Best Route to Sedona

[Areone]

Does anyone know of a flatter route into Prescott (I'm coming in from Albuquerque) will be driving a 20' U-haul pulling a car tow-dolly. I noticed a lot of steep declines coming into Prescott and would like to avoid this. Thanks for advice on this much appreciated.

[rational1]

Under no circumstances go through Jerome. You can go down I17 to 69 and then north-west. I have been that way and don't recall any annoyances other than traffic lights, but then I don't drive a truck. Looks like 89 goes south from Ash Fork but I haven't been that way.

It IS the mountains so there are gonna be hills and there are no direct routes.

Reminds the of the farmer stories that end with the punch line "you can't get there from here."

[curly5759]

I think Ashfork to Prescott would be your best bet. I don't recall any steep inclines/declines at all. Probably easier than I-17. On I-17 you will drop out of Flagstaff into the Verde Valley, and then have to climb back out again. If you do go on I-17, I'd take the 169 cutoff (cherry road) into Prescott. Less backtracking on that route and still ok for what you are driving.

Curly

[adventuregurl]

Originally Posted by Stumblina

I'll be staying at The Boulders in Carefree and driving up to Sedona for a couple of days. I know I take 17 north, but off of 17, which route is better - 279/260 to 89 or 179 to 89? Which is more scenic? Which is less scary? Or are they both about the same? I do have a slight fear of driving off cliffs!

Stumbilina,

I live in Sedona and if it was me driving up to sedona I would come to 179, no questions asked! I don't think there's too much construction at all (I just drove it a few minute ago). It is much more scenic and 10 minutes faster even to West Sedona than 260 is, even though logically you'd think the opposite.

Avoid Prescott to Jerome at any cost, that scares the **** out of me. I always see people passing illegally on blind curves and there is literally no where to go if you come around a bend and are heading for another car so there are lots of accidents.

Good luck!

PS I believe red rock passes are now only required for trailheads that have rest rooms (I hike almost daily here).

[Areone]

Thank you all for replying on the flatter route into Prescott and I will check out all the routes mentioned to find which is the flatter smoother way into Prescott.

[Areone]

I looked on map quest and think that going to Ash fork would cut out all the inclines/declines thank you and to everyone who replied to my question this helps me out so much!

[FlagMike]

Originally Posted by Areone

Does anyone know of a flatter route into Prescott (I'm coming in from Albuquerque) will be driving a 20' U-haul pulling a car tow-dolly. I noticed a lot of steep declines coming into Prescott and would like to avoid this. Thanks for advice on this much appreciated.

Go by way of Ash Fork. You will still have a grade from Williams to Ash Fork, but grades are unavoidable on your route to Prescott. Take I-40 past Flagstaff, Williams and finally when you get to Ash Fork you will head south on Highway 89. (don't confuse any of the "other" Highway 89s in Arizona as you will see quite a few) From then on there are just some rolling hills until you reach Prescott.

You can rely on this info as I am a truck driver, when you get to the top of the grade going into Ash Fork, there is a pull-off to check your truck and carrier. Take a break, then when you start heading down, you can drop the transmission into a lower gear and "stab" your brakes at intervals rather than "ride" on them. Keep in the right lane and all will be fine! Just keep in mind that it only takes less than ten minutes to get down the grade and you are done!

Don't let anyone talk you into taking I-17 south out of Flag. If it is grades that you want to avoid, there are dozens upon dozens of miles of them on that route.

Have a fun and safe trip!