Driving Through Arizona Advice (Phoenix, Flagstaff: hotels, home, casino)

[Plantweed]

Moving from NY to Palm Springs, CA this weekend, and will be driving through AZ. Since we're pulling a trailer, we're looking for the best route with the most gas stations and the least mountainous inclines, for less strain on the vehicle in the heat.

What's best?

1. 40 > 260 through Phoenix to 10

2. 40 and head south at Flagstaff onto 17 > 74 > 60 > 10

3. 40 through Flagstaff to 95 > 177 > 10

[LBTRS]

Do not take the first route if that goes through show low. That's not a good road to travel as it is only two lane and you'll be fighting trafic the whole time.

If it were me I'd do the third option just to avoid Phoenix all together. You'll have smooth sailing except for the short leg on the 95 between the 40 and the 10. You'll be miserable if you hit Phoenix during rush hour.

If you time it correctly the second option may be the best route, however, I'd not get off the 17 at the 74, instead take the 17 to the 101 and then the 101 to the 10.

Plenty of gas stations along any of the routes as long as you plan for them and don't try and to stretch fill ups.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by LBTRS

Do not take the first route if that goes through show low. That's not a good road to travel as it is only two lane and you'll be fighting trafic the whole time.

If it were me I'd do the third option just to avoid Phoenix all together. You'll have smooth sailing except for the short leg on the 95 between the 40 and the 10. You'll be miserable if you hit Phoenix during rush hour.

If you time it correctly the second option may be the best route, however, I'd not get off the 17 at the 74, instead take the 17 to the 101 and then the 101 to the 10.

Plenty of gas stations along any of the routes as long as you plan for them and don't try and to stretch fill ups.

Agree with this.

[Gandalara]

3. 40 through Flagstaff to 95 > 177 > 10

Fill up on gas before you cross into CA! AZ gas is much cheaper.
No reason to use 177. Just stay on 95 until you hit Blythe at the 10
(Note - AZ has a 95 and CA has a 95. Go over the river and use the CA 95, it's shorter!)

[Plantweed]

Thanks guys, this was very helpful!

[Steve Pickering]

Yep. 40 to Ca 95 to 10.

[NAU Alumni]

Check your brakes too. Pretty good drop off once you pass Williams.
Also note that you'll lose 30% horsepower in the high country if you are normally asperated.

[vfrpilot]

I would use I-40, then AZ-95 through Lake Havasu City, home of the London Bridge. Continue south over Parker Dam to Parker, AZ. Then take 'Rice Road' through Vidal Junction and on to Desert Center on I-10. Then it's a short distance to Chiriaco(sp?) Summit and then it's all downhill to Indio and Palm Springs. This route, while still has miles of nothing, will give you much more options for fuel and food than CA-95. I've ridden CA-95 on a bicycle and can tell you there is nothing out there.
While I'm at it, I would suggest stopping in Kingman, AZ for an In n Out burger. It's the first town along your route that has this option
Good luck on your move.

[jamies]

[off topic trolling]

Just stay on the 40 to the 15 then take the 10 to PS.

While passing through the great state of AZ enjoy the mountains of Flagstaff the Grand Canyon and spend the night on the mighty Colorado in Laughlin, where there are a dozen casino hotels!

[LBTRS]

All the way to the 15 seems like many miles out of his way.