Has anyone driven to Phoenix?

sallyc2003

How long did it take you?

We're leaving this weekend for an out of town wedding, and we're driving to Phoenix.  I can't tell exactly how long to expect it will take us.  We will have our 7-month old baby with us, so I wanted to see where we can plan to make stops, etc.

 Any info would be useful (routes, etc.) Thanks!!

Axobride

I've made the drive many times, most recently last summer...it's about a 5-6 hour drive...you can make stops in El Centro and Yuma (gas is cheaper there...I spent 3.35 last weekend there) in places right off the freeway.  There are also some nicely maintained rest stop areas along the route to Phoenix.  It's a pretty easy (and boring in parts) drive with minimal traffic until you hit the outskirts of the city (out near Surprise).  I mapped it when I went last year, but you take the 8 east and then you'll see signs once you are in Arizona with directions to Phoenix.  Good luck with your drive and have fun at the wedding!

Mnkari

We've done it many times, but that was a few years ago.

We would just take the 8 and then there was a little cut off somewhere to get on the 10 to take you there.  My husband doesn't like to stop at all and I think it takes just over 5 hrs or so.

There are long stretches of a whole lot of nothing.  I like to stop at Cracker Barrel in Yuma.  It' roughly half way.  If you stop both times, you can buy a book on tape/CD and then your next time back, or at another one in Phoenix, you can return it and they deduct a small rental fee.  Be aware, there are no cracker Barrel's west of Yuma (I got burned with that once).

In the middle of nowhere, right near the border fence there is a wayside rest with port a potties.  For some reason it seems we've had to stop here more than once.  So, I'd bring, snacks, a cooler with your formula or whatever you might need, be prepared with what you need in case you need to stop in the middle of nowhere.

Good luck, I haven't had to do it with an infant.  Hopefully yours is a car sleeper!  Enjoy Phoenix.

 

Mnkari

Oh, one more thing, when they say to turn off your AC in the mountains, they mean it, especially in the summer.  Shouldn't be too bad now.

Sexilexi

I agree with the last post make sure you don't use your AC going over the mountains.  You may also want to check your water/oil.  Make sure you have extra water just in case your car overheats.

pretty_soon!

your baby is soo cute! i agree with the last 2 posts, we learned the hard way, turn OFF your AC!! I hope you enjoy your weekend getaway!

danlisa

Just did this 2 weeks ago! Really the only place you would want to stop is Yuma...the entire trip should be about 6 hours...

 Road trips are great! Have fun!!

TerraandHarold

DH has done it a few times to visit his parents at they live about 1 hour east of Phoenix.  It took him a little over 6 hours to get there.

 One thing to be aware of--if you have a high profile vehicle watch out for high winds.