parker AZ to Cottonwood... best route for big rig?

Supercharged wrote:

KampingKris wrote:
Hoping for good weather in late feb. to visit Sedona/cottonwood area.
Any suggestions to get there from Parker AZ area? We'd like to avoid Phoenix if possible..

Just east of Wickenburg a cut off ( all so called Carefree Hwy to I 17 and then north.

Its more south than east but your right its the best way

Executive wrote:
You do not want to take the Yarnell Hill cutoff!!!

If Hwy 89 out of Congress and beyond Kirkland Jct. is called Yarnell Hill cutoff, agreed, you do not want to take it.

Instead, at 89/Kirkland Jct., turn left onto Kirkland/Iron Springs Rd and follow it through Skull Valley and it will avoid 'the big hill' and bring you to west Prescott. Then take 169 a short way to I-17 at Exit 278. Get off at Exit 287/Cottonwood. It's a beautiful, easy drive and have driven it often.

I agree with Supercharged...Wickenburg is worth a stop as is Lake Carl Pleasant...going the northern route bringing I-17 south is a 7% downgrade for many miles. Easier to take I-17 north. You won't have to worry about the weather either with the southern route. You do not want to take the Yarnell Hill cutoff!!!...Dennis

I have lived in Az. or 50 years, take my route.

With a big rig the best route from Parker is Hwy 72 through Bouse to Hwy 60. East on Hwy 60 to 71 to Congress. (From Wickenburg you could also stay on Hwy 60 into town and pick up Hwy 74 east to I-17 at Cave Creek, bypassing the greater Phoenix area.) Or...continuing from Congress, take Hwy 89 to Kirkland Jct. (no further on 89 because it gets steep and curvy), and pick up Skull Valley Rd which is west of Hwy 89. Skull Valley Rd. will take you into Prescott. From Prescott Hwy 89A into Clarkdale/Cottonwood is not for big rigs - narrow, steep, curves. Instead, take 169 over to I-17 and then exit at Camp Verde west to Cottonwood. It's a beautiful drive and good roads for big rigs. Have fun!

easiest but long is to I40 over to I17 south. Dont know about the little roads 72 to 60 to wickenburg then up to prescott but dont think a big rig is wise on 89A from prescott to cottonwood. 69 to 169 is ok if you want to go that way.

KampingKris wrote:
Hoping for good weather in late feb. to visit Sedona/cottonwood area.
Any suggestions to get there from Parker AZ area? We'd like to avoid Phoenix if possible..

Just east of Wickenburg a cut off ( all so called Carefree Hwy to I 17 and then north.

Have not used it, but I would try 101 up and around to I 17 on the north of the city. you'll have some lights, but not many.