Quickest route from Goodyear to Albuquerque (Phoenix, Flagstaff: construction, camp, versus)

[stevek64]

Google maps says Goodyear via rt87/260/277/377 to Holbrook to connect to I40. While that's the shortest route by about a half hour time/mileage wise vs taking 303/I17/I40, does anyone know how slow the rt87/260/277/377 route is in regards to passing through small towns, slower speed limits, slower traffic that's hard to pass, etc? I've often found taking the longer mileage route on a 75mph road is quicker in the end but not sure in this case. I've been up to Payson but never went beyond that.

[JGMotorsport64]

Originally Posted by stevek64

Google maps says Goodyear via rt87/260/277/377 to Holbrook to connect to I40. While that's the shortest route by about a half hour time/mileage wise vs taking 303/I17/I40, does anyone know how slow the rt87/260/277/377 route is in regards to passing through small towns, slower speed limits, slower traffic that's hard to pass, etc? I've often found taking the longer mileage route on a 75mph road is quicker in the end but not sure in this case. I've been up to Payson but never went beyond that.

I actually just took that route a few weeks ago. It's not bad at all. Payson is the speed trap, they set up speed cameras on downhill slopes. Most speed limits are 55-65 and Holbrook was kind of neat to drive through. It took us 45 min shorter than it typically does going the 17 to 40 route (from Central Phoenix).

On your way back a really pretty drive is to go through Datil Springerville Showlow and then down through Globe or Payson.

Or if you're feeling adventurous if you go through down 1-25 to Soccorro and then the 60 to the Gila Mational Forest you'll encounter the VLBA--> Very Large Array



I'm sure that's more than you asked for.

[new2colo]

Originally Posted by stevek64

Google maps says Goodyear via rt87/260/277/377 to Holbrook to connect to I40. While that's the shortest route by about a half hour time/mileage wise vs taking 303/I17/I40, does anyone know how slow the rt87/260/277/377 route is in regards to passing through small towns, slower speed limits, slower traffic that's hard to pass, etc? I've often found taking the longer mileage route on a 75mph road is quicker in the end but not sure in this case. I've been up to Payson but never went beyond that.

The speed limit is mostly 55-65 the entire way. There are speed cameras in Star Valley that you should watch out for. The only real towns that you'll pass through are Payson, Star Valley, Heber, and Holbrook. The limit drops in all these towns, but there is more than one lane to pass if someone is going obnoxiously slow. Hwy 87 is two lanes in each direction all the way to Payson, 260 is two lanes each way except for a small section just outside of Star Valley and some sections once you reach the top of the rim. There are numerous passing lanes and passing zones on 260. 277 and 377 are one lane in each direction. You'll be on 277 a pretty short time. 377 has numerous passing zones. 377 does not have shoulders, so watch out for that. Even with the lower speed limits, it is worth taking this shortcut versus sticking to the freeway. The scenery, especially between Fountain Hills and Heber, is very nice.

[Ponderosa]

No, no no. Done it more times than I can count. Take 17 to 260 (General Crook Trail) to SR 87 to Winslow. It's a little faster than the freeway but not all that much considering the distance savings. There are many places to pass going up the hill on 87 from Camp Verde. 303/17 vs 101/17 matters by time of day. 101 is faster outside of rush hour because of the construction on 303. At midday, you can wait 15-20 minutes at the light at 303 and Grand Ave (effing mess!)

[stevek64]

Thanks everyone for the details/great info.

JG....appreciate the side diversion info. We've explored quite a bit of AZ but not so much the area you mentioned. Didn't realize there was a VLBA there....would be cool to check out.

New2colo....thanks for all the details on the roads, traps, etc. Agree on the nice scenery from Fountain hills on up to about Payson. That's as far up as we've traveled in that part of the state.

Ponderosa....interesting on the 17/260/87 to Winslow option. Looks like this route passes through a more rural area vs the 87/260/277/377 with really no towns along the way which I would guess would mean less or no speed drops.

The time difference between all 3 routes is down to 5 minutes or so though the 87/260/277/377 is about 30 miles less than 17/260/87.

One thing that just crossed my mind in regards to traffic.....if I take the 87/260/277/377 route from Goodyear, I have to travel on I-10E and 202E to get to 87, that seems like bad timing to take such a route with rush hour traffic but please correct me if I'm wrong. If that's the case, seems 303/17/40 or 303/17/260/87/40 is the better choice to not get bogged down in it.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by stevek64

Thanks everyone for the details/great info.

JG....appreciate the side diversion info. We've explored quite a bit of AZ but not so much the area you mentioned. Didn't realize there was a VLBA there....would be cool to check out.

New2colo....thanks for all the details on the roads, traps, etc. Agree on the nice scenery from Fountain hills on up to about Payson. That's as far up as we've traveled in that part of the state.

Ponderosa....interesting on the 17/260/87 to Winslow option. Looks like this route passes through a more rural area vs the 87/260/277/377 with really no towns along the way which I would guess would mean less or no speed drops.

The time difference between all 3 routes is down to 5 minutes or so though the 87/260/277/377 is about 30 miles less than 17/260/87.

One thing that just crossed my mind in regards to traffic.....if I take the 87/260/277/377 route from Goodyear, I have to travel on I-10E and 202E to get to 87, that seems like bad timing to take such a route with rush hour traffic but please correct me if I'm wrong. If that's the case, seems 303/17/40 or 303/17/260/87/40 is the better choice to not get bogged down in it.

I10E will be a slow-moving parking lot until 9am on a workday. Even after that, it is nerve jarring travel with all the trucks and lane jumpers and aggressive a-holes. If you want the most relaxed route its 303/17/40. 80+ mph pretty much all the way.

[stevek64]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

I10E will be a slow-moving parking lot until 9am on a workday. Even after that, it is nerve jarring travel with all the trucks and lane jumpers and aggressive a-holes. If you want the most relaxed route its 303/17/40. 80+ mph pretty much all the way.

You confirmed my hunch, thanks. Though good to have the other route info when we are traveling out that way beyond rush hour.

Thanks again everyone.

[wit-nit]

We take 101 to 17 No. to I-40 Flagstaff, potty break, top off gas, snack then I-40 E. onward to Albuquerque. @ 6 hours total. Good roads, freeway all the way, no slowdowns, construction hang ups, and quick emergency availability if necessary.

[pbenjamin]

I prefer the rt87/260/277/377 to Holbrook route just because of the variety, having pretty much memorized I-17 to Flagstaff.

[Finger Laker]

I've always found 17 to 40 to be the fastest, although most boring