NC to AZ trip questions

[Shadowrip]

"Another option rather than Carlsbad is Kartchner Caverns State Park in Benson, AZ about 10 min. south of I-10 on Hwy 90. "

Drove right through Benson and did not know about Kartchner! Ill have to stop when we go back to Phoenix again next June.

[rfg9585]

Two questions for anyone with experience on these items:

1. Is coming down to Sedona a more scenic\bang for the buck drive than getting off at Holbrook and heading down that way? I noticed on google last night there were a lot more pics posted of the Sedona route and it seems to show more scenery.
   
2. Is the route down 89a really that bad. I street viewed it last night(at the switchbacks) and it seemed no more difficult than 441 going thru the Smokies(which I just did with toad).

Thoughts??

[twogypsies]

From the "Mountain Directory for Truckers & RVers": 89A from Flagstaff.. at MM390.5 there is a sign for southbounders--7% grade next 3 miles." There are many curves including several 15 mph hairpin turns. The road is also very narrow. After the 3 miles of 7% the grade is variable and rolling but continues to descent gradually for about 11 miles with 5 & 6% grades.

[bigchick]

twogypsies has already given tons of useful information (as ususal)! if you are going to sedona i'd take I-17 to sedona and then use the toad to experience 89a through oak creek canyon. as i mentioned earlier coming south from flagstaff, winslow, or holbrook down to phoenix you will have to loose about a mile in elevation. there are going to be downgrades on any route. 89a is narrow and most of it is in the bottom of oak creek canyon so it is a bit twisty. the holbrook, heber, payson, phoenix route is wider roads with no obstructions on either side of the road. semis take this route all the time as it is the shortest route from phoenix to i-40 east. on 89a you are in a canyon looking up. on the other route you are on the top looking out at vistas.

[rfg9585]

Thanks Y'all!! Lot of good info here! Guess I'll decide again when I get there, but sounds like its a scary idea to hit 89a, but then again that sounds like me too......

[twogypsies]

Keep in mind that if you take 89A you will be mostly driving with forest around you. If there are peek-a-boo views you'll be too busy to enjoy them. There is one large pull-off for viewing and the Native Americans will be selling their wares.

[Robert T]

Since you will be on I-40 stop and spend a half-day or all day at Inscription Rock at
El Morro NP a 30-minute detour off I-40.


https://www.google.com/search?ei=GYN...4dUDCAs&uact=5

[Nanci]

White Tank Mountain Regional Park is a county campground near Surprise AZ and a great place to camp. Still want to reserve if possible. Some no hookup overflow is available when campground full. It is an easy drive to the stadium. Although be aware everything requires a LOT of driving in Phoenix.

[btgilles]

Both options 1 and 2 are going to be some steep grades up and down hill. I took option 1 on my way home from NC back in April since I was running out of time and shaved 100 miles off the trip.
Both options are going to take you through stark desert from Albuquerque to Heber (option 1) or Albuquerque to just east of Flagstaff. If you go Flagstaff, you could take AZ89 to Sedona down through Oak Creek Canyon. Very slow, steep, curvy drive downhill til you get to Oak Creek but incredibly scenic.
As mentioned above, White Tanks Park is nice. If you can get a spot reserved, I'd recommend Lake Pleasant and drive the Jeep to/from the Stadium in Glendale. If you can spare 2-4 days, there's lots to do and see between Lake Pleasant and the Stadium.
Here's some photos from my stay at Lake Pleasant: https://rvcheaper.com/2013/12/20/roa...e-pleasant-az/

[Grandpa5x]

Don’t take I10 for the return trip thru LA, it’ll jar the fillings out of your teeth. We came back from the Corpus Christi area via I10 and vibrated the awning loose causing it to break loose from the motorhome plus the wind was blowing at 30 mph out of the south. I drove that road many times as a truck driver and hated every mile, guess I forgot how rough it was.

[Mike_Cathi]

If you want your DW to enjoy it - don't stop at Cabelas. You need to stay at a nice park, so she can take a shower in the rig and not worry about tank conditions and use a hair drier, make coffee and toast in the AM without running a generator and breaking yucky air. Yes, we do boondock/dry camp at times, but not in a parking lot. We have been full timing for 4+ years and I (DW) do enoy the the life. In your drive across country, 9 days is quick in my book. NM has a USA RV resort on the east and west side. They have nice accomodations.

[jjnickeson]

If you like casinos get a Casino Camping book, about $15 at Books a Million or online. There are about 20 or more casinos along I-40 in Oklahoma. They all give you money for getting their Players Card, $5 to $25, most have inexpensive food, and some have FREE RV hookups. At exit 200
Go south 1/2 mile and Catfish Roundup will be on your left. Plenty of parking, an RV park next door for $20 a night and Seminole Casino across the road. Along with the catfish, or Chicken Fried Steak or liver and onions, you get apple fritters that are amazing and homemade yeast dinner rolls.
See you there

[Retired FF]

Pick someplace along I-40 Petrified Forest or an AZ state park south (research plenty of options just not apparent) PARK the RV take your wife in towed 161 to I-10 on a beautiful FULL day (10,000 ft elevations, high dry plains, alpine forest, giant copper mine, drop back to arid high plains). Road is RESTRICTED by length, my 26 ft w/ towed was challenge. Long bypass but I guarantee your wife will be sold forever on RV life!

[Trvl1]

Originally Posted by Peto

Your option 1 is a much prettier drive and less traffic as well. It's a little twisty coming off the rim but people drive it in large MH's all the time.

I agree with Option 1. I drive it the opposite direction leaving the desert in the spring.

But I will say it probably depends on where in Phoenix you are staying. I17 could put you in a better location.