Mid November drive CO to AZ

willidru

WKR
Joined
Jan 12, 2017
Messages
588
Location
California
So I've got some real first world problems have tags for back to back hunts one in Colorado near Craig then need to jam down to Arizona. Mapping it today it's about 900 miles and 14 - 15 hours. Routes are take
I-70 to US-191, US-160, US-89, I-17...
or
I-70 to I-15, US-95...

Anyone familiar with this drive? How are the roads in November? Obviously storm dependent but should I plan for more like a 20 hour drive?
 

BBob

WKR
Joined
Jun 29, 2020
Messages
4,449
Location
Southern AZ
I generally go through Moab and on down through Holbrook and Showlow avoiding Flagstaff and the 17. If weather is bad you'll probably want to hit Flag and the 17. I drive this and further east up into Montrose, Crested Butte, Wolf Creek all winter, storms or no storms. Very often during storm activity since I'm chasing powder. You just have to watch the weather and make your best choice.

Where in AZ are you headed?

From S AZ to Rifle it's never been more than 12 hrs I think? Craig isn't much further up the road. Back in the day with less traffic and law I'd do it (Rifle) in 10.5.

Also: travelling at the wrong time/direction 17 can be a death trap with some of the nutso Phx drivers!
 
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willidru

willidru

WKR
Joined
Jan 12, 2017
Messages
588
Location
California
I generally go through Moab and on down through Holbrook and Showlow avoiding Flagstaff and the 17. If weather is bad you'll probably want to hit Flag and the 17. I drive this and further east up into Montrose, Crested Butte, Wolf Creek all winter, storms or no storms. Very often during storm activity since I'm chasing powder. You just have to watch the weather and make your best choice.

Where in AZ are you headed?

From S AZ to Rifle it's never been more than 12 hrs I think? Craig isn't much further up the road. Back in the day with less traffic and law I'd do it (Rifle) in 10.5.

Also: travelling at the wrong time/direction 17 can be a death trap with some of the nutso Phx drivers!
I'm about 40 minutes north of Craig and heading to Yuma area
 
Joined
Jul 20, 2014
Messages
1,275
Location
Kirtland, NM
Yep, avoid Flagstaff. Go down to Moab, Monticello, Cortez, Shiprock, Gallup. Get on the freeway at Gallup and then get off at Holbrook. Then you can either go to Showlow and then the Salt river canyon to Globe. Or, at Holbrook go over the mountain into Payson then on to Mesa.
 
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