Phoenix to Grants, NM driving question

[BigPig]

Going on a cow elk hunt near Grants NM. North of I 40. From Phoenix, it appears shorter to go through Payson and Heber and then up to Holbrook at the 40. How are those highways? Narrow and winding?

Or would it be better to just go up 17 to Flag and then over on 40?

 

[Lv2hnt]

If you don't like 2-way traffic, then I-17 north to Flag, then east on I-40 would be your best bet. I prefer going up through Payson & Heber though (mix of 2-way and divided highway, good roads; yes, curving thru mountains) ...

Lv2hnt

"Every man dies --- not every man really lives."

 

[sagebrush]

Payson-Heber-Holbrook is the shorter route and will actually take less time than the Interstate. There is some winding road and quite a bit of 2 lane highway, but the roads are good and the traffic is light. Unless you are leaving Phoenix on a Friday or Saturday, then the traffic going up the Beeline Hwy and around Payson makes the travel time about the same.

Good luck on your hunt.

 

[WHT_MTNMAN]

If your pulling a trailer go through flag on interstate, if not payson,heber,holbrook is the way to go. Roads are in great shape, nothing that will keep you below 55. most at 65mph.