Driving north along Interstate 17 N from northern Phoenix (Deer Valley) to the I-40 exit in Flagstaff. Trip took about 2 hours, this video is sped up 4x. Summer 2022.
I drove this route at night about 7 ish years ago. It was memorable for me because I just didn't expect the sharp curves and steep grades on an interstate while driving in the dark. But seeing it from this vid during the day, I appreciate the gradual change in scenery from desert and spotty vegetation to lush greenery and trees toward the end. I've always thought it's interesting to observe the changes in scenery when I go on long road trips.
Yeah. It's definitely unusual for an Interstate to have so many corners and steep elevation changes. I definitely wasn't expecting cool, crisp air and pine trees when traveling to Arizona in the middle of summer!
I'm from Chicago, Ill and to me, the Southwest is hog heaven. I love the vast and openness of it. It's abundance of sunny days, firey sunsets. A far cry from the Midwest.🏜
It's a bit steep, but it's fine. It's an interstate highway so the lanes are wide, the run off areas large, and the surface is in good condition. You have nothing to worry about.
I watched this because I'll be traveling to Flagstaff tomorrow from Phoenix and like the previous commenter, I heard it was a very dangerous stretch of road. I'm traveling with my toddler so I'm sooo nervous. It doesn't look too awful from this video, but it's also sped up so you really don't get to see how sharp curves are, or how steep the drops are.
Howdy! I find it's pretty safe. It is more steep and curvier than your regular interstate. If you keep to the limit, you should be more than ok. I think the thing to keep an eye out for is the changing weather. You do go up several thousand feet into the mountains, so there's a chance you'll drive into fog and rain. Slow down when your visibility is limited. And don't be afraid to drive slowly in those conditions, and put on your hazard lights.
@@ScenicDashcamRides I appreciate your reply. We are here and it wasn't bad at all. I'm really surprised it's considered a dangerous hwy. It was really mild compared to other mountain hwys I've driven. Lol.
@@moniquesmith3299 Glad to hear it was all good for you! I think people worry about it because it's curvier, windier, steeper than a regular interstate highway. It is a little dangerous if you're belting along at 75/85mph, and then run into thick fog or rain. But compared to a two-lane mountain highway, it's nothing.
Oh. I never thought about that. It's pretty steep, and there's lot of corners, and descents into valleys. So not your typical interstate. I'm pretty comfortable with that type of driving. I'd just be cautious on the downhill sections, especially if it's raining. Visibility can be poor when it's cloudy or foggy.
I'm from Chicago, in my opinion, I would say it is a bit safer than driving on Chicago's expressways. I get scared out of my wits by the many idiots, maniacs and jerks behind the wheel. I feel more comfortable on the open road like I-17. I've driven on it several times. I don't mind, in fact, I like the high speed.🚙🚙🚙
I drove this route at night about 7 ish years ago. It was memorable for me because I just didn't expect the sharp curves and steep grades on an interstate while driving in the dark. But seeing it from this vid during the day, I appreciate the gradual change in scenery from desert and spotty vegetation to lush greenery and trees toward the end. I've always thought it's interesting to observe the changes in scenery when I go on long road trips.
Yeah. It's definitely unusual for an Interstate to have so many corners and steep elevation changes. I definitely wasn't expecting cool, crisp air and pine trees when traveling to Arizona in the middle of summer!
I'm from Chicago, Ill and to me, the Southwest is hog heaven. I love the vast and openness of it. It's abundance of sunny days, firey sunsets. A far cry from the Midwest.🏜
Totally agree. America has so many different landscapes, it's really amazing.
I am making that drive later in October and I am scared to death :) yeah I am from Maine and we dont have this kind of driving
It's a bit steep, but it's fine. It's an interstate highway so the lanes are wide, the run off areas large, and the surface is in good condition. You have nothing to worry about.
I think my little 4 cylinder Tacoma will struggle on the uphills
Stay in the right lane, you'll be fine. I've driven with a full car in some underpowered cars here, and they do ok.
I watched this because I'll be traveling to Flagstaff tomorrow from Phoenix and like the previous commenter, I heard it was a very dangerous stretch of road. I'm traveling with my toddler so I'm sooo nervous. It doesn't look too awful from this video, but it's also sped up so you really don't get to see how sharp curves are, or how steep the drops are.
Howdy! I find it's pretty safe. It is more steep and curvier than your regular interstate. If you keep to the limit, you should be more than ok. I think the thing to keep an eye out for is the changing weather. You do go up several thousand feet into the mountains, so there's a chance you'll drive into fog and rain. Slow down when your visibility is limited. And don't be afraid to drive slowly in those conditions, and put on your hazard lights.
@@ScenicDashcamRides I appreciate your reply. We are here and it wasn't bad at all. I'm really surprised it's considered a dangerous hwy. It was really mild compared to other mountain hwys I've driven. Lol.
@@moniquesmith3299 Glad to hear it was all good for you! I think people worry about it because it's curvier, windier, steeper than a regular interstate highway. It is a little dangerous if you're belting along at 75/85mph, and then run into thick fog or rain. But compared to a two-lane mountain highway, it's nothing.
I've driven it dozens of times by car and semi trucks. You got this.
Is this drive as dangerous as they say? I'll be in Phoenix in April 🙆♀️
What do they say is dangerous about it?
@@ScenicDashcamRides ... articles says it's the 4th most dangerous highway in the US because of speed, inclines, and hills. I hope it's not that bad 😔
Oh. I never thought about that. It's pretty steep, and there's lot of corners, and descents into valleys. So not your typical interstate. I'm pretty comfortable with that type of driving. I'd just be cautious on the downhill sections, especially if it's raining. Visibility can be poor when it's cloudy or foggy.
I'm from Chicago, in my opinion, I would say it is a bit safer than driving on Chicago's expressways. I get scared out of my wits by the many idiots, maniacs and jerks behind the wheel. I feel more comfortable on the open road like I-17. I've driven on it several times. I don't mind, in fact, I like the high speed.🚙🚙🚙