San Diego to ABQ

[Jake21]

Looking to cut the Flagstaff corner heading from 8 to 40. We will be passing through PHX on Sunday. Anyone driven this route? I am 40ft DP towing.

[TXTiger]

Why deal with all the traffic in Phoenix? Take I-15 N to I-40 W

[hamm2018]

Originally Posted by Jake21

Looking to cut the Flagstaff corner heading from 8 to 40. We will be passing through PHX on Sunday. Anyone driven this route? I am 40ft DP towing.
Attachment 323866

We have been sitting in Goodyear since December 15th, even on Sundays the traffic on I-10 is horrible. We can see the I-10 from our RV Park in Goodyear and I can't tell you how many times the traffic has been stopped.

[twogypsies]

Your route is good for a Sunday. Once you get to Scottsdale and heading to Payson it's very scenic and definitely OK with a 40' MH. We've done it often with our 40' from various points in AZ.

Once you get on 87 in Scottsdale you'll have a climb to Payson with some 4-lanes. Nothing your motorhome can't handle.

After Payson heading east on 260 you'll have some ups and downs but nothing major. It's two lanes. Pretty forest countryside.

Maybe plan to spend a night in Show Low or around there. Fool Hollow Lake State Park is nice.

Have a good trip!

[bigchick]

the route your show is the shortest route from phoenix to i-40 east. take az-87 north to payson. this entire route is 4 lane divided hwy in great condition. you will have a couple of ups and downs but nothing that you cant handle. there is a long downgrade just north of mt ord. just gear down. from payson take az-260 east to heber. this alternates between 4 lane divided and 2 lane hwy. there will be an upgrade just before you crest at forest lakes. realize that the phoenix area is about 1,300 feet in elevation. the crest at forest lakes is over 7,000 feet.

once at heber take az-277 to az-377 to az-77 to holbrook and i-40. this is all open level land and the roads are 2 lane.

this route is used by every type of rv and semis. one caution, especially on az-87 going north to payson. watch you speed as the highway patrol and tribal police are always on this road! they know where they can park behind a tree and you don't see them until it is too late. most of this is posted as 65 mph.

finally you will go through several different ecological zones. enjoy the always changing scenery!

[Jake21]

Originally Posted by TXTiger

Why deal with all the traffic in Phoenix? Take I-15 N to I-40 W

Cause i hate the 15. 8 is a much easier drive once I get down by El Centro. Also a bit quicker.

[Jake21]

Originally Posted by Jake21

Cause i hate the 15. 8 is a much easier drive once I get down by El Centro. Also a bit quicker.

I actually drove the car up the 15 to Riverside yesterday. The road conditions were much improved so I may go up the 15 to 40 as you suggested. Sunday morning should not be bad. Anyone know how bad 40 EB near Flagstaff is? I know the WB pavement used to be really bad with pot holes and rough surface.

TIA.

[hamm2018]

Originally Posted by Jake21

I actually drove the car up the 15 to Riverside yesterday. The road conditions were much improved so I may go up the 15 to 40 as you suggested. Sunday morning should not be bad. Anyone know how bad 40 EB near Flagstaff is? I know the WB pavement used to be really bad with pot holes and rough surface.

TIA.

Please let me know the condition of I 40 East. We will be leaving Verde Valley on May 3rd heading east then north to South Dakota. Thank You

[HavingABlast]

We too will be heading from SAN to ABQ (well actually north of ABQ) later this year Jake21. Interested in your impressions after you drive this. Seems like road conditions, no matter where you are, could be improved. Safe travels.

[Jake21]

I will definitely report back

[bigchick]

i-40 west of flagstaff was a terrible highway with huge potholes. last time we were on it there was some large repaving projects taking place. so i assume it is better now but i haven't been on it recently to confirm.