How is the trip from Phoenix to Cottonwood.... any areas to avoid? Looks like we need to do 17 to 260 to 89a to campground around Cornville.... Lolomai Springs. Any input, suggestions, or advise? New to the area and have never driven this direction out of SE Phoenix area. Any big grades to be prepared for? How is 89a between Cottonwood and 6 miles outside town toward Sedona?
Thanks and happy camping.
Bob and Lynn w/6 kids(Girls 18, 13, 8 and 3; Boys 6 and <1)
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It is uphill with a pretty good grade outside of Phoenix on I-17 until Sunset Point. Then it levels out until you the Prescott exit. There is a steep downhill grade just past the Prescott exit until you hit Camp Verde. Also, 260 is at the bottom of the grade so be ready for the ramp. On 260, just inside Cottonwood city limits, is a Super Walmart if you need to stock up on anything.
89A between Cottonwood and Sedona is divided, 4 lanes and no problems. Just don't take 89A from Sedona to Flagstaff--steep and windy. Pick up I-17 outside the Village of Oak Creek--on 179 (I think)if you want to go to Flagstaff. If you go under the freeway( on 179), and drive 3 mile back there is a campground on Wet Beaver Creek. Beautiful, a hidden oasis. If you do go to Flagstaff, visit the Northern Arizona Museum while you are there.
Be sure and visit Montezuma Castle, Montezuma's Well, the Page Springs Fish Hatchery and take a Jeep tour while you are there.
If you are staying at Lolomai and it is raining heavy, be ready to move your rig. Beautiful campground, but low lying. I've seen it 3 feet under water, but that was with extreme rain.
* This post was
edited 10/16/09 02:31pm by awsmom8 *
Women who obey the rules don't have any fun!
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That route is OK. You could also stay on 17 and take 30 into Cornville. That road is a bit narrower, but easily done with our rig. Just don't try 89A from Cottonwood to Prescott with the rig. Jerome is a good day trip and will give you a hint of what the rest of the road is like beyond. VERY STEEP and numerous switchbacks. We came over the mountain the other way, east, and thought the ride was beautiful, but it requires a lot of mountain driving expertise.
Roads in and around Sedona can be busy, somewhat narrow and sometimes under construction, especially when the snowbirds hit. Nothing too bad as far as hills except 89A heading from Sedona to Flagstaff. Narrow, steep uphill, and winding, but also a beautiful day trip without the rig. The Interstate has some long pulls too, but they're in the 6-8% range and easy to do. Just watch your speed on the downgrades.
We hang in that area in the winter for 4-6 weeks and love it. Sedona and Cottonwood get snow every winter, so don't be surprised, but it doesn't hang around too long.
John
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Hi
both ways are good , # 1 is a lot better hwy 260 to hwy 89a to Page Springs rd. The driveway in to Lolomia Springs will be on the left side of the rd. and will be a lot easer to make the turn into the park.
We stay all the time at Page Springs R V park 2 or 3 miles more down the roadBob & Judy
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thanks everyone! We did stay at Lolomai, and liked it alot, I guess we are lucky it didnt rain! We took 17 to 260 to 89a, nice route. Went to Sedona, but did not have time for Montezuma's or Fish Hatchery....next time!
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Women who obey the rules don't have any fun! 
