Driving to Apache Junction
We are driving down from Canada in late October and are wondering about road grades on the way. The route through Payson has some 6-7% grades, but what about going south through Las Cruces and Tucson?...
Forum Discussion
You didn't say what kind of RV/vehicle you'll be driving but here are some suggestions:
If you come in October then I-40 is no problem and I would take from Albuquerque I-40 west to 77 south at Holbrook to 60 at Show Low to Globe and on to Apache Junction. It's a beautiful drive. However, once beyond Show Low you'll have Salt River Canyon which will be a down and an up at 6-7%. It's an excellent highway and many RVers and semi trucks drive it but you'd have to judge your confidence level and your vehicle's capabilities. It's not a long stretch. Then there's another part between Globe and Superior into Apache Jct. where you'll have a downhill. Again, if you're confident and you have good braking on the RV, it's very doable.
If you decide to take I-10 through Tucson and up to the Phoenix area you'll have a LOT of traffic but it's flat. From I-10 get off at Exit 162 (the 202 expressway). Take the 202 east to Hwy 60, depending where you want to end up at. The 202 is a lot better traffic-wise than continuing on I-10 into Phoenix and then picking up Hwy 60.
Have a great trip!
If you want to take I-40 west to Winslow and pick up 87 taking you through Payson you'll have the same grades so it's really a toss up. Again, many RVers drive it. We've driven both many times and they are no big deal to us but then we like mountains. :)
If you come in October then I-40 is no problem and I would take from Albuquerque I-40 west to 77 south at Holbrook to 60 at Show Low to Globe and on to Apache Junction. It's a beautiful drive. However, once beyond Show Low you'll have Salt River Canyon which will be a down and an up at 6-7%. It's an excellent highway and many RVers and semi trucks drive it but you'd have to judge your confidence level and your vehicle's capabilities. It's not a long stretch. Then there's another part between Globe and Superior into Apache Jct. where you'll have a downhill. Again, if you're confident and you have good braking on the RV, it's very doable.
If you decide to take I-10 through Tucson and up to the Phoenix area you'll have a LOT of traffic but it's flat. From I-10 get off at Exit 162 (the 202 expressway). Take the 202 east to Hwy 60, depending where you want to end up at. The 202 is a lot better traffic-wise than continuing on I-10 into Phoenix and then picking up Hwy 60.
Have a great trip!
If you want to take I-40 west to Winslow and pick up 87 taking you through Payson you'll have the same grades so it's really a toss up. Again, many RVers drive it. We've driven both many times and they are no big deal to us but then we like mountains. :)
