Grand Canyon (South Rim) to Sedona in 2020

[ReallyBigMax]

We're planning to take our signature rig and head South out of western Washington state in late January, as soon as we can clear the mountains heading, initially, for Central and then Southern California, and then on to the Grand Canyon South Rim. Yes, we'll watch the weather, which will determine how quickly we exit California where we'll be visiting friends and family all the way down to Santa Barbara. We'll head pretty directly from there to the Grand Canyon when it looks safe to do so. From the the Grand Canyon we want to head down to Sedona for a week or so. Assuming the weather cooperates, what is the best route to take for this Grand Canyon to Sedona part of the trip?

It looks like all routes lead East to Flagstaff and then South on the I-17. Just South of Flagstaff it looks like we could head directly South into Sedona on AZ-89A, but there is a pretty "interesting" section on the map that looks like it could be pretty steep grades, along with some "interesting" turns as well.

Then there is the end-around route, staying on I-17 almost all the way to Rimrock, then turning North on AZ-179 up through the Village of Oak Creek and on up to Sedona.

Is the AZ-89A as bad as it looks? Or worse? What is the best choice? What else would you suggest?

Thanks in advance!

[dedmiston]

I think the OP got the answers he (she?) was looking for and has all the info required to make a routing decision.

Thanks for all the info.

Topic closed.

[Horsedoc]

Wow, macho makes me dizzy.
Almost as much as a long line of cars and trucks behind a slow moving RV negotiating switchbacks and narrow shoulders on mountain roads

[profdant139]

Itsy, I guess we need a sign on that road: "Not recommended for Big Rigs or Tourists. If you have never driven this road, you are forbidden to do so."

That'll cut down on the traffic, for sure! 😉

[ItsyRV]

89A is an Interstate as far as I'm concern. I only get concern while using Schnebly Hills as a cut through to avoid the scared RVers on 89A or the hordes of tourist coming up 179. But, I'm sure my comfort level on 89A is due a lot to knowing the road; where it twist and tuns, where the slow traffic happens, where brake jerking occurs, where the awning eaters are located and all the other things that can scare a driver. Otherwise, it's a nice maintained road, easily navigated in any RV and only gets bad when tourist are on it.

[profdant139]

I have done a lot of mountain towing (including 89 from Flagstaff to Sedona), and I would not take a big rig on that road. It was no problem for my Tacoma pulling a 12 foot trailer, but total length of that rig is 32 feet, and the best part is that it bends in the middle! 😉

A very pretty drive, though. Or at least that's what my passenger said. I was watching the road. 😉

Sedona is very touristy, but for good reason -- the scenery is great, the weather is great, and there are some good ice cream shops in town.

[lane_hog]

I've driven 89A in a motorhome pulling a van and also with a fifth wheel. Not impossible and the views are wonderful, but if you're not comfortable with switchbacks or creating a long line of cars behind you, stick with I-17.

[Janss]

pigman1 gave you a good description of why you should take I-17 and Hwy 179. I just drove my car up and down Oak Creek Canyon (Hwy 89A) last week. Saw a couple and a Class C stopped at a very inappropriate place on the road, standing behind the RV holding their whole awning! Yes, their whole awning with hardware must have been knocked off the RV, likely from the roadside rock cliffs mentioned by pigman1.

A couple weeks ago, I drove home in my motorhome with tow car down I-17. Unfortunately, it is jarring between Flagstaff and Hwy 179 exit. I hope ADOT repaves it soon. Use your gears on the long downhill.

Sedona can get a little snow too, but not nearly as much as Flagstaff. Very occasionally, Hwy 89A and/or I-17 are closed for a few hours, like in an active snow storm or right after until they get the roads cleared.

[pigman1]

Rt 89A has restrictions prohibiting travel for trucks over 50'. These are posted on signs in Prescott Valley, Clarkdale, Sedona and near Fort Tuthill. These restrictions DO NOT apply to RV's, but unless you are VERY EXPERIENCED in mountain driving, would bear serious consideration. The restrictions are because on some portions of the road the combination of the crown and roadside rock cliffs are a real danger to tall RV's. In addition, the road is very narrow and oncoming traffic prevents you from using the other lane. This same problem is also very evident on some right hand hairpins where the rig rear will tend to move in toward the cliff. Left hairpins also present a problem due to the rear of long vehicles impinging on the opposite direction traffic lane. Then there's the grades. Although unmarked, I'd believe a number are well in excess of 10%. Finally, although not mentioned by the OP, 89A through Jerome is quite tricky as it is a very busy tourist town with pedestrians and a lot of traffic, very narrow town streets and buildings right at the edge of travel lanes. 89A can be negotiated with an RV, but for the vast majority of RVers, other routes are recommended,

[bgum]

We drove it in a 35 ft Gulfstream towing a Jeep Wrangler. We used our gears to brake for the most part and our brakes where necessary. Slow but steady. I only recall one switchback that was a little tight. The worst part is no pullouts. Once you start you are committed.

[ppine]

My Dad had a cattle ranch near Sedona for 30 years. Oak Creek Canyon is not that bad unless there is snow on it. Many roads in Colorado are much worse.

I have made my last trip to Sedona because it is loved to death. I will remember it the way it used to be, a quiet little western town with some good artists. Now there is no where to park a pickup much less an RV. Everything is crowded. It costs a lot. It is not worth the trouble. You can see the Red Rocks without spending a week there.

[Ozlander]

I don't see any thing in that picture that would be a concern. 2 semis, pu and camper and a motorhome.

[Horsedoc]

We made the mistake of taking 89 from Sedona to Flagstaff. We have a friend with property in Sedona and were visiting there as we came across country from Houston. Being basically lazy I decided it would be a time saver to just head up 89 rather than cut back to 17. 36 ft DP This was a trip we decided to rent a toad rather than tow. Than goodness we were not towing in some of the hairpin turns. We made it but it was not a fun trip

[mileshuff]

AZ-89 from Flagstaff to Sedona is not recommended for RV's. Sharp turns and a bit steep make it no fun at all.

However, once in Sedona if you have a car to use then take the drive from Sedona north on AZ-89. It is well worth it! Road is not bad at all in a car, just not a long RV. At the top of the switchbacks there is a scenic vista. Most afternoons there will be local indians selling their crafts. A short trail takes you along the edge of Oak Creek Canyon with beautiful views.

Below is a view of the switchbacks.

[ReallyBigMax]

Kinda figured that; the “thrill ride” part. Thanks for the confirmation.
ReallyBigMax