Flagstaff to Phoenix on I-17

[GKU]

How is the drive on I-17. We are going from Flagstaff to Sedona taking 179 off I-17, then on to Camp Verde area before going to Phoenix.

Being from FL I don't have much mountain driving experience, biggest "mountain" we have is an overpass!!

I'm driving a 38ft Tiffin RED towing a Jeep Wrangler.

Looks like the I-17 has some long grades up and down??

[JohnG3]

Check this route out on Google Earth. Go to the Cornville Rd. (road 119)its one exit past the 179 exit, then take Cornville Rd. to 89a at the north city limits of Cottonwood. Turn right on 89a to go to Sedona from the west. You'll avoid all the roundys.

[Thom02099]

GKU wrote:
This is some great information..no I will not take 89A north of Sedona. Thanks for the info. This is going to be our first trip out West and I am a little concerned about mountain driving...change that a lot concerned. But form this post and others it seems you just take your time pay attention and enjoy it. That's what my DW says we will do.

AND another great example of why one should limit driving times/distances to ~400 miles max per day! Being "a lot concerned" will keep you alert and on your toes, so to speak, but don't let it intimidate you. You'll get into the nuances of mountain driving fairly quickly, I'm thinking, since you've got an open mind and listened to the suggestions of the prior posters. While it's less than 150 miles, you'll know you've done some driving when you get to The Valley Of The Sun!

Best of Luck to you on your trip!

[TyroneandGladys]

Just remember when on a grade downshift to hold your speed down.

[GKU]

This is some great information..no I will not take 89A north of Sedona. Thanks for the info. This is going to be our first trip out West and I am a little concerned about mountain driving...change that a lot concerned. But form this post and others it seems you just take your time pay attention and enjoy it. That's what my DW says we will do.

[Old-Biscuit]

Seeing as you are going to Sedona via 179 and then onto Camp Verde Area just use 89A from Sedona to Cottonwood then 260 to Camp Verde. That way you miss the downhill grade on I-17 (Flagsaff to Camp Verde).
89A and 260 are easy routes.

Then pick up I-17 from 260 in Camp Verde and on to Phoenix .

[RoyB]

Something that always got my attention was some of the mountain cuts might have high wind blowing over the Interstate. Look for those warning signs.... Hitting a 40-50MPH side wind blowing across the Interstate might make for some white knuckles.

I17 is well traveled road between Flagstaff and Phoenix... I would stick to the main roads around Sedona. Taking route 89A north of Sedona to connect back up to I17 might not be a good idea. Lots of curves and steep climbs. Also there is a road closure planned for 89A north which I don't remember the closure date. You will need to check that ouit if you plan on using 89A North of Sedona.

The Sedona RED ROCKS blows me away... Always enjoyed being there on my few trips up that way...

If you plan on staying in Flagstaff anywhere be sure to get away from the East West Railroad if you can. There will be a train coming and going every 5-10 minutes 24/7... It will keep you awake - don't know how I remember that hehe...

Also you will want to get a picture of you and your rig sitting by one the last US66 road signs around the Flagstaff area.

Roy ken

[harold1946]

There is an 11 mile downgrade starting just south of Munds Park, some of it is 6% dropping into the Verde Valley.
South of the Verde valley there is a hard climb of 6% for about 3 miles.
Beginning just south of the sunset point rest area there is another steep decent of 6% for about 5 miles to Black Canyon City. From there its smooth sailing into Phoenix.
Watch for the round-abouts in the Sedona area, there are several.

[Lauren]

Simple answer to your question. Yes, it does.

Followup answer is that you are on an interstate - there are no "scary" mountains driving spots as such. Just an interstate that goes up and down and bends some. Some are long so downshifting - up or down - may be in order.

We have done it a lot both ways.

BTW, we stay at Distant Drums right on the interstate at Camp Verde - and recommend it.

Certainly doable even for inexperienced mountain driver.