[beardedstealth]

Heading to Sunrise this weekend for the first time and see that Google maps has a couple of different options for getting there. Any recommendations?

Option #1 is AZ-87N to AZ-260E.

Option #2 is US-60E the whole way.

One better than the other?

Also, once in Show Low, Google maps takes you through Springerville then back to Sunrise, but on the map it looks like it would be more direct to go through Pinetop and McNary. Any reason that the Pinetop/McNary route doesn't work?

Thanks in advance

 

[big0mike]

This is the route I have taken and would take again. But, I don't know where you are coming from so it may have to be modified some... If you are coming from SE Phoenix then it would make sense to take 60/77 up there.

I can't think of any reason why GoogleMaps would route you through Springerville/Eager but it did the same thing to me. I just drug the route to continue on 260.

 

[kubo]

Don't go the globe way unless you want a senic view. It's only 35mph through the salt river canyon and miami and globe is like 30mph, or something like that. I made it up from my door step to sunrise resort in less than 3 hours the payson way... Didn't stop and kept right at about 5-10 above the speedlimit. You can make it just as fast the globe way if you speed like crazy, but I wouldn't recommend it through Miami or globe.

 

[kubo]

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[big0mike]

Don't go the globe way unless you want a senic view. It's only 35mph through the salt river canyon and miami and globe is like 30mph, or something like that. I made it up from my door step to sunrise resort in less than 3 hours the payson way... Didn't stop and kept right at about 5-10 above the speedlimit. You can make it just as fast the globe way if you speed like crazy, but I wouldn't recommend it through Miami or globe.

I thought it might've been slower as well but have only drive that way once on the way to Hawley Lake from a buddy's house out in Gold Canyon so it made sense to take that route. It's a nice drive but I'd still go Payson -> 260 E...

 

[matt1976]

I go the 60 route as I have been caught in some VERY nasty traffic trying to come home through Payson. Through Globe, I just cruise right through every time. Whichever route you take there is absolutely no reason to go through Springerville. Hope that helps.
Matt

 

[beardedstealth]

Excellent. Thanks for the input.

 

[ECEGatorTuro]

The Payson route only gets bad traffic on holiday weekends. Otherwise, it is usually VERY clear. Just whatever you do, do not speed more than 5mph over the limit when you go through Payson/Star Valley, Heber/Overgaard, Show Low/Pinetop, and McNary. DPS is all over those areas looking to give tickets.

That being said, there is endless debate on which way to go. Both routes take about the same amount of time unless you live in the NE valley and are closer to the 87. I live deep SE valley and I still take the Payson route because the road is not as windy and it is not as desolate. You have a lot more people passing through on 87/260 vs 60/77 so if you break down or need to stop somewhere, the Payson route has more options.

Also, the Payson side is double-lane divided highway in a lot of parts so you get better driving options. In fact, they are working on double tracking the rest of the two-way parts of 260.

 

[eatdrinkride]

Also, the Payson side is double-lane divided highway in a lot of parts so you get better driving options. In fact, they are working on double tracking the rest of the two-way parts of 26

0.

Yes, and delays are possible. I just drove up and back to the rim from Mesa today and sat for 15 minutes on the Beeline highway. No biggie but I did see a sign saying the highway would be closed from 2-3pm........only problem with my info is I didn't read the date. Check it out online if you plan on driving during that time.

 

[grizzlyplumber]

Did a big construction job in McNary about a year and a half ago, took both ways many times. My fastest time was going through Globe and the Salt River Canyon, but I left at 3 AM and there was no other traffic. The most consistent way to make it there quickly is through Payson, due to plentiful passing lanes. Not many places to pass slower cars going through Globe. Be very careful driving from Payson to Show Low, that stretch of highway has the most car/elk collisions in the country and those suckers can do some real damage.

 

[GnarHammer]

260 through lakeside/mcnary

 

[clockwork]

Globe way has been the quickest for me the last few years.... Also one you are into town turn right and whipple and you can bypass 3/4 of your town drive also.

 

[ECEGatorTuro]

Globe way has been the quickest for me the last few years.... Also one you are into town turn right and whipple and you can bypass 3/4 of your town drive also.

When you pass the 260/60 junction, take a right onto Whipple (just past the school) and then after a bit take another right turn onto Central. You will skip most of Show Low only to suffer through Pinetop/Lakeside. The only downside is that you need to watch out for the speed camera van they park on Whipple/Central. It is not required to be posted since the speed limit is below 40 on that road. if you have a hitch bike rack that obscures your plate, you're golden.