How to avoid driving thru Phoenix, AZ?
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 ...
Forum Discussion
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!
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!
