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Is the drive from Phoenix to Flagstaff scary?

Author

Rachel Ellis

Published Jan 21, 2026

It's not scarey. We've done that drive twice and taken different routes. The terrains varies along the way, from flat desert to mountains and forests but I wouldn't call it rough.

Is the drive to Flagstaff hard?

Your route is just fine - I-40 from Oklahoma City to Barstow, CA is an easy drive, there's mountains around Albuquerque and through Flagstaff, however, the grades are not difficult for a 4 cyl car. I have driven this section many times at all times of year and everything was just fine.

Is the drive from Phoenix to Sedona scary?

There's nothing to fear about the drive itself. It's 100 miles on mostly interstate highway. But you should NOT drive it in darkness. It's desolate high desert and climbs almost 4,000 feet.

What is the deadliest highway in AZ?

With a staggering 483 fatalities over a 6-year period, Interstate 10 has unfortunately earned our number one spot as the most dangerous road in Arizona.

Is it safe to drive from Phoenix to Flagstaff?

I-17 from Phoenix to Flagstaff ranks among America's deadliest roads. A recent survey ranks a stretch of I-17 as one of the most dangerous highways in the entire country. PHOENIX - A recent survey ranks America's deadliest highways and one of them runs right through the middle of Arizona.

41 related questions found

Is it safe to drive from Phoenix to Flagstaff at night?

We generally discourage the drive at night. Yes, it's all interstate highway, but the is no ambient light. Darkness beyond what you're used to. And abundant wildlife on the roads.

Is it safe to drive at night in Arizona?

So, is it possible to drive in rural Arizona at night? Yes, but you do have to be extremely careful, drive slowly, and keep a sharp eye out.

Is it safe to drive through Arizona?

Every state has its dangerous roads, but Arizona ranks a little higher than most in terms of sheer numbers. In fact, two of our highways were ranked among the most dangerous in the entire country. Some of them include Interstate 19 in far southern Arizona, which has a fatality rate of one for every .

Is it easy to drive in Phoenix?

Phoenix is not the easiest city to drive in, with one study placing it as the 18th most traffic-clogged city in the country. Bottlenecks are growing worse, and drivers do not handle them well. Below are some real tips for driving safely in Phoenix.

Is the drive to the Grand Canyon scary?

No, the road is not rough, but it is still somewhat frightening because of the feeling of remoteness and isolation! I, for one, will never drive it alone! I drove Grand Canyon to Phoenix while on holiday in May 2000. The drive was easy, the roads were excellent and I most certainly did not feel unsafe at any time.

How difficult is the drive from Phoenix to Sedona?

Getting there: Located a short 115 miles from Phoenix, the drive to Sedona is simple and will take just under 2 hours. Weekday traffic should not be a problem as long as you get out of Phoenix by 3 PM. After that, rush hour traffic could cause a slowdown and add as much as an hour to the trip.

How is the drive from Phoenix to Grand Canyon?

The drive time from downtown Phoenix to the Grand Canyon is about 3.5 to four hours. The 229-mile route is a combination of Interstate and regular two-lane highways. It's an easy drive that climbs up from Phoenix at an elevation of 1,090 feet, topping out at 7,000 feet at the South Rim.

Is Scottsdale better than Phoenix?

While the choice between Phoenix and Scottsdale can be challenging, these two Arizona cities are close and residents can enjoy the amenities both have to offer. Scottsdale comes with higher housing costs but a more exciting nightlife jobs while Phoenix offers a lower cost of living and amazing neighborhoods.

Is it hard to drive to Flagstaff in the winter?

Winter driving can be a bit tricky. Roads can be slippery, and you might even have trouble seeing the lane markings. Slow down and consider chains for your vehicle, especially if you don't have four-wheel or all-wheel drive. Allow a little extra time to reach your destinations and be prepared for possible delays.

Is Winslow worth visiting?

While you may have only heard of Winslow because of a classic rock band, or because your astronomy professor included it in a slideshow, the town is definitely worth a visit. Both the local history and the Arizona wilds are waiting to be explored, whether in a museum, on the lake, or walking around the town.

Do you need snow chains in Flagstaff AZ?

4WD, AWD and chains are useful to have if you plan on driving during a storm. If you plan on going to Snowbowl, they will require 4WD or chains to go up to the ski resort when it is snowing or if Snowbowl Road is icy.

How fast can you drive in Arizona?

65 mph is the maximum speed limit on divided roads. 65 mph is the maximum speed limit on undivided roads. 75 mph is Arizona's highest speed limit and you can only drive at this speed on rural freeways, this speed limit also applies to trucks driving on rural freeways.

Can you turn right on red in Arizona?

The state of Arizona allows drivers to make a turn on a red light in some situations. Usually, it is safe to take a right turn on a red light if there is no sign prohibiting it. The state of Arizona also allows left turns on a red light given that both the origin and destination streets are one way.

What time does traffic slow down in Phoenix?

The worst time of all is between 5 -6 p.m., when the average driver spends 46 minutes behind the wheel. The streets also get very congested in the morning between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.

How safe are road trips?

Taking a road trip, even now, can be safe. In fact, it's pretty much the safest way to travel because you have much more control than through any other means of transportation.

How can I be safe in Arizona?

Make sure everyone, including pets, stays hydrated. Be alert to the hazards of moving traffic. Do not stand in travel lanes. Many Arizona roadways have wide shoulders, so use the extra space to create a safe distance between moving traffic and you, your passengers and your vehicle.

Is Tusayan Arizona Safe?

Tusayan is in the 8th percentile for safety, meaning 92% of cities are safer and 8% of cities are more dangerous. This analysis applies to Tusayan's proper boundaries only. See the table on nearby places below for nearby cities. The rate of crime in Tusayan is 72.20 per 1,000 residents during a standard year.

Why is Scottsdale so popular?

Along with having the highest number of luxury and destination spas in the country, Scottsdale's growing number of upscale restaurants and nightclubs, trendy galleries, and luxury shopping has made the city a popular vacation destination for the young, white-collar crowd.

Is Phoenix a safe town?

Phoenix can't be considered a safe city. It has its safe areas and dangerous areas, but the dangerous ones outweigh the safe ones.

Do you need a car in Phoenix?

It's possible to visit Phoenix without a car, you'll just likely rack up lots of money in cab fees. If you're interested in the Native American "sights", you won't find too many actual sites right in Phoenix, although there are many across Arizona.