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I'm trying to determine the quickest route to the trailhead for Havasupai for my trip in July. I'll be coming from Mesa. Based on some mapping services, it appears the quickest route is through Prescott, Chino Valley, Seligman and then into Peach Springs before heading down that long stretch of road to the TH. Each of these services vary from each other around the Prescott area. I'm trying to avoid potential delays such as lower speed limits, road condition, heavy traffic, etc.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Well, getting through Prescott is probably quicker than getting through Flagstaff, which is pretty much your other option.

I've always gone the same route you mentioned. It's 50 miles less than staying on the Interstates, and in a "race" with friends once, it took about 20 minutes less through Prescott than on I-17/I-40. (You can drive 75 on I-17/I-40, but you'll average a much slower speed on the shorter route, so it doesn't save as much time as it saves mileage).

The slowest part is from Prescott Valley to Chino Valley due to the population there. That can be controlled somewhat by avoiding rush hour near Prescott (which I am always surprised about ... there's many more people living in the area than I realized).

chumley wrote:I've always gone the same route you mentioned. It's 50 miles less than staying on the Interstates, and in a "race" with friends once, it took about 20 minutes less through Prescott than on I-17/I-40. (You can drive 75 on I-17/I-40, but you'll average a much slower speed on the shorter route, so it doesn't save as much time as it saves mileage).

The slowest part is from Prescott Valley to Chino Valley due to the population there. That can be controlled somewhat by avoiding rush hour near Prescott (which I am always surprised about ... there's many more people living in the area than I realized).

You can avoid the Prescott to Prescott Airport area now with new roads opened up from Prescott Valley to the airport. Yeah you can be less mileage but are correct with lower speeds. And you still have to get back on I40 for the little bit from Ashfork to Seligman.

Charter a chopper, you can't get there much faster than that.

I always go through Prescott Valley when heading to Havasu - the new by-pass east of Prescott REALLY helps.

No matter WHICH way you choose, remember to stop at Delgadillo's Sno-Cap in Seligman.

All that being said, if you do go all the way into Peach Springs, you've gone too far!

The best place to stay and to eat, both before and after your hike is at Grand Canyon Caverns, which is only a few miles before your turnoff onto Hwy 18 to Hualapai Hilltop. We eat at the restaurant there every time we go. It has good veggie burgers, onion rings, pie, salads, and probably good hamburgers as well. Plus it's a great old and very authentically kitschy Route 66 stopping place! Added benefit, if you want to spend the money, is going into the dry cave at the back of the restaurant. I haven't done that yet because I am always too broke. My friends always stay at the motel, have never complained about it, so I guess it's fine, too. There is also a campground there. So you can stay there before your hike and thereby get a very early start on the trail.

However, I see you are going in July! Yikes! My son went there in June one time. They started hiking at 2 a.m. He said it worked out very well. Havasu Canyon is like a broiler oven in summer. Not my cup of tea, but I know that some of you Valley folks are used to hiking in 115 degree heat.