Anyone know the flattest route from Phoenix to Edwards Colorado? (rent, maintenance)

[terishep]

Has anyone had to pull a trailer from Phoenix to Edwards Colorado? My daughter and I are not looking forward to hauling a heavy trailer up and down the mountains, so just looking for the best way, which would be the "flattest terrain" way possible. Even if we have to go the "long" way to get there. Trying to avoid the truck overheating and another trip with white knuckles. Any suggestions?

[locolobo13]

Edwards Co is at almost 10,000ft elevation. I don't know the answer to your question but somewhere you will have to climb that hill. I would look at the recommendations on MapQuest or Google Maps and take what looks to you like the best route. Just looking at the terrain, you can add hundreds or even thousands of miles without gaining easier access.

[Ponderosa]

It's basin and range country. There's no way out of the basin (Phoenix) that does not involve going up and down a couple thousand feet (or more).

[43north87west]

Originally Posted by terishep

Has anyone had to pull a trailer from Phoenix to Edwards Colorado? My daughter and I are not looking forward to hauling a heavy trailer up and down the mountains, so just looking for the best way, which would be the "flattest terrain" way possible. Even if we have to go the "long" way to get there. Trying to avoid the truck overheating and another trip with white knuckles. Any suggestions?

"Flattest terrain"? What's the punchline?

[observer53]

You can be relatively flat up to a point by going WAY out of your way, but as others have said, you are eventually going to have to make that climb to 10,000, and it may just be a steeper, more problematic climb from those lower places.

[ScottsdaleMark]

I have driven the I-70 through there and I can't think of any other way that would be better for you than just going the normal/shortest ways. There's not really any "easy" way to get there in terms of elevation. I think your best bet may just be the normal/shortest way.

[KurtAZ]

Extra large radiator on the truck and take it slow and easy.

[terishep]

Thanks for all of your responses! Probably wont be doing this.

[elcajones]

Just take it slow and roll with the big rigs. Likely, you won't have a choice but to go slow. Every once in a while I have to haul a trailer to do a job in Northern AZ. Going 15 MPH on inclines with your pedal on the floor are not fun.. My poor F150.

[adriver]

Are you familiar with towing?? How far and where have you all ready towed with your vehicle, if so what was the weight of what you towed and how did it do? What is your vehicle you will be using, (model, engine, transmission,)? Whats the tow rating on your truck, and the weight of the trailer (+ cargo)? How many miles on your vehicle, do you do your own maintenance, is it up to date?

As most said, a quick search shows Edwards CO, as 7,221 feet. about a 6k foot climb, but that's all mountains so you will probably climb twice that and drop in between. You will climb higher than that just going form phoenix, to flagstaff.

A quick elevation map looks like if you really wanted to avoid the climb your best chance is to go through Deming, then head north, (this is half way east through new mexico,) then heading north/north east and going into Edwards from the east and through Denver. Your straight shot is a little over 11 hrs the short way, but going through to Deming, NM then up north is between 15-18hrs depending on where you go from their. I have never taken that drive up north of Deming, so I can't tell you how bad it is, but if its the continuous mountains that are going to be a problem, it may be worth going the long way, and getting it to or as close to Denver as possible. You could always rent a bigger truck to do a local run once you are close enough.