Scenic Drives - Safe? (Sedona, Carefree: home, live in, dangerous)

[Stumblina]

I've been looking at a few roads I'm thinking of driving, just for the scenic value. They seem pretty desolate. What, if anything, do I have to worry about/look out for when traveling these roads (other than the obvious "full tank of gas"). Speaking of gas, are there any gas stations anywhere along these roads?

Sun Valley Parkway
North Lake Pleasant Road
West Carefree Highway

[mohawkx]

Always carry at least a gallon of fresh water in your vehicle.

[Rick Lee]

The westernmost gas station on Carefree Hwy. is the Chevron at I-17. I pulled my bike in there the other night with 4 miles left on my range gauge and they said all their pumps were down. I live a mile away, so I was able to get home and come back yesterday. Between that gas station and the next one (going west), you have to go about 35 miles to Rt. 60 and north a way to the Shell station there. Watch for trucks towing boats pulling out in front of you on that road.

[Steve-o]

Bring water, a gun, make sure you have a spare tire (thats, uh, full of air lol), a cell phone, flashlight, etc. And most importantly, make sure people know where youre heading.

[Stumblina]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

Bring water, a gun, make sure you have a spare tire (thats, uh, full of air lol), a cell phone, flashlight, etc. And most importantly, make sure people know where youre heading.

A gun???? Explain, please.

[Rick Lee]

If you want to go see scenery, you'll likely be pretty far away from any kind of help and maybe even out of any cell phone range. I got a flat tire between Searchlight and Laughlin, NV and it was 110 deg. out. I wasn't worried at all when one of my three cell phones on two carriers didn't work. I had lots of water, a gun, other cell phones, a knife and a flashlight. Without that, you're at the mercy of others.

[Stumblina]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

If you want to go see scenery, you'll likely be pretty far away from any kind of help and maybe even out of any cell phone range. I got a flat tire between Searchlight and Laughlin, NV and it was 110 deg. out. I wasn't worried at all when one of my three cell phones on two carriers didn't work. I had lots of water, a gun, other cell phones, a knife and a flashlight. Without that, you're at the mercy of others.

Another gun suggestion ... what am I needing this gun for???

[Rick Lee]

Originally Posted by Stumblina

Another gun suggestion ... what am I needing this gun for???

If you have to ask, then you don't need one. Just pray that others will protect you.

[Stumblina]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

If you have to ask, then you don't need one. Just pray that others will protect you.

That's not a fair answer - I don't live in AZ. I've been there many, many times, but not on any isolated roads. Also, I'm making this trip by myself, so I guess you're saying I shouldn't do the scenic route by myself?

Are the three particular roads I mentioned that dangerous or something? Obviously, I can't have a gun, but would still like to know if it's to use on humans or non-humans.

[Rick Lee]

Originally Posted by Stumblina

Obviously, I can't have a gun, .

Why not? I always brought one with me when I came here before I moved here. I check one with my luggage on every flight.

Perhaps no one has told you that the most scenic parts of AZ are not accessible by paved roads or street vehicles. That's why you see so many quads and dirt bikes around here. Offroading here is the best way to see the state, but it means you are totally cut off from any kind of help other than the goodwill of strangers. Stumble upon a meth lab or a mountain lion and you're on your own. I got that feeling when I was on my first offroad trip and came upon a BLM helo pad in the middle of nowhere. That's how they come get you if you can contact them. I was at the general store in Crown King once and every single person I saw there was open carrying. I felt like a wuss keeping mine concealed, but had just moved there then. When I last rode in Sonoran Nat. Monument, I did 75 miles in dirt and did not see a single other person. When I came upon a trailhead, there was a guestbook there and the last entry was two weeks prior. Did I mention you're on your own out there? When I rode to the Coke Ovens, a friend broke the shifter off his bike when we still a good 10 miles from pavement and it was getting dark. Man, that sucked. If you want to drive up and down 89A with the crowds through Sedona and Jerome, you'll be fine without a gun.