Sedona

Hey all,

Heading to Sedona tomorrow from Tucson. I'm planning to take I-10 then I-17 up to Cottonwood and finally 89A to Sedona.

I was looking at the route online and saw some folks mention something about a sign saying to turn off your AC while going up a hill on I-17 near Black Canyon City.

For those of you who have gone this way, have you turned off your AC or did you not worry about it?

This is such a dumb question but I'm still somewhat new to Arizona and I never had to worry about this type of thing where I'm from.

For what it's worth, I will be driving my Tacoma (2020 SR 4 cylinder), and it's the fact that I have the 4 cylinder that makes me think I should turn off my AC to be safe.

Also, for those familiar with the area, any places in or around Sedona that are an absolute must (beside Sedona itself)?

And last question, is the construction on I-17 just north of Phoenix still a shit show? Lol...

Anyways, thanks y'all!

 

Those signs are generally for older cars you'll be fine with the ac on

 

1. like said before the AC shouldnt be an issue in newer cars, just watch your idiot lights.

2. 1-17 is still a shit show.

3. mid week is the time to go to sedona for sure. ill dig up the trail map for you
my wife really likes eating at open range for the view, though its a little pricey
https://maps.app.goo.gl/fQyCeRuT9kYdMQxRA

 

I like diamond back gulch, and broken arrow is the iconic run.
usually its a trainwreck but midweek shouldnt be bad

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd864594.pdf


ETA - If you have the time then take the long way out or back through Jerome

 

I-17 is a shitshow these days. When the sign tells you what the detour is, follow that detour. Too many people taking their own detours through residential neighborhoods and getting the police involved.

Stop in Rock Springs, exit 242 off I-17 ... the cafe has famous pies that are in high demand Thanksgiving and Christmas so get one while the line is short.

 

Thanks all! I managed to miss the construction but was stuck for a good while right outside of Black Canyon City due to a bad car accident. Hopefully the folks involved are all alive and recover swiftly.

I'll definitely be checking out Jerome tomorrow and hopefully I'll have time to hike some of the trails. I just wish it was a bit cooler out, hopefully Arizona will get the memo soon that it's no longer summer

 

Schnebly Hill could be fun too. Diamond Back Gulch has gotten a little rougher the last time I was on it compared to the first. Lots of desert rejuvenation happening around there too, so plenty of fences. Midweek should be easier going though.

 

Ayyy 4 Cylinder bro! I used to have a 2016 SR.

Like everyone has said, AC is totally fine. Use your ECT power button and also lock it to max of 4th with "S" mode.

There's one stretch you're probably gonna have to back off to about 50-60 on (put your 4 ways on and use the slow lane)

The 6AT has terrible ratios and I found that one pass to have 1 of 2 options: screaming RPM and slightly accelerating, or 1 gear higher and slowing down.

 

Its a pre 2024 Toyota. Just put your foot down and go as fast as itll go until the road flattens out again. Let that four banger sing, youll be fine.

 

I never turn off my AC for that drive. Too damn hot here.

 

Unpopular opinion, those pies are overrated af.

Agreed with I-17 being a shitshow though. At least this is not a holiday weekend.

 

I do not eat pie usually, do not drive that far for a something I could make better myself probably (self made always seems to taste better).

I only offer some advice I heard, and will not argue.

 

Big agree. I make a mean whiskey pecan pie

 

Ive never been there because the idiots put up a billboard AT the business but you have to exit the highway before you see the sign so I forget every time until right when I drive by and go "oh yeah theres the pie place, guess Ill try it next time." Been doing that for 5 years now.

 

You can exit AFTER going either way. The overpriced pie store is in the middle.

 

Going south the next exit is table mesa road. Im not going that far, exiting, getting back on and going back up the highway to another exit, getting off again and taking the frontage road just to get pie.

 

3 bees cafe in black canyon city is pretty dope

 

nope, take a look at the map.

 

Im not seeing what you're seeing. Their billboard is on the south side of the gas station. The nearest exit is north of the entire rock springs complex by about 1/4 of a mile. There is nothing south of the gas station on 17 headed south. There is no way to (legally) exit the highway until Table Mesa.