Driving from Phoenix to Flagstaff? Here are the best times to leave and 2 alternate routes

Dina Kaur, Arizona Republic
·6 min read
9

As we count off the number of days above 110 degrees in Phoenix this summer, this heat wave has got us down in the dumps.

Being unable to leave home without feeling the scorching heat has us begging for cooler temps.

If this describes you, then your first solution might be planning a trip up north. Perhaps to somewhere like Flagstaff, elevation 7,000 feet, where the temperature is lower and you can be amid the greenery, the historic downtown and the clear starry skies.

Here’s a survival guide for driving to Flagstaff during peak summer season and things to do when you get there.

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Are more people driving I-17 to Flagstaff this summer?

Doug Nintzel, a spokesman for the Arizona Department of Transportation, said summer weekends are almost always busy along Interstate 17 between Phoenix and Flagstaff. Popular destinations along the way include Prescott, Sedona, Cottonwood and Jerome.

Traffic is heaviest northbound on Friday and Saturday morning and southbound on Sunday.

“No doubt, the current heat wave has people thinking about trips to the high country,” Nintzel said.

Is the drive from Phoenix to Flagstaff hard?

The most direct route to Flagstaff is I-17 north. It's about 145 miles from central Phoenix and roughly two hours on a good day. However, heavy traffic and road construction can contribute to lengthy delays, particularly in summer.

Some people choose to take longer routes from Phoenix to Flagstaff to avoid the stress, Nintzel said.

“Some drivers might decide they have the time to take these different, some might say scenic, routes,” Nintzel said.

One option is taking State Route 87 north past Payson and then using Lake Mary Road to approach Flagstaff, Nintzel said. Another alternate route involves taking U.S. 60 to Wickenburg and SR 89 to Prescott. There are a few ways of reaching Flagstaff from there. A navigation app can point out your best option.

He said these routes add “considerable” miles to the trip and are suggested when I-17 is closed or has significant slow-moving traffic due to a crash, disabled vehicle or other event, such as a brush fire.

No matter which route you choose, Nintzel recommended setting aside at least a couple of extra hours of travel time, knowing that you could experience slow traffic on another route as well.

Best and worst times to drive from Phoenix to Flagstaff

It's usually best to leave Phoenix for Flagstaff on I-17 by about 1 p.m. on a Friday or wait until early Saturday morning, Nintzel said. The later you leave on Saturday morning, the more traffic you are likely to encounter.

You can stay up to date on any construction-related restrictions that can affect the trip by checking ADOT's Traveler Information site at az511.gov or calling 511.

Best and worst times to drive from Flagstaff to Phoenix

An early start is usually best for the return trip as well. Nintzel said many drivers decide to get on the road by late Sunday morning.

“Of course, there are no guarantees,” he said. “All it takes is a fender bender along the southbound highway, especially along the steeper, winding area south of the Sunset Point rest area, to create long backups and delays. This also is the time of the year when brush fires can require closures of the highway.”

Where can you stop on the drive from Phoenix to Flagstaff?

The Sunset Point rest area, at milepost 252, has finally reopened following a year of repairs. The restrooms, vending areas, water and septic systems have all been upgraded. There's a patio with dramatic views of the Bradshaw Mountains, as well as ramadas and a pet-relief area.

There’s also a rest area McGuireville, at milepost 296 north of Camp Verde. It includes parking, restrooms and shaded picnic tables.

Tips for driving in extreme heat

Nintzel offered these suggestions for your summer road trip in Arizona:

  • Bring a cooler with ice and drinking water.

  • Pack a blanket or towel that you can kneel on if you have car trouble or a flat tire.

  • Bring snacks, sunscreen and an umbrella in case you get caught in a road closure.

  • Keep your phone fully charged.

  • Have your fuel tank at least three-quarters full in case of delays or detours.

  • Pack any items that will keep you as comfortable as possible in case you're forced to stop along the highway.

Extreme heat can also cause car problems. Make sure your car is in good shape before you leave town. This includes checking tire pressure, monitoring the engine temperature and maintaining proper fluid levels.

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What is the weather in Flagstaff this weekend?

According to the National Weather Service, Flagstaff is under a heat advisory until 8 p.m. Friday. The high is expected to be 93 degrees, with a low of 59.

On Saturday the high will be close to 91 degrees and the low will be near 58. Sunday you’re looking at a high of 89 and a low of 57.

The weather service recommends: “Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors.” And never leave kids or pets in a vehicle unattended.

Get the latest updates from the National Weather Service Flagstaff at https://www.weather.gov/fgz or on Twitter.

3 fun things to do in Flagstaff this weekend

Flagstaff is known for its breweries. Places such as Mother Road Brewing Co. and Lumberyard Brewing Co. are great stops to grab a bite and a nice cool beverage.

In the mood for a concert or other event? Head to the Orpheum Theater, which has been around since the early 1900s. Upcoming events include Community Market After Dark, with dancing, drinking, live music and games, and Starry Nights: A Free Family Summer Club, with star studies, tea parties and environmental education. Get more info at https://orpheumflagstaff.com/upcoming-events.

For something different to do after dark, visit Lowell Observatory. This is where Pluto was discovered, and its attractions include the 24-inch Clark Refractor Telescope and the Giovale Open Deck Observatory. Meet an Astronomer takes place every Saturday at 7 p.m. You can meet a planetary scientist, researcher or Lowell astronomer and look at real-time images of planets, stars and galaxies with their MallinCam.

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Reach the reporter at dina.kaur@arizonarepublic.com. Follow @dina_kaur on Twitter.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Driving from Phoenix to Flagstaff? Here are the best times to leave