Best route LA to Black Canyon City Az…pulling trailer?

Posted on December 31, 2009 by  
Filed under Wickenburg Az · Tagged:

Yahoo maps tells me to stay on the I 10 and take the west loop around Phx to the I 17….know that route well….My Nav system tells me to cut off the 10 onto US 60 to Wickenburg and then across to Black Canyon City. Do not know the road conditions, grades, switch backs and the like of this route. Will be pulling my 26 ft trailer. Is this route any more steep or up and down than say the Grape vine or Cajon Pass or Big Bear or Shaver Lake..these roads I know and can deal with….also weather thru that part of Az after Christmas

Here’s the difference. Yahoo Maps is giving you the EASIEST route. It is basically all Interstate Highways or 4 lane divided highways. Your GPS is giving you the SHORTEST route. It includes 2 lane deserted roads part of the way.

US 60 was the primary route between L.A. and Phoenix prior to the construction of the Interstate System. The turn off is just after you crest the grade East of Quartsite, Arizona. Most of it is 2 lane road, and because of the Interstate has few gas stations / tow operators. You would go through a couple tiny towns. It does NOT have any steep grades or sharp turns because it is basically going through open desert. So flip a coin. You shouldn’t have any problems going either route.

Just remember that while you are pulling your trailer in California you are restricted to 55 MPH, and to traveling ONLY in the right 2 lanes. You don’t want to feed the Chippies.