Preferred driving routes to Phoenix, Opinions needed on Arizona Highways Options

[philp]

OK, driving down from Salt Lake and pretty much want to stick with Interstate or multilane highways as much as possible. Will be spending Tuesday night in Vegas and hope to get an early enough start to miss most of the fun over the Hoover Dam.

Question is, which route(s) are better road wise from the Dam to Phoenix?

Google Maps wants to send me down 93 till I hit 74 and then I-17 the rest of the way. When I look at the Satellite pics, looks like 93 is mostly construction and hasn't been expanded to 4 lanes yet. Know these can be old so does anyone know if the construction on 93 is done?

I thought about staying on i-40 over to Flagstaff and then taking I-17 down all the way. Does add about an hour to the drive but would be more Interstate road.

Another option off of 93 would be to take 60 instead of I-17. But that looks like it may have a lot of stop lights along the way.

So, what do you guys think? Options? Opinions? Known construction areas to avoid?

[ralph4hand]

Phil,

My "Directions web page" of choice is www.MapQuest.com. In my past queries they have directed me to alternate routes. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smiley20.gif)

Have a SAFE TRIP and See you soon in Phoenix,

This post has been edited by ralph4hand: Jul 30 2010, 06:05 PM

[AZRhino]

OK, driving down from Salt Lake and pretty much want to stick with Interstate or multilane highways as much as possible. Will be spending Tuesday night in Vegas and hope to get an early enough start to miss most of the fun over the Hoover Dam.

Question is, which route(s) are better road wise from the Dam to Phoenix?

Google Maps wants to send me down 93 till I hit 74 and then I-17 the rest of the way. When I look at the Satellite pics, looks like 93 is mostly construction and hasn't been expanded to 4 lanes yet. Know these can be old so does anyone know if the construction on 93 is done?

I thought about staying on i-40 over to Flagstaff and then taking I-17 down all the way. Does add about an hour to the drive but would be more Interstate road.

Another option off of 93 would be to take 60 instead of I-17. But that looks like it may have a lot of stop lights along the way.

So, what do you guys think? Options? Opinions? Known construction areas to avoid?

It has been a while since I have driven on 93, but the only place is was not two lanes in both directions was from the turnoff on I-40 to Wikeup. Then it turns into 4 lanes all the way into Wikenburg. Also, I HIGHLY recommend taking Arizona 74 to I-17. Highway 60 will drive you insane until you get past Sun City, then it moves nicely.

Also, I HIGHLY recommend taking Highway 95 south at Boulder City and going through Searchlight and Laughlin over to Kingman. It is a little longer (distance wise) than the dam (damn?) road, but is faster because traffic routinely backs up from Hoover all the way to Boulder City.

Just one man's opinion.

Have a safe drive and we will see you in 5 short days!

[SteveCollins]

It has been a while since I have driven on 93, but the only place is was not two lanes in both directions was from the turnoff on I-40 to Wikeup. Then it turns into 4 lanes all the way into Wikenburg. Also, I HIGHLY recommend taking Arizona 74 to I-17. Highway 60 will drive you insane until you get past Sun City, then it moves nicely.

Also, I HIGHLY recommend taking Highway 95 south at Boulder City and going through Searchlight and Laughlin over to Kingman. It is a little longer (distance wise) than the dam (damn?) road, but is faster because traffic routinely backs up from Hoover all the way to Boulder City.

Just one man's opinion.

Have a safe drive and we will see you in 5 short days!

Second Mike's opinion about the diversion through Searchlight and to Laughlin. There's a mile or so in Laughlin that is two lane but other than that, you're multi-lane all the way into Kingman. Short distance on surface streets till you're back on freeway. Alternative from Kingman to Phoenix is to use I-40 to Flagstaff, then I-17 to Phoenix. Misses the amount through Wickiup to Wickenburg. __Most_ of that part is four-lane after you get past Wickiup. Either way is fairly open, not much restriction.

Steve

[philp]

Thanks guys, route adjusted accordingly.

This post has been edited by philp: Jul 31 2010, 10:58 AM

[ewahl]

Sunday-Monday-Tuesday: The wearther forecast is to be driving through 100+ degree heat all three days. Depart Chicago; south on I-57; south on I-55; west on I-40 (Memphis to Flagstaff); south on I-17; arrive Phoenix (actually Sun City West to stay with friends).

Leaving in less than 24 hours.

Ed

[philp]

Have a safe trip Ed. Hope to see you there.

[RevZoom]

Sunday-Monday-Tuesday: The wearther forecast is to be driving through 100+ degree heat all three days. Depart Chicago; south on I-57; south on I-55; west on I-40 (Memphis to Flagstaff); south on I-17; arrive Phoenix (actually Sun City West to stay with friends).

Leaving in less than 24 hours.

Ed

As I used to live in Orland Park, I know the route well. There are some good Bar-B-Que places in Amarillo.
Have a safe drive.
Kevin W.