Driving at night from phoenix airport to Dove mountain

Question

Hi all, we are a family of four-2 adults and 2 teens spending the holidays in Dove mountain. The flight I am looking at arrives in Phoenix at 9pm. We would have to get a rental car and then start our drive to Dove mountain. How is the drive at night? TIA!

Answer

Driving from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport to Dove Mountain at night is generally manageable, but there are several factors to keep in mind for safety and comfort, especially with teens in the car and arriving late in the evening.

The drive is approximately 115-125 miles and usually takes around 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. Since your flight arrives around 9 PM, you would likely leave the airport around 9:30-9:45 PM after picking up your rental car and getting situated.

Here are some important considerations:

Route: The fastest route is typically north on I-17 to I-10 west briefly, then north on AZ-77 and AZ-79 toward Dove Mountain. Most of this is well-maintained highway and state roads, but there are stretches of rural and desert roads where lighting is limited.
Visibility: After dark, visibility can be reduced in the desert and mountainous areas. Watch for wildlife such as deer, especially around dawn or dusk, but occasionally at night as well.
Services: Gas stations, restaurants, and emergency services are sparse along parts of the route, so it’s a good idea to fill the gas tank before leaving the city and have snacks/water for the drive.
Fatigue: After a long flight, the driver may be tired. Consider taking short breaks if needed or even booking a hotel in Tucson or Marana to split the drive if you prefer not to drive the full distance at night.
Navigation: Make sure your GPS is updated and consider having a paper map as a backup, since some areas may have spotty cell service.

Tips for a safer and smoother drive:

Drive at a comfortable speed and stay alert for sudden turns or wildlife.
Use high beams cautiously in unlit areas but dim them when oncoming traffic is near.
Keep your phone charged and have emergency numbers handy.
If possible, share driving duties among adults to avoid fatigue.

In summary, while driving at night from Phoenix to Dove Mountain is feasible and many people do it, extra caution is warranted due to rural stretches and limited lighting. If your family prefers a more relaxed arrival, an overnight stop closer to Phoenix or Tucson is an alternative, but many travelers make the full drive successfully without issues.

Driving at night from phoenix airport to Dove mountain

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