Driving to Apache Junction

[Dogdad58]

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? We have driven the Black Hills and Custer State Park in SD with no problems.

Any thoughts?

Thanks so much,
Grant and Carol

[Dogdad58]

Thanks to everyone for the help! Really makes a difference with "local knowledge".

Safe travels to all,

Grant and Carol

[TyroneandGladys]

Made that drive to ABQ and beyond many times. IMHO the best route hands down is South of Holbrook on AZ-77 to AZ-377 to AZ-277 to AZ-260 to AZ-87 to AZ-202. Sounds more complicated than it is. click for map
If you need a overnight stop Dancing Eagle Casino RV Park west of ABQ is only $10.00 with hookups.

[2gypsies1]

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. 🙂

[Dogdad58]

We are taking interstates from Winnipeg through Oklahoma City to Albuquerque. That is when we have the choice of the north or south route.

And thanks to everyone for the help so far!

Grant and Carol

[TyroneandGladys]

Help us out here what route are you taking to AZ from Canada?

[rfryer]

I don’t know what your rig is but I assume it’s a big one since you’re asking about routes. You have a few options, Payson being one. The Tucson route is the tamest but it will add roughly 250 miles to the trip. You could also come down I-17 to 101 and 60 and go east into Apache Jct. Or you could come down from Holbrook through Globe and straight into AJ. That route, though, crosses Salt River Canyon, about 10 miles of switchbacks and drop-offs. Entirely doable but some people don’t like that sort of geography.

Crabbin cabin’s route works, too, it just adds mileage like the Tucson route. The stretch from Globe to Superior is a lot of two- lane and a bit tighter than the other roads and there’s a tunnel and grades and curves. But less so than the northern routes. The only thing I would add is both the Payson and I-17 routes can be a PITA on Sunday afternoon/ evenings with people coming back to Phoenix from the high country.

[crabbin_cabin]

You certainly can go south on I 25 but at Hatch take the cut-off to Deming. Then west to Lordsburg and take 70 to Globe, then 60 down to A.J.
That is longer than thru' Payson, but does miss most of the long grades.

[midnightsadie]

how about thru globe AZ , I,ve driven from tempe to globe and have no problems.