dbbls
Missouri
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Joined: 09/29/2005
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I will be pulling a 5er from Albuquerque to Globe in early December. What is route 117 like between I-40 and Quemado, and route 60 between Show Low and Globe? Also, what can I expect in the way of bad weather at that time of year?
* This post was
edited 10/10/08 09:11am by dbbls *
1999 F250 Superduty, V10 with Banks Power Pack
2004 Colorado 29RL 5th wheel with 3600 watt Onan
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bkbajb
Queen Creek, Arizona
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Joined: 11/01/2006
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Route 60 from Show Low to Globe is fine. 2 lanes and for the most part an easy drive. The only area to watch for is on both sides of the Salt River Canyon. Some switchbacks and a little steep. We have never had a problem. If the river is running it is beautiful.
Alan
Alan, Brenda, Kyle
Queen Creek, AZ
2007 F-250 XLT Supercrew V-10,w/tow command,4.30,Equalizer hitch, WD bars
2008 Jayco 26BHS
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Southie
Tucson, AZ
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Joined: 01/30/2004
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Here's how Mountain Directory West describes the Salt River Canyon.
The southbound trip from Show Low to Globe has 4 long, steep decents and a long pull out of Salt River canyon. At mile post 307 a 7 mile decent begins. The grade is mostly 5-6% and is not steady. The grade stairsteps down with short flat spots. You want to avoid overheating your brakes during this section because about 2 miles after it bottoms out the decents into Salt River canyon begins. At mile post 298 there is a brake check area and the 5 1/2 mile 6% grade into the canyon begins. it is a steady 6% except for a 1/2 mile section of 3 to 4% in the middle. There are 25,30 and 35mph curves. After you climb out of the canyon on the south side there are 2 more long decents before reaching Globe. Near milepost 279 there is a sign - 6% grade next 8 miles. There are 3 short sections where the grade eases. The longest is about 1 mile of 4-5% in the middle of the grade. The last long hill is at milepost 262 - 6% grade next 3 miles.. The grade is closer to 5 miles but is not steady. The grade stairsteps with 6% alternating with 4%.
I hate that road!! Another way for me to get from Tucson to Show Low is by way of I17 through Flagstaff and the I40 to Holbrook and then down to Show Low but it is a lot of extra time and miles.
The mountain Directory West, which describes over 400 mountain passes and steep grades in 11 western states, is a great resource for me.
Don & Arlene Guillette
Tucson, AZ
1998 Southwind 32V
Dennis(cat)Kirby(rescued cocker)
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cruiserjs
Aurora, CO, USA/ Mesa AZ/ openroad
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Joined: 07/02/2003
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Well we think that the Salt River Canyon is one of the great highway marvels of the west. We have pulled our fiver through it - both directions - several times during our migrations south and north.
To each his own.
Colorado Cruiser
Cruiser CF29CK 5th wheel; 2001 Silverado 2500HD shortbed
wonderful lifetime travelling companion/spouse
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