Route Editor
Route Scout
I'll start with a few of my observations:
When the big new Circle K opened in Superior a few years back it seemed like a nice upgrade for that part of the world. Fuel is usually less expensive since it isn't subject to the valley's strict blend requirements. It's often busy, and more recently the men's room, at least, is to the point that I would rather pull over in the desert than go in there. Don't do it.
The Love's in Cordes Lakes has nice restrooms. Many truck stops do. It's nice to have multiple stalls that are well maintained and frequently cleaned. Fuel is usually less expensive than in town, making it a convenient stop on the way out of town, or back home. But this place is a near-constant madhouse. Every pump is occupied, people leave their vehicles parked at pumps and go inside forever, and courtesy in the lot outside is nonexistent. Inside, the employees make up for the customers. The store is stocked with everything you need and it's still my go-to at Cordes. Apparently my opinion is not unique, which is why it's always so busy.
There's a Pilot in Eloy that hasn't updated their fuel pumps since the 90s. It's amazing that they actually take credit cards at the pump. Last time I made the mistake of stopping here I decided to make sure to set a reminder to choose another of the many nearby options next time.
In Payson, the newest Circle K at the south end of town has devolved into the same unpleasantness that Superior provides. That first Speedway is awful. The bathroom might be the worst in town and the last few times I've stopped there they have had problems with pumps not working, and payment systems not working. These are sort of critical functions. The Speedway by Home Depot is pretty good, as is the Maverick, but both have single-stall restrooms, which is a negative when you have a car full of hikers heading to a trailhead. The Pilot on Vicksburg Road heading west is a typical stop and is otherwise not remarkable, which in this case is probably good.
In general, I find that QT has the most pleasant stores but I think they're only found in town. On the road, Maverick is usually a good experience. Giant used to be ok but since Speedway took them over they've really gone downhill. Circle K's are hit or miss depending on location. For the truck stops, I tend to go toward Love's as they have big stores, usually partner with good food chains, and keep their facilities clean.
Do you have any go-to stops along Arizona's highways? Flagstaff, Prescott, Globe, Pinetop, etc.? Any that you avoid at all costs? Let's make road trip stops great again!
