How to avoid driving thru Phoenix, AZ?

snicky wrote:
From Tucson to Camp Verde, AZ-what is the best way to avoid going thru Phoenix via I-10 and I-17. The last time we took that route the traffic in Phoenix was horrible. We're considering taking Hwy 79 North of Tucson to Gold Canyon, AZ (stay a few nights), and depart on Hwy 87 thru the Tonto Nat. Forest, and pick up Hwy 260 to Camp Verde. How's Hwy 87 thru the Tonto Nat. Forest? We're driving a 36' Class A towing 4 down.

Go to globe then up to showlow and west to Payson than north than take rd to Camp Verde. It is maybe a extra 400 miles but you might see a deer.

Thanks so much for the very helpful suggestions. I like the Hwy 87 idea thru the mountains but we will see once we get there. Also thanks for the tip on not to double post. I had thought I had deleted the 1st post.

One of your posts will most likely be closed. You should only post in one section and you did the same post in Class A. I'll repeat what I posted in the other forum in case it's closed.

Arizona is not all flat desert!!

We've tried all different ways. Our two favorites are:

Out of Tucson take 79 to Florence then 60 into Apache Junction (spend a night at Lost Dutchman State Park, if you can... a beauty)

From 60 get on the 202 (Red Mountain Hwy) to 101 north. (Don't stay on 60 farther east.. that's where the traffic is). On 101 you'll connect to I-17 north well beyond the major 'city' traffic but you'll still have traffic. If you've driven I-17 previously to Camp Verde you know that you will have some major climbs and descents at Black Canyon City and down to Camp Verde. These are 6% grades.

2. Once you're on the 202 in Phoenix get on 87 north taking you to Payson. You'll have a long uphill to Payson 6-7% and much is with 4 lanes. There's no rush just stay in the right lane. This is a very popular route for RVers in summer to escape the heat so many drive it. At Payson 87/260 continue on to Strawberry and you'll have some short hills - hardly noticeable after your first climb. You're now on the Mogollon Rim as it's called. Now you have to get off the 'Rim' and down to Camp Verde. You'll take 260 west to do this you'll have a long downhill of 9 miles at 6%. It's a good highway with wide-open views - beautiful.

It all depends on how you enjoy mountain driving or city traffic. We like the mountain driving and never mind going out of our way to do so. We like scenery. Have a good trip!

87 to 260 is a nice scenic route. From Gold Canyon you could also just take 60 to 202 to 101 to I-17, or 60 to 101 to I-17. No reason to go through central Phoenix. Agree you should go mid-day to avoid traffic anywhere in the greater Phoenix area.

If you have time there are various routes you can choose from including the one you indicated, otherwise I wouldn't hesitate to take I-10 and I-17 between 11am and 2pm. Also taking I-10 to superstition highway 60 and taking 101 north totally avoids going into the main part of PHX altogether, it is a route we often take. Even when we are traveling through Cali we avoid most traffic issues using the time frame above.

I-10 to I-8 to 85 @Gila Bend to I-10 to 303 to I-17 to Camp Verde.

Another choice might be going thru Phoenix late at night or REAL EARLY in the morning.

We try and avoid the Phoenix metro also if possible.