Grand Canyon

[xplorer33]

Good morning to all! I have a question...I am currently in Phoenix and will leave here on June 1st for the Grand Canyon. I see that the elevation is around 5000 feet, does anyone know the steepest climb in this journey? and does anyone know of a site that lists state highway elevations? thanks

[DonDee]

The south rim is 7000 ft. Interstates have a max of 6 percent grade.

[JJH3rd]

try a search to topographic maps of Arizona - then wade through the options.

[Bubwheat]

...but if you plan to travel to the North Rim, or on to Page, be aware that AZ89 is closed due to a landslide along a 23-mile-long stretch of the highway (at mileposts 523-546) between the US 89A junction near Bitter Springs to the State Route 98 junction near Page. You can get around it, but it's a rather long detour.

US 89 - Arizona

[Hooligan]

I have 15 to 20 year old printed versions, also available as a download. Good information: Mountain Driving Guide for Truckers, RV and Motorhome Drivers

[RanCarr]

Originally Posted by xplorer33

Good morning to all! I have a question...I am currently in Phoenix and will leave here on June 1st for the Grand Canyon. I see that the elevation is around 5000 feet, does anyone know the steepest climb in this journey? and does anyone know of a site that lists state highway elevations? thanks

I remember going there in the 1970s and remember a few really steep highways. Make sure you have excellent brakes and know how to go downhill without burning your brakes out and looking for a runaway ramp. But you would know that already.

We would love to know the least steep grade we could take over the mountains, coming from the East.

We plan to go there within 2 years on a cross-country trip in an old Class-C and four cats.

[hamguy]

Originally Posted by xplorer33

Good morning to all! I have a question...I am currently in Phoenix and will leave here on June 1st for the Grand Canyon. I see that the elevation is around 5000 feet, does anyone know the steepest climb in this journey? and does anyone know of a site that lists state highway elevations? thanks

It sounds as though you are hinky about the hills. Just remember, this route is travelled by thousands of people every day. Just don't worry. Follow the crowds.

We have been there over a dozen times over 50 years, the most recent 2 years ago. The steepest grade is between Phoenix and Flagstaff (Verde Valley). The drive between Flag and the Canyon (South Rim) is hilly but no steep pulls. The North Rim is another matter. I haven't been there in years but I don't recall any white knuckle or painful grades.

And I don't know of any elevations but they vary all over the place.

Go and have fun!




ary all over the place.

[hamguy]

Originally Posted by RanCarr

I remember going there in the 1970s and remember a few really steep highways. Make sure you have excellent brakes and know how to go downhill without burning your brakes out and looking for a runaway ramp. But you would know that already.

We would love to know the least steep grade we could take over the mountains, coming from the East.

We plan to go there within 2 years on a cross-country trip in an old Class-C and four cats.

Take I40 to Flag. Then either Flag North on AZ 180 to Hwy 64, or West on I40 to 64.Both are easy and quite pretty.

BTW, I should point out that I get air sick on my tippy toes and have NO problems on either route.

[danes-on-tour]

Here you have some elevations in this area:

• The elevation of Yuma, AZ is 163 feet, measured at the airport.
• The elevation of Lake Havasu City, AZ is 578 feet, measured at the Chamber of Commerce.
• The elevation of Bullhead City, AZ is 590 feet, measured at the City Manager Office.
• The elevation of Tucson , AZ is 2,589 feet, measured at the airport.
• The elevation of Camp Verde, AZ is 3,156 feet, measured at the Town Hall.
• The elevation of Cottonwood, AZ is 3,356 feet, measured at the Municipal Court.
• The elevation of Kingman, AZ is 3,369 feet, measured at the City Building.
• The elevation of Nogalas, AZ is 3,850 feet, measured at City Hall.
• The elevation of Douglas, AZ is 3,968 feet, measured at the City Manager Office.
• The elevation of Sedona, AZ is 4,423 feet, measured at the City Manager Office.
• The elevation of Sierra Vista, AZ is 4,513 feet, measured at the airport.
• The elevation of Payson, AZ is 4,741 feet, measured at the airport.
• The elevation of Prescott, AZ is 5,034 feet, measured at the airport.
• The elevation of Show Low, AZ is 6,367 feet, measured at the airport.
• The elevation of Flagstaff, AZ is 6,903 feet, measured at the City Hall.

In general, from Phoenix to Flagstaff it is mainly up hill all the way. As I recall, I can't remember seeing inclines more that 6%, but I am not 100% certain.

Grand Canyon south rim is 7,500 feet according to our log book.

Safe travel.

[beaverfever]

if you go to google map and get directions then right click on the blue line it will give you elevation profile for whole route

[greezykid]

Originally Posted by xplorer33

Good morning to all! I have a question...I am currently in Phoenix and will leave here on June 1st for the Grand Canyon. I see that the elevation is around 5000 feet, does anyone know the steepest climb in this journey? and does anyone know of a site that lists state highway elevations? thanks

I can guarantee you that if you take that walk down the trail towards the river,comeing back will be the steepest climb in your journey.That's the voice of experience.

[H. Miller]

Originally Posted by beaverfever

if you go to google map and get directions then right click on the blue line it will give you elevation profile for whole route

Or go to Google Earth and note the elevation anywhere you place the mouse...

[capecodbob]

Mountain Driving Guide for Truckers, RV and Motorhome Drivers

[wimberleyman]

I was in Black Canyon City just north of Phoenix in February. We took the toad rather the DP up to the south rim and Grand Canyon Village. There are several steep but not scary inclines on I-17 as you leave BCC and head into the Bradshaw Mountains but the RV's and trucks I saw were doing fine, just staying in the outside lane and taking it slow. The descent down to the Verde Valley is at least an 8% grade and several miles long. Again just take it slow and use the engine brake ( assuming you have one) when needed. Once you get to Flagstaff and head west there are no mountain grades that I remember. I would recommend this route and you should do fine.

WM