Phoenix to Banff Route

Possibly, but maybe not. You should try and get to Waterton. Go west just north of Great Falls at Vaughn on 89. From Waterton, take the Kananaskis... truly the most beautiful piece of work. You pop out near Banff. Plan on spending 3-4 days between Waterton and Banff, you won't regret it.

Be aware that May in the Mountains may not be warm. I'd go in June--and take the "long route" to get to Banff via the Crowsnest pass.

Willow13.....We are Cdn snowbirders and go that route often. Works for us. Lots of parks on I-15. After Vegas try Beaver, UT, Sringville or North Salt Lake, UT. Pocatelo or Idaho Falls, ID, Dillon, Helena or Great Falls, MT. In Canada Milk River, or Lethbridge or Cochrane AB.

We take the 17 out of Phoenix to the 89 in Flag to the 15 in Utah. Going to Vegas adds 50 miles.

Thank you to everyone for sharing your thoughts and additional considerations - much appreciated!

The route you chose is good.

We were there one May and it's absolutely gorgeous with snow on the mountains. The roads were clear. Another trip from Alaska we came back through there in September and the mountains were without snow. Seeing the black wasn't as pretty as the white. :) Enjoy your trip!

Artum Snowbird wrote:
Possibly, but maybe not. You should try and get to Waterton. Go west just north of Great Falls at Vaughn on 89. From Waterton, take the Kananaskis... truly the most beautiful piece of work. You pop out near Banff. Plan on spending 3-4 days between Waterton and Banff, you won't regret it.

Are you saying...out of Waterton on 6 to 22 to Longview, then 40 to 1 ?

TxGearhead wrote:

Artum Snowbird wrote:
Possibly, but maybe not. You should try and get to Waterton. Go west just north of Great Falls at Vaughn on 89. From Waterton, take the Kananaskis... truly the most beautiful piece of work. You pop out near Banff. Plan on spending 3-4 days between Waterton and Banff, you won't regret it.

Are you saying...out of Waterton on 6 to 22 to Longview, then 40 to 1 ?

Not in May. The Highwood Pass on #40 between the Longview connection and Kananaskis Lakes does not open until June 14. Wildlife protection.
Once open great.

OK. But is that the route you posted and recommend??

We will be doing the same at about the same time. From Southern California up the 15 and cross at Sweet Grass. Have reservations at Tunnel Mt Trailer Court in Banff starting May 23. 4 Days there then up to Jasper 4 days and then on to Alaska. The only thing we have not decided on is how long to take after leaving home to get to Banff.