By Car in Eastern Arizona

A car is essential for touring eastern Arizona, especially because most of the region's top scenic attractions are between towns. Rental facilities are few and far between in these parts, so rent a car from your departure point, whether it's Phoenix, Flagstaff, or Albuquerque.

If you're arriving from points west via Flagstaff, I-40 leads directly to Holbrook, where drivers can take AZ 77 south into Show Low or U.S. 180 southeast to Springerville-Eagar. Those departing from the metropolitan Phoenix area should take the scenic drive northeast on U.S. 60, or the only slightly faster AZ 87 north to AZ 260 east, both of which lead to Show Low. From Tucson, AZ 77 north connects with U.S. 60 at Globe and continues through Show Low up to Holbrook. From New Mexico, drivers can enter the state on I-40 and take U.S. 191 south into Springerville-Eagar, or continue on to Holbrook and reach the White Mountains via AZ 77. For those who want to drive the Coronado Trail south-to-north, U.S. 70 and AZ 78 link up with U.S. 191 from Globe to the west and New Mexico to the east, respectively.

Road Conditions

In winter, motorists should travel prepared, with jumper cables, a shovel, tire chains, and—for tire traction on icy roads—a bag of cat litter. Chain requirements apply to all vehicles, including those with four-wheel drive. Bridges and overpasses freeze first and are often slicker than normal road surfaces; never assume sufficient traction simply because a road appears to be sanded. Drivers who must travel in poor visibility conditions should turn on the headlights and always keep the highway's white reflectors to their right. For road conditions throughout the region, call the White Mountains Road and Weather Information Line.

Contact

White Mountains Road and Weather Information Line (928/537-7623).