Need info on route to Prescott thru skull valley

[Tammye]

I know I want to avoid going all the way through to Phoenix. Thats out of our direction. We are coming in from Southern Cali.

When you say steep for that route going through skull valley and Iron Springs, how steep?? Normal mountain road steep?? Someone mentioned narrow above? I read on here that some of the truckers use that route as well to make deliveries up there in Prescott. Is that true? I figure if they can do it, we can in a 23 footer right? We will be on it early in the AM as well.

[Gretchen B]

Originally Posted by Tammye

I know I want to avoid going all the way through to Phoenix. Thats out of our direction. We are coming in from Southern Cali.

When you say steep for that route going through skull valley and Iron Springs, how steep?? Normal mountain road steep?? Someone mentioned narrow above? I read on here that some of the truckers use that route as well to make deliveries up there in Prescott. Is that true? I figure if they can do it, we can in a 23 footer right? We will be on it early in the AM as well.

I think the I-17 route is actually steeper from Black Canyon City to Cordes Jct. The elevation change is over 2,000 ft in about 7 miles. The narrowest road is Hwy 89 from Kirkland Jct up to Prescott, plus it has hairpin turns. The route you're planning on taking from Skull Valley up Iron Springs Road is a very good road. The only narrow portion I can think of is south of Kirkland Jct on what's referred to as "Yarnell hill". If I remember correctly there are some pretty good curves on that portion (bikers really like that road because of that), but there isn't a lot of traffic so that helps.

[Tammye]

Good info thanks!!

[ScoutAZ]

Either way you go, have a safe trip

From the link below

"The road up Yarnell Hill in the Weaver Mountains climbs 2,500 feet in six miles. The serpentine divided highway is famous for its splendid views and its ability to overheat radiators."

Scenic drive: Arizona 89 to Jerome

[Tammye]

Originally Posted by ScoutAZ

Either way you go, have a safe trip

From the link below

"The road up Yarnell Hill in the Weaver Mountains climbs 2,500 feet in six miles. The serpentine divided highway is famous for its splendid views and its ability to overheat radiators."

Scenic drive: Arizona 89 to Jerome

The idea of overheating in that area does NOT sound fun! I think we will take I-40 even though its an extra 100 miles, it may be worth it and safer! Sounds like a pretty route coming in from that 89 off I40 at Ashfork. Maybe going home we can do that Yarnell Hill route.

[Gretchen B]

Originally Posted by Tammye

The idea of overheating in that area does NOT sound fun! I think we will take I-40 even though its an extra 100 miles, it may be worth it and safer! Sounds like a pretty route coming in from that 89 off I40 at Ashfork. Maybe going home we can do that Yarnell Hill route.

That's definitely the route with the least amount of elevation change and tight curves, especially since this is the first trip out with the travel trailer. Just be careful going "down the mountain" on your way home that you're careful about not overheating your brakes - that can be a problem on those steep hills.