directions- route choice advice needed please

Question

We would appreciate experts' suggestions- we need to drive from Clarkdale (leaving around 5pm) all the way to the Palm Springs area. Google maps suggests a longer drive via 17 Anthem direction followed by 10. We are looking into an alternative - via Congress 89 but the zigzagging on the map just before Wilhoit looks rather concerning. Should we just stick to the main roads ? Thank you !

Answer

Driving from Clarkdale to the Palm Springs area in the late afternoon requires considering both safety and travel time. The main options you are looking at are:

Main roads route: Taking AZ-89A north toward Prescott and then connecting to I-17 south toward Phoenix, followed by I-10 east to Palm Springs. This is the route Google Maps suggests and is mostly on well-maintained highways. While slightly longer in miles, it avoids tricky, narrow, or zigzagging roads and is generally safer for night driving or if you are unfamiliar with the area.
Alternative via Congress 89: This route cuts through smaller roads and includes the winding stretch near Wilhoit that you mentioned. While it may save some time on paper, the zigzagging and elevation changes can be challenging, especially as the sun sets. These roads are narrower, may have sharper curves, and limited visibility. If you are comfortable with twisty roads and light traffic, it’s passable, but it is more tiring and slightly riskier.

Additional considerations:

Leaving around 5 p.m. means you’ll likely be driving during dusk or early night. Night driving on smaller, twisty roads like the Wilhoit section increases the risk.
Check traffic conditions for both routes; the I-17/I-10 route can have congestion near Phoenix, especially during rush hour.
Fuel stops and amenities are more frequent along the main highways, which is helpful for longer drives.
If you prefer a less stressful drive and don’t mind an extra 20–30 minutes, sticking to the main highways is the safest option.

Summary recommendation: For an afternoon departure with limited familiarity of the roads, it’s generally better to stick to the main highways (AZ-89A north, I-17 south, then I-10 east) rather than risk the narrow and winding stretch near Wilhoit. If you are an experienced driver who enjoys scenic twisty roads and daylight driving, the Congress 89 option is scenic but requires more caution.

directions- route choice advice needed please

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