US60 vs I17 out of Phoenix to Albuquerque

[Cooperhawk]

Would like to take US60 but don't know about the hills or services.

[Cooperhawk]

Anybody driven this route? Anybody?

[52motorscoot]

I would not take 60 out phz there is a lot of hills and long down grades take 89 thur payson just hills I pulled 45ft trailer thur

[GoneToTheDog]

Much easier to take Route 87 to Payson, then 260 to Heber/Overgaard, and 377 north to Holbrook where you pick up I40 east to Albuquerque. Good roads all the way for the most part. We just did it in October, going both directions. No problem at all.

[going_postal]

I usually go through Payson, but have pulled my 5th wheel through the Salt River Canyon, not a big deal, just not scenic. Wife and I did travel highway 60 last summer leaving the valley and went by way of Payson, then 60 east to I25, good road and you pass through Pie Town.

[Cooperhawk]

Thanks, I appreciate the advice.

[Waiter21]

We came the other way (westbound) from Santa Rosa NM to Phoenix, via US60 in June. Mirada with a toad.

There is a steep climb between Globe and Show Low. Not a problem, just take it slow.

Between Show Low and Socorro (I-25), its desolate. We spent the night in Pie Town RV Park. We sat outside for a couple hours and I don't think we seen 10 cars drive by on US60.

Check the weather to make sure the road is clear, no snow. We will take this route again.

[hypoxia]

The 60 is very scenic in some sections , the Salt River Canyon is excellent although it is a long crawl in & out. Pie Town is a favorite stop overnight. Some times we go to Socorro but if you don't want pie, at Quemado, NM take 36 north to 117 which meets I40 east of Grants, NM. It has some scenic areas and is a nice change.

[twogypsies]

We enjoy either way and you'll have a climb whether by 60 or 87 to Payson. Is it you or your motorhome you're concerned about with hills? Both routes are driven all the time by RVers as they head to the cool country in summer. From Payson head east to Heber and pick up 377 to Holbrook. Or...at 377/180 make a little jog on 180 for a few miles and drive through Petrified Forest Nat'l Park if you've never been there. It will take you to I-40 east.

[ronjhall]

Have taken all the suggested routes. Top off your tank in Globe. Then you should not have a problem with fuel rest of trip which ever one you choose. They all have open areas where you may not see other vehicles for miles. I like US60 because of the views of Salt River Canyon.

[Cooperhawk]

Thanks to all who responded. We took Route 87 to Payson, then 260 to Heber/Overgaard, and 377 north to Holbrook. A few grades but all in all it was a great route. Stopped in Payson for lunch.

Very scenic.

Beats the heck out of I17