit the I-40. Wherever in America you're going, that might be the prettiest stretch of road you'll take on your trip.

[SSRJIM]

Take 89A that is a fun route:
Route 89A map

[lilypad]

When I go to Sedona, I always like to take the time for Jerome, AZ (mile high in the mountains), SW of Sedona about 30 minutes on AZ89.

Tourism Information for Jerome Arizona, the Mile High Town with 50 Mile Views

[DewDropInn]

Originally Posted by Finger Laker

I'd also probably use the 101 to bridge between I-10 and I-17 without running square into central phoenix

Excellent advice!